Last month, major US airlines revealed their longest domestic routes as they prepare for increased travel to Hawaii. According to data from Cirium, an aviation analytics company, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines are set to operate flights exceeding 4,000 miles, catering to travelers from the mainland United States to the island state of Hawaii.
American Airlines’ Extensive Route
American Airlines offers the longest domestic flight this December, connecting Chicago O’Hare Airport (ORD) to Honolulu (HNL). This route spans a total of 4,244 miles (6,830 km) and is serviced daily using Boeing 787-8 aircraft. These widebody jets provide a configuration of 20 business class seats, 28 premium economy seats, and 186 economy seats.
Travelers can expect a block time of approximately nine hours and 14 minutes. Flight AA75 departs Chicago at 10:00 and arrives in Honolulu at 15:14 local time. The return flight, AA74, is scheduled for an overnight journey, taking off from Honolulu at 19:00 and landing back in Chicago at 07:00 the following day. American Airlines emphasizes the importance of its O’Hare hub, stating, “O’Hare has always been a vital hub for American, connecting the Midwest to our global network.”
Delta Air Lines Makes a Bold Move
Delta Air Lines takes the lead with the longest domestic route at 4,983 miles (8,019 km), departing from New York JFK Airport to Honolulu. This service is set to operate five times in the first week of December, four times in the second week, and will transition to a daily frequency starting December 18.
Passengers on flight DL636 can expect a block time of 11 hours and 13 minutes, with departures at 09:55 and arrivals at 16:08. The return flight, DL650, takes approximately nine hours and 55 minutes, leaving at 17:15 and arriving in New York at 08:10 the next day. Delta’s service utilizes primarily Boeing 767-300ER aircraft, with one exception being an Airbus A330-300 used for a specific rotation.
United Airlines Competes with a Similar Route
United Airlines also operates a competitive route to Honolulu from Newark, measuring 4,962 miles. This flight is serviced by Boeing 767-400ER aircraft, which feature 231 seats, including 34 in Polaris business class and 24 in premium economy.
United’s westbound flight, UA363, has a block time identical to Delta’s service at 11 hours and 13 minutes, departing Newark at 08:00 and landing in Honolulu at 14:13. The return journey takes nine hours and 35 minutes, scheduled to leave at 15:45 and arrive back in Newark at 06:20 the next morning. Currently, United Airlines operates this route five times a week, with plans to increase to daily flights starting December 18.
As the holiday season approaches, these extensive flights highlight the growing demand for travel to Hawaii, connecting passengers from key US cities to one of the most sought-after destinations in the Pacific.
