airline April 28, 2026

United Airlines Expands Summer European Network with Four New Routes

United Airlines is expanding its summer schedule with new European routes to Split, Bari, Glasgow, and Santiago de Compostela.

United Airlines is expanding its European footprint this summer. The airline will add direct service to Split, Croatia; Bari, Italy; Glasgow, Scotland; and Santiago de Compostela, Spain.

Destination Breakdown: From the Dalmatian Coast to the Scottish Highlands

Split, Croatia (SPU): A seasonal route to the Adriatic coast.
Bari, Italy (BRI): Direct access to the Puglia region.
Glasgow, Scotland (GLA): Seasonal service to the United Kingdom.
Santiago De Compostela, Spain (SCQ): A new gateway to the Galicia region.

Bypassing Major Hubs

These new routes allow travelers to avoid congested hubs like London Heathrow (LHR) or Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG). Flying into secondary destinations like Bari (BRI) or Split (SPU) removes the need for extra connections or long train rides. Bari (BRI) is a more efficient gateway to the Puglia region than Rome (FCO). This addition is strategic. Instead of landing in a massive hub and spending hours on a train, you can land right in the heart of Italy’s heel. This provides immediate access to the white-washed towns of Puglia and the Adriatic shoreline. Similarly, Split (SPU) is a primary entry point for the Dalmatian Coast. This makes it a practical choice for travelers visiting the Croatian islands.

Expected US Connections

Travelers will likely connect to these new European routes through major US hubs. While specific schedules vary, look for departures from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), or Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).

Maximizing Your MileagePlus Miles

United uses dynamic pricing for these routes. This means the cost in miles changes based on demand. To get the best value, transfer points from Chase Ultimate Rewards or Bilt Rewards. Both programs offer a 1:1 transfer ratio to United MileagePlus. This is more efficient than using Marriott Bonvoy points, which require a 3:1 transfer ratio. As a member of the Star Alliance, United offers a massive global network for your connections. This network is larger than Delta’s SkyTeam alliance or American Airlines’ Oneworld alliance.

Traveler Advice

If you plan to travel during peak months like July or August, book your seats early. Availability is limited during these windows. You can check specific departure dates and current pricing on United.com.