United Airlines is set to operate nearly 4,600 flights per day during the peak winter season, marking the largest winter schedule in the company’s history. This ambitious plan includes adding flights at more than 140 U.S. airports and inaugurating service to four new international destinations, reflecting the growing demand for travel as temperatures drop.
Record-Setting Winter Schedule
After a record-setting summer with nearly 48 million customers, United is making it easier for travellers to continue their adventures into the winter months. The airline’s winter schedule officially launches on October 24 with the addition of nonstop service to Marrakesh, Morocco. New routes will follow this to Cebu, Philippines; Medellin, Colombia; and Dominica.
Patrick Quayle, United’s Senior Vice President of Global Network Planning and Alliances, stated, “This winter, we’re offering more flights to more destinations to give customers the widest range of places to explore. Whether that’s adventuring somewhere new overseas, unwinding with some sun, or enjoying the best ski towns in the country, we’re pleased to offer easy access to the top destinations for winter getaways.”
Expanding International Reach
Africa: United will have its largest network in Africa this winter, becoming the only airline to directly connect the U.S. and Marrakesh with a new thrice-weekly service from Newark/New York. This complements the recently announced service from Washington Dulles to Dakar, Senegal, launching in May 2025. Additionally, United will expand flights from Washington D.C. to Accra, Ghana, and Lagos, Nigeria.
Southern Europe: Following a record increase in summer travel to Europe, United will extend service to Greece, Spain, Italy, and Portugal this winter. Seasonal routes to Milan, Rome, and Madrid will now fly until December 2024, with daily flights between Washington/Dulles and Lisbon extended to January 2025.
Pacific: Starting October 27, United will be the only U.S. carrier to fly to Cebu, Philippines, with daily flights from Tokyo/Narita. The airline will also increase flights between San Francisco and Seoul-Incheon, Los Angeles and Hong Kong, and Los Angeles and Shanghai.
Latin America: United expects nearly 10% growth in Latin America this winter. New routes include year-round service to Medellin from Houston and weekly nonstop service to Dominica from Newark/New York. United will also expand flights from San Francisco to Monterrey, Mexico, and Belize City, Belize.
Caribbean: United begins service from Newark/New York to St. Kitts and extends service to Bermuda into the winter season. The airline will also add daily service between Newark/New York and Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, for the peak holiday and Carnival periods.
Domestic Growth and Ski Destinations
United’s domestic schedule from January to March will be its largest ever, with nearly 140 airports offering more flights than last year. The airline will increase seats to warm-weather destinations like Phoenix, Palm Springs, and San Diego by nearly 13%.
New nonstop services include routes between Washington/Dulles, Salt Lake City, and Palm Springs. United will also expand its popular nonstop service from Cleveland to Cancun and several Florida destinations.
For ski enthusiasts, United continues to lead with nearly triple the average daily flights of other airlines to top ski markets. New services include larger Embraer E-175 aircraft to Aspen, CO, and Bishop/Mammoth, CA, and increased flights to destinations like Bozeman, MT, Gunnison/Crested Butte, CO, Kalispell, MT, Jackson Hole, WY, Montrose/Telluride, CO, and Sun Valley, ID.
As the airline gears up for its busiest winter season, travellers can look forward to more destinations and flights, making exploring the world easier.