Airline Phone Calls Guide
Last updated: July 31, 2026
Calling an airline is almost always a last resort — the app didn't work, the website crashed, or your situation is too complicated for a chatbot. When you do need to call, here's every number, the real hold times, and how to actually reach a human being.
United Airlines
- Phone number 1-800-864-8331
- Hours 24/7
- Avg hold time 15 – 45 minutes (spikes during weather events and holidays)
- Best time to call Early morning (before 8 a.m.) or late evening on weekdays
- Tip Say "agent" immediately when the automated system picks up — repeating it bypasses most of the menu.
Delta Air Lines
- Phone number 1-800-221-1212
- Hours 24/7
- Avg hold time 15 – 40 minutes
- Best time to call Early morning or late evening — mid-day is worst.
- Tip Delta Medallion members get a dedicated line with shorter waits. Check if your credit card gives you status.
American Airlines
- Phone number 1-800-433-7300
- Hours 24/7
- Avg hold time 20 – 60 minutes
- Best time to call Before 9 a.m. Eastern or after 9 p.m.
- Tip If you're calling about a flight within 72 hours, mention that immediately — you'll often get routed to a priority queue.
General Airline Calling Tips
- Works for Southwest, JetBlue, Alaska, Spirit, Frontier, and any other carrier
- Key advice Always have your confirmation number ready before calling
- Best time to call Early morning or late night — the further from business hours, the shorter the wait.
- Tip If hold times are insane, try calling the airline's international number for your destination country — you'll often get connected faster with the same agents.
Hotels
- Phone number Varies by hotel chain and property
- Hours Front desks are typically 24/7; reservation lines vary
- Avg hold time 5 – 20 minutes for chains; direct hotel lines are usually faster
- Best time to call Morning, before check-in rush starts around 2 p.m.
- Tip Call the hotel directly — not the chain's 800 number — for room-specific requests, upgrades, or late checkout.
Common questions
What is the United Airlines phone number?
United Airlines is 1-800-864-8331, staffed 24/7. Average hold time runs 15 to 45 minutes and spikes during weather events and holidays. Say "agent" immediately when the automated system picks up — repeating it bypasses most of the menu.
What is the Delta Air Lines phone number?
Delta Air Lines is 1-800-221-1212, staffed 24/7, with an average hold time of 15 to 40 minutes. Early morning or late evening is best; mid-day is worst. Delta Medallion members get a dedicated line with shorter waits — check whether your credit card gives you status.
What is the American Airlines phone number?
American Airlines is 1-800-433-7300, staffed 24/7, with an average hold time of 20 to 60 minutes. Call before 9 a.m. Eastern or after 9 p.m. If you're calling about a flight within 72 hours, mention that immediately — you'll often get routed to a priority queue.
What is the best time to call an airline?
Early morning or late night. The further from business hours you call, the shorter the wait. Always have your confirmation number ready before you dial.
How do I get through faster when airline hold times are terrible?
Try the airline's international number for your destination country — you'll often get connected faster and reach the same agents.
Don't spend your evening on hold with an airline
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