United Airlines

United Airlines deals are easy to snag, as the company is currently in the process of becoming the largest airline in the world. It recently announced a merger with Continental Airlines. The complete integration of Continental will take two years, but the airline will operate under United’s name.

Even with the incomplete merger, United is one of the world’s largest and most influential carriers. It currently flies to 216 destination on six continents and has a fleet of more than 350 planes. United has slightly improved its image and customer satisfaction rating over the past few years. Most of the efforts were launched after the airline filed for bankruptcy in 2006. The merger with Continental, the legacy carrier with the highest customer satisfaction rating, should give United an additional quality boost.

United is part of the Star Alliance, the world’s largest airline alliance. This makes it possible to United frequent fliers to earn miles easily, even if they fly on a different airline. United is focusing on its international service, recently expanding the number of routes from the US to China, Vietnam and the Middle East. Its regional affiliates compete with domestic low-cost carriers in the US (these include United Express and Shuttle by United).

Important Information

Hubs: Chicago O’Hare: ORD, Denver: DEN, Los Angeles: LAX, Washington Dulles: IAD, Narita Tokyo

Fleet: Airbus A320, Boeing 747, 767, 777. United has ordered both new Boeing 787s and new Airbus A350s.

Most popular destinations: Chicago, Washington D.C., Los Angeles, Tokyo, San Francisco, London, Singapore, Sydney, Rome.

On-time performance: 83%

Extra fees: baggage fees ($25 for first bag), meals available for a fee on domestic flights.

Awards program: Mileage Plus (Miles can be earned on any Star Alliance airline)

Cabin features and services: movies, music, in-flight magazine, complimentary meals on international flights only.