Tuesday, August 6, 2024
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United Airlines has introduced a groundbreaking flight schedule designed to streamline travel for Chicago Bears fans attending away games this season. For the first time, the airline is adjusting the departure times of six flights, allowing fans to return home the same night as the away games. Additionally, United is deploying larger aircraft on two routes and adding an extra nonstop flight between O’Hare International Airport and London Heathrow for the Week 6 Bears/Jaguars matchup at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, resulting in a total of four nonstop flights to London.
The NFL reports that Chicago Bears fans are some of the most enthusiastic travelers, with over 76,000 supporters attending away games during the 2023-24 season.
“As Chicago’s Hometown Airline® and long-standing sponsor of the Chicago Bears, we’re proud to show our support this season with this special schedule for fans,” said Patrick Quayle, United’s 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 Airlines, the largest carrier in Chicago, offers over 500 daily departures from O’Hare International Airport, providing nonstop flights to 148 U.S. cities and more than 40 international destinations.
For over 50 years, United Airlines has been the official airline of the Chicago Bears, transporting the team to over 350 games and facilitating travel for thousands of fans each season. The airline and the team frequently collaborate on community initiatives in the Chicago area. For instance, earlier this summer, Chicago Bears Tight End Cole Kmet joined United’s Special Olympics Service Ambassadors to raise awareness about the organization’s travel requirements.
“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 Bears Senior Advisor to the President/CEO & Chief Administrative Officer, Ted Crews.
“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 & Chief Operating Officer.
Bears Away Game Travel Schedule
United Airlines is enhancing travel options for fans to attend every away game this season with the following updates:
- Rescheduled Return Flights: Fans can now choose to return to Chicago the same night or the next morning for seven games:
- Houston, TX (IAH) on September 15 – Flight departs at 11:59 p.m.
- Indianapolis, IN (IND) on September 22 – Flight departs at 7:19 p.m.
- Phoenix, AZ (PHX) on November 3 – Flight departs at 8:45 p.m.
- Detroit, MI (DTW) on November 28 – Flight departs at 5:30 p.m.
- San Jose, CA (SJC) on December 8 – Flight departs at 7:00 p.m.
- Minneapolis, MN (MSP) on December 17 – Flight departs at 7:20 a.m. (next morning)
- Green Bay, WI (GRB) on January 5 – Flight departs at 7:41 p.m.
- Larger Aircraft: United will operate larger planes between Chicago O’Hare and Reagan National Airport on October 27 and to Green Bay, WI when the game date is confirmed.
- Additional Flights to London: An extra nonstop flight will be available between Chicago O’Hare and London Heathrow on October 9 and 10, returning on October 14 and 15.
Tickets are available now through the United app and on United.com.
