United Airlines and American Airlines are locked in a fierce contest at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport, marked by aggressive advertising and legal maneuvers. United recently ramped up its efforts with a billboard campaign in April 2025, highlighting its strong Chicago ties and steering travelers towards its terminal, subtly suggesting that other terminals are just 'the rest.' This is part of United's broader strategy to assert its status as the leading airline in the city, as reported by Axios.
Both airlines are also scrutinizing the expansion of O'Hare, which has seen its budget swell from $8.5 billion to $12 billion. United and American have pushed back, urging a reassessment of the project scope due to the rising costs. The increase has prompted the airlines to call for a more measured approach, stressing the financial implications as essential stakeholders of the airport.
The competitive landscape is underscored by a history of legal battles and lobbying efforts. In 2018, American Airlines legally challenged the expansion project, protesting United's acquisition of additional gates. This move sparked a substantial lobbying war as both airlines aimed to influence city officials and the wider community. In line with this rivalry, United unveiled three new route additions from Chicago in November 2024, mirroring American's expansion plans, amplifying the intense competition at this crucial hub.