One of the best news we’ve received this month is knowing that United Airlines has launched its inaugural nonstop flight from Singapore to San Francisco on 03 June 2016. The Golden Gate City is now only 15 hours and 30 minutes away, and yes, it is a non-stop flight! Man, are we so done with transits!

United Airlines is the first airline to offer direct non-stop routes between these two metropoles. It is also currently the only aviation company offering a direct flight service between Singapore and the United States.

Previously, travellers would have to transit in Tokyo or Hong Kong and board a connecting flight to get to San Francisco. Thankfully, that hassle is no longer necessary.

This newly launched SIN-SFO service is a serious game changer in the aviation industry. Travellers can save up to four hours whilst travelling between these two destinations via United Airlines’ Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, and we were very privileged to have experienced its first flight out on 03 Jun 2016. Let’s take a peek at what the comfortable flight entails:

FREQUENCY AND SCHEDULE

An eastbound United Airline flight departs Singapore Changi Airport at 8:45am daily and is scheduled to arrive San Francisco International Airport at 9.15am on the same day (local time).

On the other hand, a westbound flight departs San Francisco International Airport at 11:25pm daily and arrives at Singapore Changi Airport at 6:15am (local time) two days later.

MILESTONES WORTH CELEBRATING

Flying 13,593 kilometres in just a span of 15 hours and 30 minutes is an impressive feat. The usage of modern engines and improved aerodynamics have enabled United Airlines’ aircraft to fly faster and farther in an efficient manner. The benefit is obvious – customers can now save hours of travelling time and as the saying goes, time is money.

A direct flight from Singapore to London would already take about 13 hours, but you can find yourselves in San Francisco in less than 16 hours now!

BOEING 787-9 AIRCRAFT’S AMENITIES

Boeing 787-9 aircrafts are used for these direct nonstop SIN-SFO routes. The 787-9 Dreamliner boasts enhanced ventilations, improved lighting, bigger overhead bins and larger windows.

Food, beer, coffee, tea, juices, soft drinks and inflight entertainment are all part of the experience at no extra costs. United Economy Plus members get to enjoy an extra legroom of 7.6cm, while United BusinessFirst have seats that can be reclined 180 degrees into lie-flat beds.

WIFI ONBOARD AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE

If you cannot stand the idea of being disconnected from the world (our biggest gripe onboard!), the good news is that you can now stay connected from just US$4.99*. We reckon the payment of US$16.99 is more value-for-money as you would be entitled to unlimited internet throughout your flight.

However, do make it a point to sign up as a MileagePlus® member before purchasing wifi onboard. The purchase of internet access as a guest will unfortunately prohibit you from switching internet access between your personal mobile devices.

ARRIVALS LOUNGE

Freshen up after a long haul flight at United’s Arrivals Lounge in San Francisco Terminal 3, where guests get to take a shower, dig into a hearty breakfast and tap on complimentary wifi.

Do note that this premium lounge is only exclusively available for United Global First and United BusinessFirst customers.

UNITED CLUB

There are three United Clubs in San Francisco International Airport – one in International Terminal near Gate G94, while the other two are at Terminal 3′s Concourse F Rotunda and Boarding Area E near Gate 70.

United Club provides passengers an array of tasty refreshments, unlimited beverages, free internet access and desks to catch up on work. For more information on United Club’s access eligibility and operational hours, please refer to United Airlines’ official website.

This post is brought to you by United Airlines.