United Airlines Unlocks Maine-to-California Direct Flights for Summer Travelers

United Airlines is significantly expanding its route network into New England this summer. The carrier announced new seasonal nonstop service from the Portland International Jetport (PWM) in Maine to two major California cities. Travelers can now book direct flights to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO).

This new service will operate once a week on Saturdays. The flights are scheduled to begin on June 27.

Network and Fleet Details

The addition of these United Airlines direct flights is a major milestone for the Portland Jetport. It marks the first time the airport will offer nonstop service to both LAX and SFO.

This move connects PWM to all seven of United’s major United domestic hubs in the U.S.

• PWM already offers daily service to Chicago (ORD), Denver (DEN), New York/Newark (EWR), and Washington, D.C. (IAD).
• The airport also offers Saturday service to Houston (IAH).
• The new LAX and SFO routes complete the hub connection map.

United Airlines will deploy a Boeing 737 aircraft for the new Maine to California routes. The 737 family of aircraft typically offers a capacity between 126 and 179 passengers for United.

Tickets for the new seasonal nonstop service went on sale Friday. The flights are expected to run through the peak summer travel 2026 season.

Industry Impact and Strategy

The decision to add a long-haul, once-weekly service reflects a broader industry trend. Airlines are increasingly focusing on premium leisure market demand.

Airport officials noted that Los Angeles San Francisco were top unserved markets from PWM. Assistant Airport Director Zach Sundquist highlighted the easy access to the West Coast during Maine's peak tourism season.

Industry analysis shows that U.S. passenger demand remains robust in 2026.

Carriers like United Airlines are adapting their schedules. They are operating more routes at greater frequency during peak periods. This creates sharper seasonality patterns in the domestic market.

The Saturday-only schedule is a key strategic choice. It targets leisure travelers who prefer direct, long-haul flights. This helps United capture high-value customers on a niche route.

• Opportunity: The new service provides a direct link for both New England tourists heading west and California residents visiting Maine.
• Challenge: The long-haul nature of the route, combined with a single weekly frequency, requires high load factors to maintain profitability.

The Portland International Jetport (PWM) benefits from this route network expansion. It solidifies its position as a key regional gateway. The new service offers travelers a convenient alternative to connecting flights through other major hubs.

Access up-to-date commercial aviation news and airline industry developments via flying.flights.