United Airlines resumes Rhinelander-Chicago flights using Bombardier jets

According to aviation analytics company Cirium, United Express plans ten one-way flights between the two destinations in May 2025. This number will increase to twice daily in late June, resulting in 35 flights each way that month. The increased frequency will continue through July and August with 62 flights each direction before returning to one daily flight in September.

The Bombardier CRJ200 jet used for this route accommodates 50 passengers and completes the journey from Chicago O’Hare in approximately an hour. United’s Mileage Plus loyalty program applies to this service.

Leitner highlighted the community's growth and the convenience of having direct connections: “Rhinelander is a burgeoning community... Many of them work online, but when the time comes to travel... it really eliminates the necessity to go to another airport.”

In addition to reintroducing this route, United announced during its third-quarter earnings call that it would acquire eleven more Bombardier CRJ550 aircraft through SkyWest starting December. The CRJ550s are converted CRJ700s designed for premium configurations while maintaining compliance with contractual weight limits.

“United signed an agreement with SkyWest to begin operating the CRJ550 as part of the United Express portfolio,” stated United during their announcement.