United Airlines Adds a New Route to California from its Washington Dulles Hub
by Krish Patel / aviationwithkrish.com
United Airlines has recently unveiled plans to launch a new transcontinental route from its hub at Dulles International Airport (IAD), located near Washington D.C. The U.S. carrier will launch seasonal flights to Palm Springs, California (PSP).
Starting on December 19,2024, United will fly to Palm Springs daily from Washington D.C. area. The seasonal winter flight covering about 2,188 miles will run up until April 30, 2025. Once service launches, this will be United’s longest flight to Palm Springs. United already serves Palm Springs from its hubs in Chicago O’Hare, Denver, Houston George Bush Intercontinental, Los Angeles, and San Fransisco. Of these hubs, Denver and San Franscisco are the only ones United flies to from PSP all year round.
This flight from IAD will be United’s longest flight to Palm Springs. Palm Springs is a destination that’s popular among tourists during the winter months, making this transcontinental flight ideal for travelers looking to go beyond the D.C. area. This route will also allow for passengers to travel between Europe and Palm Springs, while transiting through Dulles, one of United’s fastest-growing hubs.
Last year, less than 20 passengers, on average, were flying between IAD and PSP, while more than 30 passengers, on average, were flying daily between Washington Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) and Palm Springs on connecting flights. Many flights from DCA are limited in length due to a perimeter rule, so United believes that this route will convince passengers headed from the D.C. area to Palm Springs to consider taking this flight.
Flight UA1632 will depart IAD at 9:00 AM and arrive in Palm Springs at 11:42 AM, taking five hours and 42 minutes. At 1:00 PM, flight UA1633 will turn around and depart for IAD, where it will arrive four hours and 39 minutes later at 8:39 PM. The Star Alliance carrier will deploy a Boeing 737 MAX 8 on the new route, featuring United’s sleek signature interior. United’s 737 MAX 8 aircraft feature seatback IFE screens at every seat, making the passenger experience more enjoyable.
Palm Springs has several attractions and dining scenes that make it a popular winter destination. If you’re headed to California from the D.C. area, this is an exciting flight to look forward to.