fumje

These arrival and departure times are better than any of the normal current options.

Also pleased—I guess??—that my first time doing SIN-NRT will be one of UA's last.

JVPhoto

This is great I was just about to book SFO-NRT-BKK-SIN-NRT-SFO and now I can cut out NRT on the way home.

Sadly I'm already doing the Island Hopper in June or this would have been cool to take the inaugural flight.

SFO_Runner

SQ had an on-board morgue on their A345, will UA follow?

I imagine the former Lucasfilm (now Disney) folks in SFO will help subsidize this operation. Lots of traffic going back-and-forth there nowadays.

I like the SFO-based timings: 11:25pm with a 6:45am arrival. If only there were a second HKG flight with similar timings.

A departure out of SIN at 8:45am is less-than-ideal for a full day of work in SIN, but hey, that means no need to book the airport hotel for those of you doing same-day-turns.

WineCountryUA

It usually take a couple of weeks before UA is really rescheduling. Part of the reason for the 4+ months notice.

If only UA metal is involved my guess your will be able to keep your upgrade.

restlessinRNO

I note seating on the B787-9 would be C 2-2-2 and Y 3-3-3. No F.

UA used to offer NRT-TPE, but now just offers SFO-TPE, switching to a B787-9 in April. One wonders if they will reconsider their poor decision to cancel service NRT-BKK.

geofflaredo

So…… if it were you, would you hang tight for time being until something is pushed to my itineraries and a "schedule change" appears?

N830MH

Right, they won't have new routes for a quite some time. Due to safety concerns.

SFO-BKK is 7,933 miles. I think 777-200ER or 77W aircraft will fly nonstop to BKK from SFO. If they have a weight restrictions. The 77W aircraft has more capabilities, more fuel-efficient, and more range, as well. It will happens in a distant future.

according of the great circle mapper:

http://www.gcmap.com/mapui?P=sfo-nrt...n&MS=wls&DU=mi

This is for the future routes. I doubt if they can fly to CGK, BKK, XIY, HAN, SGN, or anywhere else.

greg99

Based on that, wouldn't the more logical conclusion be SFO-BKK?

Based on current conditions and the fact that they previously cancelled the connection, that would seem to put SFO-BKK in the "long/thin" bucket that the 787 is designed for.

DCEsquire

I've seen something like this. Think it happens on new routes where UA hasn't released any reward inventory. At least in my case I couldn't upgreade or apply a cert even though the cabin was completely empty. I think you may need to call or check back. I would probably call if you want to book it soon.

EWR764

Stay tuned.

PsiFighter37

They aren't adding any new routes to LAX either - seems like they are really emphasizing SFO as their Left Coast TPAC gateway. The only TPAC routes out of LAX currently are to NRT, SYD, and MEL right?

sbm12

Correct, because that's where UA can consolidate feed and create a solid hub-and-spoke flow of passengers.

PVG, too.

restlessinRNO

greg99 - I would agree. NRT-BKK used to be a B747 or B777. When this route was cancelled, some argued that BKK was a tourist destination and couldn't support premium bookings. I don't agree, but of course a B787 is a 2 class plane.

bhrubin

I have a feeling that when UA decides to tackle nonstop service to BKK, it will be from LAX, not SFO. LAX has more O/D traffic that such a long flight will require, especially since service to BKK is far more dependent on lower rev leisure travelers. SFO-SIN connects two major financial/business centers and therefore has a much higher propensity for business travelers. LAX still serves as a mini-hub for UA of sorts...and puts pressure on AA there. LAX is a much more competitive airport than SFO...but since no one has LAX-BKK since TG departed that market, it would be a prudent monopolistic route for UA.

I do think UA will consider service to BKK...but only after another year or two. That being said, I didn't expect the major explosion of new longhaul routes that UA has opened in this past year from SFO...so who knows?

That's true--UA clearly is working to make SFO the preeminent Pacific gateway from the USA. But a future BKK nonstop would be better as LAX-BKK since the O/D traffic would be far higher than SFO-BKK...and LAX still gets plenty of feed from every other major hub in the USA.

SFO-SIN connects 2 very large financial/business centers. BKK doesn't support the business traffic that SIN does, especially from the USA.

PVDtoDEL

Coach on this route will be intolerable - I can barely handle the 9-abreast 787 on short hops like DEL-SIN. Seat width is just too small.


The loss of NRT-SIN is not surprising - UA is presumably getting ready to shift its Tokyo operation to HND, which will mean the end of the fifth-freedom tag-ons.