Nobody actually thinks about where an airline lives until they desperately need to contact someone who has actual power. Then suddenly, the United Airlines headquarters address becomes the most important piece of information on the internet.
Whether you’ve been chasing a refund for three weeks, trying to land a corporate partnership, or you’re just aviation-obsessed and need to know everything this guide gives you the full picture. Real address, real phone numbers, real context, and zero fluff.
United Airlines Headquarters: The Official Address You’ve Been Looking For
Let’s get straight to it. The corporate headquarters of United Airlines sits at:
United Airlines Inc., Willis Tower, 233 South Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606, United States.
That’s it. That is the address. ZIP code 60606. Downtown Chicago. One of the most recognizable towers in the entire country. Not some industrial suburb next to a runway, we’re talking Willis Tower, the building that used to be called the Sears Tower and still makes people’s palms sweat when they stand on the glass ledge 103 floors up.
United didn’t land here by accident. Choosing Willis Tower for their corporate home was a deliberate power move it planted the airline in the center of one of America’s biggest business districts, steps away from major financial institutions, law firms, and the kind of corporate infrastructure that an airline operating 4,900 daily flights across six continents needs nearby.
Why Chicago and Not Next to an Airport?
Most people assume airlines park their headquarters near their biggest hub. Delta chose Atlanta. American chose Fort Worth, right next to DFW. But United went downtown Chicago, and that decision says a lot about how the company sees itself.
Chicago O’Hare International Airport is United’s largest hub, handling roughly 78 million passengers per year as of 2024 data. Having the corporate headquarters just 18 miles away from O’Hare by road means executive teams stay close enough to operations without being consumed by them. Strategy happens at Willis Tower. Flights happen at O’Hare. The two feed each other.
If you want to understand how weather chaos ripples through United’s operations from O’Hare all the way to the corporate side, check out how pilots read aviation weather reports the connection between weather decisions and executive-level crisis management is tighter than most passengers realize.
United Airlines Corporate Office Contact Details
Here is the contact information that actually works, laid out without the usual runaround:
- Main Corporate Address: 233 South Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60606
- General Customer Phone: (800) 864-8331
- Baggage Issues Line: (800) 335-2247
- MileagePlus Member Services: (800) 421-4655
- Accessibility Helpdesk (24/7): TDD/TTY (800) 323-0170
- Customer Email: [email protected]
- Official Website: united.com
- Corporate Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Central Time
One important thing to understand: calling the main United customer service line does not connect you to anyone at Willis Tower. The corporate headquarters handles strategic operations, not individual passenger disputes. If you’re trying to escalate a flight credit issue, the customer care email and the dedicated phone lines are your fastest routes. Corporate office visits require a scheduled appointment you cannot walk in off the street.
United Airlines Key Contact Numbers by Category
| Query Type | Best Contact Method | Number / Channel |
| New Reservations | Phone | (800) 864-8331 |
| Flight Changes | Phone or App | (800) 864-8331 |
| Lost or Delayed Baggage | Dedicated Baggage Line | (800) 335-2247 |
| MileagePlus Status & Miles | MileagePlus Service Line | (800) 421-4655 |
| Accessibility Support | 24/7 TDD/TTY Line | (800) 323-0170 |
| Corporate Partnerships | united.com contact form | Online form only |
| Media & Press Inquiries | Corporate communications | Via united.com/newsroom |
The baggage line in particular is one that travelers overlook. If your bag has gone missing at O’Hare or Newark, do not call the general line and wait on hold for 45 minutes. Go straight to (800) 335-2247.
Inside the Willis Tower: What the United Airlines Headquarters Actually Looks Like
The interior of United’s corporate floors inside Willis Tower is not just a bunch of cubicles and motivational posters. When United relocated and redesigned their headquarters space, the vision was intentional aviation history and sustainability woven into the workspace itself.
Reports from the office redesign describe repurposed aircraft components used as decor, sustainability-themed work zones, and open collaboration areas designed to break down the traditional siloed corporate structure. For an airline that operates over 700 aircraft in its mainline fleet and has committed to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, these aren’t just aesthetic choices they’re cultural signaling to employees and visitors alike.
The workspace spans multiple floors of Willis Tower. Different departments executive leadership, marketing, financial planning, operations strategy, sustainability, corporate communications all live under one roof. When the CEO calls a strategy meeting, everyone is within a few floors of each other. That kind of physical proximity matters in an industry where decisions sometimes need to happen in minutes.
