If you’re feeling frustrated by endless automated menus and you really want to speak to a human at United Airlines, you’re definitely not alone — and you’re wise to look for the most effective ways to reach a live person. First, you can try calling United Airlines’ main customer service number, which is 1-877-827-8493. Once you dial this number, you’ll likely be greeted by an automated voice system that wants to direct you based on your spoken or keypad responses. The trick here is to listen carefully but act decisively: when the system starts listing options, do not get lost in them. Many travelers find it helpful to simply press “0” repeatedly or say “agent” or “representative” clearly into the phone. Sometimes you’ll have to do this multiple times because the automated system is designed to try and handle your issue without involving an agent — which can be extremely frustrating if you have a unique problem or need an answer that the automated prompts can’t provide. Stay calm and persistent. If the system continues to redirect you, try not entering any information at all when prompted — this can sometimes force the system to transfer you to a live person because it doesn’t know how else to help you.

It’s also good to know that timing matters. Calling early in the morning or late at night can sometimes get you through faster because the call volumes tend to be lower. If you have the patience, try to avoid peak travel times like Monday mornings or Friday evenings. Another tip is to have all your details ready before you get through: your reservation number, frequent flyer number, or any reference codes will make the conversation with the human agent smoother and faster. Once you do get a live agent on the line, remember they are people too — and they deal with frustrated travelers all day. Being polite but assertive will help you get better service. Explain your issue clearly, provide the details they ask for, and if you don’t get a satisfactory answer, it’s okay to politely ask to escalate your issue or speak with a supervisor.

Beyond the phone number, United Airlines also has other ways to reach a human being if the phone route isn’t working. You can try the live chat feature on United’s official website or mobile app. Sometimes, starting with the chat bot and typing “agent” or “live representative” will connect you to a real person. If you’re at an airport, don’t forget you can always approach a United Airlines customer service desk in person — they often have agents who can help with rebookings, cancellations, special assistance, or lost baggage issues. Social media can be surprisingly effective too: sending a polite direct message on X (formerly Twitter) or Facebook Messenger can sometimes get you a faster human response because airlines don’t want a customer complaint lingering in public view.

The bottom line is that patience, persistence, and politeness are your best tools when you need to speak to a human at United Airlines. Keep that number, 1-877-827-8493, handy, stay calm when the robots try to keep you in their loop, and don’t hesitate to use every avenue available to get your issue resolved. A human touch still makes all the difference when your travel plans hang in the balance.