3 Unspoken Rules for Flying on United Airlines

There’s no doubt that the entire experience from booking to packing and layovers to delay can be incredibly stressful, and we haven’t even talked about which of the many airlines to fly with. If you’ve chosen to fly United Airlines, there are a couple of unspoken rules you need to know before you fly.

Book Directly With United Airlines
Let’s start things off with the “golden rule” of booking flights: “Always book directly with your airline of choice,” which would be United Airlines in this example. To be sure, platforms like Hopper, Travelocity, and Priceline are great for comparing prices and finding deals, but when it comes to finalizing your purchase, there are perks to going straight to the source.

Booking directly with United ensures you get the best price and access to their customer support, which means that if any issues arise, such as flight changes or cancellations, you’ll typically have an easier time resolving them. Plus, booking directly with United can come with added perks like bonus miles or exclusive promotions. So, next time you’re booking a flight with United, remember that United.com is your BFF.

Marriott-United Bonvoy Rewards
Speaking of exclusive offers, it’s probably safe to say that we all love racking up reward points, right? Did you know that there’s a partnership between Marriott Bonvoy and United MileagePlus? That means you can link your accounts and unlock extra perks and rewards.

Flying can be a whirlwind of emotions and logistics. From the excitement of planning a trip to the stress of booking flights, packing, navigating layovers, and dealing with potential delays, it’s a journey that requires careful preparation. And while there are numerous airlines to choose from, if you’ve decided to fly with United Airlines, there are several unspoken rules that can make your experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Book Directly With United Airlines

The first and perhaps most crucial tip is to book your flights directly with United Airlines. This principle, often regarded as the “golden rule” of flight booking, suggests that while third-party platforms like Hopper, Travelocity, and Priceline are excellent for comparing prices and finding deals, the final purchase should be made directly through the airline’s official website.

Why Book Directly?

Booking directly with United Airlines comes with several advantages:

1. Best Price Guarantee: Airlines often provide the best prices on their official websites. While third-party platforms might offer competitive deals, airlines sometimes have exclusive offers and discounts that are only available on their websites.

2. Customer Support Access: When you book through United.com, you have direct access to United’s customer support. This can be incredibly beneficial if you need to make changes to your flight, encounter cancellations, or require assistance during your journey. Third-party booking platforms can add a layer of complexity when resolving issues, as you may need to go through the platform’s customer service before getting help from the airline.

3. Bonus Miles and Promotions: United Airlines frequently offers bonus miles and exclusive promotions for bookings made directly through their website. These perks can enhance your travel experience and help you accumulate rewards faster.

4. Flight Changes and Cancellations: In the event of flight changes or cancellations, passengers who book directly with the airline often have a more straightforward path to rebooking or receiving refunds. The process is generally more seamless compared to dealing with third-party agents.

Marriott-United Bonvoy Rewards Partnership

For travelers who love racking up reward points, United Airlines offers a fantastic opportunity through its partnership with Marriott Bonvoy. This collaboration allows you to link your United MileagePlus account with your Marriott Bonvoy account, unlocking a range of extra perks and rewards.

Benefits of Linking Accounts

1. Double Rewards: By linking your accounts, you can earn both Marriott Bonvoy points and United MileagePlus miles for eligible stays at Marriott properties and flights with United Airlines.

2. Status Matching: Frequent travelers can benefit from status matching, where your elite status with one program can be recognized by the other. For instance, if you have elite status with Marriott Bonvoy, you might receive equivalent status with United MileagePlus, and vice versa.

3. Exclusive Offers: Linked accounts often receive exclusive offers and promotions, such as bonus points or miles for combined stays and flights. These offers can significantly boost your rewards balance.

4. Seamless Redemption: Having linked accounts makes it easier to redeem points and miles across both programs, providing more flexibility in how you use your rewards.

Preparing for Your Flight

Now that you’ve booked your flight directly with United and linked your Marriott Bonvoy and United MileagePlus accounts, it’s time to prepare for your journey. Here are some additional tips to ensure a smooth travel experience:

Pack Smart

1. Check Baggage Policies: United Airlines has specific baggage policies, including size and weight restrictions. Make sure to review these policies on United.com to avoid any surprises at the airport.

2. Pack Essentials in Carry-On: Always pack essential items like medications, travel documents, a change of clothes, and any valuables in your carry-on bag. This ensures you have access to important items even if your checked luggage is delayed or lost.

3. Use Packing Cubes: Packing cubes can help organize your belongings and maximize space in your suitcase. They also make it easier to find items without unpacking everything.

Navigate Layovers

1. Check Layover Times: When booking your flight, ensure you have enough time during layovers to comfortably make your connecting flights. United’s website often provides recommended minimum connection times.

2. Explore Lounge Access: If you have a long layover, consider accessing United Club lounges. These lounges offer comfortable seating, complimentary snacks and beverages, and Wi-Fi, making your wait more pleasant. Some credit cards and frequent flyer statuses offer