Recent analysis of flight scheduling data by Cirium reveals the longest domestic flights operated by the three major U.S. carriers: American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. Each of these airlines offers impressive routes exceeding 4,000 miles, primarily due to the unique geography of the United States, particularly the distance to Hawaii.
American Airlines’ Route to Hawaii
American Airlines boasts the longest domestic flight, which connects Chicago O’Hare (ORD) to Honolulu (HNL). This route spans a total of 4,244 miles (6,830 km) and operates daily using Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft. Each plane features 20 business class, 28 premium economy, and 186 economy seats, catering to various passenger needs.
The flight, designated as AA75, departs Chicago at 10:00 am and arrives in Honolulu at 3:14 pm local time, with a block time of approximately nine hours and 14 minutes. The return flight, AA74, is scheduled for an overnight journey, leaving Honolulu at 7:00 pm and landing back in Chicago at 7:00 am the following day. American Airlines emphasizes that O’Hare remains a critical hub, connecting travelers from the Midwest to its global network.
Delta Air Lines Takes the Lead
Delta Air Lines offers an even longer domestic route, traveling 4,983 miles (8,019 km) from New York’s JFK Airport to Honolulu. This flight operates nonstop five times a week in early December, increasing to daily service from December 18.
Passengers on Delta’s flight DL636 can expect a block time of 11 hours and 13 minutes, departing JFK at 9:55 am and landing in Honolulu at 4:08 pm. The return flight, DL650, is scheduled to take nine hours and 55 minutes, leaving Honolulu at 5:15 pm and arriving back in New York the next morning. Delta operates a mix of Boeing 767-300ER and Airbus A330-300 aircraft on this route, providing a total of 216 seats and ensuring capacity for a high volume of travelers.
United Airlines’ Newark Connection
United Airlines competes directly with Delta on the New York to Honolulu route, departing from Newark Airport. This flight covers 4,962 miles and is serviced by Boeing 767-400ER aircraft, which have a seating capacity of 231, including 34 seats in business class, 24 in premium economy, and 173 in economy.
The westbound flight, UA363, shares a block time of 11 hours and 13 minutes with Delta’s offering, departing Newark at 8:00 am and landing at 2:13 pm local time. The return flight takes nine hours and 35 minutes, leaving Honolulu at 3:45 pm and arriving in Newark at 6:20 am the next day. Currently, United operates this route five times a week, with plans to increase to daily service on December 18.
The extensive flight networks of these major airlines not only highlight the vast distances involved in domestic travel across the United States but also underscore the significance of Hawaii as a key destination. As air travel continues to evolve, these long-haul routes remain critical for connecting passengers to one of the most remote states in the nation.
