United Adds Seasonal Nonstop Chicago O’Hare (ORD) – Monterey (MRY) From May 23, 2026
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United Airlines will launch a once-weekly seasonal nonstop between Chicago O’Hare (ORD) and Monterey Regional (MRY) starting Saturday, May 23, 2026, marking the carrier’s return to mainline service at MRY. The flight will operate Saturdays through late August, arriving around midday and departing later that afternoon—a weekend-friendly pattern that neatly bookends Central Coast getaways. Tickets are available now via United channels.
Why This Route Matters
The new ORD–MRY link connects two marquee destinations—the Magnificent Mile and 17-Mile Drive—and plugs Monterey County directly into United’s Midwest hub. For travelers across the Midwest and East Coast, the route enables one-stop itineraries to Monterey (MRY) via Chicago O’Hare (ORD); for local residents, it opens nearly 100 onward domestic destinations through United’s hub banks.
Schedule Snapshot
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Start: Saturday, May 23, 2026
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Frequency: 1x weekly (Saturdays) through late August
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Pattern: Midday arrival into Monterey (MRY); afternoon return to Chicago O’Hare (ORD)
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Sales: Open now in United’s app and at united.com
(Exact timings will publish in schedules closer to launch.)
Aircraft & Onboard Experience
United has not yet specified equipment, but the return to mainline at Monterey (MRY) indicates a Boeing 737 or Airbus A319/A320 family narrowbody—aircraft that typically bring two cabins, Wi-Fi, and power at most seats. Final aircraft assignments will be reflected in published schedules.
How It Fits United’s Monterey Network
The ORD–MRY service complements United’s existing year-round routes linking Monterey (MRY) with Denver (DEN), Los Angeles (LAX), and San Francisco (SFO), providing additional connectivity and schedule depth as Monterey Regional continues its airport modernization—including a new terminal slated for 2027.
Destination Highlights For Incoming Visitors
Monterey County offers 99 miles of Pacific coastline, the storybook streets of Carmel-by-the-Sea, the rugged drama of Big Sur, championship golf at Pebble Beach, the agricultural heritage of the Salinas Valley, and a noted wine and culinary scene—now reachable nonstop from Chicago O’Hare (ORD).
Bottom Line
United’s seasonal Saturday nonstop between Chicago O’Hare (ORD) and Monterey (MRY) launches May 23, 2026, restoring mainline service at MRY and giving travelers on both ends a convenient, weekend-optimized option. With bookings open and strong hub connectivity via ORD, expect the new route to be a popular bridge between the Midwest and California’s Central Coast.
