United Partners with Chicago Bears to Provide Fans More Flight Options

United Airlines has launched a flight schedule to make it easier for Chicago Bears fans to travel to every away game this season, adjusting departure times of six flights so fans have the option to fly home the same night as games.

United is also flying larger planes on two routes and adding an additional nonstop flight between O’Hare Airport and London’s Heathrow Airport for the Week 6 game between the Bears and Jacksonville Jaguars at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

“We’re proud to show our support this season with this special schedule for fans,” said Patrick Quayle, United senior vice president of global network planning. “Our enhanced schedule gives customers options no other carrier is providing, making it easier for fans to support the Bears on the road during some of the biggest games of the season.”

United operates more than 500 daily departures from Chicago O’Hare with nonstop service to 148 cities in the United States and nonstop service to more than 40 international destinations. According to data from the NFL, more than 76,000 Bears fans traveled to away games during the 2023–2024 season.

“We are fortunate to continue building on our progressive and collaborative partnership with United Airlines by creating more unique opportunities to accommodate our loyal and passionate fans,” said Ted Crews, Bears senior advisor to the president/chief executive officer and chief administrative officer.

United Airlines has been the official airline of the Chicago Bears for more than 50 years. This summer, Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet worked alongside the airline’s Special Olympics Service Ambassadors for the day to help drive awareness of the organization’s travel needs.

“As Bears fans create their travel plans for the upcoming season, it is a welcomed and appreciated gesture by United to provide optimal travel accommodations through increased flight options, helping our fans return to Chicago, and wherever they call home, safely and efficiently,” said Karen Murphy, Bears executive vice president of stadium development and chief operating officer.

Last year, United created 127 new, nonstop flights for college football season, and also partnered with Wrexham AFC.