US Airlines Expand Routes to China Amid Eased Travel Policies

In a significant development for international travel, two major US airlines, United Airlines and Delta Air Lines, are set to expand their routes to China in 2025.

This move comes after China eased its travel policies, including an updated visa-free transit policy that allows tourists from 54 countries, including the United States, to stay in the country for up to 10 days.

The policy change has opened new opportunities for airlines to cater to the growing demand for travel between the two nations.

United Airlines: New Routes and Expanded Services

United Airlines has announced plans to introduce a new route between Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Beijing Capital International Airport starting May 1, 2025.

This route will operate three times a week using the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, which offers 257 seats, including 48 in business class, 21 in premium economy, and 188 in standard economy.

The airline’s decision aligns with the US Department of Transportation’s (DOT) requirements, which mandate consistent operation of the route for at least 90 days to retain the allocated slot.

In addition to the new route, United Airlines has applied for extensions on waivers for six other routes that are not currently being utilized to their full capacity.

These include flights from Newark to Beijing and Shanghai, Washington to Beijing, and Chicago to both Beijing and Shanghai.

United also operates daily flights from San Francisco to Beijing and Shanghai, as well as from Shanghai to Los Angeles.

Route	Frequency	Start Date
Los Angeles to Beijing	3 times/week	May 1, 2025
San Francisco to Beijing	Daily	Ongoing
Shanghai to Los Angeles	Daily	Ongoing

Delta Air Lines: Resuming Nonstop Flights

Delta Air Lines is also ramping up its operations in China.

The airline plans to resume nonstop flights between Los Angeles and Shanghai in June 2025, utilizing the Airbus A350.

Delta’s senior vice president of network planning, Joe Esposito, emphasized the company’s commitment to providing seamless global access for its Los Angeles customers.

In total, Delta will operate 17 weekly flights between the US and China, including existing routes from Detroit and Seattle.

Route	Frequency	Start Date
Los Angeles to Shanghai	Nonstop	June 2025
Detroit to Shanghai	Weekly	Ongoing
Seattle to Shanghai	Weekly	Ongoing

Air China: Strengthening US Connections

Chinese carrier Air China has also expanded its services to the United States.

The airline now operates five weekly flights from New York to Beijing and offers additional routes connecting Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen to various US cities.

This expansion reflects the growing demand for travel between the two countries and highlights the importance of the US-China air transport agreements.

Route	Frequency	Start Date
New York to Beijing	5 times/week	Ongoing
Beijing to Los Angeles	Weekly	Ongoing
Shanghai to San Francisco	Weekly	Ongoing

The Impact of Eased Travel Policies

China’s updated visa-free transit policy has been a game-changer for international tourism.

By allowing travelers from 54 countries to stay in China for up to 10 days without a visa, the policy has made the country more accessible to foreign tourists.

This change is expected to boost tourism and business travel, benefiting airlines and the broader travel industry.

The policy update also comes at a time when international travel is gradually recovering from the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the pandemic, many airlines had to reduce or suspend their international routes due to travel restrictions and decreased demand.

The easing of travel policies and the resumption of flights signal a return to normalcy and a renewed focus on strengthening global connectivity.

Challenges and Opportunities

While the expansion of routes is a positive development, airlines face several challenges in implementing these changes.

The US Department of Transportation’s strict regulations require airlines to consistently operate their allocated routes, or risk losing their slots.

This adds pressure on airlines to ensure high passenger demand and operational efficiency.

On the other hand, the growing interest in travel to China presents significant opportunities for airlines.

The country’s rich cultural heritage, modern cities, and natural landscapes make it a popular destination for tourists.

Additionally, the easing of travel restrictions is likely to encourage more business travel, further boosting demand for flights.

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Conclusion

The introduction of new routes and the resumption of existing ones by United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Air China mark a new chapter in US-China travel relations.

These developments not only reflect the growing demand for international travel but also underscore the importance of strong air transport agreements between the two countries.

As travel continues to recover, the expanded connectivity between the US and China is expected to benefit travelers, airlines, and the broader tourism industry.