United Airlines is set to enhance its international service by launching two long-haul flights from Los Angeles to Southeast Asia. Starting on October 24, 2023, the airline will operate flights to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, with a stop in Hong Kong. The following day, on October 25, 2023, flights will commence to Ho Chi Minh City, also via Hong Kong. These new routes signify United’s return to these key markets, focusing on leisure and visiting friends and relatives traffic.
The airline will utilize its 257-seat Boeing 787-9 aircraft for these routes, which are expected to cater primarily to tourists rather than premium travelers. Notably, Bangkok was part of United’s network until 2014, when the airline discontinued its service that included stops in Tokyo Narita. The revival of the service comes at a time when United seeks to leverage its existing operations in Hong Kong, thereby reducing operational risks associated with new markets.
In terms of passenger demand, data indicates that approximately 1.1 million round-trip passengers traveled between Bangkok and the United States from July 2024 to June 2025, averaging over 3,000 passengers daily. Los Angeles ranks as the most popular city pair, accounting for around 190,000 local passengers during this period. The anticipated average fare per mile for the Los Angeles-Bangkok route is relatively low, reflecting the competitive nature of the market and the existing options for one-stop flights.
United Returns to Thailand After Nearly a Decade
United Airlines’ new service marks its return to Bangkok after an absence of almost 11 years. The airline’s previous operations utilized larger aircraft, such as the Boeing 747-400 and 777-200ER, to connect to its Tokyo hub. The recent upturn in travel demand and a successful response to routes by other carriers, such as Air Canada’s nonstop flights from Vancouver, have likely influenced this strategic decision.
In addition to Bangkok, United will also return to Ho Chi Minh City, marking its first service there in nearly nine years. The airline will be the second to operate flights between the U.S. and Vietnam, joining Vietnam Airlines, which offers nonstop flights to San Francisco. Booking data reveals that approximately 1.3 million passengers flew between Ho Chi Minh City and the U.S. in the same period, with Los Angeles being the largest origin and destination with 265,000 passengers.
The introduction of these one-stop routes reflects United’s strategy to connect with underserved markets while minimizing risks associated with direct flights. Other airlines, including Delta, Northwest, and Thai Airways, have previously entered the US-Bangkok market, underscoring the competitive landscape.
Flight Schedule and Operations
United Airlines has outlined its flight schedule for November 2023, which includes daily services with specific local times. For the Los Angeles to Hong Kong leg, flight UA820 will depart at 22:55 and arrive at 07:00+2. The onward flight from Hong Kong to Bangkok will leave at 09:20 and land at 11:25. The return journey from Bangkok to Hong Kong is scheduled for 16:55 to 20:45, followed by the flight back to Los Angeles, departing at 22:45 for an arrival at 19:25 on the same day.
For the route to Ho Chi Minh City, flight UA152 will take off from Los Angeles at 11:10 and arrive in Hong Kong at 19:15+1. The connection to Ho Chi Minh City will leave Hong Kong at 21:15 and arrive at 22:55. The return flights will follow a similar schedule, starting from Ho Chi Minh City at 06:00 and arriving back in Los Angeles by 08:05.
Data from the U.S. Department of Transportation indicates that United Airlines faced challenges in filling seats on its standalone Los Angeles-Hong Kong services, achieving only 65% occupancy. In contrast, competitor Cathay Pacific managed to fill 89% of its seats, benefiting from a more extensive network. This competitive pressure likely contributed to United’s decision to extend its flights to Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City, as it aims to optimize its operational efficiency and capitalize on emerging travel trends.
As United Airlines reintegrates these routes into its network, it highlights the evolving landscape of international travel and the ongoing recovery in air travel demand post-pandemic.