United’s New Nonstop Routes Expand U.S.–Japan Connectivity with Exclusive Sapporo and Chicago–Narita Service
United Takes Market Lead with Japan Route Expansion
United Airlines is raising the bar for transpacific travelers with the launch of two major new routes: the first nonstop service from the continental U.S. to Sapporo, Japan, and the only U.S. airline route between Chicago O’Hare and Tokyo-Narita. These additions, announced today, give United customers more direct access to Japan than ever before — and underscore United’s position as the largest U.S.–Japan carrier.
New Sapporo Nonstop Opens Unique Winter Gateway
Starting December 11, United will operate three-times-weekly, winter-seasonal flights between San Francisco and Sapporo (CTS) on the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. This marks the first-ever nonstop flight from the continental United States to Sapporo, a city famed for its powdery ski resorts, celebrated Sapporo ramen, and the iconic Sapporo Snow Festival. United’s Pacific gateway at San Francisco will connect travelers from nearly 80 U.S. cities, transforming Sapporo into an accessible winter adventure for U.S. passengers.
Exclusive Chicago–Tokyo Narita Daily Service Bolsters U.S.–Asia Network
Launching October 24, United will become the only U.S. airline offering nonstop daily year-round service between Chicago (ORD) and Tokyo-Narita (NRT), using the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. This flight complements United’s existing Chicago–Tokyo-Haneda service, giving travelers options for business, leisure, or onward connections across Asia.
With easy onward connections on United and ANA to 21 Asia-Pacific destinations—including Cebu, Palau, Ulaanbaatar, and more—the new Narita route stands out as a premium, time-saving choice for U.S. travelers connecting deeper into Asia.
United Reinforces Leadership as Top U.S.–Japan Carrier
Already leading the continental U.S.–Japan market, United served more than 1.8 million passengers between the two countries in 2025—outpacing all other U.S. carriers combined. This winter, United will offer up to 13 daily flights from the continental U.S. to four Japanese airports: Sapporo (CTS), Tokyo-Narita (NRT), Tokyo-Haneda (HND), and Osaka (KIX). Circuitously, United now serves Tokyo-Narita from six of its seven continental U.S. hubs.
| Route | Service Start | Frequency | Aircraft | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco – Sapporo (CTS) | Dec 11 | 3x weekly (Winter Seasonal) | Boeing 787-9 | First-ever nonstop continental U.S. to Sapporo |
| Chicago (ORD) – Tokyo-Narita (NRT) | Oct 24 | Daily (Year-round) | Boeing 787-8 | Exclusive U.S. airline on ORD–NRT nonstop |
Travelers Gain More Flexibility and Access Across Asia
The new routes are designed for both leisure and business travelers, enabling easy onward connections throughout Asia-Pacific. With ANA partnership connections to cities such as Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur, passengers have an array of new possibilities at their fingertips.
Key Takeaway: U.S.–Japan Travel Enters a New Era with United at the Helm
For anyone considering a winter escape to Japan’s hidden gems or seeking business expansion across Asia, United’s latest network expansion means greater convenience, more options, and unrivaled eastbound connectivity. With bookings opening today, these routes are poised to further cement United’s market-leading status in U.S.–Japan—and give North American travelers more reasons to plan their next adventure.
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