United Airlines has declared Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) its most popular domestic destination during the 2024 summer travel season. While the airline’s overall network in Boston has remained relatively stable compared to last summer, some notable changes have occurred. Perhaps the most significant adjustment is the discontinuation of United’s only international route from Boston, which previously connected to London Heathrow Airport (LHR). Despite this reduction, United expanded its domestic operations in the New England city by adding nearly 20 additional flights compared to last year. This summer, the airline connected Boston solely to its seven major US hubs, highlighting the city’s growing importance in United’s strategy.
United’s Summer Travel Report, obtained by aviation enthusiast Jason Rabinowitz, revealed that the airline carried a record-breaking 48 million passengers this summer. Boston’s status as the top domestic destination was based on internal data, although the specific time frame covered remains unclear. While United’s overall network is smaller than its legacy competitors, American Airlines and Delta Air Lines, it remains a significant player in Boston. American Airlines, along with its regional brand American Eagle, operates service to 21 destinations from BOS. Meanwhile, Delta, which maintains a hub at Boston Logan, has the largest network, offering flights to over 50 destinations.
According to data from Cirium, United operated 2,354 flights from BOS in July 2024, serving its hubs at Denver (DEN), Newark (EWR), Washington Dulles (IAD), Houston (IAH), Los Angeles (LAX), Chicago O’Hare (ORD), and San Francisco (SFO). Newark saw the highest number of frequencies, with 538 flights operated using a range of aircraft, including the Airbus A319, Boeing 737 series, and regional Embraer aircraft through United Express. In total, United offered over 82,400 seats on this route. Flights to Chicago O’Hare came in second with 456 frequencies, utilizing the A319, A320, and Boeing 737 models, offering more than 73,500 seats in total. Denver followed with 378 flights and 62,400 seats, while San Francisco saw 310 flights and 55,400 seats.
United’s operations in Boston saw a slight increase compared to the previous year, with 18 more flights than in 2023. However, last summer’s schedule also included service to London Heathrow, which was the airline’s only international destination from BOS at the time. The London route, which launched in April 2022 and ended in October 2023, was named United’s most popular international route this summer, despite no longer operating from Boston. As United continues to adapt its network, Boston remains a key focus for its domestic operations, demonstrating the city’s importance in the airline’s broader strategy.
