Service to Chicago from University Park Airport Is Getting an Upgrade

Flights to Chicago from University Park Airport will offer more passenger space and multiple seating classes on a larger jet starting this spring.

United Airlines is upgrading the twice-daily service from State College to O’Hare Airport, which first began in January 2014. GoJet Airlines will provide the service on behalf of United with a 70-passenger CRJ 700 aircraft, make it the first to operate that kind of jet airliner on a schedule basis at University Park Airport.

“The O’Hare service has performed very well year after year, and it’s been a win-win for both United and the travelers in the region,” Bryan Rodgers, director of University Park Airport, said in a news release. “The scheduling of larger aircraft on that route is evidence of its success, and we’re looking forward to this aircraft joining our fleet at University Park Airport.”

Since the Chicago service first began in 2014, flights have used a 50-seat regional jet airliner. The larger aircraft will offer six first-class seats, 16 economy-plus seats and 48 economy seats.

Jim Meyer, executive director of the Centre County Airport Authority, said the upgrade ‘is a result of significant growth in this area, and the popularity of this direct route.’

He added that the hope is to also see flights expand from two to three daily.

“This announcement of a service enhancement by United… is yet another testimonial to Penn State’s tireless efforts to improve and expand commercial offerings to the University Park Airport,” said David Gray, Penn State senior vice president for finance and business/treasurer.

In addition to Chicago, University Park airport offers direct commercial flights to Philadelphia, Detroit and Washington Dulles.