Skip to main content

United restarts Salt Lake City route after 11-year pause

United Airlines will resume flight between SLC and IAD

Salt Lake City mountains twilight
Salt Lake City, Utah Todd Trapani via Unsplash

This December, United Airlines resumes its Washington, D.C. to Salt Lake City route after an 11-year break. Flights will travel daily between Washington-Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC). Over time, United will vary aircraft and seat count along the route. The move adds competition to the route, where Delta was the only airline with a similar flight. 

The details of United’s IAD to SLC flight

Great Salt Lake State Park, Salt Lake City, Utah
Great Salt Lake State Park, Salt Lake County, Utah Mick Haupt via Unsplash

United resumes the IAD to SLC route on December 19, 2024, initially using a variety of planes, such as the Airbus A320 and A319 and the Boeing 737-700. Later in 2025, the flight will switch to an all-Boeing fleet while gradually increasing available seats. 

Recommended Videos

When the route restarts in December, it’ll depart IAD at 5:30 p.m. and arrive in SLC at 8:34 p.m. The return route leaves SLC at 11:30 p.m. and arrives at 5:29 a.m. the next day. As time passes, United plans to make aircraft and schedule updates, providing thousands of seats along the popular corridor.

Quick facts on the IAD to SLC flight:

  • 26 flights in December 2024, with 3,372 seats
  • January 2025 increases to 62 flights with 9,060 seats
  • February introduces 56 flights aboard the 737 MAX 9, whose increased capacity brings 9,063 available seats
  • In March 2025, the flight begins using an all-Boeing fleet. Boeing 737-800s will replace Airbus A320s. There will be 62 flights with 10,300 seats

Previously, United served the IAD to SLC route until December 3, 2013, and until then, was the sole airline doing so. After United’s exit, Delta added IAD to SLC service starting in April 2017, and was the sole provider until United’s re-entry. 

Mark Reif
Mark Reif is a writer from Stowe, Vermont. During the winter, he works as a snowboard coach and rides more than 100 days. The…
Delta announces direct route to Australia via this West Coast city
Delta will fly nonstop from Los Angles to Melbourne
Melbourne, Australia

In December 2025, Delta will begin direct service from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Australia’s Melbourne Airport (MEL). The route provides a convenient way to travel down under and reach a city full of culture, art, and music. Not only that, but it’s aboard a state-of-the-art Airbus aircraft. Here’s what to know.
Go from LAX to MEL aboard an Airbus A350-900
 

Delta One Lounge at LAX Delta Air Lines

Read more
Icelandair announces route to this Florida destination
Icelandair will begin flying to Miami
Miami, Florida

Beginning in autumn 2025, Icelandair will connect Reykjavík's Keflavik International Airport (KEF) to Miami International Airport (MIA). The trip from fjords and snow to sun and palm trees will run through March aboard a modern Airbus aircraft. The route will be Miami’s 21st international destination.
The trip is aboard a brand-new Airbus A321LR
Miami, Florida Ryan Spencer via Unsplash

Passengers can travel comfortably from Iceland’s arctic air to Miami’s tropical warmth, flying on a brand-new Airbus A321LR aircraft. Flight time is about seven and a half to eight hours. At the moment, no other airline serves the route. The flights will operate three times weekly, on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. 

Read more
Elite status match returns at United — here’s how to apply
United's Elite status match program is back
united airlines elite status match b777a

United Airlines’ status match program for 2025 just debuted, giving top-tier loyalty members from competitors a chance to earn equal status in the MileagePlus program. The 2025 MileagePlus Premier Status Match Challenge went live on January 8 and runs through June 30. 
The airlines eligible for United’s status match

Eligible frequent flyer programs include Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards, JetBlue Airways True Blue, British Airways, Alaska Airlines MVP elite status, Delta Air Lines Medallion level, American Airlines AAdvantage elite status, and more. Those who qualify will be upgraded for 120 days to Premier Silver, Premier Gold, or Premier Platinum status. That happens after completing an “activating” flight on United or United Express within 90 days. Prospective customers can apply via form on the United website.

Read more