United and American Airlines intensify rivalry with new campaigns at Chicago O'Hare

Both airlines have ambitious expansion plans at O'Hare. Earlier this year, American Airlines announced a significant increase in its flights, promising larger aircraft and premium options for the summer. New routes include services to Naples, Italy, and Honolulu, among others. Ben Humphrey, American’s Vice President of ORD Operations, stated, "O’Hare has always been a vital hub for American, connecting the Midwest to our global network and bringing travelers from across the world to Chicago for business and pleasure."

Meanwhile, United Airlines plans to increase its capacity at the airport, expecting to secure more gates this fall, which signifies a record in the past two decades. The rivalry between the two airlines is set to continue, with each aiming for dominance at O'Hare.

Historically, airlines have often engaged in targeted advertisements to outshine competitors. For instance, Jet Airways once playfully targeted IndiGo following an incident that made headlines. Senior executives also occasionally weigh in on such rivalries, as seen in comments from United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby on a recent policy change at Southwest Airlines.

The airline industry is no stranger to competition, and the playful banter at O'Hare reflects traditional tactics used to capture more of the market share.