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United Airlines Aims for Record Summer at Chicago O'Hare

United Airlines is set to make summer 2026 its biggest yet, with plans to operate an impressive 750 flights daily from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD). This expansion marks a significant milestone for the airline, as it will be flying to a record number of destinations at O'Hare, reinforcing its status as the Midwest's leading air travel hub.

The airline's schedule includes nonstop flights to 222 locations, surpassing its nearest competitor by a wide margin, with 175 domestic and 47 international destinations. United is dedicated to enhancing connectivity within the Midwest by adding five new nonstop routes starting this April. These routes will serve smaller cities, including:

• - Champaign/Urbana, Illinois (CMI) - 4 flights daily starting April 30
• - Kalamazoo, Michigan (AZO) - 4 flights daily starting April 30
• - Lansing, Michigan (LAN) - 4 flights daily starting May 7
• - La Crosse, Wisconsin (LSE) - 4 flights daily starting May 7
• - Bloomington/Normal, Illinois (BMI) - 4 flights daily starting May 7

In addition to these routes, United announced new flights to various destinations, including Santa Barbara, California (SBA) and Monterey, California (MRY), among others. This expansion comes on top of increased flight options to popular locations like Boston (BOS), Nashville (BNA), Los Angeles (LAX), and Dallas (DFW).

United's efforts at O'Hare are not just about numbers; they reflect a sustained commitment to operational excellence. In 2025, the airline had the best on-time arrival rates among major carriers at O'Hare, emphasizing its reliability as a travel provider. In fact, passengers flying with United were nearly half as likely to experience flight cancellations compared to those on other airlines operating from O'Hare.

To support this welcoming increase in operations, United plans to hire around 2,500 more staff at ORD by the year's end. This initiative not only enhances customer service but also boosts the local job market. United is committed to providing an enhanced travel experience for its customers. At O'Hare, travelers can look forward to amenities such as:

• - Five United Club locations, offering relaxations spaces for frequent flyers.
• - A redesigned United Polaris Lounge, catering to premium customers.
• - A fleet equipped with modern features like seatback screens, larger overhead bins, Bluetooth connectivity, and free Starlink Wi-Fi for members of the MileagePlus program.

In addition to expanding its flight offerings, United is also investing in technology to streamline the travel experience. Innovations like Connection Saver have already prevented millions of missed connections. The new United mobile app provides real-time updates and personalized directions at ORD, making the airport navigation smoother for travelers.

United’s commitment goes beyond just flights and profitability—it focuses on community investments as well. With a workforce growing over 18,000 employees based in Chicago, United actively engages with local nonprofits and community initiatives, reflecting the airline’s belief that a great airline is also a great neighbor.

In summary, United Airlines is not just gearing up for a busy summer; it’s preparing to transform the flying experience for its customers through significant operational enhancements, technology integration, and a steadfast commitment to the communities it serves. As O'Hare prepares to welcome an unprecedented number of flights, travelers can anticipate an unparalleled summer of air travel.