United Airlines is beefing up its winter schedule, adding a number of new routes and frequencies beginning January 6, 2026. But what’s catching the most attention isn’t just the added flights, it’s the shade United threw at Spirit Airlines when announcing them.

United Airlines Expands Winter Schedule, Throws Shade At Spirit Airlines

United will add service to 15 cities including Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, and Las Vegas. The expansion includes more frequencies from hubs in Houston, Chicago, Newark, and Los Angeles. In addition, United will launch two new routes from Newark (EWR):

• Newark – Columbia, South Carolina (CAE) [the return of the “Chairman’s Flight,” LOL!]
• Newark – Chattanooga, Tennessee (CHA)

On the international front, Houston will see new weekly flights to Central America: Guatemala City (GUA), San Salvador (SAL), and San Pedro Sula (SAP).

Here’s a look at some of the highlights:

• Houston – additional daily service to Orlando, Las Vegas, New Orleans, Atlanta, Baltimore, Miami
• Chicago – additional daily service to Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, New Orleans, Las Vegas
• Newark – additional daily service to Orlando and Fort Lauderdale
• Los Angeles – additional daily service to Las Vegas

The Spirit Airlines Jab

Patrick Quayle, United’s SVP of Global Network Planning and Alliances, framed the schedule build-up as a preemptive move to accommodate potential displaced passengers from Spirit Airlines:

“If Spirit suddenly goes out of business it will be incredibly disruptive, so we’re adding these flights to give their customers other options if they want or need them.”

That’s a remarkably blunt statement. Spirit has been struggling with ongoing financial losses and an uncertain future following its failed JetBlue merger (it has not sought Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection for a second time in less than a year), but for a major competitor to publicly speculate about Spirit’s demise is…unusual.

United Works To Undermine The Future Of Spirit

United is clearly positioning itself to scoop up low-cost carrier traffic in key leisure markets, particularly Florida and Las Vegas, while also strengthening Central American connectivity out of Houston. The timing of this announcement, paired with the not-so-subtle Spirit commentary, suggests United sees real opportunity to capture market share if Spirit falters.

Even if Spirit survives, these added flights and larger aircraft put United in a stronger competitive position in markets that have traditionally been ultra-low-cost carrier strongholds. It may not be profitable on a short-term basis, but United will continue to try to siphon traffic from the ultra-low-cost carrier until it ceases to be a competitive threat.

CONCLUSION

United Airlines is adding dozens of new flights this winter, with notable increases to Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, and Las Vegas. Beyond the schedule expansion itself (which is normal for United’s winter schedule), United openly cast doubt on Spirit Airlines’ future, a move that could foreshadow even more aggressive market moves if Spirit collapses. For now, travelers benefit from more flight options and connectivity…but the competitive landscape between US carriers remains as cutthroat as ever.

image: United Airlines