It’s the middle of winter, but United Airlines is turning its attention toward the summer travel season.
The Chicago-based carrier already announced some epic, new international destinations for this year — from Split, Croatia, to Bari, Italy, to Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
But United is also adding some new routes to a handful of closer-to-home vacation spots.
On its list for 2026:
- Cross-country flights to the Maine coast
- New service to Nova Scotia and Quebec
- Flights from Chicago to Cody, Wyoming
If you live on the West Coast or in Denver and have long wanted to explore Maine attractions like Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor and its other coastal towns, then there’s something in here for you.

The same goes for Chicagoland travelers who have set their sights on visiting Yellowstone National Park.
In all, United will launch nine new summer seasonal routes between May and June, with flights running on weekends into early fall.
Beyond that, the carrier also announced five additional routes it’ll fly year-round.
In total, this is a 14-route expansion that Patrick Quayle, the airline’s top network planner, revealed on social media Thursday. He noted United’s focus on “our favorite outdoor spots from stunning views in the Rockies to the dramatic coastline in Atlantic Canada.”
United’s 9 new summer seasonal routes
Here’s the full list of the new summer seasonal service United announced Thursday. As you’ll see, most of the new routes will launch just before Memorial Day weekend and the unofficial start of the summer travel season. However, a few will take flight in June.
| Route | Dates and day(s) of week | Aircraft |
|---|---|---|
| <span style=”font-weight: 400;”>Denver International Airport (DEN) to Bangor International Airport (BGR) in Maine</span> | <span style=”font-weight: 400;”>June 27 to Sept. 5 on Saturdays</span> | <span style=”font-weight: 400;”>Boeing 737-800</span> |
| <span style=”font-weight: 400;”>DEN to Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA) in Tennessee</span> | <span style=”font-weight: 400;”>May 23 to Aug. 8 on Saturdays</span> | <span style=”font-weight: 400;”>Embraer 175</span> |
| <span style=”font-weight: 400;”>Dulles International Airport (IAD) near Washington, D.C., to Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ) in Nova Scotia</span> | <span style=”font-weight: 400;”>May 23 to Sept. 19 on Saturdays</span> | <span style=”font-weight: 400;”>Embraer 175</span> |
| <span style=”font-weight: 400;”>IAD to </span><span style=”font-weight: 400;”>Quebec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB)</span> | <span style=”font-weight: 400;”>May 23 to Oct. 24 on Saturdays</span> | <span style=”font-weight: 400;”>Embraer 175</span> |
| <span style=”font-weight: 400;”>George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston to Spokane International Airport (GEG) in Washington state</span> | <span style=”font-weight: 400;”>May 23 to Aug. 8 on Saturdays</span> | <span style=”font-weight: 400;”>Embraer 175</span> |
| <span style=”font-weight: 400;”>IAH to Burlington International Airport (BTV) in Vermont</span> | May 23 to Aug. 8 on Saturdays | Embraer 175 |
| <span style=”font-weight: 400;”>Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Portland International Jetport (PWM) in Maine</span> | <span style=”font-weight: 400;”>June 20 to Sept. 19 on Saturdays</span> | <span style=”font-weight: 400;”>Boeing 737-800</span> |
| <span style=”font-weight: 400;”>O’Hare International Airport (ORD) in Chicago to Yellowstone Regional Airport (COD) in Wyoming</span> | <span style=”font-weight: 400;”>May 22 to Sept. 19, with westbound service on Fridays and eastbound flights on Saturdays</span> | <span style=”font-weight: 400;”>Embraer 175</span> |
| <span style=”font-weight: 400;”>San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to PWM</span> | <span style=”font-weight: 400;”>June 27 to Sept. 19 on Saturdays</span> | <span style=”font-weight: 400;”>Boeing 737-800</span> |
United’s flights from Chicago to Cody, Wyoming, may sound familiar: The carrier flew that route as recently as 2021. Now, it’ll bring that service back to America’s least populous state. This small airport can serve as a gateway for travelers visiting Yellowstone.
Travel tip: How to plan an epic road trip through Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks

The carrier already serves the airport year-round from its Denver hub.
5 new and returning year-round routes
On top of those new leisure-focused routes, United announced five additional flights it’ll operate all year — each from its various hubs.
Each of these new flights will run daily.
| Route | Launches | Aircraft |
|---|---|---|
| <span style=”font-weight: 400;”>DEN to Albany International Airport (ALB) in New York state</span> | <span style=”font-weight: 400;”>April 30</span> | <span style=”font-weight: 400;”>Boeing 737-800</span> |
| <span style=”font-weight: 400;”>IAH to Bradley International Airport (BDL) in Connecticut</span> | <span style=”font-weight: 400;”>May 21</span> | <span style=”font-weight: 400;”>Boeing 737-800</span> |
| <span style=”font-weight: 400;”>LAX to John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) in Ohio</span> | <span style=”font-weight: 400;”>March 29</span> | <span style=”font-weight: 400;”>Boeing 737-800</span> |
| <span style=”font-weight: 400;”>LAX to Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT)</span> | <span style=”font-weight: 400;”>March 29</span> | <span style=”font-weight: 400;”>Boeing 737-800</span> |
| <span style=”font-weight: 400;”>LAX to Kansas City International Airport (MCI) in Missouri</span> | <span style=”font-weight: 400;”>April 6</span> | <span style=”font-weight: 400;”>Embraer 175</span> |
United’s addition of IAH-BDL flights will see the return of a route the carrier last flew in 2022.
Booking United flights with points and miles
Here’s what to know about booking United flights with points and miles:
- If you don’t have enough miles in your MileagePlus account, check out our rundown of the top credit cards for frequent United flyers.
- Keep in mind, you can transfer both Chase Ultimate Rewards points and Bilt Rewards Points to United at a 1:1 ratio.
- United has a vast network of international Star Alliance partners, and you can often book flights on the carrier via those partners’ loyalty programs, including Air Canada Aeroplan.
Related reading:
- United MileagePlus: Guide to earning and redeeming miles, elite status and more
- United Premier status: What it is and how to earn it
- Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flights
- The best credit cards to reach elite status
- United basic economy: What you need to know about bags, seats, boarding and more
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.