United to Offer Daily SFO-Tahiti Flights on Boeing 787-9

(PAPEETE, TAHITI (PPT)) United Airlines will move to daily nonstop service between San Francisco and Tahiti starting June 29, 2026, upgrading its current five-times-weekly schedule and keeping the route on the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. The change, visible in industry schedules since September 11, 2025 and published on September 14, 2025, is already open for booking for the Northern Hemisphere summer 2026 season. As of mid-September 2025, United Airlines runs the route five days a week; the shift to daily flights marks a clear jump in seat supply during peak demand.

United launched the San Francisco–Papeete link in 2018 with three flights per week. Since then, demand has grown as French Polynesia became more popular for premium leisure trips and special-occasion travel. United remains the only U.S. carrier offering nonstop service from the continental United States to Tahiti, competing mainly with Air Tahiti Nui’s service from Los Angeles.

A daily schedule from San Francisco should appeal to travelers across the United States who prefer a single connection through a major West Coast hub. Tourism officials in French Polynesia have welcomed the expansion, pointing to stronger links for both tourism and business.

Current timetable (as of 2025)

The current timetable, still in effect as of 2025, shows daytime flying southbound and an overnight return:

• UA115: Departs SFO 13:25, arrives PPT 18:55 (local time)
• UA114: Departs PPT 21:10, arrives SFO 08:20+1 (next day)

United has not issued a new press release yet, but the update appears in airline schedules and booking systems. Daily service reduces the chance of long waits after missed connections and improves award seat hunting for families trying to sit together.

Service expansion details and what changes in 2026

• Effective date: Daily flights begin June 29, 2026
• Aircraft: Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on all frequencies
• Seats per flight: 257 total seats, including:
  • 48 Polaris business
  • 21 Premium Plus
  • 39 Economy Plus
  • 149 Economy
• Booking: Seats for summer 2026 are already open across United’s channels, major online travel agencies, and through travel advisors
• Government approvals: The plan for daily service is still subject to final government approval, though no hurdles are expected at this time

Cabin experience and hardware

The Boeing 787-9 matters on a long Pacific leg for its range, fuel efficiency, and mixed-cabin configuration:

• Polaris: Lie-flat seats and upgraded bedding from Saks Fifth Avenue; praised for comfort and service on this route
• Premium Plus: Wider seat and extra recline in a smaller cabin — a restful option on the return to San Francisco
• Economy Plus: Extra legroom
• Economy: Largest section with standard international service

Passenger feedback notes overall comfort in Polaris, with occasional delays and mixed baggage tracking results typical of long-haul networks.

Traveler benefits and operational impacts

A daily pattern brings several practical advantages:

• More date flexibility and better odds of finding seats in every cabin, including award space
• Higher consistency for planning because the 787-9 assignment keeps seat maps and service offerings predictable
• Reduced risk of long connection waits and improved matching with resort check-in cycles, ferry departures, and cruise embarkations
• Potentially lower fares in shoulder periods due to increased competition and capacity

Tourism leaders expect added spending at hotels, guesthouses, and tour operators across the islands — not just on Tahiti itself. Daily flights make onward travel to Moorea, Bora Bora, Raiatea, and other islands simpler to time.

Travel flow at PPT and practical tips for passengers

All passengers clear French Polynesian immigration upon arrival at Papeete’s Faa’a International Airport (PPT). There is a family lane to help parents with young children move through checks more easily; there is no special fast-track lane for business-class travelers.

After immigration:
– Collect bags and proceed through customs
– Head to transfers, taxis, rides, or short-hop domestic flights on local carriers

Practical notes based on current operations:
– Check in online or via the United app when possible to save time at SFO; airport kiosks and counters are available if you need help
– For the southbound flight, arrive at SFO with ample time for international security queues; early-afternoon departures can see busy checkpoints
– The return to San Francisco lands in the morning, which helps with onward U.S. connections; build buffer time for same-day domestic flights in case of weather or Pacific headwinds
– For families, the family lane at PPT can reduce stress after a long flight
– Onboard, Polaris offers fully flat beds and upgraded bedding; Premium Plus can be a comfort sweet spot for many travelers

If you plan tight connections—especially to outer islands—leave room for delays. Consider insurance, flexible hotel bookings, and open-jaw tickets (flying into PPT and out of another island) as useful backup plans.

Market, sustainability, and policy context

Industry analysis by VisaVerge.com and aviation experts suggests the move to daily service reflects strong demand for long-haul leisure routes where premium cabins sell well and loyalty members want nonstop options. United is leveraging West Coast hubs to funnel traffic from the Midwest and East Coast without routing through Los Angeles.

From a sustainability perspective:
– United has operated at least one 787-9 flight to Tahiti using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), signaling efforts to lower emissions over time. While a single SAF flight doesn’t change the overall footprint, it indicates continued testing on long leisure routes.

The daily plan remains pending final sign-off by relevant authorities, which is standard when carriers add international frequencies. No issues are currently expected. If demand continues rising, United could consider different aircraft types or other schedule adjustments in future seasons.

Economic and business implications

More frequent service tends to bring more visitor spending across lodging, dining, excursions, and local crafts. Daily flights add stability that benefits small businesses dependent on predictable customer flows and helps hospitality and transport workers with staffing and training.

Business travel benefits include tighter ties for meetings, supply runs, and service contracts across hospitality, construction, and marine sectors. San Francisco’s status as a tech and finance center also brings higher-yield travelers who value nonstop options.

Booking, planning, and customer resources

For travelers arranging summer 2026 trips now:
– Book early for weddings, anniversaries, or school breaks to secure specific dates
– For mileage redemptions, check frequently and set alerts to catch award seat releases
– Expect steady availability released in waves as United manages inventory

Useful links and contacts:
– United booking and schedule checks: United Airlines
– United U.S. customer support: 1-800-864-8331
– France visa information: France-Visas
– French Polynesia tourism planning: tahititourisme.com

Key takeaways

• Daily nonstop service begins June 29, 2026, operated on the 787-9 Dreamliner with 257 seats per flight.
• The move improves flexibility, award availability, and alignment with hotel/cruise schedules.
• Travelers should plan for morning arrivals into SFO for onward connections and use family lanes at PPT if applicable.
• The expansion supports the local economy and tightens competition with Air Tahiti Nui, while sustainability testing (SAF) continues on long routes.

With daily service on the horizon, the San Francisco–Tahiti link is set to become one of the most reliable gateways into the South Pacific, improving planning ease for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.