I was immediately met with a recorded menu upon calling this United Airlines number. It had a long list of options to help get my call sent to the appropriate department. The menu was voice-activated and easy to navigate, with a recording that recognized my speech easily and directed me to my selections without fuss.
There are many reasons someone might try to contact United. The list included accessing the United Club Service Center and contacting someone for lost and found. There were many other options, such as checking a flight status, booking a trip, getting information on an existing reservation or accessing the MileagePlus loyalty program. You can also call this number to check on baggage or request a refund or receipt. Further, you can give feedback about United's services. For all other queries, you'll be asked to stay on the line to talk to an agent.
While listening to the menu, an automated system asked if I'd like a text sent to the mobile number I was calling from. This way, I could get notifications about flight status changes and updates about my query or speak directly to an agent. There wasn't, however, an option to leave a message and have an agent call me back. Although this number is accessible around the clock, when I selected the option for a text message, I was told that that wasn't possible at the time that I called.
I stayed on the line to speak directly to a representative. While I waited, I was told my call would be recorded and that any information I provided would be used in accordance with United's privacy policies. I was also asked to select whether or not I wanted to complete a survey after my call.
My call was outside of traditional business hours at around 8 p.m., but I was pleasantly surprised to be connected with a representative after only a couple rings. The agent sounded friendly, but had a thick accent that led me to believe they may have been located in an offshore call center. This was fine, however, as they understood my questions well and were able to communicate clearly.
I had some questions about United flights, making reservations and policies regarding young travelers. The agent was able to answer all of my complicated questions about sending unaccompanied children on a flight and the types of safety measures that were available. The agent was also knowledgeable about the types of identification needed to book and board a flight in various countries. All in all, the process was quick and painless and it only took about 2 minutes to get answers to all my questions.