United Airlines's Federal Lobbying Record
At $10.9M in disclosed federal lobbying, United Airlines ranks as a major spender — well above the typical filer. Outlays in this range generally reflect a sustained presence in Washington, with at least one full-time government affairs lead and a stable of outside lobbyists engaged on the organization's priority issues.
Across the 5-year window from 2020 to 2024, United Airlines's annual disclosed lobbying spend has held roughly steady — $2.1M at the start versus $2.0M at the most recent year-end. Year-to-year wobbles inside that range usually reflect timing of legislative cycles rather than a strategic shift.
United Airlines's disclosed lobbying covers 5 general issue areas — a moderate footprint. Filers in this range tend to engage on a coherent cluster of related topics rather than spreading effort across the federal agenda.
3 of 7 lobbyists reported by United Airlines (43%) disclose prior federal government service. That share is common at established government affairs operations that explicitly hire from agency and committee staff.
Among the named bench, lobbyists with disclosed prior federal service include Robert L. Walker (Former Commissioner, FCC); Susan K. Lopez (Former Senior Counsel, Senate Finance Committee); Michael D. Ferrell (Former Chief Counsel, House Ways & Means Committee). The covered-position field on LDA cover sheets captures executive-branch and senior congressional roles held within the prior two years.
Within the Transportation sector, United Airlines ranks #4 of 17 tracked organizations by disclosed lobbying spend. The sector leader is FedEx Corporation at $34.8M; the sector average is $9.3M. United Airlines's $10.9M sits 18% above the sector average.
United Airlines's LobbySpend Influence Score of 61/100 (grade B) reflects significant federal lobbying reach. The score blends disclosed total spend, issue breadth, and revolving-door connections — lobbyists with prior federal government service. A B-grade typically means the organization is well above average on at least two of those three signals, with sustained activity over multiple years rather than a one-off spike.
Every figure above is sourced from Senate lobbying disclosure filings submitted under the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995. Per-issue dollar splits and covered-position flags are filer-reported and may be amended after initial submission.
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Annual Lobbying Spend
Policy Issues
Government Entities Contacted
Recent Filings
| Period | Registrant | Issues | Lobbyists | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Oct-Dec | Capitol Counsel | GOVLBR | 2 | $527K |
| 2024 Jul-Sep | Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld | TRAGOVAVI | 3 | $423K |
| 2024 Apr-Jun | Venable LLP | TRAAVITAX | 3 | $410K |
| 2024 Jan-Mar | Jones Day | AVITRALBR+2 | 3 | $476K |
| 2023 Oct-Dec | Steptoe & Johnson | TRAAVILBR+1 | 2 | $604K |
| 2023 Jul-Sep | DLA Piper | TAXLBR | 2 | $634K |
| 2023 Apr-Jun | S-3 Group | LBRTAXTRA+2 | 3 | $615K |
| 2023 Jan-Mar | Venable LLP | AVITRATAX | 2 | $438K |
United Airlines Lobbying FAQ
United Airlines has spent $10.9M on federal lobbying across 5 policy areas. This includes spending on registered lobbyists and direct government contacts.
United Airlines lobbies on 5 policy issues, including Aviation/Airlines, Transportation, Taxation, Labor/Workplace. These disclosures are filed quarterly with the Senate Office of Public Records.
United Airlines has an Influence Score of 61/100 (Grade B). This proprietary score is based on total lobby spend (40%), policy issue breadth (30%), and revolving door connections (30%).
United Airlines employs 7 registered lobbyists, of whom 3 have revolving door connections, meaning they previously held government positions before becoming lobbyists.
United Airlines has contacted 6 government entities as part of their lobbying activities, including Dept of Justice, Dept of Education, Office of Management & Budget.
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Lobbying data is sourced from quarterly Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) filings with the Senate Office of Public Records. Influence Scores combine total spend (40%), issue breadth (30%), and revolving door connections (30%). Filings may be amended after initial submission.