More US carriers and direct flights may follow, according to US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson.
United Airlines’ maiden flight from San Francisco to Manila arrived yesterday, October 30, with 325 passengers onboard, and flew back on the same day at midnight with 334 passengers plus one infant.
These two flights marked United’s daily nonstop flight between Manila and San Francisco. United is the only US airline connecting Manila and the continental US. United’s daily flight schedule is UA190 leaving MNL at 9:55 am and arriving in SFO at 6:20 am on the same day (San Francisco is 15 hours behind). The return flight, UA191, departs SFO at 11:35 pm and arrives in MNL at 6:50 am two days later.
The San Francisco-Manila flights use the B777-300ER aircraft with 60 seats in the United Polaris business cabin, 24 seats in the United Premium Plus cabin, and 266 seats in the United Economy cabin.
The Manila-San Francisco flight answers the strong demand from customers “on both sides of the Pacific,” according to Wally Dias, United Regional Director. “This new nonstop service also offers more than 70 one-stop destinations in the mainland US, Canada and Latin America via our hub in San Francisco.”
San Francisco is United’s largest hub airport on the US West Coast and a gateway to Asia-Pacific. United operates more than 200 daily departures from San Francisco International Airport to more than 100 destinations around the globe.
More direct US routes
US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson said the US and Philippine governments have agreed “to explore how to expand air ties. Our engagement with Philippine aviation authorities over the past several months will help open more opportunities for American carriers seeking to serve the Philippine market.”
Before United’s new route, Philippine Airlines (PAL) was the only airline with direct flights to the US.
Ambassador Carlson was at terminal 3 to see off the maiden flight from Manila. She said she was confident that United’s flight is “simply the first of many more air links between our countries.”
The ambassador noted the close business and family ties between the Philippine and San Francisco, saying, “I know many of you will be flying to the United States this morning to conduct business for your companies. Some of you are flying to visit friends and family, or simply to experience the beauty of America. Whatever the purpose of your journey, you are making an important contribution to the strengthening the ties between the Philippines and the United States.”
5 things to see and do in San Francisco
We’ve seen San Francisco’s beauty in pop culture and movies like Ali Wong’s Always be my Maybe, Sean Penn’s Milk, and the TV series Planet of the Apes set in the year 3085. The City by the Bay is a vibrant, diverse, and culturally rich metropolis with picturesque landmarks and a thriving arts and food scene.
Here are 5 places not to miss in San Francisco.
Golden Gate Bridge and Golden Gate Park
It’s the city’s postcard to the world and no trip to San Francisco is complete without seeing the Golden Gate Bridge. Take a stroll or rent a bike to explore the bridge’s walkways while enjoying breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean, while the Golden Gate Park lies on the other side of the bridge. Enjoy its gardens, museums, and recreational activities. Check out the California Academy of Sciences, the De Young Museum, and the serene Japanese Tea Garden within the park.
Cable car ride
San Francisco’s historic cable cars are a convenient way to see the city. They are among the few manually operated cable car systems in the world and takes passengers through the city’s hilly streets. The Powell-Hyde and Powell-Mason lines lets you see some of the most spectacular views and takes you through the charming Nob Hill and Russian Hill neighborhoods.
Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz Island gives you a unique historical perspective of the city. Home to the notorious Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, it housed some of America’s most infamous criminals. Three movies across the decades that are set here are Clint Eastwood’s Escape from Alcatraz, Nicolas Cage’s The Rock, and X-men The Last Stand. Guided tours provide insights into the prison’s history, including its famous inmates and daring, real-life escape attempts.
Fisherman’s Wharf
Famous for its clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl, Fisherman’s Wharf is a bustling waterfront district filled with shops and seafood restaurants. Stroll along the waterfront and watch the sea lions at Pier 39, and explore the Aquarium of the Bay to learn about the region’s marine life.
Chinatown and North Beach
San Francisco is home to the oldest and most vibrant Chinatown in North America. Its bustling streets are filled with restaurants and markets for exotic goods. Next to it is North Beach also known as “Little Italy.” Enjoy the Italian cafes, pastry shops, or pick up a copy of On The Road by Jack Kerouac at the historic City Lights Bookstore, a favorite of the Beat Generation.
Book your flight on United’s website, app, or through local travel agencies.
