On October 24, United Airlines announced the launch of its most extensive winter schedule to date, following a successful summer season that welcomed nearly 48 million passengers. The new schedule features an average of 4,600 flights per day during peak periods, connecting over 140 airports across the United States. This initiative aims to cater to increasing travel demands for popular ski and sun destinations, positioning United for its busiest winter season yet.
New Routes and Expansions
United kicked off the winter season with its inaugural flight from New York Newark to Marrakech, Morocco. Additionally, starting October 27, United will become the only U.S. airline to offer nonstop service from Tokyo Narita Airport to Cebu, Philippines. The airline is also introducing direct flights from Houston to Medellin, Colombia, and from New York Newark to the Dominican Republic, reflecting its strategy to diversify travel options and enhance winter getaway opportunities.
Historic Milestone in Africa
This winter, United Airlines is making a significant mark in Africa with the largest route network on the continent. The new Newark/New York to Marrakech route will operate three times weekly, making United the sole U.S. airline with nonstop flights to Marrakech. Looking ahead, United plans to introduce new routes from Washington Dulles to Dakar, Senegal, set to commence in May 2025, while also adding weekly flights to Accra, Ghana, and Lagos, Nigeria, further solidifying its presence in the region.
Expanded European Services
In response to record summer travel to Europe, United is enhancing its service to sought-after European destinations, including Greece, Spain, Italy, and Portugal. The airline will maintain increased seating capacity this winter, extending seasonal routes such as nonstop flights from Chicago O’Hare to Milan and Rome, as well as from Washington Dulles to Madrid, providing travelers with ample opportunities to explore Europe during the winter months.
Strengthening Pacific Connections
In the Pacific, United will launch daily service to Cebu, Philippines, via Tokyo/Narita starting October 27, offering nonstop connections from five U.S. hubs. The airline is also expanding service to Seoul Incheon and Hong Kong to accommodate rising demand in these key markets.
Growth in Latin America
United anticipates significant growth in Latin America this winter, with nearly a 10% increase in flights compared to the previous year. New year-round service from Houston to Medellin will begin on November 13, complementing existing routes to Bogota. Additionally, the airline will introduce weekly nonstop service from the Northeastern U.S. to the Dominican Republic starting February 15, along with expanded service from San Francisco to Monterrey, Mexico, and seasonal flights to Belize City.
In the Caribbean, United plans to launch weekly nonstop service from Newark/New York to St. Kitts in November and extend its Bermuda service throughout the winter. Daily flights between Newark/New York and Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, will also be added to meet holiday demand.
Domestic Expansion and Winter Travel Surge
Domestically, United’s winter schedule is set to be the largest in its history, featuring more flights from 140 U.S. airports than ever before. Travelers seeking warm-weather escapes can expect a 13% increase in available seats, particularly to destinations like Phoenix, Palm Springs, and San Diego. New nonstop flights will also be introduced from Washington Dulles to Salt Lake City and Palm Springs, while United strengthens its Florida operations with 20 additional flights to key cities, including the resumption of service from Cleveland to Cancun.
Focus on Ski Resorts
This winter, United will lead the industry in serving ski resorts, offering nearly three times the number of daily flights compared to its competitors. New seasonal routes will include flights to Bozeman and Kalispell, Montana, alongside increased service to popular ski destinations such as Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and Sun Valley, Idaho. This expanded service underscores United’s commitment to providing exceptional travel options for winter sports enthusiasts.
United Airlines’ record winter schedule reflects its ambitious expansion plans and adaptability within the evolving travel landscape, aiming to meet the growing demands of travelers seeking adventure and relaxation in diverse global destinations.
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