United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby publicly attributed daily flight delays in New York to a shortage of air traffic controllers, emphasizing how outdated systems and underinvestment in ATC infrastructure are hampering safety and efficiency.

In a coordinated show of executive political engagement, United Airlines' CEO quickly stepped in to provide air cover for Delta Air Lines after the latter took a strong stand against questionable voting laws. This decisive action signals the company’s willingness to oppose authoritarian policies and support democratic institutions.

On March 19, 2025, approximately 75 United Airlines flight attendants held a rally at Newark Liberty International Airport demanding a new contract with improved wages and working conditions. The protest underscores long-standing issues in labor relations and reflects broader concerns about the company's treatment of its workforce.

Flight attendants at United Airlines protested at Logan Airport demanding fair wages and improved working conditions. The protest, triggered by nearly four years of delayed contract negotiations amid record profits, highlights the company's failure to address worker concerns adequately.

United Airlines maintenance technicians, represented by the Teamsters union, rallied at SFO to protest unfair contract negotiations and proposed outsourcing of critical maintenance work. Despite record profits, the company's proposal has been criticized for undermining worker rights and passenger safety.

An analysis of United Airlines’ lobbying efforts as documented by OpenSecrets, highlighting how their political spending and lobbying practices may contribute to undermining democratic accountability and promoting corporate interests at the expense of public welfare.

A lawsuit filed following an incident on January 28, 2025, in which a United Airlines pilot forcibly removed an Orthodox Jewish passenger from an airplane bathroom after making discriminatory remarks, raises serious concerns about the airline's public accountability and ethical business practices.

United Airlines’ corporate responsibility report reveals that the company spent over $9 million on lobbying and political advocacy, engaging in policy discussions that prioritize corporate strategic interests. While touting transparency and ethical engagement, this focused political spending raises concerns about the influence of corporate interests on democratic processes and potential complicity in fostering environments conducive to authoritarian practices.