Hey there, fellow travelers! Planning a trip and eyeing United Airlines for your next adventure? Booking a flight with United is pretty straightforward, but there are some tips and tricks to make it smoother, especially if you’re new to their system. I’ve booked countless flights with them—some for work, some for fun—and I’ve learned a thing or two along the way. Let’s walk through the process step-by-step, so you’re ready to soar. If you hit any snags, don’t hesitate to call 844-928-0428 for assistance.
Start by heading to United’s official website, united.com, or their mobile app, which I find super user-friendly. On the homepage, you’ll see a booking form where you can plug in your departure city, destination, travel dates, and number of passengers. You can choose round-trip, one-way, or multi-city options—perfect for those epic multi-stop vacations. I once planned a multi-city trip from Chicago to London, then Paris, and back home using the app, and it was a breeze to compare routes.
If you’re flexible with dates, click the “Flexible dates” option to see a calendar with fare prices. This saved me hundreds last year when I shifted a trip to Denver by just two days. United also lets you filter by fare type—Basic Economy, Standard Economy, Premium Economy, Business, or First Class. Basic Economy is cheapest but comes with restrictions like no free seat selection or changes after 24 hours. If you’re unsure which fare fits your needs, a quick call to 844-928-0428 can help you weigh the pros and cons.
Got miles? You can book award travel using MileagePlus miles right on the site. Log into your MileagePlus account to see how many miles you need or combine cash and miles for a deal. I redeemed miles for a flight to Miami last summer, and it felt like a mini victory paying almost nothing out of pocket. If your miles balance is low or you need help navigating awards, the folks at 844-928-0428 are great at finding options.
For special requests—like group bookings, pet travel, or unaccompanied minors—you might need to go beyond the website. United’s group desk handles parties of 10 or more, and pet policies require coordination for cabin or cargo travel. I booked a group trip for a family reunion once, and calling 844-928-0428 was the easiest way to lock in discounted rates and sync everyone’s seats.
Accessibility needs? United’s got you covered with services like wheelchair assistance or dietary accommodations, but you’ll want to request these at booking or at least 48 hours before your flight. My mom needed extra help on a recent trip, and the rep at 844-928-0428 walked us through adding her wheelchair request to the reservation.
Once you pick your flights, you’ll enter passenger details—name, date of birth, and contact info. Double-check everything, as name changes can be a hassle later. Then, select your seats (if allowed by your fare) and add extras like Wi-Fi, Priority Boarding, or bags. United’s baggage fees start at $35 for the first checked bag, so budget for that if you’re packing heavy. Payment’s next—credit cards, PayPal, or even Apple Pay work. United’s 24-hour flexible booking policy lets you cancel or change for free within 24 hours of booking if plans shift, which is a huge stress-reliever.
Pro tip: Sign up for United’s email alerts or check their Low Fare Calendar for deals. I snagged a cheap flight to San Francisco last fall thanks to a flash sale email. Also, booking early—six to eight weeks out for domestic, three months for international—often gets you better prices. If you’re hunting for last-minute deals or need help with complex itineraries, call 844-928-0428; their agents can sometimes spot fares not listed online.
After booking, you’ll get a confirmation email with your record locator. Save it—you’ll need it to manage your trip, check in online, or track flights via the app. United’s app also lets you add your trip to your wallet for digital boarding passes, which is handy at the gate.
Booking with United is all about knowing your options and planning ahead. Whether you’re jetting off solo or wrangling a big group, their tools make it manageable. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or have a unique situation, don’t sweat it—just pick up the phone and dial 844-928-0428 to get personalized help. Happy travels, and let’s get you booked for that next big trip!