United Airlines Launches Nonstop Flights to Adelaide – A U.S. First

United Airlines is spreading its wings even further Down Under, announcing a brand-new route that’ll make it the first and only U.S. airline to fly nonstop to South Australia. Starting 11 December 2025, United will operate three weekly seasonal flights from San Francisco (SFO) direct to Adelaide (ADL) aboard the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

This marks a major milestone, not just for United, but for Adelaide Airport, which has never had a direct service to the United States – until now.

United Airlines Adelaide Schedule

Flights will run on the following days from Adelaide to San Fransisco:

• Monday
• Wednesday
• Saturday

And on the following days from San Fransisco to Adelaide:

• Monday
• Thursday
• Saturday

More U.S.–Australia Connectivity Than Ever

With this new addition, United will become the only airline offering nonstop flights from the U.S. to four major Aussie cities: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and now Adelaide. Throw in their deep partnership with Virgin Australia, and travellers can easily connect across the country with a single ticket and baggage checked through.

How to Book United from San Francisco to Adelaide on Points?

If you're sitting on a stash of frequent flyer points, there are a couple of solid options to redeem for United’s new SFO–ADL service:

Velocity Frequent Flyer

Thanks to the United–Virgin Australia partnership, you can redeem Velocity Points for United-operated flights. Based on the distance (8,070 miles), here’s what you’ll need:

• Economy Class: 44,800 Velocity Points + taxes and fees
• Business Class: 95,500 Velocity Points + taxes and fees

Award space may be limited, so it’s worth searching early or being flexible with travel dates.

Air Canada Aeroplan

Aeroplan is another excellent program for booking United flights, especially manage to buy some points when they are on sale!

• Economy Class: 60,000 Aeroplan points + taxes and fees
• Business Class: 87,500 Aeroplan points + taxes and fees

Aeroplan also doesn’t pass on fuel surcharges for United flights, which helps keep cash costs down.

Flights to Asia Also Expand

In addition to the Adelaide route, United also revealed it will be the only U.S. airline flying to both Bangkok, Thailand and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, with new daily flights launching from Hong Kong on 26 October 2025. These services also operate with the 787-9 Dreamliner and are timed to offer seamless connections from across the U.S.