Generally, air travel is just a painful process to get through. United Airlines decided that flying should be an event itself, a journey that goes beyond “Point A to Point B”. From airport to airspace, the whole flying experience has been transformed into an 8-bit adventure, ending with a flight-wide gaming challenge that ends in real-life prizes. Welcome to United Aircade.

LET THE GAMES BEGIN

The United ticket desk sets the tone with an 8-bit makeover

Flyers continue their journey on moving walkways that have been wrapped to simulate the play and feel of the game.

8-Bit Walkway

Travelers can admire the newly designed aircraft as they wait to board, which they’ll do through a gamified gate.

Your Gate To Gaming

The plane isn’t just a plane anymore: it’s a true arcade in the sky, designed after the nostalgic locations everybody is familiar with.

The Aircade

The redesigned United app comes to life when passengers turn on airplane mode. 

Pilot Mode allows passengers to play by themselves and rack up points for real-life benefits. Possible prizes include a free snack pack, complimentary drink, early boarding on your next flight, one-time United lounge access, and super rad merch.

SINGLE PLAYER

Passengers can select Co-Pilot mode to compete with their cabin-mates. The entire flight works together toward an all time high score, with gigantic prizes if they achieve it. Prizes include lounge access for one year, a free round-trip flight, merch packs, and first-class upgrades.

Enter Player two

Because the Aircade is a gaming experience like none other, United is collaborating with Atari, the arcade game pioneers, to make special edition controllers and merch.

UNITED X ATARI

Gaming is hungry work, so the Aircade is provides special edition drinks and snack boxes to keep the fun going.

Gaming Fuel

Whether travelers have just arrived, or are in between flights, the United Lounge’s game-centric transformation is the place to be.

Level Up Your Layover

To spark curiosity beyond its own gates, United Airlines brings United Aircade advertisements into rival terminals, surprising flyers of airlines like Delta, Southwest and American Airlines with a glimpse of a more playful way to fly.

AD: Margaux Hanson

CW: Mackenzie Wilson

Next
Next

THE BIG DOGS ARE HIRING