United Airlines Launches Direct Flights from Adelaide to the USA
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Adelaide travellers, rejoice—your international travel game just levelled up. Starting December 2025, United Airlines will offer direct flights between Adelaide and San Francisco, giving South Aussies a seamless path to the USA without detouring through Sydney or Melbourne.
What You Need to Know About the New United Airlines Adelaide-USA Route
This seasonal route will operate three times per week—on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays—through to late March 2026. Say goodbye to unnecessary domestic layovers and hello to non-stop USA travel.
This new connection lands you in San Francisco, United’s West Coast hub, which opens the door to over 75 onward destinations across the USA, including New York, Chicago, Las Vegas, and more.
And the journey? You’ll be flying in comfort aboard the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, featuring:
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48 fully flat-bed Polaris business class seats
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21 premium economy recliners
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Modern cabin features designed to minimise jet lag and maximise rest
Adelaide to San Francisco Flight Schedule
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UA208 departs Adelaide at 2:55 PM and arrives in San Francisco at 11:15 AM (same day)
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UA207 departs San Francisco at 11:05 PM and touches down in Adelaide at 9:30 AM two days later
Velocity Members: Perks Galore
Thanks to the Virgin Australia–United Airlines partnership, Velocity Frequent Flyers can:
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Earn Velocity Points and Status Credits on these flights
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Enjoy lounge access, extra checked baggage, and priority perks (Gold and Platinum tiers)
It’s a compelling option for frequent flyers who want elite travel benefits on a long-haul route.
A Game-Changer for Perth Travellers Too
This new Adelaide–San Francisco service also presents a savvy one-stop solution for travellers from Perth, who currently lack direct access to the USA. Instead of connecting through Asia or the east coast, Perth-based passengers can fly to Adelaide and catch the direct United service.
United Now Outpaces Qantas
With the addition of Adelaide, United becomes the only airline flying non-stop to the USA from four Australian capital cities—Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and now Adelaide. That’s more direct USA routes from Australia than even Qantas.
South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas called this new route a major win, especially with increasing investment into the state via the AUKUS defence agreement. And with 44,000 American tourists visiting South Australia in 2024, contributing $77 million to the local economy, the timing couldn’t be better.
Thinking of Flying Business Class to the USA?
This new route is a golden opportunity to experience business class without the hassle—and if you play your cards right, you won’t need to pay full price.
👉 Learn how to fly business class for less—sometimes even cheaper than economy.