United Airlines is giving serious main character energy with the launch of its first-ever direct flight between San Francisco and Adelaide. From December, the days of Australian layovers are over—United will be the only airline offering nonstop services to four Australian cities. Tickets are on sale now.
Main character energy, if you’re not familiar, is when you decide to live as the lead character in life. It’s about carrying yourself with an undeniable presence and making power moves that cannot be ignored. Like being the first-ever airline connecting South Australians to the United States!
No stranger to the limelight, United Airlines has been the star of the AU-US travel scene for years, continuously expanding and innovating. It now offers more routes between the Lucky Country and Land of the Free than any other airline.
More than a direct connection
United Airlines is setting the stage for its biggest move yet by introducing the first nonstop flights between Adelaide and the United States with three weekly flights.
United will land in Adelaide at 9:30 am on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, departing on the same days for San Francisco at 2:55 pm.
From 11 December 2025, South Australians will enjoy flights direct to popular attractions like the Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street, and Fisherman’s Wharf. If demand follows, there is the potential for increased frequency on the route.
More than a direct connection
With the largest network in the world, this new service means more than simply a direct connection from Adelaide. Passengers gain one-stop access to over 75 destinations across the US, including Aussie favourites like New York, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Orlando.
Beyond the US, South Australians can travel to Europe, Central and South America, and the Caribbean, and more. This is your South Australian client’s chance to have their Emily in Paris or Walter Mitty main character moment!
The new flight also serves as a one-stop connection for travellers from Perth, who are currently not served by a direct US route.
Onboard upgraded
The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner takes the spotlight on this 15-hour ADL-SFO journey, offering 257 seats. This includes 48 in United PolarisSM Business Class and 21 in United Premium PlusSM.
Customer experiences with United include MileagePlus, their free-to-join loyalty programme, live activities on the airlines’ award-winning app (great for connecting flights), extensive entertainment options, and Starlink Wi-Fi is being rolled out on board.
Whether travel is for business or leisure, your clients will enjoy premium comfort, friendly service, and hours of entertainment from take-off to touchdown.
A US connection like no other
United’s new flight is only one piece of the airline’s growing global network. As the only US carrier to offer nonstop service from four Australian cities – Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and now Adelaide – United is cementing its role as the leader in cross-Pacific travel.
This new route not only adds nearly 25,000 seats annually between the two destinations but also strengthens United’s already unmatched network in the Pacific region.
The United and Virgin Australia partnership affords reciprocal loyalty benefits, allowing you to present even greater flexibility and perks to your clients when booking United flights.
Trade elevation
For South Australians, this new route is more than just a tourism upgrade – it’s a key moment in the state’s ongoing economic and tourism growth.
Linking Adelaide directly to the United States opens a whole new world of opportunities for both agents and wholesalers supporting inbound and outbound business and leisure travel.
Whether it’s sending your clients to experience Napa Valley or welcoming Americans to explore our Barossa Valley, the benefits are undeniable.
Ready for ticketing
With flights only four months away, now’s the time to start promoting and selling Adelaide to San Francisco and beyond. Tickets are available on United’s website, app, and through your preferred GDS.
If this new route is any indication, the sky’s the limit (pun intended) for United as the brand continues to demonstrate main character energy. It leads the way in transforming airline travel, committing to expanding its network for more ways for us to see the world.
The deets
To book, head to united.com or your preferred GDS.
For trade support, connect with your regional United Airlines BDM.
This article is brought to you by United Airlines.
