Recent analysis by Cirium, an aviation analytics firm, has revealed the longest domestic flights operated by the three major U.S. legacy carriers: American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. These flights, particularly those to the islands of Hawaii, demonstrate the vast reach of these airlines across the United States.
American Airlines: Chicago to Honolulu
American Airlines boasts the longest domestic route in its network this December, connecting Chicago O’Hare (ORD) to Honolulu (HNL). This remarkable journey spans a total of 4,244 miles (6,830 km) and is serviced daily by the Boeing 787-8, a member of the Dreamliner family.
The flight, designated as AA75, departs Chicago at 10:00 AM and arrives in Honolulu at 3:14 PM local time, with an estimated block time of nine hours and 14 minutes. The return trip, flight AA74, is scheduled to leave Honolulu at 7:00 PM and land back in Chicago at 7:00 AM the following day, taking approximately eight hours. American Airlines highlights Chicago O’Hare as a crucial hub, facilitating connections for travelers from around the globe.
Delta Air Lines: New York to Honolulu
Delta Air Lines operates the longest domestic route in the U.S., flying 4,983 miles (8,019 km) from New York’s JFK Airport to Honolulu. This service, which commenced in December, reflects Delta’s commitment to connecting the East Coast with the Hawaiian Islands.
This route is scheduled to operate daily starting December 18, with a total of 23 flights in each direction for the month. The westbound flight, DL636, departs at 9:55 AM and arrives in Honolulu at 4:08 PM, with a block time of 11 hours and 13 minutes. The return leg, DL650, leaves Honolulu at 5:15 PM and arrives in New York at 8:10 AM the next day, taking around nine hours and 55 minutes. This timing is beneficial for passengers making morning connections.
United Airlines: Newark to Honolulu
United Airlines also offers a competitive service from Newark to Honolulu, covering 4,962 miles. This route is serviced by the Boeing 767-400ER, featuring a total of 231 seats in various classes.
United’s flight UA363 departs Newark at 8:00 AM and has the same block time of 11 hours and 13 minutes as Delta’s service. It lands in Honolulu at 2:13 PM. The return flight takes nine hours and 35 minutes, departing Honolulu at 3:45 PM and arriving back in Newark at 6:20 AM the following day. United currently operates this route five times a week, with plans to increase the frequency to daily services on December 18.
The emergence of these routes highlights the importance of long-haul domestic flights in connecting U.S. mainland travelers to Hawaii. As airlines continue to expand their offerings, passengers can expect more options for travel across the Pacific.
