United Airlines confirmed the new daily Chicago O'Hare to Seoul Incheon service begins September 15. Flight UA-896 departs Chicago at 11:55 a.m. and arrives Seoul at 4:20 p.m. the next day. Return UA-897 leaves Seoul at 6:50 p.m. and lands in Chicago at 6:05 p.m. the same day.
The Boeing 787-9 features 45 Polaris business seats, 84 Premium Plus seats and 128 economy seats. Wi-Fi and in-seat power are available throughout the cabin. United expects 180,000 passengers annually on the route by the end of 2027.
Chicago serves as a major hub for Midwest corporate travellers heading to Korean electronics and auto suppliers. The flight reduces travel time by four hours compared with one-stop itineraries via Tokyo or San Francisco. Cargo capacity of 15 tons per flight supports pharmaceutical shipments.
Introductory business class fares start at 3,200 USD round-trip for September travel. Economy fares begin at 1,050 USD. United is offering double MileagePlus miles for the first 60 days of operation.
Seoul Incheon will add United to its list of 15 daily U.S. nonstop partners. The airline already flies daily from San Francisco and Newark to Seoul. Slot restrictions at Chicago limited earlier expansion until a new gate agreement was reached in April.
Passengers connecting from smaller Midwest cities can use United's Express network with through-checked bags. TSA PreCheck and Global Entry members receive expedited processing at both ends. The airline advises booking early as load factors are forecast above 85 percent.
Future plans include seasonal increases to 10 weekly flights during summer 2027. United continues to evaluate additional Asian routes from its Chicago hub based on demand data. The Seoul service strengthens the carrier's position against Delta and American on transpacific routes.