The race to Sicily begins as United's latest inaugural flight lands in Italy
Editor's Note
Ciao, Sicily. United Airlines just touched down on one of the most popular Italian islands.
Flight 735 departed from United's Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) hub and landed at Palermo Falcone Borsellino Airport (PMO) as the airline's first-ever nonstop flight to Sicily. The 4,463-mile route, operated by a Boeing 767-400ER, is part of United's major summertime expansion, which includes eight new cities and 13 new routes.
While Palermo may not be as off-the-beaten-path as Mongolia or Greenland, the flight still turned some heads and drew lots of applause throughout the 8-hour, 10-minute journey.
Here's what happened and what it means for travelers.
United's inaugural flight to Sicily
United, their Newark hub and I are no strangers to an inaugural flight. As such, I wasn't shocked when I got to Gate C121 at EWR to find a podium set up for the inaugural festivities and brown boxes of the airline's custom inaugural pajamas waiting to be loaded onboard. Even "L'italiano" by Toto Cutugno was playing in the background.
This time around, United seems to have gotten savvier about its celebrations. The podium had a blank display board for different inaugural-specific placards to be placed on it, while the banners surrounding the podium weren't route-specific anymore. (That saves printing costs each time United sends off one of these special flights.)
Even the inaugural buffet, which typically features more extensive hot foods celebrating the destination, only had packaged snacks and small bottled waters. Perhaps the slightly more muted celebration was due to the fact that while Palermo is certainly exciting, it doesn't have the same appeal to aviation and travel enthusiasts as Mongolia or Greenland.
Despite this, nothing could rain on United's party, not even the brief downpour outside.
The fanfare was palpable from the moment I arrived. "Holy cow, I had no idea," exclaimed one surprised passenger (who ended up sitting across from me), when they found out they had booked on the first United flight to Palermo.
"This is big, and Newark keeps on growing," said Jon Gooda, United's vice president of the EWR hub, as he welcomed passengers waiting to board Flight 735 for Sicily. Even the captain, Rosario Raffa, was hand-picked for this flight. Turns out, he grew up in Sicily and even addressed passengers throughout the flight in both English and Italian.
Once onboard the Boeing 767-400ER, registered N76062, I turned left into the Polaris business-class cabin, outfitted with 34 pods in a 1-1-1 configuration. I had selected one of the odd-numbered window seats on the starboard side of the plane, which offer a bit more privacy and personal space than those in the center or in even numbers on the window.
While I typically like being on the starboard side of the plane, I should've made an exception for this flight, as those seated on the port side of the plane were treated to beautiful views of the Sicilian coast on final approach.
Meanwhile, United's full selection of signature inaugural mementos was waiting at my seat. This included a postcard, a small poster and a welcome note from Patrick Quayle, United's senior vice president of network planning and alliances, who was noticeably absent on this flight.
As the mastermind behind these new routes, Quayle usually takes pride in flying on the inaugural service (and even serving the ice cream sundaes in Polaris). He couldn't make it this time due to the prior obligations.
As an aviation enthusiast, my favorite goodie was one I hadn't seen before: an inaugural-branded "remove before flight" style keychain that now proudly hangs on of my Away backpack.
During boarding, flight attendants passed out mattress pads and custom-made pajamas for the occasion; I'm definitely saving these ones.
We pushed back a few minutes early and made a beeline for the departure runway. We were only third for takeoff — a rare feat these days with the runway construction at Newark — and were airborne at 4:35 p.m.
Once the fasten seat belt sign was turned off, the flight attendants came through with the (early-bird) dinner service, a function of the mid-afternoon departure from Newark.
While United has long had a bad rap for mediocre (at best) inflight catering, the carrier has been making investments in the experience. This was my first flight experiencing the recently launched new dinnerware collection, which feels far more modern and luxurious than the previous iteration. Plus, it includes a new red pepper flakes shaker, which is a nice touch to spice your food up at altitude.
The mixed nut welcome snack has also recently been refreshed, and it now includes pretzels. Too bad they were served warm, which dried them out.
I selected the salmon for my entree, and found that to be the highlight of the main meal service, despite the somewhat unappetizing presentation with the yellow sauce. The salad and the burrata were just OK and a bit uninspiring. The nice thing is that I washed everything down with my favorite rose, Whispering Angel, which United serves on all Polaris flights.
