London Calling: United Airlines Adds 5 Direct US Flights
International travel is rising, and United Airlines hopes to speed past the competition with 22 flights per day to London by spring 2022. The airline is poised to offer more flights between New York City and London than any other U.S. carrier.
The new direct flights include two more flights from New York/Newark, additional trips from Denver and San Francisco, and an all-new direct flight from Boston. London was the most booked international destination for United's business customers in October, and the airline expects this trend to continue into 2022.
"For nearly 30 years, United has provided a critical link between the U.S. and London, maintaining service throughout the pandemic and strategically growing our schedule to keep our customers in these key global business centers connected," said Patrick Quayle, senior vice president of international network and alliances at United. "London is an integral part of United's network and we remain confident demand will continue to grow, particularly as international business travel returns in 2022."
United in London
The new flights build on United's largest-ever trans-Atlantic expansion announced earlier this month. United currently operates seven flights to Heathrow from the U.S.: two daily flights from New York/Newark and Washington D.C., and one daily flight from Chicago, Houston, and San Francisco. In December, service will increase to 10 daily flights, with additional flights from New York/Newark and Chicago, just in time for the winter holidays.
The Flight Experience
United will operate 12 daily flights, more than half of its total flights to London, on the airline's premium Boeing 767-300ER aircraft, which features 16 additional United Polaris lie-flat and all-aisle access business class seats compared to United's standard 767-300ER for a total of 42 Polaris seats. This aircraft also features 22 United Premium Plus seats, 47 Economy Plus seats and 52 economy seats.
With more premium seats, MileagePlus Premier members also have more opportunities to redeem their miles or be upgraded to a premium cabin to enjoy an elevated experience at the airport and onboard. Customers traveling in United Polaris and United Premium Plus receive priority check-in, complimentary checked bags, priority boarding and enhanced dining onboard the aircraft. United Polaris customers can access all open United Club locations, including the brand-new United Polaris lounge at Washington Dulles. United plans to reopen United Polaris lounges at New York/Newark, Chicago O'Hare and Houston by the end of this year; the remaining lounges are set to reopen by early 2022.
COVID-19 Protocols
Before departure for England, customers who are fully vaccinated with a qualifying vaccine must complete a passenger locator form and book and pay for a test to be taken within the first two days of arrival. Passengers vaccinated in the U.S. must provide proof of U.S. residency. For further details on the COVID-19 rules governing entry to England (including regulations for unvaccinated customers and customers who have been in a red list country in the 10 days before arrival in England), click here.
United Next
As the airline industry continues to evolve, United has responded with policies affecting both employees and passengers. Aircraft upgrades include features like larger overhead bins, seatback entertainment in every seat, and faster Wi-Fi. Harnessing technology, United became the first airline to offer customers the ability to check their destination's travel requirements, schedule COVID-19 tests and more on its mobile app and website. And with circumstances ever-changing, it has eliminated change fees for all economy and premium cabin tickets for travel within the U.S. In addition, all U.S. employees are required to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.