United Airlines Headquarters vs Other Major Office Locations
People search for “United Airlines headquarters Houston” constantly, and that confusion is understandable. United has a significant presence in multiple cities. Here is the breakdown that clears it all up:
| Location | Role | Details |
| Chicago, IL (Willis Tower) | Global Corporate Headquarters | Strategic leadership, executive offices, main corporate functions |
| Houston, TX (IAH Area) | Major Regional and Operations Hub | Regional management, crew operations, maintenance coordination |
| Newark, NJ | Major East Coast Hub | Flight operations, crew base, large passenger volumes |
| Denver, CO | Training Facility | Flight crew and cabin crew training operations |
| Arlington Heights, IL | Former IT Campus | Historical location, some data operations previously based here |
| San Francisco, CA | West Coast Hub Operations | Pacific routes, operational management |
The Houston connection often confuses people because it is so large. United’s Houston presence handles massive logistical operations, especially for Latin American and Gulf of Mexico routes. But it is not and has never been the corporate headquarters. That title belongs exclusively to Willis Tower, Chicago.
If you’re planning a trip through any of United’s major hub cities with family, the best airports for family layovers in the United States in 2026 guide breaks down which hubs actually make layovers bearable and which ones will test your patience and your kids’ patience simultaneously.
Who Runs United Airlines? CEO and Ownership Structure
The CEO: Scott Kirby
Scott Kirby has been the CEO of United Airlines since May 2020. He came from American Airlines, where he served as President, and before that spent years at US Airways. Kirby is known for being direct, data-obsessed, and not particularly interested in telling people what they want to hear which is either refreshing or infuriating depending on who you ask.
In 2025, Kirby received the APEX CEO Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his impact on advancing passenger experience and aviation innovation. Under his leadership, United has pushed hard on fleet modernization, customer experience upgrades, and sustainability commitments that go beyond what most airlines have been willing to put on paper.
Who Owns United Airlines?
United Airlines is a wholly American company. The parent corporation is United Airlines Holdings, Inc., which trades on the NASDAQ under the ticker UAL. United Airlines Holdings is publicly owned meaning institutional investors, mutual funds, and individual stockholders hold shares, with no single government or sovereign entity owning a controlling stake.
According to United Airlines Holdings investor relations, major institutional shareholders include Vanguard Group and BlackRock, consistent with the broad ownership pattern seen across large US public companies.
United Airlines Key Programs and Policies Worth Knowing About
Headquarters makes the policies. Passengers live with them. Here is a quick look at the major ones that travelers actually care about in 2026:
MileagePlus and Loyalty Programs
United’s MileagePlus program is consistently ranked among the strongest airline loyalty programs in the United States. The program offers status tiers Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Premier 1K each unlocking progressively better perks including complimentary upgrades, bonus miles, and priority boarding. For travelers considering which loyalty program deserves their spending, the best airline loyalty programs in 2026 breaks down exactly how MileagePlus stacks up against Delta SkyMiles, American AAdvantage, and others.
United also offers a united airlines status match program if you hold elite status with a competing airline, United will review and potentially match your tier to attract you over to their ecosystem. It’s worth attempting before booking a new round of flights.
United Airlines Economy Plus vs Basic Economy
This is genuinely one of the most Googled questions about United, and for good reason the difference matters a lot more than the marketing language suggests.
- Basic Economy fares are the cheapest entry point but come with hard restrictions: no seat selection until check-in, no changes or refunds, and you board last. On most routes, you cannot even bring a full-size carry-on without paying a fee.
- Standard Economy is the traditional option changeable with a fee, seat selection available, standard carry-on included.
- Economy Plus is a paid upgrade to seats with 4 to 6 additional inches of legroom, located near the front of the economy cabin or in an exit row. Pricing varies by route but typically runs $25 to $150 per segment.
For longer routes transatlantic or transcontinental Economy Plus is often worth every dollar. For a one-hour regional hop, basic economy and a personal item under the seat is probably the smart play.
United Airlines Dog Policy
United’s dog policy allows small dogs to travel in the cabin in an approved carrier that fits under the seat. The pet fee as of 2026 is $125 each way for in-cabin pets. Dogs over the weight limit for cabin travel (generally the dog plus carrier must be under 25 lbs) must travel as cargo through United’s PetSafe program. United suspended international pet travel for a period and has reintroduced it with restrictions always verify current routes before booking.
United Airlines Military Discount
Active duty military personnel and their dependents can access special fares through United’s military discount program. These fares are not always visible on the standard booking interface and may require calling reservations directly or booking through approved military travel portals. Baggage fees are also waived for active duty military traveling on orders.
United Airlines WiFi Cost
In-flight WiFi on United is available through their satellite-based system on most mainline flights. Pricing in 2026 ranges from approximately $8 for a one-hour pass to $28 for a full-flight pass on domestic routes. MileagePlus Premier members at certain status levels receive discounted or complimentary WiFi on eligible flights. United has been actively expanding Starlink-based connectivity on their newer aircraft, which delivers significantly faster speeds than their previous system.
Is United Airlines Safe? The Data Says Yes
People type “is united airlines safe” into Google more than most aviation professionals would expect. The short answer is yes, emphatically yes, with data to back it up.
