United Airlines is continuing to strengthen its San Francisco International Airport (SFO) network with the launch of two new nonstop routes connecting the major California hub with Cincinnati, Ohio, and West Palm Beach, Florida. The expansion highlights United’s ongoing strategy of increasing domestic connectivity from one of its most important West Coast gateways while supporting connections to its broader international network.
The airline has built San Francisco into a major operating base, serving more than 100 destinations from the airport and operating an average of more than 570 daily round trips during the year. The new additions come as United operates its largest-ever summer schedule from SFO, with increased frequencies to key domestic markets including Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Washington, DC.
United’s latest network changes reflect strong demand for nonstop travel between California and underserved markets across the United States. By adding new city pairs, the airline is not only targeting local passengers but also strengthening SFO’s role as a connecting point for travelers heading throughout North America, Asia, and the Pacific region.
United Airlines Restores San Francisco to Cincinnati Nonstop Service
The first new route represents the return of service between San Francisco and Cincinnati Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG). United Airlines will restart daily nonstop flights on October 25, bringing back a route that previously operated before being suspended in 2020.
The new service will be operated using a Boeing 737-800 aircraft, featuring a two-class configuration with 16 Business Class seats and 150 Economy seats. The aircraft choice allows United to provide a balance of premium capacity and affordable seating options for both business and leisure travelers.
United originally launched the SFO-CVG route in 2017 and operated it until the beginning of the pandemic-era schedule changes. During that period, the airline used multiple aircraft types, including the Airbus A319, Airbus A320, Boeing 737-800, and Boeing 737-900, depending on seasonal demand and operational requirements.
The return of the route comes at a time when passenger demand between the two regions remains significant. According to US Department of Transportation data, nearly 98,900 round-trip passengers traveled between San Francisco and Cincinnati in the 12 months ending April 2026. However, much of that traffic previously required connecting flights.
Breeze Airways currently provides the only nonstop competition in the market, operating three weekly flights between the cities. However, United’s daily schedule will significantly improve travel flexibility for passengers who need weekday business connections or more convenient weekend options.
The new United schedule will operate as follows:
- San Francisco (SFO) to Cincinnati (CVG): UA 2718, departing 12:15 PM and arriving 8:05 PM local time
- Cincinnati (CVG) to San Francisco (SFO): UA 2719, departing 7:00 AM and arriving 9:15 AM local time
United Adds First-Ever Nonstop Service Between San Francisco and West Palm Beach
United’s second new route will introduce the airline’s first nonstop connection between San Francisco and West Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) in South Florida. The seasonal service will begin on November 7 and operate once per week on Saturdays.
The route will be flown with a Boeing 737 MAX 8, one of United’s newest narrowbody aircraft types. The aircraft will offer 16 Business Class seats and 150 Economy seats, providing capacity for travelers seeking both premium and standard travel options.
The scheduled flight will depart San Francisco at 8:10 AM local time and arrive in West Palm Beach at 4:38 PM. The return flight will leave Florida at 5:45 PM and arrive back in San Francisco at 9:05 PM.
According to aviation analytics data, the service is currently scheduled through April 3, 2027, indicating that United plans to operate it as a seasonal route. The timing allows the airline to capture increased travel demand between Northern California and South Florida during the winter travel season.
Although no previous nonstop flights connected SFO and West Palm Beach, passenger demand between the regions has been growing. Approximately 25,300 round-trip passengers traveled between the two airports during the 12 months ending April 2026. When nearby airports such as Oakland and San Jose are included, the total market grows to more than 33,000 round-trip passengers.
The new route will also provide South Florida travelers with easier access to United’s western network. Passengers arriving through San Francisco will gain convenient connections to destinations throughout the western United States, the Pacific Northwest, and international markets across the Pacific.
San Francisco Continues to Grow as a Strategic United Airlines Hub
The expansion reinforces San Francisco’s importance within United Airlines’ global network. The airline holds more than 40% of the market share at SFO, placing it well ahead of major competitors such as Southwest Airlines and Alaska Airlines.
From San Francisco, United operates flights across Europe, Asia, Latin America, and the Pacific, making the airport a critical gateway for international travel. The airline has recently expanded long-haul operations from SFO, including new service to Barcelona and additional connections to Asian destinations through partner networks.
United has also continued developing its Asia-Pacific presence from San Francisco. Seasonal routes and international additions, including upcoming service to Sapporo, Japan, demonstrate the carrier’s confidence in the airport’s ability to support both local and connecting passengers.
Domestic growth remains equally important. While San Francisco serves as a global gateway, United relies on a strong domestic network to feed international flights and provide travelers with convenient one-stop journeys.
The additions of Cincinnati and West Palm Beach show how United is using its hub strategy to connect smaller and mid-sized markets with major business and leisure destinations. By restoring previously operated routes and introducing entirely new city pairs, the airline continues adapting its network around passenger demand.
As competition among US carriers increases, United’s investment in San Francisco demonstrates its commitment to maintaining a leading position on the West Coast. The two new nonstop routes provide more choices for travelers while further strengthening SFO as one of the airline’s most important hubs.
