We know that this past winter Florida become one of the hottest destinations for airlines, thanks to the state’s lack of restrictions, which made people visit from all over the country. It looks like we’re going to see a repeat of that this upcoming winter, as United Airlines has just added some interesting new routes to both Fort Myers and Tampa.
United Airlines’ Fort Myers expansion
United Airlines will be operating two transcon routes to Fort Myers this upcoming winter, from both Los Angeles and San Francisco.
As of December 16, 2021, United Airlines will operate a daily Los Angeles to Fort Myers flight using a Boeing 737-800. The schedule will be as follows:
UA1806 Los Angeles to Fort Myers departing 10:15AM arriving 6:15PM
UA1775 Fort Myers to Los Angeles departing 7:15PM arriving 9:30PM
As of December 16, 2021, United Airlines will operate a daily San Francisco to Fort Myers flight using a Boeing 737-800. The schedule will be as follows:
UA1056 San Francisco to Fort Myers departing 10:47AM arriving 7:17PM
UA1875 Fort Myers to San Francisco departing 7:00PM arriving 9:50PM
It’s pretty awesome to see this kind of growth for Fort Myers. Prior to the pandemic Fort Myers didn’t have any regularly scheduled transcon flights. That changed when Alaska Airlines added a Los Angeles to Fort Myers route as of November 2020. Now we’re seeing United add Fort Myers service from both of its west coast hubs.
United Airlines’ Tampa expansion
United Airlines is doubling down on its transcon service to Tampa this upcoming winter, as the airline will add a route from Los Angeles, and double service from San Francisco.
As of October 31, 2021, United Airlines will operate a daily Los Angeles to Tampa flight using an Airbus A320. The schedule will be as follows:
UA2018 Los Angeles to Tampa departing 10:35PM arriving 6:35AM (+1 day)
UA1789 Tampa to Los Angeles departing 7:00AM arriving 9:15AM
As of December 16, 2021, United Airlines will operate a second daily San Francisco to Tampa flight using a Boeing 737-800. The schedule will be as follows:
UA1956 San Francisco to Tampa departing 10:30PM arriving 6:25AM (+1 day)
UA1223 Tampa to San Francisco departing 7:03PM arriving 9:40PM
This complements the existing frequency, which operates with the following schedule:
UA2670 San Francisco to Tampa departing 10:54AM arriving 6:59PM
UA1513 Tampa to San Francisco departing 7:22AM arriving 9:50AM
A few things stand out about these new Tampa routes:
- Just days ago American Airlines announced it would resume its Los Angeles to Tampa route, so this route will now be operated by Alaska, American, Delta, and United; it’s interesting those four carriers compete, yet not a single low cost carrier is competing in the market
- The only other airline competing in the San Francisco to Tampa market is Alaska
Bottom line
United Airlines will be adding a few transcon routes to Florida this coming winter, including flights from Los Angeles and San Francisco to both Fort Myers and Tampa. Those are all new routes for United, except the San Francisco to Tampa service, where we’re simply seeing capacity expanded.
While Florida has long been a “hot” destination for visitors in winter, the pandemic increased its popularity even more. It looks like airlines are counting on that sticking even this coming winter.
What do you make of United’s new routes to Fort Myers and Tampa?
Membership is free and takes no more information than commenting as a guest. Earn status points for good contributions, and see fewer ads as your status grows.