United Airlines has introduced a first-of-its-kind flight schedule to make it easier for Chicago Bears fans to travel to all away games this season.
In an unprecedented move, the airline has adjusted its flight schedule to accommodate fans at away games, demonstrating its commitment to the team and its fans.
Tailor-made trips for Bears fans
A key part of this new program is adjusting departure times for six key flights. This strategic planning gives Bears fans the flexibility to return home the same night as away games, a convenience that was previously unavailable.
United’s personalized approach also includes:
– Larger aircraft will be used on two popular routes to increase capacity for fan travel.
– An additional nonstop flight has been added between Chicago O’Hare and London’s Heathrow Airport for the Bears vs. Jaguars game in Week 6 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, bringing the total to four nonstop options for this international clash.
These improvements are a direct response to the remarkable engagement of Bears fans. According to NFL data, more than 76,000 Bears fans traveled to away games during the 2023-24 season, making them some of the most engaged away fans in the league.
United’s commitment to Chicago
Patrick Quayle, senior vice president of global network planning at Unitedemphasized the airline’s ties to its hometown.
“As Chicago’s Hometown Airline® and a long-time sponsor of the Chicago Bears, we are proud to offer this special plan. Our expanded options provide unprecedented convenience for fans supporting the Bears at important away games.”
With over 500 departures daily from O’Hare International Airport, United Airlines has a strong presence in Chicago.
The airline offers nonstop connections to 148 cities in the USA and to over 40 international destinations, thus cementing its role as Chicago’s main air travel provider.
A tradition of partnership
United Airlines’ relationship with the Chicago Bears has spanned more than five decades. During that time, United has transported the team to over 350 games and enabled thousands of fans to travel to support their team on the road.
This partnership extends beyond the football field; both organizations frequently collaborate on community initiatives in the Chicago area.
A recent example of this community engagement was the collaboration between Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet and United’s Special Olympics Service Ambassadors.
The goal of this joint effort was to raise awareness of the travel needs of Special Olympics participants and to demonstrate the broader impact of the United-Bears partnership.
Bears leadership welcomes initiative
Ted Crews, Senior Advisor to the President/CEO and Chief Administrative Officer of the Bearspraised the expanded cooperation: “We are happy to be able to further expand our progressive and cooperative collaboration with United Airlines.”
“Creating these unique opportunities for our loyal and passionate fans is a testament to our shared commitment to the Bears community.”
Karen Murphy, Executive Vice President of Stadium Development and Chief Operating Officer of the Bearsadded her appreciation.
“As Bears fans plan their travels for the upcoming season, United’s gesture to provide optimal travel opportunities through more flight options is welcome and greatly appreciated. This initiative will help our fans return to Chicago and every place they call home safely and efficiently.”
Detailed schedule changes
United’s customized schedule includes retimed return flights to Chicago for seven games and offers same-night or early morning flight options:
– Houston (IAH), September 15 – 23:59 departure
– Indianapolis (IND), September 22 – 19:19 departure
– Phoenix (PHX), Nov. 3 – 8:45 p.m. departure
– Detroit (DTW), November 28 – 5:30 p.m. departure
– San Jose (SJC), December 8 – 7:00 p.m. departure
– Minneapolis (MSP), December 17 – 7:20 a.m. departure (next morning)
– Green Bay (GRB), January 5 – 19:41 departure
Larger aircraft will be deployed between Chicago O’Hare and Reagan National Airport and to Green Bay on October 27, when the game date is announced.
Additional flights between Chicago O’Hare and London Heathrow on October 9-10, with round-trip options on October 14-15.
With the NFL season approaching, Chicago Bears fans can look forward to an unprecedented level of convenience and flexibility in their travel plans to away games.
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