United Airlines will roll out its busiest flight schedule of the year from Chicago this fall, with more daily flights from O’Hare International Airport and expanded service to high-demand warm-weather destinations. Starting in October, the airline plans to operate up to 592 daily flights from O’Hare, surpassing even its peak summer activity.
This expansion reflects a continued build-up following a summer season that marked United’s largest seat offering from O’Hare in the past two decades. In July alone, United expects to operate at its peak with 71,000 seats flown per day from the Chicago hub.
In November, United will increase flights from Chicago by 50, focusing on warmer cities across the United States including Phoenix, Austin, and Orlando. The airline will also offer 10% more seats to Florida than it did during the same time last year.
Internationally, United is extending and adding flights to several Latin American and Caribbean destinations. These include extended weekend services in October to Liberia, Costa Rica, and in November to Cozumel, Mexico and Saint Martin. In addition, the airline will increase weekend service in October to Guatemala City, Punta Cana, and San José del Cabo.
Michael J. McMurray, Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Aviation, noted the boost in connectivity across the Americas. “The nation’s best-connected airport is getting even stronger, and I thank United Airlines for deepening their commitment to Chicago by building up service across Latin America and the Caribbean,” he said. “These new and expanded flights offer more choices for travelers heading to sun-soaked destinations abroad, while building on O’Hare’s strong service to high-demand domestic cities like Phoenix, Austin, and Orlando.”
Enhanced airport experience and fleet modernization
Beyond flight expansions, United continues to improve customer experience on the ground and in the air. The airline recently reopened its upgraded United Polaris lounge at O’Hare, now 50% larger with nearly 25,000 square feet of space. This spring also marked the debut of United’s first aircraft equipped with Starlink Wi-Fi technology flying out of Chicago. Travelers can now enjoy fast, gate-to-gate internet and enhanced entertainment features at no charge for MileagePlus members.
United’s Vice President of O’Hare, Omar Idris, commented on the airline’s strategy. “Building on the momentum of an anticipated-record-breaking summer, we’re taking things further this fall with our busiest flight schedule of the year — adding more flights and extending service to warm-weather destinations in the U.S. and around the world,” he said. “This is truly a historic time for our hometown hub of O’Hare as we’re not only offering our customers the largest network from Chicago, but also new industry-leading amenities both at the airport and in the air.”
United will also increase the number of mainline aircraft flying from Chicago this October utilizing their Airbus A321neo and Boeing MAX9. These aircraft offer seat-back entertainment at every seat and larger overhead bins for every passenger.
Continued investments in Chicago operations
Mayor Brandon Johnson acknowledged United’s ongoing contributions to the city and its airport. “Chicago’s hometown airline has been an outstanding corporate partner, and with the busiest summer and fall schedules in recent history, United’s commitment to the long-term growth of O’Hare has never been stronger,” he said. “I thank the entire United team for continuing to invest in our people, our airport, and the shared vision we’re building together through the O’Hare 21 capital program.”
The airline’s local workforce is also growing. United has hired over 2,000 new employees in the Chicago area recently, bringing the local team to over 18,000. The company expects to bring on 5,400 more by 2027.
United continues to fly more routes to more destinations from Chicago than any other carrier, reinforcing its position at O’Hare as it heads into a busy fall travel season.
