United Adds 3 New Destinations in Exciting Route Network Update

United Airlines is back with another exciting route network update adding off-the-beaten-track destinations like Cebu (CEB), Philippines; Marrakech (RAK), Morocco; and Medellín (MDE), Colombia.

The Chicago-based airlines will also be ramping up global connectivity by increasing frequencies to popular destinations in Asia and Europe while bringing back its Los Angeles (LAX) to Shanghai (PVG) service.

“With our leading global network and elevated inflight experience, United has become the airline of choice for discerning customers looking for experiences they can’t have with any other carrier,” said Patrick Quayle, senior vice president of global network planning and alliances at United.

Let’s take a closer look.

New Destinations

Newark (EWR) to Marrakech (RAK)

Perhaps the most exciting, especially for those living in the New York metro area, is United’s new service to Marrakech, which is scheduled to begin on October 24, 2024.

Once the route starts, United’s service will be the only nonstop flight from the entire U.S. to the magical Moroccan city.

“We have consistently been ahead of the curve in finding hidden gem destinations for our customers to explore and remain committed to providing the most unique slate of travel options for their adventures abroad,” said Quayle.

As with the bulk of United’s European leisure routes, passengers heading to Marrakech will do so aboard the airline’s fleet of Boeing 767-300.

These aging jets have 46 lie-flat seats in Polaris (business class), 22 seats in premium economy, and 99 economy seats in a 2-3-2 configuration.

The exact schedule for the 3-times-weekly service is yet to be published, and tickets will go on sale later in the year.

Houston (IAH) to Medellín (MDE)

When the United Boeing 737 jet arrives in Medellín on October 27, 2024, it will be the first time the airline has ever flown nonstop to the vibrant Colombian city.

It will also be the only nonstop service between Houston and Medellín.

Why Houston and not Miami, New York, or even Los Angeles? Houston’s location in Southern Texas and the fact it’s a United hub are a perfect combination to make the most of feeder flights from around the country which will help to fill its new daily service to Medellín.

Tickets and schedules are yet to be released.

Tokyo Narita (NRT) to Cebu (CEB)

Cebu is the third new addition to United’s route map. However, you’ll need to travel to Tokyo first.

United is able to offer this unique route by making the most of its Guam-based fleet of Boeing 737-800s which operate multiple daily services to and from the Japanese capital.

Passengers departing mainland U.S. from Denver (DEN), Houston (IAH), Los Angeles (LAX), Newark (EWR), and San Francisco (SFO) will be able to connect onto United’s new shuttle to Cebu in Tokyo.

Tickets are on sale now via United.com or the United app.

Route Resumptions and Increased Frequencies

Los Angeles (LAX) to Shanghai (PVG)

After taking a break with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, United is bringing back its nonstop service between Los Angeles (LAX) and Shanghai (PVG) thanks to an agreement between the U.S. and China to increase connectivity between the 2 countries.

From its start date on August 29, 2024, the route will operate 4 times per week until late October when the frequency ramps up to daily.

The schedule for the route is as follows:

• Depart Los Angeles (LAX) 1:40 p.m. — Arrive Shanghai (PVG) 6:45 p.m. (+1)
• Depart Shanghai (PVG) 8:25 p.m. — Arrive Los Angeles (LAX) 3:50 p.m.

United will deploy its fleet of Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners on the route. These jets comprise 12 rows of Polaris business class seats in a 1-2-1 configuration followed by a 2-3-2-configured premium economy cabin with 21 seats and 188 regular economy seats in a 3-3-3 configuration.

Increased Frequency to Asia and Europe

And finally, United will add additional flights to Hong Kong, Seoul, and Porto, Portugal.

United is the only U.S. airline operating nonstop flights to the second-largest city in Portugal.

Final Thoughts

It’s an exciting day for United Airlines as it unveils 3 brand new destinations and announces additional services to other popular destinations on its network, such as Porto in Portugal.

The new destinations of Cebu, Marrakech, and Medellín bring with them the possibility of exciting new adventures — especially for frequent United flyers with a bunch of miles burning a hole in their wallet.

So, where will it be?