United Airlines Doubles Down on Hong Kong With Second San Francisco Flight
United Airlines will double the number of flights it offers between Hong Kong and San Francisco this October, when it launches a second flight on the route.
Starting Oct. 26, the Star Alliance carrier will add a late-evening departure from both Hong Kong and San Francisco. The flight will complement United's long-standing midday departures, the company announced today.
With the additional frequency, United will operate both of its San Francisco-Hong Kong flights with Boeing 777-200 aircraft that seat up to 276 passengers. This represents a nearly 58% increase in the number seats that the carrier offers in the market as compared to its current once-daily offering on 350-seat 777-300ER jets.
United is boosting its international options from San Francisco this year. The airline added new service to Amsterdam in March and will add Melbourne, Australia, in October and New Delhi in December.
Related: The 8 Best Credit Cards for Flying United
The airline is scheduled to grow international capacity in San Francisco by 7.7% in 2019, according to Diio by Cirium data. It plans to grow system capacity by 4-5% this year.
The company opened its largest Polaris Lounge for international premium class passengers at San Francisco airport last November.
United, which also serves Hong Kong from Chicago O'Hare, Guam and Newark, competes with Cathay Pacific Airways and Singapore Airlines on the San Francisco route.
The airline has served the Hong Kong-San Francisco route since acquiring Pan Am's Pacific assets in 1986.
TPG featured card
at Bilt's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 1X | Earn up to 1X points on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee |
| 2X | Earn 2X points + 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday purchases |
Pros
- Unlimited up to 1 Bilt Point per dollar spent on rent and mortgage payments
- Elevated everyday earnings with both Bilt Points and Bilt Cash
- $400 Bilt Travel Portal hotel credit per year (up to $200 biannually)
- $200 Bilt Cash annually
- Priority Pass membership
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Moderate annual fee
- Housing payments may include transaction fees, depending on the payment method
- Designed primarily for members seeking a premium, all-in-one card
- Earn points on housing with no transaction fee
- Choose to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday spend. Use Bilt Cash to unlock point earnings on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee, up to 1X.
- 2X points on everyday spend
- $400 Bilt Travel Hotel credit. Applied twice a year, as $200 statement credits, for qualifying Bilt Travel Portal hotel bookings.
- $200 Bilt Cash (awarded annually). At the end of each calendar year, any Bilt Cash balance over $100 will expire.
- Welcome bonus (subject to approval): 50,000 Bilt Points + Gold Status after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first 3 months + $300 of Bilt Cash.
- Priority Pass ($469/year value). See Guide to Benefits.
- Bilt Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent and mortgage payments, Lyft rides, statement credits, student loan balances, a down payment on a home, and more.