Go Back  FlyerTalk Forums > Miles&Points > Airlines and Mileage Programs > United Airlines | MileagePlus
Reload this Page >

SFO-AKL JV w/NZ, all year UA metal, 77W Nov18-Mar19, 772 Apr19-Oct19 (+newORD-AKL NZ)

Community
Wiki Posts
Search
Old Jul 1, 2016, 10:36 am
FlyerTalk Forums Expert How-Tos and Guides
Last edit by: IBJoel
27 March 2018
Air New Zealand service between Auckland and Chicago

From Nov. 30, 2018, Air New Zealand will operate three times weekly, year-round service with its new configuration Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. Flight time will be approximately 15 hours northbound and just over 16 hours southbound. Air New Zealand code share service will be offered on around 100 flights across the U.S. for convenient connections to Auckland via Chicago. United Airlines operates more flights from its hub at O'Hare International Airport than any other airline, with more than 500 flights to 147 airports across the United States.

United expands service between San Francisco and Auckland


Beginning in April 2019, United will extend service between its West Coast hub in San Francisco and Auckland to year-round with three-times-weekly service. In partnership with Air New Zealand, United's flight arriving in Auckland will offer passengers more than 20 connections across the region. The return trip utilizes United's extensive route network in San Francisco, which provides connections to the United States, Canada, and Latin America. United operates more than 290 daily flights from its hub at San Francisco International Airport to 79 airports across the U.S. and 26 international destinations. Tickets for the expanded San Francisco schedule will be available on united.com and airnewzealand.com later this year.

United service between San Francisco and Auckland will operate with a Boeing 777-300ER between November and March and will operate with Boeing 777-200ER aircraft between April and October.
Originally Posted by jimyvr
UA will now fly the 77W on SFO AKL when it resumes operation 29OCT17 - 22MAR18 (from SFO). Overall frequency will be 6 weekly, and increasing to 7 weekly from mid-Dec. UA73/74 is canceled.

http://www.routesonline.com/news/38/...as-of-01sep17/
United Airlines suspends NZ service (Suspension Period: April 18, 2017 - October 30, 2017)

Per New Zealand Herald quoting UA:

This change is in response to seasonal variations, which will also see United Airlines adding an additional three flights per week starting December 18, 2017 after resuming its daily Auckland to San Francisco services on October 31, 2017. This will increase services to a total of 10 United's flights per week during the high seasonal demand period. Passengers who have already purchased tickets during the suspended period are being contacted by the airline and offered flights on the Air New Zealand service instead. We apologise to customers for any inconvenience and advise that customers will not be out of pocket as a result of this shift in scheduling and will retain all frequent flyer benefits."
Print Wikipost

SFO-AKL JV w/NZ, all year UA metal, 77W Nov18-Mar19, 772 Apr19-Oct19 (+newORD-AKL NZ)

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 10, 2015, 8:45 am
  #61  
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 734
Originally Posted by Antonio8069
Is this really true? NZ has the Sky Couch, no??
It is certainly true that NZ's leisure fares do not accrue MP credits (nor AP credits, for that matter).
It is also true that NZ fares are much higher than Aussie fares, reflecting its monopoly status. That's why I am routing to AKL via SIN (on SQ).
Currently, UA channels its Kiwi-bound passengers via SYD & MEL, so a new dedicated SFO-AKL route would divert some of these passengers.
The ticket price for Sky Couch is not cheap.
Yes. L fare on NZ gets you no MP RDM, no PQM either.
I'm not sure what's going on with NZ, but the Skytrax reviews make it sound like NZ's quality has been tanking with no end in sight. NZ's premium Y is getting severely negative comments too. It's almost like reading the reviews for MS or even AI.
Have you noticed that the rich people in the SF area have gotten significantly richer in the last few years? I can see the demand for a UA SFO-AKL route climbing at the moment. It might make getting a whole row to yourself on NZ significantly more probable.
The cpm for the Australia & New Zealand routes are both among the worst. I'd much rather fly non-stop to AKL than to add a pile of more BIS hours going through Australia to get AKL.
Long Zhiren is offline  
Old Mar 10, 2015, 1:42 pm
  #62  
 
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: SFO
Programs: AC SE, AA EXP MM, UA Gold MM, Hyatt Glob, Marriott Titanium, HH Dia, IHG Plat
Posts: 4,777
Originally Posted by TA
It would be nice, but I would bet it's a close call whether there's enough traffic to support it. NZ is a country of just 4M people. Not that many are coming here from NZ, and not that many people are going there for tourism. It's also not a huge regional financial hub either.
However, there's NZ feed from their AKL hub to Australia (including Perth) and the Pacific Islands. And plenty of UA feed on the SFO end.

