United Airlines has announced updates to its flight schedules for Guam, Saipan, Palau, and Micronesia, effective from May through July 5, 2020. This adjustment comes as travel demand remains low due to the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing travel restrictions in these regions. The airline plans to operate approximately 85% fewer flights during May and June compared to the same period last year.
Sam Shinohara, United's managing director of Airport Operations for Asia-Pacific, stated: "As the islands slowly reopen, United will continue to support its customers and the community by trying to maintain lifeline connections. While we see that travel in the months ahead and into late summer might be slow, United looks forward to welcoming our customers back and providing a safe and comfortable travel experience."
The updated schedule includes daily flights between Guam (GUM) and Honolulu (HNL) using Boeing 777 aircraft. Flights between Guam (GUM) and Narita (NRT), Saipan (SPN), Koror (ROR), Yap (YAP), Pohnpei (PNI), Chuuk (TKK), are scheduled on specific days with Boeing 737 aircraft. Some services are subject to quarantine restrictions imposed by local governments.
United has suspended several routes indefinitely due to current conditions. These include two of three daily flights from Guam to Tokyo/Narita, all flights from Nagoya, Osaka until further notice; Fukuoka until October 24; Manila including the route from Manila to Koror.
Customers are advised that flight schedules may change without prior notice due to evolving COVID-19 restrictions. Travelers can check united.com for the latest updates.
In response to uncertainties around travel plans during this time, United is waiving change fees for any booking—domestic or international—through May 31 for trips planned through year-end.
To ensure safety amid the pandemic, United emphasizes cleaning protocols aboard its aircraft using high-grade disinfectants at multiple touchpoints throughout each day. They also use HEPA filters onboard which remove up to 99.7% of airborne particles.
Since April 24th all flight attendants wear face masks while on duty; passengers must do so starting May 4th as well—masks will be provided if needed upon boarding—and additional precautions like single-use cups have been introduced during service operations.
Shinohara added: “We understand that our customers may have some concerns about traveling again which is why it’s important they understand United’s commitment towards keeping both them along with employees safe before takeoff till after landing.”
For more information regarding their efforts toward maintaining health standards or changes affecting operations visit hub.united.com
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