- Delta is adding three new routes to its Hawaii network, including two where it will be the sole operator.
- The airline will fly a total of 18 daily flights to the Aloha State this year from seven US cities.
- The move comes as 59% of Americans say they plan to travel domestically this year, with Maui as a top-searched spot.
Delta Air Lines is expecting strong winter demand to beach destinations this year as Americans crave a post-pandemic vacation, and it is responding with all-new routes to the Aloha State.
On Friday, Atlanta-based Delta announced its holiday network to Hawaii, including three brand new routes from its hubs in Atlanta, Detroit, and New York. The expansion brings its total Hawaii operation to 18 daily flights from seven US cities.
According to the airline, it will be the only carrier flying nonstop between Atlanta and Maui and Detroit and Honolulu. Delta is also adding a new direct flight between its base at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport and Honolulu.
"Breathtaking beaches, a vibrant culture, and a competitive economy make Hawaii a highly sought-after destination for families and adventurists alike," Delta senior vice president of network planning, Joe Esposito, said in a press release. "We're guaranteeing more choice for our customers this winter, alongside Delta's award-winning hospitality and industry-leading reliability."
Every flight bound for Hawaii from Atlanta, Detroit, Minneapolis, and New York will offer three cabin options, including Delta One, Delta Comfort+, and Main Cabin, according to the airline.
Moreover, those in Delta One can enjoy the newly reintroduced hot meals offered on select flights over 1,500 miles, which includes the three new flights to Hawaii. However, a company spokesperson told Insider that the availability of hot food will depend on each city's catering station's capacity to produce the meals.
"For those cities where hot food is not yet available, customers will continue to see our premium, fresh packaged meals like salads, bowls, and sandwiches," Delta said.
Delta, as well as other major US carriers, is anticipating strong demand this year as the world gets closer to the endemic phase of COVID-19. According to Expedia's 2022 Travel Trends report, which surveyed 12,000 people across 12 countries, 59% of Americans say they plan to travel domestically this year.
Specifically, people are interested in warm-weather, beach destinations with Maui as one of the top-searched spots for 2022, Expedia revealed.
Here is the full list of 15 routes Delta will serve to Hawaii this year.
Between Atlanta and Maui
Delta will operate daily flights between Atlanta and Maui beginning November 19. The airline will face no competition on the route.
Between Detroit and Honolulu
Delta will operate daily flights between Detroit and Honolulu beginning November 19. The airline will be the route's sole competitor.
Between New York and Honolulu
Delta will operate daily flights between New York and Honolulu beginning December 17. The airline will compete with Hawaiian on the route.
Between Atlanta and Honolulu
Delta currently flies daily between Atlanta and Honolulu and is the route's only operator.
Between Los Angeles and Honolulu
Delta currently flies between Los Angeles and Honolulu, offering up to three frequencies per day between the two cities. The airline competes with Alaska, American, Hawaiian, and United on the route.
Between Minneapolis and Honolulu
Delta currently flies five times weekly between Minneapolis and Honolulu on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The airline faces no competition.
Between Seattle and Honolulu
Delta currently flies daily between Seattle and Honolulu. The airline competes with Alaska and Hawaiian on the route.
Between Salt Lake City and Honolulu
Delta currently flies daily between Salt Lake City and Honolulu and is the route's only competitor.
Between Los Angeles and Kona
Delta currently flies between Los Angeles and Kona on all days except Tuesdays. The airline competes with Alaska, American, Hawaiian, Southwest, and United on the route.
Between Seattle and Kona
Delta currently flies between Seattle and Kona on all days except Mondays. Alaska is the airline's sole competition with three daily flights.
Between Los Angeles and Maui
Delta currently flies daily between Los Angeles and Maui. The airline competes with Alaska, American, Hawaiian, Southwest, and United on the route.
Between Seattle and Maui
Delta currently flies between Seattle and Maui on all days except Mondays. Alaska and Hawaiian are the route's competitors.
Between Los Angeles and Lihue
Delta currently flies between Los Angeles and Lihue on all days except Tuesdays. Alaska, American, Hawaiian, Southwest, and United are the airline's competitors.
Between Seattle and Lihue
Delta currently flies between Seattle and Lihue on all days except Wednesdays. The airline competes with Alaska on the route.
Between Salt Lake City and Maui
Delta currently flies daily between Salt Lake City and Maui through April 30. Then, the carrier will fly on select days through May 19 but will stop flying to the city after, according to Cirium schedules. The airline faces no competition.