United Airlines is ramping up its domestic services with the addition of four new routes, including a brand-new destination, Morgantown, West Virginia (MGW). This expansion will further connect travelers from Chicago O’Hare (ORD) and Washington Dulles (IAD) to smaller, underserved regional destinations, boosting United’s reach and accessibility in the U.S. Let’s dive into the details of these new routes and what they mean for travelers.
1. United’s New Domestic Routes
United Airlines will soon begin flying from Chicago O’Hare and Washington Dulles to three regional destinations: Gunnison-Crested Butte (GUC), Morgantown (MGW), and South Bend (SBN). Here’s a closer look at these new routes:
- Chicago O’Hare (ORD) to Gunnison-Crested Butte (GUC), Colorado:
- Launching on February 15, 2025, this seasonal route will operate once weekly, on Saturdays. It will provide skiers and outdoor enthusiasts with direct access to Crested Butte, a popular winter destination.
- Chicago O’Hare (ORD) to Morgantown (MGW), West Virginia:
- Starting December 13, 2024, United will offer daily service to Morgantown. This route will provide travelers with access to the Appalachian region, supporting both business and leisure travel.
- Washington Dulles (IAD) to Morgantown (MGW):
- Also commencing on December 13, this route will be supported by the Essential Air Service (EAS) program. United has chosen to offer daily flights, beyond the EAS requirement of five weekly flights, demonstrating its commitment to regional connectivity.
- Washington Dulles (IAD) to South Bend (SBN), Indiana:
- Kicking off on December 3, 2024, this daily service will enhance access to Indiana’s St. Joseph County. United’s expansion into South Bend will benefit residents and travelers by offering a new direct link to the nation’s capital.
2. Morgantown: A New Destination on United’s Map
Morgantown is a significant addition to United’s network, as the airline last operated flights to this location in 2014. This expansion is partially supported by the Essential Air Service (EAS) program, which provides government subsidies to maintain air travel in smaller, underserved communities. With the new route to Morgantown, United is reconnecting West Virginia to its global network, offering one-stop connections to destinations worldwide.
3. Aircraft and United’s Regional Partners
United’s new routes will be operated by its regional partners, SkyWest Airlines and Republic Airways, using two reliable aircraft models well-suited for these routes:
- SkyWest Airlines: Handling the Morgantown and Crested Butte routes, SkyWest will operate the CRJ-200 on Morgantown flights and the Embraer E175 on the Crested Butte route. These aircraft offer efficient and comfortable service for regional routes, with the E175 providing a 2-2 seating layout ideal for passenger comfort.
- Republic Airways: Serving the Dulles to South Bend route, Republic will operate this service with an Embraer E175, providing a smooth travel experience for passengers heading to Indiana.
These aircraft are well-suited for the demands of regional air travel, balancing capacity and efficiency. The E175, in particular, is a popular choice among regional carriers due to its comfort and reliability, especially on shorter routes.
4. Benefits of United’s Regional Expansion
United’s network expansion enhances connectivity for travelers in smaller markets, offering them improved access to United’s global reach:
- Increased Accessibility: These new routes enable travelers from smaller cities to access United’s broader network with ease, facilitating one-stop connections to international and domestic destinations.
- Economic Impact: The new service to Morgantown and other regional destinations will likely provide economic benefits to these areas by supporting tourism and business travel.
- Convenient Travel Options: By providing daily service on most routes, United offers flexibility for travelers who can now choose from a range of convenient schedules.
5. United’s Broader Network Adjustments
This expansion is part of United’s ongoing strategy to adjust its network in response to demand. Recently, the airline announced new flights to Dominica in the Caribbean, set to launch next year, and is expected to reveal its summer 2025 international routes soon.
However, United is also making seasonal adjustments to certain routes. For example, flights from Chicago and Houston to Palm Springs, CA, and West Palm Beach, FL, which were initially intended to be year-round, will now operate only during the winter season. Additionally, United has decided not to reinstate certain routes, such as those from Houston to Boise, ID, and Hartford, CT, which were slated for a return but have since been removed from future schedules.
Final Thoughts
United Airlines’ latest route expansion underscores its commitment to providing enhanced travel options for regional and underserved markets. By adding new routes and reintroducing Morgantown as a destination, United is enabling travelers in smaller communities to access its global network with greater ease. As United continues to adapt its network to meet evolving travel demands, passengers can look forward to more connectivity options and a robust flight schedule that caters to both regional and international destinations.