NZ's product can be overrated (uneven staff, tight coach seating, lousy FF program, zero award space, aircraft maintenance issues leading to lengthy delays). So bring it on UA.
Explore is offline  
Old Mar 10, 2015, 1:52 pm
  #63  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Northern Calif./Eastern Ida.
Programs: Amethyst Premier Plutonium Medallion
Posts: 20,648
Originally Posted by Explore
NZ's product can be overrated (uneven staff, tight coach seating, lousy FF program, zero award space, aircraft maintenance issues leading to lengthy delays).
UA has none of those issues whatsoever
PV_Premier is offline  
Old Mar 10, 2015, 6:02 pm
  #64  
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: SFO
Programs: UA MM, Marriott LT Plat
Posts: 264
Originally Posted by Explore
However, there's NZ feed from their AKL hub to Australia (including Perth) and the Pacific Islands. And plenty of UA feed on the SFO end.
Indeed. Perth has a substantial energy (gas) business. I'd look forward to energy companies cozy with UA allowing a US west coast - AKL - PER routing rather than the current west coast - SYD - PER route.
jtet is offline  
Old Apr 16, 2016, 3:09 pm
  #65  
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Programs: United mileage Plus 1k and Million Miler, Krisflyer, Air New Zealand, Qantas, Virgin
Posts: 211
Auckland to SFO

I've been exploring booking returns on United.com over next few months after service begins on July 1st.

What's odd is I can get a 787 outbound flight on United's plane, but returns seem to be on Air NZ's 777. Has anyone booked a return on the United 787 flight SFO to AKL?
syrahnose is offline  
Old Apr 16, 2016, 3:14 pm
  #66  
 
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 5,814
Originally Posted by syrahnose
I've been exploring booking returns on United.com over next few months after service begins on July 1st.

What's odd is I can get a 787 outbound flight on United's plane, but returns seem to be on Air NZ's 777. Has anyone booked a return on the United 787 flight SFO to AKL?
I don't think it operates daily. What day of the week are you booking it for?
edcho is offline  
Old Apr 16, 2016, 5:10 pm
  #67  
 
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: NYC (Primarily EWR)
Programs: UA 1K / *G, Marriott Bonvoy Gold; Avis PC
Posts: 9,009
Originally Posted by edcho
I don't think it operates daily. What day of the week are you booking it for?
Also depends on the season. It becomes daily service starting in November.
PsiFighter37 is offline  
Old Apr 16, 2016, 8:33 pm
  #68  
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Programs: United mileage Plus 1k and Million Miler, Krisflyer, Air New Zealand, Qantas, Virgin
Posts: 211
I was looking at early Sept and late July.
syrahnose is offline  
Old Apr 16, 2016, 8:57 pm
  #69  
 
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 5,814
Departs SFO: Sunday, Wednesday, Friday
Departs AKL: Sunday, Tuesday, Friday

The schedule will expand to daily flights operating with 787-9 aircraft on Oct. 28, 2016, in time for the peak-winter travel season.
edcho is offline  
Old Apr 16, 2016, 10:34 pm
  #70  
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: AVP & PEK
Programs: UA 1K 1.9MM
Posts: 6,362
Originally Posted by edcho
... in time for the peak-winter travel season.
Or peak-summer season, depending on where the comment is made!
narvik is offline  
Old Jul 1, 2016, 10:25 am
  #71  
Moderator: United Airlines
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.997MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,859
SFO-AKL, 3x week (5x after Nov), 787-8, JV w/ NZ, "UA Says 'Kia Ora' to Auckland"

United Airlines Says 'Kia Ora' to Auckland

San Francisco's newest eco-friendly route launches with navigational, operational enhancements to reduce emissions

United marks official start of joint venture revenue sharing agreement with Air New Zealand, offering customers more choice and convenience to experience New Zealand's natural beauty


SAN FRANCISCO, July 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Beginning today, traveling between the West Coast and the South Pacific just got easier as United Airlines launches new nonstop service between its premier Pacific gateway at San Francisco International Airport and Auckland, New Zealand.

United's inaugural service to Auckland also marks the official start of the airline's joint venture agreement with Air New Zealand. The carriers are deepening their existing Star Alliance relationship by offering customers even more choice and convenience when booking travel between the United States and New Zealand and beyond.

