United adds new nonstop flights to Traverse City. Where you can travel

Officials at Cherry Capital Airport in Traverse City this week said United Airlines will launch seasonaldirect flights to Los Angeles and San Francisco, starting in June 2027 — the first time the airport will offer nonstop West Coast flights.

“The new routes represent a major expansion of connectivity for Northern Michigan, providing travelers with direct access to two of the nation’s leading centers for business, technology, entertainment, and international travel,” Cherry Capital Airport announced in a Facebook post on Thursday, Nov. 5.

Both routes will operate aboard Boeing 737-800 aircraft, the release said, and will fly Saturdays from June 19-Sept. 11, 2027, and “select” Wednesdays from June 30 through July 7, and Sept. 1-8.

“We’re thrilled to grow our presence in Traverse City with new nonstop flights to San Francisco and Los Angeles next summer,” said Mark Weithofer, managing director of domestic network planning at United.

The addition of nonstop flights to California means travelers can fly nonstop to all seven of United Airlines’ hub airports, including Chicago O’Hare, Denver, Houston, Newark, Washington Dulles.

“The addition of nonstop service to Los Angeles and San Francisco marks a transformational milestone for TVC and the entire Northern Michigan region,” said Kevin Klein, CEO of Cherry Capital Airport.

“Nonstop flights to Los Angeles and San Francisco put Northern Michigan within direct reach of two of the country’s most important economic hubs,” said Warren Call, CEO of Traverse Connect. “For our employers, that means a stronger hand in recruiting talent, reaching new customers, and attracting investment. We’re grateful to United Airlines and Cherry Capital Airport for making it happen.”

According to Michigan Department of Transportation data, Cherry Capital Airport saw more than 385,000 passenger “enplanements” through September 2026, the third most in Michigan behind Detroit Metro and Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids.

The new flights are expected to strengthen tourism, support regional economic development, and provide expanded access to destinations throughout the United States and around the world, airport officials said.

“For the first time, Traverse City is connected by nonstop air service from coast to coast,” said Trevor Tkach, President & CEO of Traverse City Tourism.

United offers flights from most major Michigan airports.

Tickets from Traverse City are now available for purchase at United.com. The single nonstop flight to Los Angeles for June 19, returning the following Saturday, June 26, ranged from about $700 to more than $1,200.

This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: United adds new nonstop flights to Traverse City. Where you can travel