Dessert service included the signature Tillamook ice cream sundae with all the fixings, a classic staple that always hits the spot.
From there, it was time to catch some shut-eye, which I always find easy in the Polaris pod thanks to all the Saks Fifth Avenue bedding. (It'll be interesting to see how Delta's new Missoni bedding compares.)
I woke up about an hour before landing, and it was clear that travelers (and the crew) were excited to arrive in Palermo. I could hear my neighbors chatting about their plans on the ground, while others said this would be their first time in Italy.
We touched down at 6:34 a.m. local time on runway 25 and had a short taxi to gate A23. While most passengers bid the crew farewell at the boarding door, I stayed around for a few more minutes to capture the airline's photo shoot with the crew near the tail of the aircraft.
It's always fun to see the excitement from the crew after they finish these pictures and get to head into town. As for me, I headed into the terminal for the westbound return flight back to the U.S. (Prior commitments prevented me from spending time in Sicily on this trip.)
Sicily is getting more popular than ever
While United wins the award for being the first U.S. airline to fly to Sicily, it won't be the last.
Just an hour after the United flight landed, Delta Air Lines touched down in Sicily with a new flight from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Catania Airport (CTA).
So, how did we get here?
Well, in recent years — and especially post-pandemic — Americans have been flocking to Europe over the summer. And instead of visiting the biggest cities in Europe, like London or Paris, they're increasingly looking to get to smaller cities that aren't as crowded or overdone.
In the past, getting to places like Sicily has required a connection in a major European gateway, such as Frankfurt or Amsterdam. While some travelers certainly didn't mind the connection, U.S. airlines have increasingly been looking to pull out all the stops in a bid to capture more nonstop traffic and spur some more demand. That's on top of everything that hit TV series "White Lotus" has done to make more travelers marvel at Sicily's natural beauty, prime beaches and delectable cafes.
Of all the U.S. airlines, United has capitalized on this trend the most with new nonstop routes from the U.S. Northeast to secondary and tertiary European cities like Palma de Mallorca and Malaga in Spain.
Adding all of these new nonstop flights is a point of pride for United and its network planning team, which frequently reminds reporters and the general public about its position as the most international U.S. airline.
But the airline's service to Sicily might resemble a bit more of a turf war than anything else.
For one, United had originally planned to launch this route to Sicily in 2020, before the pandemic quashed those plans. Ever since then, the airline has been eager to finally launch flights when demand returned to sufficient levels. "Even the [Palermo] airport was super excited about our route," David Kinzelman, United's chief customer officer, told TPG in an interview before the inaugural flight.
2025 finally turned out to be the year with enough demand, or so the network planners believe.
But United won't be exclusive in its service to Sicily. Delta's flight to Catania, which was announced nearly a month before United's, also connects New York travelers to Sicily, albeit on the east coast of the island.
For many travelers, Delta's service might be preferred. After all, Catania is far closer to Taormina, one of Sicily's most popular towns and the setting for "White Lotus" season two.
Furthermore, Delta will offer daily flights from New York to Sicily through Oct. 24. Meanwhile, United is only going into the market with three weekly flights through Sept. 24.
While it's possible that United only decided to finally launch flights to Sicily after it saw that Delta planned to do the same, United certainly had the idea first, with its 2019 announcement that didn't originally pan out due to the pandemic.
Either way, there could be enough demand to support two nonstop flights from the New York area to Sicily. United says that 40% of the demand to the Italian island is from the New York metro area alone, and it says that its Newark hub offers convenient one-stop connections to many other domestic cities. (Delta could say the same with its massive hub operation at nearby JFK.)
While the jury is still out on whether these new routes will return for another season, the big winner is you, the traveler. With more nonstop flights, you'll no longer need to connect in Europe and worry that your checked bag will make it.
Instead, you're now just that much closer to fresh seafood pasta with a side of Tyrrhenian Sea views.
Related reading:
- United Airlines MileagePlus: Guide to earning and redeeming miles, elite status and more
- The best credit cards for United Airlines flyers
- United Premier status: How to earn it — and is it worth it?
- Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flights
- The best credit cards to reach elite status
- United basic economy: What you need to know about bags, seats, boarding and more
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.