"Our new joint venture with Air New Zealand allows both airlines to optimize our trans-Pacific schedules and offer customers more choice and convenience when traveling between the U.S. and New Zealand," said Jim Compton, United's vice chairman and chief revenue officer. "Our customers wanted new ways to access New Zealand and destinations beyond and our relationship with Air New Zealand allows customers to plan seamless travel throughout the South Pacific."

Powering United's inaugural flight between San Francisco and New Zealand is an innovative energy-saving partnership with the Asia and Pacific Initiative to Reduce Emissions (ASPIRE). United will operate Boeing 787-8 aircraft on the San Francisco to Auckland inaugural route, which are built using lightweight composites, state-of-the-art engines and an improved aerodynamic design, allowing it to fly farther, faster and more efficiently than similar-sized conventional aircraft.

As part of the Aspire Initiative air traffic providers will also support optimal flight paths and recommend real-time, dynamic reroutes, further optimizing efficiency after departure throughout the entire flight. Additionally, ground crews at the departure and arrival locations will work to reduce aircraft idle time, providing expedited taxi to the runway and gate.

"We understand the importance of reducing our carbon footprint, even as we expand our global network. Working with ASPIRE is just one way we're demonstrating our environmental leadership within the industry," said Compton.

Welcome News for Adventure Travelers

Auckland is known as the "City of Sails," and there couldn't be a more appropriate nickname. The vibrant and modern city is situated on both the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean, nestled by harbors on the glimmering blue waters. The surrounding areas are ripe with natural beauty, from sandy beaches to snow-covered mountain peaks. New Zealand's many hiking trails, waterways and picturesque forests offer adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts the perfect getaway.

"We know that New Zealand is a popular destination for American travelers," said Air New Zealand's Chief Sales and Commercial Officer Cam Wallace. "By working more closely with such a strong carrier like United Airlines, we look forward to welcoming even more American visitors to enjoy our unique Kiwi tourism experience."

Flight Schedule

United Flight 917 will depart San Francisco at 10:45 p.m. three times weekly, arriving at Auckland International Airport at 6:55 a.m. two days later due to time zone differences (all times local). On the return, Flight 916 will depart Auckland at 1:20 p.m. daily, arriving at San Francisco International Airport at 6:40 a.m. the same day. Flying times will be approximately 13 hours westbound and 12 hours, 20 minutes eastbound.

United's joint venture partner Air New Zealand operates a daily service between San Francisco and Auckland, departing San Francisco at 9:45 p.m. and arriving in Auckland at 5:35 a.m. two days later due to time differences. The return flight departs Auckland at 7:45 p.m. and arrives in San Francisco at 12:45pm the same day.

United's San Francisco Hub

United and United Express jointly operate more than 250 daily flights between San Francisco and 90 destinations throughout North, Central and South America and the Caribbean.

United's service to Auckland is one of five new international destinations the airline is launching this year from San Francisco. The flight will be operated three times weekly until October 30, and will increase to daily service beginning Monday, November 1. Since March, the airline has added new nonstop service from the hub to Tel Aviv; Xi'an China; Singapore and will begin new service to Hangzhou, China on July 13.
WineCountryUA is offline  
Old Jul 4, 2016, 9:30 pm
  #72  
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: LBB, Texas
Programs: UA 1K, 1.6MM
Posts: 111
Looks like there is some improvement with milagePlus earning on NZ flights..
mikeyf is offline  
Old Jul 4, 2016, 9:46 pm
  #73  
Suspended
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Bay Area
Programs: DL SM, UA MP.
Posts: 12,729
I'd be happy if the prices of NZ flights on UA.com were closer to what they are at NZ's site.
wco81 is offline  
Old Jul 4, 2016, 9:49 pm
  #74  
 
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: DAL
Posts: 3,400
Originally Posted by mikeyf
Looks like there is some improvement with milagePlus earning on NZ flights..
Only to RDM not PQM. This is inconsistent with other JV airlines.
ual744777sta is offline  
Old Jul 4, 2016, 11:32 pm
  #75  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Houston
Programs: UA Plat, Marriott Gold
Posts: 12,694
Originally Posted by wco81
I'd be happy if the prices of NZ flights on UA.com were closer to what they are at NZ's site.
NZ needs to ease up with the plating restrictions for their cheapie fares.
mduell is offline  


Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

This site is owned, operated, and maintained by MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Designated trademarks are the property of their respective owners.