Fly Directly to the Slopes of Hokkaido
United Airlines is really stepping up its game for travelers looking for adventure in the Land of the Rising Sun. They’ve just announced some game-changing routes that will make your winter travel dreams a reality. Also read: 2026 Airline Fleet Secrets: How Premium Travel is Changing Forever. Also read: New Aer Lingus Summer 2026 Routes: Your Guide to the Best Getaways.
Starting this December, you can hop on a nonstop flight from San Francisco straight to Sapporo. It’s the first time a U.S. airline has offered this direct connection, making those world-class ski resorts more accessible than ever.
A Massive Boost for Snow Lovers
The new service from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to New Chitose Airport (CTS) kicks off on December 11. These flights will run three times a week throughout the winter season, perfectly timed for the powder snow season.
Sapporo is famous for its incredible seafood and the legendary Sapporo Snow Festival. According to Wikipedia, it is the largest city north of Tokyo and a gateway to the island of Hokkaido.
Double the Tokyo Options from Chicago
If you’re traveling from the Midwest, there’s even more good news on the horizon. United is launching a daily service from Chicago O’Hare (ORD) to Tokyo-Narita (NRT) starting October 24.
This new route doesn't replace their existing service to Haneda; instead, it adds a second option for travelers heading to the capital. This makes United the only U.S. carrier to connect Chicago to both major Tokyo airports.
Seamless Connections Across Asia
Narita serves as a vital hub for United’s network in the Pacific. By landing here, you can easily catch connecting flights to exotic destinations like Cebu, Palau, or even Ulaanbaatar in Mongolia.
- Nonstop flights to Sapporo from SFO start Dec 11.
- Daily Chicago to Tokyo-Narita flights begin Oct 24.
- United now serves five different airports across Japan.
Whether you are planning a high-stakes business trip or a cozy winter getaway, these new routes offer unparalleled flexibility. United continues to dominate the market as the leading carrier between the continental U.S. and Japan.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do the new nonstop flights to Sapporo start?
The new seasonal service from San Francisco to Sapporo is scheduled to begin on December 11, running through March.
Which aircraft will United use for the Chicago to Tokyo-Narita route?
United plans to operate the daily Chicago to Tokyo-Narita flight using the modern and fuel-efficient Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner.
Is United the only airline flying from Chicago to Tokyo?
While United is the only U.S. airline flying from Chicago to Tokyo-Narita, they also offer service to Haneda, alongside their partner ANA and Japan Airlines.
Enjoyed New United Airlines Flights: Direct Access to Japan’s Top Ski Slopes? Why not explore our other posts, such as How to Uncover Star Alliance News and Hidden Travel Deals, 29 Years of Star Alliance: How Travel Just Got Much Easier, and Why Emirates Is Killing Its Densest 615-Seat A380.
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