The Friendly Skies Expand

Travel

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In a travel climate where most carriers seem content to trim schedules, scale back dreams, and shrink their networks, one airline is choosing to do the opposite. United Airlines is charting a course for growth — doubling down on service and betting big on where travelers actually want to go.

This fall, the airline announced two major expansions: one across Europe for summer 2026, and another at its stateside hub in Chicago. Together, they tell a story of confidence, connection, and commitment — the kind of energy the travel industry could use a lot more of.

Crossing the Atlantic — and Raising the Bar

Starting next spring, United will launch nonstop service from Newark to four new European destinations: Split, Croatia (April 30), Bari, Italy (May 1), Glasgow, Scotland (May 8), and Santiago de Compostela, Spain (May 27). These routes aren’t just new — they’re unique. United will be the only U.S. carrier offering direct service to Split or Bari, opening up corners of Europe that most American travelers only dreamed of reaching without a connection.

This move builds on United’s already record-setting transatlantic schedule, which now includes 46 European cities, more than any other U.S. airline. It’s a clear statement: rather than resting on familiar routes, United is investing in discovery — and in the travelers who crave it.

A Midwestern Boost

Back home, the airline is showing the same spirit. From its hub at Chicago O’Hare, United will introduce 10 new domestic routes in 2026, adding destinations like Santa Barbara, Eugene, Paducah, and Lynchburg to its network. For flyers in the Midwest, it means more options, more connections, and fewer reasons to drive to another airport.

It’s easy to overlook what this really represents — not just additional flights, but renewed faith in the everyday traveler. While others tighten belts, United is betting that convenience and consistency still matter. And they’re right.

Flying in the Right Direction

In an era when headlines too often highlight route cuts, delays, and airline frustrations, United’s message feels downright radical: serve the customer more. That kind of thinking doesn’t just fill seats — it rebuilds trust.

For frequent flyers, these moves pair beautifully with the carrier’s already generous MileagePlus program, rewarding loyalty with real value and access to destinations that keep expanding by the month.

Final Thought

I’m genuinely grateful for United’s expanded stops and their generous miles program — so much so that we’ve booked them for London in December, just flew them to Palm Beach, and my entire tribe had a stellar experience flying to and from Italy with them this summer.

The friendly skies are, indeed, expanding — and in a world of shutdowns and aggravations, that’s a welcome change worth celebrating.