United 101: Save $$, Book Smarter
September 26, 2024
You might know which airlines fly out of MLI, but do you know how to really work those airline networks to get the most bang for your buck? We’re spilling the beans and this month we’re focusing on United. They’re one of the big players (alongside American and Delta Air Lines.) thanks to their massive global reach, and efforts to provide a premium in-cabin experience.
What is United Airlines?
United Airlines has been operating at the QC Airport since the earliest days of commercial air travel, and even earlier as a mail carrier! United’s main hub is Chicago O’Hare, so you’ll see a lot of flights going through Chicago for connections to link up with the rest of their expansive global network.
How to Book
Booking your flight with United is similar to other major airlines. The easiest way is through their website or app, but you can also look on sites like Kayak, Expedia, or Priceline. Or, you can call 1-800-UNITED-1 (1-800-864-8331). Just be aware there is an additional fee for booking over the phone. Or, try our new booking site: FlyMyAirport
When you’re booking, pay attention to the different fare options. Some fares are fully refundable, others are not. Others may also offer more leg room or in-flight amenities.
When you book, enter MLI as your starting point and choose where you’re headed. United will show you which hubs you can connect through. Just be careful with connection times — if you’re a seasoned traveler and know the connecting airport well, you have a pretty good idea of how much time you’ll need. But, if you’re traveling with family or through an unfamiliar airport, it’s always best to play it safe and leave plenty of time. Plus, it’ll allow you time to grab a snack or a meal while you wait!
Where they Fly
United flies to 210 domestic destinations and 120 international destinations. The Quad Cities doesn’t have the population size to fly nonstop to a lot of cities, so United partners with regional airlines that operate under the United banner to link smaller cities to their main hubs. From the QC Airport, you can fly 3-5 times daily to Chicago O’Hare depending on demand, and once daily to Denver. From there, you can hop anywhere you like. This is known as a hub and spoke network.
How to save $$
There are a few ways to get the best deals with United. Start looking early – about 4-6 months in advance, so you have a baseline. Google Flights is handy for checking if prices are trending high or low, and you can set up alerts for price drops.
Visit United.com and click “Deals” at the top of the homepage. You’ll be able to explore current offers and promotions or choose flight deals to some of the most popular destinations. This is especially helpful if you’re not sure where you want to travel and are open to options that fit your budget.
Don’t forget to sign up for United’s loyalty program, MileagePlus, to earn miles that can be used for flights and upgrades. Like many airlines, United also offers a credit card that can help you earn miles quicker on qualifying purchases, as well as give you access to other discounts for shopping, rental cars and more.
That’s the scoop on United. Ready to make the most out of your travels? Start with MLI and you’ll be on your way in no time. Be sure to check out our other airline spotlight series where we break down everything about Allegiant, American and Delta.