Calling this number seems to be best used for getting tickets booked or addressing complaints with United Airlines, as opposed to asking for general information. When I called this number, I was told that representatives were available 24 hours a day to assist with current travel. I was then given two options: I could press 1 for questions about current or future travel and 2 for comments about travel that had been completed.
I chose 1 and was informed that by continuing to use the number, I was consenting to United Airlines' use of my information regarding my travel. After about a minute, I was connected with a customer service representative, who asked how she could help me. I explained that I was planning to travel in May and wanted to know how far in advance I should start planning and looking for tickets so I could get an affordable ticket to my destination.
She explained to me that she really didn't have an idea as to how far in advance the airline would set its prices other than to let me know that the airline would increase the price as inventory decreased, which would change regularly as people made their travel plans. I then asked if that meant I should plan on paying close attention to United's website to get the best deal, and she said that I could either do that or book a refundable ticket as early as possible.
She explained that if I bought a refundable ticket and saw a lower price later, I could get a full refund and exchange my ticket at that point, allowing me to take advantage of the lower fare. I said that I understood and appreciated her assistance, and she then asked if she could assist me in any other way. I said that was all I needed and thanked her for the assistance. She thanked me for calling United and wished me a pleasant day.
Overall, I thought this was a fairly straightforward experience in calling United. I was able to get my question answered in a manner, and even though I didn't get any new information, it confirmed that I was already doing things in an ideal manner to limit my costs for my upcoming trip.
I appreciated getting assistance almost immediately, as I didn't have to spend much time at all waiting on hold and was able to promptly ask my question. I think the help offered could be a little more detailed as opposed to only helping guests who were already in need of travel, but this is a small detail. If you need pre- or post-flight instruction, this number would be very effective at getting assistance; if you're just looking for general help, there are likely other and better options available to you.