United Airlines has quickly expanded its last plane throughout the continent and is preparing to display it on key routes this summer. But when it comes to Hawaii, it is completely missing. This occurs despite the fact that United recently flew to Honolulu in what seems to have been a trial flight for the next routes. So why hasn’t it been scheduled for the passenger service?

United’s last expansion leaves Hawaii.

United is launching its newest plane, the A321neo, in multiple centers, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Newark, Washington Dulles, Chicago, Denver and Seattle. These aircraft will be used on routes throughout the country, adding fuel capacity and efficiency to the United Network.

But when it comes to Hawaii, there is still no sign of it. Instead, United continues to operate Boeing 757 on routes such as Denver to Lihue and 737 Max, 777, and other airplanes for San Francisco and other Hawaii flights. The airlines, including Delta and Hawaii, have been using this type of aircraft that airlines love on Hawaii routes, but United has not followed.

The omission stands out, since Hawaii flights represent an important segment of United Leisure Travel Business. United operates more flights to Hawaii than most competitors, in addition to the combined Alaska/Hawaii airline, and has historically adjusted its mixing mixing aggressively. However, United is still slowing down even though the A321neo offers better fuel efficiency and lower operational costs than some airplanes that still fly to the islands.

A reader said: “United seems to first prioritize business routes. Hawaii is a huge market, but it is still mainly leisure. Maybe they are waiting for premium seat demand to be greater before making the change. ”

A recent trial flight poses questions.

United flew to Honolulu from San Francisco and in December. The flight had no passengers, which strongly suggested that it was an Etops test flight, a step required for airplanes to operate extended routes on water such as Hawaii.

In order for an airline to enter a new double motor plane on long -term flights, you must complete all aspects of the ETOPS certification to demonstrate that it can safely deviate to an alternative airport in case of engine failure. The fact that United made this flight indicates that it is completely deploying it on the Hawaii routes.

Despite this, such flights do not appear at the next time of the airline based on our check today. Given the speed with which United has moved to integrate these planes into other places, the delay poses speculation about whether technical, logistics or strategic considerations prevent its most immediate use for the Hawaii service.

Another reader said: “It is possible that United wants to finish first eliminating the elimination of the oldest aircraft before putting them on the Hawaii routes. Their 757 do not become younger and need a replacement.”

What is Hawaii service?

United’s decision to stop the deployment of A321neo of narrow body on Hawaii routes could be driven by several factors. The airline still receives deliveries, and only a fraction of the fleet is in service. With the demand for these planes throughout the network, Hawaii may not be the immediate priority.

United recently received its 25th A321neo, with the last plane built in the mobile facilities of Airbus, Alabama. The airline has ambitious plans to expand the use of this type of airline aircraft. United has firm orders for almost 200 A321neo and A321xlr aircraft. His first A321neo entered service in December 2023, marking the first new Airbus plane to join the United Fleet in more than twenty years.

The route selection is probably another factor. United is placing its last plane on national high frequency routes first, particularly those with commercial demand. That leaves long distance leisure markets like Hawaii waiting for his turn on the plane.

Passenger satisfaction, or dissatisfaction, can also play a role. While the airlines love the A321neo for their fuel efficiency and their lower cost, many passengers feel differently. Complaints range from narrower seats to small bathrooms and limited space to move. On a six -hour flight to Hawaii, those problems can be expanded.

A reader shared his experience: “I flew in one of these new Jets United last month. The seats were fine, but the upper containers are quickly filled. If they put them on Hawaii flights, good luck to find space for hand luggage. “

Another traveler was more forceful: “This jet is fine for short flights, but six hours to Hawaii? No, thanks. I prefer to be in a 757 or all day. “

The next XLR variant of this plane could be another reason for the delay. United has ordered this higher version and may be planning to use it in its place for Hawaii flights.

How other airlines approach Hawaii routes.

While United stops, competitors have advanced with these narrow body deployments in Hawaii. Delta uses this type of plane widely on flights to all islands from the west coast. American Airlines has also widely integrated these newer planes in their Hawaii schedule, as well as Hawaiian Airlines.

The wide body airplanes dominated the continental service to Hawaii for years, but changed quickly, starting with 737 and then the A321. Airlines now see smaller and more efficient fuel jets as a way to increase frequency, reduce costs and improve flexibility on the routes that were only flown by larger airplanes.

The transition is not exempt from inconveniences. Narrow body airplanes offer less space, smaller bathrooms and a reduced passenger movement on long -distance flights both first class and economics. However, the airlines continue to advance with this turn, leaving the most notable United doubts.

A reader commented: “I prefer to be in 757 than some of these new narrow body planes. At least 757 feels a bit more spacious on a six -hour flight. ”

When will this change?

United has not made an official announcement, but given the successful test flight to Honolulu, Hawaii’s service is likely to arrive very soon. The airline is expected to expect additional aircraft deliveries or a change in the fleet strategy before making its next movement.

For now, passengers traveling to Hawaii must trust the existing fleet mixture. However, with its focus on fuel efficiency and Premium cabin updates, the last A321neo of United A321neo will almost surely enter the Hawaii market. It is just a matter of when.

A final thought of a reader: “Hawaii travelers are always the last to obtain new aircraft. With luck, when United finally brings these airplanes to the islands, they will configure them with enough long -term comfort. ”

We will expect your thoughts about the comfort of the A321neo, regardless of the airline.