Is United Airlines Good?

With its extensive network, many travelers ask, “Is United Airlines Good?”. This article delves into why United Airlines is the top choice for passengers, backed by insights into safety rankings, reviews, and expert insights.

Drawing all the insights from the 2025 reports and passengers’ feedback from major forums like Reddit, this guide helps you decide if United Airlines is something you want to prefer for travel.

Why is United Airlines Good to Travel With?

As per the 2025 report, United Airlines has reported fewer delays and cancellations compared to last year, thanks to its investment in the latest technology and fleet upgrade.

• On-time Performance: As per the report, the airline’s on-time performance has improved, with data suggesting that it outperforms competitors on metrics like on-time boarding and baggage handling.

• Updated Loyalty Benefits: Another reason for United Airlines being the reliable among its competitors is its MileagePlus loyalty program. It helps them earn miles not just on flight booking but on add-ons like hotels, car rentals, and baggage purchase. In 2025, the airline included new perks exclusively for members, such as priority boarding, free checked bags, and access to United Club lounges for elite status holders.

• Newly Launched WiFi Feature: The airline has recently introduced complimentary Wi-Fi via Starlink on select international flights and is planning to expand to all regional flights. 

• Sustainability: The airline is also not lagging in its eco-friendly initiatives, such as using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and committing to net-zero emissions by 2050.

Additionally, the airline has also improved its app by adding features like real-time flight updates and easy rebooking during flight delays.

Is United a Good Airline in Terms of Safety?

Safety is a top priority for any airline, and United Airlines excels in this area bbasedin the 2025 AirlineRatings.com report, which awards airlines with perfect 7/7 ratings. This rating signifies that the airline meets all the international safety standards, protocols, and audit requirements. The airline has frequent and rigorous checks by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

• Global Rankings: When it comes to global rankings, United appears in the top 25 as the safest carrier. The factors that should be kept in mind while assessing the United Airlines performance are accident history, operational age of fleet, and innovative safety measures adopted for flights. 

• Domestic Ranking: Among its domestic competitors, the airlines rank in the top 5 for safety. Forms like Reddit discuss this while users acknowledge airlines’ inclusion in most safest airlines lists, reassuring anxious travelers.

• Fleets: In addition, the airline’s fleet comprises 787 Dreamliners and Airbus A321neos, which enhance safety through better designs and safety systems.

For families and first-time travelers, United’s transparent safety record and proactive measures make it a trustworthy choice.

How Good is United Airlines for Short-Haul Flights?

Any short haul flight operated by United Airlines ranges between 1.5 hours to 3 hours, and is mostly operated on domestic routes.

• Domestic growth: In 2025, the airline has increased its domestic passenger capacity by 5.7% outpacing its competitors like American Airlines and Delta Airlines.

• In another comparison with its competitors, it offers more flights to popular destinations like Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Newark, Denver, Chicago, Salt Lake City, and Orlando.

• The airline now has better scheduling options and additional measures to reduce the wait time at the airport.

• Cabin: Another highlight is the cabin comfort with spacious seats in the EconoMileage Plus. Reviews from Reddit praise United Airlines for its extra legroom seats, which come with a minimal fee ranging between 25-70 USD and are ideal for taller passengers on flights within the U.S.

• Meals: Snacks are available on all flights, ranging from complimentary beverages to prepaid meals, with recent feedback highlighting the food’s improved quality, as per sansetraveler.

• In-flight entertainment: United offers in-flight entertainment for free on personal devices, which features a vast library of movies and shows accessible through the United Airlines app.

• Airline’s performance: On-time performance for domestic flights is very strong for United Airlines, with minimal delays reported in hubs like Denver and Houston.

• Also, the baggage handling is very smooth at the airport for United Airlines, and the airline’s app allows easy tracking in case of delayed baggage issues.

• TripAdvisor and Skytrax reviews from 2025 give United high ratings for domestic travel, highlighting friendly crew and smooth operations.

• Basic Economy fare: For budget-friendly travelers, the airline’s Basic Economy fare is highlighted competitively compared to low-cost players like Spirit and Frontier. However, the airline’s Basic Economy comes with certain limitations like last-zone boarding, no free carry-on luggage, and no seat selection.

How Good is United Airlines for Long-Haul Flights?

United shines for its long-haul international flights due to the comfort and host of amenities it offers. 

• Cabin Experience: The airline offers international travel through Boeing 787 Dreamliner and 777, which ensures a pleasant experience. In 2025, one of the reviews from going.com highlights the Dreamliner's advanced features, such as higher cabin humidity and lower pressurization, which contribute to minimal jet lag and fatigue.

• Seating Comfort: The Economy seats during international travel come with decent legroom and a 31-32-inch pitch. The airline also offers blankets, pillows, and headphones in Economy Class. 

• Onboard Dining: Meals offered on board are multicultural, as you have the option to choose from special meals based on your culture and ethnicity. Yelp.com highlights that he quality of food service at United Airlines is acceptable and huge.

• Low Flight Delays: No doubt the airline is reliable and has reported few delays and cancellations in 2025. 

• Star Alliance Benefits: Being a Star Alliance member, the airline offers seamless connectivity and free lounge access, thanks to its vast partner airline network.

• Attentive Crew: One of the past passengers on Reddit has highlighted the crew’s attentiveness, especially on U.S. to Europe or Asia routes.

• Premium Economy: For passengers, an upgrade to Premium Economy comes with extra legroom, two free checked baggage, and better dining.

Why is United Airlines’ Business Class Considered Good?

As of 2025, United Airlines’ Polaris Business Class is highly regarded as one of the best in the world. 

• Seating: The Business Cabin comes with lie-flat seats that convert into 6.5-foot beds. The seating configuration is 1-1 and offers direct aisle access, ensuring privacy and comfort. 

• Dining: The menu for Business Class is designed by top chefs paired with fine wines.One of the reviewers who has taken a flight from Los Angeles to London in the past praised for improved tableware and flavorful delights.

• Polaris lounge: Special treatment awafor Polaris passengers at its dedicated lounges, which offer gourmet buffets, showers, and quiet zones.

• Best for Business Travelers: Polaris Business cabin comes with productivity-enhancing features like power outlets, private lamps, and WiFi.

Why is United Airlines Good for Unaccompanied Minors?

United's unaccompanied minor (UM) service is the most reliable option for parents who want to send their children aged 5-14 alone. 

The United Airlines minor service fee is still 150 USD, and has been unchanged for a decade now. The service covers up to 2 kids, offering supervision from check-in to pickup. 

United Airlines’ trained staff escort unaccompanied minors through check-in, security, baggage drip, boarding, as well as changing a connecting flight. Additionally, parents receive real-time updates on the flight via United Airlines’ mobile app. 

One of the reviews from wanderlog.com highlights the program's safety and ease, praising the dedicated assistance to the minors at every step of the travel.

Conclusion

To sum up, United Airlines has numerous reasons to be considered the most reliable carrier in 2025, thanks to its enhanced safety standards, diverse flight options, premium business class, and dedicated services for minors. With recent inclusions of free WiFi via Starlink and a vast global network, the airline caters to a wide audience, from budget travelers to luxury seekers.

The airline’s commitment to passenger-centric services and enhanced comfort makes it the most preferred carrier. If you are looking for a reliable carrier and an airline that rewards you every time you fly, consider United Airlines for your next trip.