United upgrades 4 more Hawaii routes with Boeing 767 widebodies
United Airlines is going all-in on Hawaii this summer.
Over the weekend, the Chicago-based carrier made a notable schedule update on four Hawaii routes, increasing capacity and giving business-class passengers a nice surprise as well.
Specifically, select flights from Denver (DEN) to Honolulu (HNL) and Maui (OGG), as well as the daily DEN to Kona (KOA) and Lihue (LIH) route, got upgauged from a 169-seat Boeing 757-200 to a 214-seat Boeing 767-300ER. The changes start between June 3 to June 5 and run through Oct. 30, per Cirium schedules and confirmed by the carrier.
This nearly 30% boost in capacity underscores that United seems to believes that there's no shortage of demand for Hawaii flights.
It's also a big upgrade for those seated in the front, since those flyers will likely enjoy United's latest Polaris product. Only six of United's 38 Boeing 767-300ERs have yet to receive the new Polaris cabins. Four of those jets are currently in storage or undergoing maintenance, leaving just two tails flying around with the legacy cabins.
That means the odds of scoring the "new" seats are quite high, nearly 86% to be exact. However, United usually makes aircraft assignments a few days before departure, so you'll want to keep an eye on the seat map to confirm what configuration will ultimately operate your flight. (Note that United isn't flying the "high-J", 46-biz-seat configuration on these routes.)
Related: Want to make sure you’re flying real United Polaris? Ask ExpertFlyer
The upgauge isn't just good news for the 30 business-class passengers. Coach flyers will likely prefer the 767's 2-3-2 configuration, compared to the 3-3 arrangement on the 757. Plus, wide-body jets usually feel more spacious and roomier than single-aisle ones.
The capacity increase could also spell good news for those looking to snag award or upgrade space. For now, coach and biz awards start at 45,000 miles and 95,000 miles, respectively, but it's possible that United releases saver space if seats remain unsold. Plus, with a higher proportion of business-class seats on the 767, upgrades could become easier to confirm.
The latest Hawaii upgrade follows similar moves made by United in recent weeks.
Last week, the carrier boosted four Hawaii routes, including the two new flagships, from Newark (EWR) to Maui and Chicago (ORD) to Kona. Each route will receive additional frequencies during the summer.
The other two that were boosted — Denver to Honolulu (HNL) and Maui (OGG) — received a second daily flight during the summer. The original plan was to fly the 757-200 on the second daily frequency, but as mentioned above, it'll now be operated by a 767-300ER.
United also recently announced its early summer schedule, and it promised to bring Premium Plus to select Hawaii routes beginning in May, including:
- Newark-Maui: The “high J” Boeing 767-300 starting June 3.
- Chicago-Honolulu: Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners starting May 6.
- Chicago-Maui: Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners starting May 6.
- Chicago-Kona: Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners starting June 3.
- Houston-Honolulu: Boeing 777-200ER starting June 3.
- Denver-Honolulu: Boeing 777-200ER starting May 6 (one daily frequency).
- Denver-Maui: Boeing 777-200ER starting May 6 (one daily frequency).
All United jets equipped with Premium Plus also feature the carrier's latest Polaris business-class seats, so flyers on the aforementioned routes will enjoy United's top inflight offering.
More Hawaii: Fair warning, Hawaii is packed again with tourists
United’s confidence in Hawaii flying is seemingly at a pandemic-era high. With an accelerated vaccine rollout, UA likely is betting that pandemic-weary travelers are gearing up for a summer of adventure. Hawaii has been open to tourists sans quarantine since late 2020, and demand to travel to the Aloha State only appears to be growing.
Additionally, the island of Kauai is slated to rejoin the state's Safe Travels program on April 5, exempting travelers from Hawaii's mandatory 10-day quarantine by testing before departure. It will also spell the end of the island's mandatory "resort bubble," which required visitors to effectively quarantine for three days, pending a negative COVID-19 test result taken 72 hours after arrival.
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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
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- 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.
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- 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. |
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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.