Inside the Daily Routine of United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby

Kirby’s day begins without an alarm clock, typically between 5:00 and 5:30 a.m., allowing for eight and a half hours of sleep. His morning is a blend of physical activity and information consumption: he rotates between kettlebells, running, and core work, catching up on The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times between sets. By 8:00 a.m., he begins his workday, adhering to a firm rule of no more than four hours of meetings daily. He avoids slide-deck reviews, favoring direct conversation with his executive team to maintain oversight of the airline’s operations.

His approach to productivity is rooted in intellectual engagement rather than busyness. Kirby spends about three hours daily reading, often while walking, and credits this habit with helping him anticipate global shifts, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This research-heavy mindset extends to his view on technology; while he is skeptical of using AI for summarizing emails, he actively employs it for programming tasks that were previously impractical. Despite leading a major carrier, Kirby remains pragmatic about his own travel, frequently flying on competitors like American or Southwest when schedules demand, and often finding himself in coach when last-minute bookings prevent a first-class seat.