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Airline review · UA
Good leads the way
United Airlines is a Star Alliance founding member with Polaris business class on long-haul, an extensive global network from Chicago, Newark, and San Francisco, and MileagePlus as a core loyalty programme for UK–US routings.
Last updated 30 June 2026
United Airlines scores 7.7/10 (safety 9.1/10), ranking #24 globally — Wi-Fi is paid or route-dependent. Baggage: Intl often 1×23 kg; domestic fees apply. Economy seat pitch: 30–31"; loyalty programme: MileagePlus. Full passenger policy tables, category scores, and the fares search follow below.
Scores mean naming who a carrier is NOT for. From our rated findings:
Baggage, Wi-Fi, legroom, and lounge access for United Airlines — expand for the full matrix.
| Cabin baggage | Included — standard carry-on allowance applies |
|---|---|
| Checked baggage | Intl often 1×23 kg; domestic fees apply |
| In-flight Wi-Fi | Partial — free messaging or select routes/cabins only |
| Economy seat pitch | 30–31" |
| Lounge access | United Club / Polaris |
| Changes & refunds | No change fees most fares; Basic Economy restricted |
| Loyalty programme | MileagePlus |
Verified baggage allowances, punctuality, fleet, safety and loyalty facts for United Airlines.
| Cabin bag | 22 × 14 × 9 in + personal item; no weight limit · No published weight limit |
|---|---|
| Checked bag (economy) | Domestic first bag from ~$45; transatlantic Basic first bag ~$75, standard economy 1 × 23 kg included |
| Checked bag (business) | Polaris 2 × 32 kg |
| Seat selection | Basic assigned at check-in; free standard seats in Economy |
| Change fee | No change fee on most fares; Basic Economy restricted |
78.77%
on time — Full year 2025 (arrivals within 15 min)
Cirium 2025 On-Time Performance Review (Jan 2026) — North America #4
Punctuality is 20% of the FlightLogic score — see our methodology.
IOSA-registered; FAA oversight
FlightLogic editorial safety score: 9.1/10 — our own assessment, separate from IOSA registry status.
Premier tiers: Silver, Gold, Platinum, 1K
Quarterly tracking began Q3 2026 — earlier scores were not archived.
United Airlines is a Star Alliance founding member with Polaris business class on long-haul, an extensive global network from Chicago, Newark, and San Francisco, and MileagePlus as a core loyalty programme for UK–US routings.
Key strengths: Polaris lounges and lie-flat business. Extensive Star Alliance network. Strong SFO and ORD hubs. Areas for improvement: Basic Economy restrictions. Polaris product varies by aircraft age.
Star Alliance US giant — Polaris business class, extensive global network from Newark, Chicago, and San Francisco, and MileagePlan redemptions for UK travellers.
United's flagship US lounge for transpacific departures — chef-driven dining, shower suites, and work pods in International Terminal G.
United Polaris Lounge at ORD Terminal 1 — sit-down dining, shower suites, and the primary Star Alliance premium ground product for United long-haul departures.
Coming soon
We are building verified reader reviews for United Airlines. Readers will be able to submit a review with proof of travel — a boarding pass or booking confirmation — emailed to [email protected].
Reader scores are published separately from FlightLogic editorial ratings and never change the editorial score.
United Airlines scores 7.7/10 overall on FlightLogic (4-Star) — an editorial expert rating, not an aggregate of consumer reviews. Strengths include Polaris lounges and lie-flat business; Extensive Star Alliance network.
United Airlines scores 9.1/10 on FlightLogic's safety index — calculated separately from passenger experience using IOSA certification, accident history, fleet age, and regulatory compliance.
United Airlines is a member of star alliance.
United Airlines's primary hub is Chicago O'Hare (ORD) / Newark (EWR) / San Francisco (SFO). The airline was founded in 1926 and operates approximately 900 aircraft.