United Airlines, which is already the top US airline in terms of the number of destinations served in Asia, has unveiled a new seasonal service from San Francisco (SFO) to Sapporo (CTS) for the winter 2026-2027 period. This new connection will run three times a week from December 17, 2026, to March 26, 2027. Flights will take off from San Francisco at 10:30 AM and arrive in Sapporo at 2:15 PM the next day. The return journey will depart Sapporo at 4:15 PM, landing in San Francisco at 8:25 AM. A Boeing 787-9, with a capacity of 251 seats across business, premium economy, and economy classes, will service this route.
This new service showcases United’s innovative strategy for broadening its route network, especially in Asia. Sapporo, situated in Hokkaido, Japan, is a favored destination for skiing, drawing visitors from around the world. The new route will offer North American travelers convenient access to this winter paradise, enhancing San Francisco’s role as a significant connecting hub.
Interestingly, United’s announcement follows closely behind Air Canada’s disclosure of its own seasonal service to Sapporo from Vancouver, also utilizing Boeing 787s. Both airlines are initiating similar services, although United’s flights will start a few days sooner. In spite of not having a joint venture over the Pacific, United and Air Canada have thoughtfully arranged their schedules to operate on different days, likely addressing the increasing demand for trips to Sapporo.
United’s choice to introduce this route highlights its dedication to providing varied travel options while sustaining its dominance in transpacific travel from the US. This development not only improves connectivity but also takes advantage of the winter travel surge, particularly for skiing aficionados. The launch of this route stands as a testament to United’s strategic foresight and flexibility in the competitive aviation market.