United Airlines holds a 7/7 safety rating from AirlineRatings.com, the highest possible score. The airline operates under FAA certification and oversight, undergoes continuous audits by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) through its IOSA safety program, and maintains one of the largest and most modern fleets in the industry.
According to the FAA’s Aviation Safety Information Analysis and Sharing database, commercial aviation in the United States remains statistically the safest form of long-distance transportation. United’s accident and incident record over the past decade places it firmly within the safe tier of major global carriers. Fleet age matters in safety discussions United’s average aircraft age is approximately 16 years, which is within the normal operational range for a major carrier of its size.
The incidents that make headlines a door panel event in early 2024, for instance triggered investigations and immediate operational reviews. United has been transparent in its communications with regulators during those reviews, which is exactly what responsible airline management looks like.
United Airlines Vacations and Travel Packages
Most people don’t associate United Airlines headquarters with the vacation package side of things, but United Vacations is a real and active product line. United offers flight-plus-hotel bundles, cruise packages, and car rental combinations through their website and travel agent partners.
For travelers looking at international destinations, United’s Pacific and transatlantic route networks make them competitive for vacations to destinations in Europe, Asia, and Latin America. MileagePlus miles can be applied to vacation packages, which is an underused strategy for reducing costs.
Before your next United trip, smart travelers run through airport hacks that matter before departure things like checking in early, knowing your terminal setup at hub airports, and understanding priority boarding sequences can genuinely change how your travel day unfolds.
Explore more tips, guides, and honest airline discussions at TalkTravel forums it’s updated regularly and built for travelers who want real information, not marketing copy.
United Airlines Company Awards and Recognition
The airline has collected significant recognition in recent years:
- 2025 APEX CEO Lifetime Achievement Award Awarded to CEO Scott Kirby for advancing aviation’s future
- 2024 Helen Darling Award for Excellence in Health Care Value and Innovation Recognized United’s employee health programs
- 2023 Airport Technology Excellence Awards Category winner in Business Development, Investments and R&D
- ATW 50th Annual Airline Industry Awards Recognized as a “Humanitarian Force for Good” via the inaugural award in that category
- Global Traveler Diversity and Inclusion Award Consistent recognition for United’s internal diversity programs
These awards matter because they reflect how the airline is perceived not just by passengers but by the broader industry, regulatory bodies, and corporate partners.
Quick Reference: United Airlines Headquarters at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
| Headquarters Address | 233 South Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60606 |
| Building | Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) |
| Main Phone | (800) 864-8331 |
| Customer Email | [email protected] |
| Website | united.com |
| CEO | Scott Kirby |
| Parent Company | United Airlines Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: UAL) |
| Corporate Office Hours | Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM CT |
| Major Hubs | Chicago O’Hare, Houston, Newark, Denver, San Francisco, Los Angeles |
| Fleet Size (approx.) | 700+ mainline aircraft |
| Daily Flights | Approx. 4,900 |
Conclusion
United Airlines’ headquarters at Willis Tower is more than just a corporate address it’s the nerve center of an airline that carries more than 160 million passengers annually across six continents. Whether you need to reach their customer service line, understand their baggage policies, or figure out which loyalty tier makes sense for your travel habits, knowing where the airline operates from and how its structure works gives you a real advantage.
The Willis Tower address, the Chicago roots, the Scott Kirby era of leadership it all connects into a company that is actively investing in its fleet, its technology, and its relationships with passengers. That doesn’t mean every flight will be perfect. But it does mean there are real people, real phone numbers, and real accountability systems behind the experience.
FAQs
Where is United Airlines headquarters located?
United Airlines headquarters is located at 233 South Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606, USA, inside Willis Tower.
What is United Airlines’ main corporate phone number?
The main customer service line is (800) 864-8331. Corporate office hours run Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Central Time.
Who is the CEO of United Airlines in 2026?
Scott Kirby is the CEO of United Airlines. He has led the company since May 2020 and received the APEX CEO Lifetime Achievement Award in 2025.
Does United Airlines have offices in Houston?
Yes. United has significant regional operations in Houston near George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), but Houston is not the corporate headquarters. The global HQ is in Chicago.
How do I contact United Airlines about a lost bag?
Call the dedicated United Airlines baggage line at (800) 335-2247. You can also file a lost baggage report online through united.com or at the airport baggage service desk.
Is United Airlines publicly owned or government owned?
United Airlines is publicly owned. Its parent company, United Airlines Holdings, Inc., trades on NASDAQ under the ticker UAL. It is not government-owned.
What is United Airlines’ MileagePlus status match program?
United’s status match program allows travelers who hold elite status with another airline to request a matching status tier with MileagePlus. Applications are reviewed case by case and typically require proof of existing elite status with a qualifying carrier.