United Airlines has just revealed new and modified transatlantic routes for 2024, as the airline prepares for its biggest transatlantic schedule ever. In recent weeks we’ve seen American Airlines and Delta Air Lines announce their planned summer 2024 transatlantic expansion, so it’s not surprising to see a similar announcement from United.
In this post:
United’s summer 2024 transatlantic expansion
United’s announcement about new transatlantic flights in 2024 isn’t all that exciting, at least compared to what we’ve seen in past years. That’s because United already had a massive network across the Atlantic in recent summers, and that seems to be working well. With United not taking delivery of many new wide body aircraft right now, United’s potential to grow is quite limited.
But let’s discuss what is changing…
United adds Newark to Faro route
As of May 24, 2024, United Airlines will add a new seasonal 4x weekly flight between Newark (EWR) and Faro (FAO), in Portugal. The service will be operated by a Boeing 757-200. United will be the first US carrier to fly to Faro, and in terms of Portugal service, the airline has year-round flights from Newark to Lisbon, as well as seasonal flights from Washington to Lisbon, Newark to Porto, and Newark to Ponta Delgada.
This is the only new route that United is adding across the Atlantic in 2024.
United adds flights to Reykjavik, Brussels, Rome, Malaga
While these aren’t new destinations, United will be adding new routes and frequencies in the following markets:
- As of May 23, 2024, United will resume a daily seasonal Newark (EWR) to Reykjavik (KEF) route with a Boeing 757-200; this was last operated in the summer of 2022
- As of March 30, 2024, United will add a second daily flight between Newark (EWR) and Brussels (BRU) with a Boeing 757-200
- As of March 30, 2024, United will add a second daily flight between Newark (EWR) and Rome (FCO) with a Boeing 767-300
- As of May 23, 2024, United will add a second daily flight between Washington (IAD) and Rome (FCO) with a Boeing 767-300
- As of May 2, 2024, United will operate a daily seasonal Newark (EWR) to Malaga (AGP) route with a Boeing 757-200, representing a frequency increase
United starting transatlantic seasonal flying earlier
Given how strong transatlantic travel demand is, United is starting its summer seasonal flights to Europe much earlier than before. United claims that in the spring of 2023, it saw a 33% increase in customers traveling across the Atlantic compared to the spring of 2022.
So United is resuming the following transatlantic flights earlier than previously planned:
- As of February 15, 2024, United will launch its seasonal Washington (IAD) to Lisbon (LIS) route
- As of February 15, 2024, United will launch its seasonal Washington (IAD) to Rome (FCO) route
- As of March 30, 2024, United will launch its seasonal Newark (EWR) to Nice (NCE) route
- As of March 30, 2024, United will launch its seasonal Chicago (ORD) to Rome (FCO) route
- As of March 30, 2024, United will launch its seasonal Chicago (ORD) to Milan (MXP) route
- As of April 5, 2024, United will launch its seasonal Newark (EWR) to Naples (NAP) route
- As of May 2, 2024, United will launch its seasonal Newark (EWR) to Malaga (AGP) route
- As of May 2, 2024, United will launch its seasonal San Francisco (SFO) to Rome (FCO) route
My goodness, summer seasonal routes launching in mid-February really is a reflection of where the travel demand is, eh?
Bottom line
United Airlines plans to fly its biggest-ever transatlantic schedule in 2024. The carrier was already the biggest across the Atlantic, so there’s only so much the airline can grow. We’re seeing a single new route (Newark to Faro), plus some frequency increases, plus some seasonal routes being moved way earlier.
What do you make of United’s 2024 transatlantic expansion?
It would be good if they also introduce flights to LGW. There're a few other Star Alliance carriers that fly to LGW, so UA could benefit from a second SA hub in London.
Great - all new routes on old old metal
The way the economy is trending, I'm doubtful the demand will be there for these routes. I hope I'm wrong.
Why doesn't united open route Philadelphia Shannon and or newark Shannon doesn't look like aer lingus or American now partners have any interest in this route. I see alot of interest in this route. Shannon much faster and easier to get to.less then an hour from galway. Alot of people I know would travel Shannon instead of dublin.
United does fly Newark to Shannon (and Chicago to Shannon) in the summer. A flight from Philadelphia is unlikely since that is not a United hub city.
No love for Houston... United's ugly step-child HUB :(
My thoughts exactly. Considering all of the EWR meltdowns this year why not add elsewhere. I now try my best to avoid an EWR connection.
