Nov. 10 marked the one-year anniversary of United Express operated by SkyWest Airlines servicing the Victoria Regional Airport. Connecting into Terminal B at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), United Express offers benefits that have never been available to passengers flying out of Victoria.
United Express operates a 50-seat passenger jet, which is the largest commercial passenger jet Victoria has ever seen. United has teamed up with Clorox to develop the United CleanPlus Commitment with enhanced cleaning protocols and training for all airline staff. Every time a United plane touches down, the airline staff take great care to disinfect all high-touch surfaces, making your flying experience safer than it has ever been!
Along with the larger aircraft, the process of buying tickets is very streamlined. The easiest way to book your tickets is to utilize the United Airlines app. When you can connect to United’s second-largest North American hub, the travel possibilities from Victoria are endless. You can enroll in United’s free frequent flyer program, MileagePlus, and start earning miles toward upgrades and tickets. One couple flew between Houston and Victoria since United Express arrived here, and this summer they had earned enough points to take a trip to Ireland! With affordable tickets, why not earn flight miles instead of racking up miles on your vehicle?
Delayed flights? Now you no longer need to “eat” the cost of rebooking your next flights, or scramble to drive two-plus hours to catch your connection and pay parking fees, because one of the many benefits of United Express service is the peace of mind you get when things don’t go according to plan. Travel disruptions can happen in the airline industry, but now if you have your trip booked all the way through on United, they will get your flights rebooked at no extra cost—getting you and your bags to your destination with no surprise fees and without the added stress of driving to the city.
With United Express, you are now able to check your bags through to your final destination (restrictions may apply depending on the connecting airline). Gone are the days where you had to pick up your bags at baggage claim, recheck them with your next flight, make the long journey back through security and finally head to your next gate. When you fly out of Victoria, you check your bags at the ticket counter, go through security and begin your journey. You do not need to waste your precious vacation time standing in line: Short TSA lines are just one of the other perks you get by flying local.
Victoria is very fortunate to have a big-name carrier like United Express to service our area. Those who have flown with United Express have experienced firsthand the difference in air service and have given very positive feedback. Things have dramatically changed at Victoria Regional Airport in the last year, and all for the betterment and growth of our town and local economy.
As more passengers take advantage of the benefits of local air service, the airport will be eligible for more federal funding. Wouldn’t you like to be a contributor to our community’s economic growth? Fly local.
Vinicio “Lenny” Llerena is the executive director of the Victoria Regional Airport.