United Airlines is adding five routes from San Francisco International Airport starting in March 2027. The expansion includes four transcontinental flights to smaller East Coast markets.
United will launch daily year-round service to Hartford, Connecticut (BDL) on March 28, 2027, using a Boeing 737 MAX 9. The airline is also restoring daily service to Oklahoma City (OKC) on March 28, 2027, operated by SkyWest using an Embraer E175. Charleston, South Carolina (CHS) will receive four weekly flights on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays starting March 28, 2027, with seasonal service on Boeing 737-800/MAX 8 aircraft.
The two Virginia markets stand out. Richmond (RIC) will have twice-weekly service on Thursdays and Sundays starting March 28, 2027. Norfolk (ORF) will operate twice weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays starting March 31, 2027. This twice-weekly frequency is unusual for United hub routes and suggests the airline is targeting leisure travelers who can plan weekend trips.
Richmond brings direct competition with Breeze Airways, which already operates nonstop service between Richmond and San Francisco. United's twice-weekly schedule appears designed to compete directly with the low-cost carrier.
All five routes emphasize onward connections beyond San Francisco, expanding United's network reach from its primary West Coast hub.