Lots of details about new routes STARTING on specific dates, and existing routes STARTING on earlier dates. You know what would be useful information to include? If any of the END dates for seasonal service are known or discoverable. Because ya know, I'm really not interested in going to Europe in February, but late September or early October would be fine with me.
Most of United's "seasonal" service to Europe have typically ended in early-...
Lots of details about new routes STARTING on specific dates, and existing routes STARTING on earlier dates. You know what would be useful information to include? If any of the END dates for seasonal service are known or discoverable. Because ya know, I'm really not interested in going to Europe in February, but late September or early October would be fine with me.
Most of United's "seasonal" service to Europe have typically ended in early- or mid-September. If they're extending the START of those seasonal flights too (I assume they are), how about bothering to include the details of the END dates for those seasonal service, too? Personally, I'd find that info a lot more useful right now than learning about February flights...
Dick, with the booking window for airlines generally maxed out at 330 days in advance, it is tricky to have firm end dates known since those dates would not yet be available for sale if they move to into October 2024. That being said, United's summer seasonal routes generally all go through at least the end of September, while most continue through October. This year, they even extended EWR-ATH (Nov), IAD-BCN (Dec) and IAD-FCO (Jan),...
Dick, with the booking window for airlines generally maxed out at 330 days in advance, it is tricky to have firm end dates known since those dates would not yet be available for sale if they move to into October 2024. That being said, United's summer seasonal routes generally all go through at least the end of September, while most continue through October. This year, they even extended EWR-ATH (Nov), IAD-BCN (Dec) and IAD-FCO (Jan), so anything is possible. The only seasonal route that ended before the end of September was EWR-ARN. So in another month or so, you'll probably have better insight into fall travel possibilities.
Since aer lingus is interested in Philadelphia Shannon why not united fly newark Shannon or Philadelphia Shannon route, United did fly newark Shannon before .I see alot of demand for this route.
Portugal, Italy (and Spain) have long become year around destinations for Europeans. Well, not for ocean swimming, but how much time does the average tourist spend in the ocean …
Surprised about EWR-FAO as well. I wonder whether this is driven more by American tourism or VFR with the Portuguese population in NJ. Faro looks gorgeous though it's not a super large tourist destination for Americans.
Inbound american tourism to Portugal in general, and Faro in particular, has skyrocketed in past few years. This new connection to FAO offers the monopoly of sole operator on the market made up of strong premium tourists and solid VFR usually caught by TP airline, via LIS hub. It's a safe bet for UA!
Surprised EWR-PMO (announced for Summer 2020 and obviously pulled because of covid) hasn't been re-announced. Sicily seems to be a hot travel destination for Americans right now especially with the White Lotus show.
United has had a 2nd daily EWR to FCO flight. This is not an addition. Usually operates with the 777-200
Second Brussels flight is long overdue, very excited to see this coming with a late night/afternoon departure. Let's hope they upgrade this overtime to a 787.
Did they cut IAD>BER? I saw it available Summer 24 a few days ago but now I don't see it.
It is suspended in summer 2024
One other transatlantic addition - LH has confirmed the SEA-MUC route is back for Summer 2024!
Seems like American is miles behind (pun intended) United and Delta in terms of transatlantic travel.
Glad to see the expansion. How long will the 757s still be in the fleet? Will those routes be replaced by a321s eventually?
And idea if and when EWR-TFS will return?
3x weekly service resumes June 1!
When will IAD TO Athens start?
April 14th!
Interesting to see so many of the new frequencies in Italy. Does that speak to the demand in the market, the extra feed from ITA, or both?
Did DL announce any drawdown of Italy flying now that ITA is leaving, or does the local demand sustain those flights?
What feed from ITA? Nothing has been concluded yet with Lufthansa.
Italy is a huge market in the summer from the U.S. United has no problem filling seats to Italy by itself - it doesnt need connectivity on the other end.
Delta is adding Naples so growing Italy. Southern Europe is strong for everyone
The flip side is the SAS move to Skyteam. Scandinavia is better suited for connections than Italy
And the future of TAP and Lot still hang in the balance
"summer seasonal routes launching in mid-February"
Or global warming
On an unrelated note, do you have a review of the Ethiad 777 or 787 business class? I only see the A350 review.
The 757 and shorthaul and longer 767-300ER seasonal transatlantic double daily flights appears to be the primary way that UA will grow while being able to put those aircraft somewhere else at the end of the summer season - which may end up late into the year
doesn’t delta do the same?
I wonder if either/both of the Rome flights are on the calculation that the LH takeover of AZ will add a Star partner there...?
Probably not. In the summer Rome is a huge destination market. they dont need feed there to make it work.