United Airlines Unveils its Most Expansive Winter Schedule Ever, Embracing New Destinations and Growing Demand
Following an impressive summer season that saw nearly 48 million passengers take flight, United Airlines is gearing up for a record-breaking winter. The airline has announced its largest winter schedule in its history, boasting an average of nearly 4,600 daily flights during peak season. This ambitious expansion includes new routes at over 140 U.S. airports, reflecting a keen awareness of rising travel demand, particularly for popular ski and sun destinations. United is confident this winter will be its busiest yet.
Inaugural Flights and Expansion into New Territories
United kicked off its winter schedule with a significant milestone – the inaugural flight connecting Newark/New York to Marrakesh, Morocco, on October 24th. This move establishes United as the sole airline offering direct connections between the U.S. and this captivating Moroccan city. The airline is further expanding its international footprint by launching daily flights from Tokyo/Narita to Cebu, Philippines, starting October 27th. This new route provides convenient one-stop connections for U.S. travelers from five major hubs.
Global Reach: Africa, Europe, and the Pacific
United Airlines is poised to have its most extensive network in Africa this winter, launching a new three-times weekly service from Newark/New York to Marrakesh. This service marks a pivotal moment as United becomes the only airline to directly connect the U.S. to Marrakesh. The airline is also increasing weekly flights to Accra, Ghana, and Lagos, Nigeria, further solidifying its position in the African travel market.
The airline is extending its reach in Europe as well, offering more seats during the winter peak compared to previous years. This ensures ample opportunity for travelers to explore iconic destinations like Greece, Spain, Italy, and Portugal during the colder months. Several seasonal routes, including nonstop service to Milan and Rome from Chicago O’Hare and Madrid from Washington Dulles, will continue until December 2024.
Latin America: Double-Digit Growth and New Destinations
United Airlines anticipates double-digit growth in Latin America this winter, projecting an almost 10% increase compared to the previous year. The airline is introducing new year-round service to Medellin, Colombia, from Houston, starting November 13th, adding to its existing routes to Bogota. Starting February 15th, United will offer weekly nonstop flights from the Northeast U.S. to Dominica. This expansion also includes expanded service from San Francisco to Monterrey, Mexico, and seasonal flights to Belize City.
Domestic Expansion and Winter Travel Delights
United’s winter schedule features its largest domestic network ever, with increased flights at nearly 140 airports. Travelers heading to warm-weather destinations can expect an average of nearly 13% more seats available, particularly to locations like Phoenix, Palm Springs, and San Diego. New nonstop services between Washington/Dulles and Salt Lake City and Palm Springs will also be introduced.
United is committed to expanding its Florida operations, adding 20 more departures from its hubs to key cities and reinstating popular routes such as nonstop flights from Cleveland to Cancun. The airline is also bolstering its service to popular ski destinations, offering nearly triple the average daily flights compared to competitors. New seasonal services will include routes to Bozeman, MT, and Kalispell, MT, along with enhanced connectivity to iconic ski resorts such as Jackson Hole, WY, and Sun Valley, ID.