United Airlines’ inaugural flight to Christchurch, New Zealand is now in the air, the first ever non-stop scheduled flight from the US to New Zealand’s South Island on a US carrier.
United Airlines Christchurch Inaugural Takes Off
United Airlines 730 took off at 11:30 pm last night for Christchurch (CHC) from United’s San Francisco (SFO) hub. The flight was operated by a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner last night (48 seats in business class), but normally will be operated with a 787-8 Dreamliner (28 seats in business class). The seasonal flight will run three times-weekly through March 27, 2024 (westbound) and March 29, 2024 (eastbound)
Tickets are fairly reasonable and this represents an incredible opportunity to visit the beautiful South Island of New Zealand.
I Decided To Stay Home…
Just an update to my double connection in New Zelanad dilemma…I decided to stay home and was not present on last night’s inaugural flight.
It was not because I ultimately figured my 90-minute connections in Christchurch and Auckland in order to get home by 6:00 am on Sunday morning would have been too much. The more I heard from locals and studied flight records, the more I became at ease that I could probably fairly easy make these connections.
But tragedy struck my family this week in a way that makes my tree disaster look like nothing. It became very clear that this was not the time for a trip. I will share about that in due time, but it has been an extremely difficult week here and that is on top of the stress from still being homeless.
So I do hope to visit New Zealand again next year or the year after. I also have to find some way to get my last three segments in with United to keep my Premier 1K status.
But I’m not worry about that right now…there are other things occupying my mind.
Even so, I wanted to bookend my earlier post and also commemorate the launch of an historic flight last night that I was sorry to have missed.
Anyone going to Christchurch on United soon?
Air New Zealand operated a non stop from LAX to Christchurch that I took in 2005.
You’re correct. I clarified first US carrier.
I´m sure everything will eventually resolve and turn out fine, I wish you and your family the best!
Best of luck with everything Matt. Family always first.
I hope all is well with your family. This Advent season reminds us that there is always hope in the midst of trials and suffering thanks to our faithful and gracious God.
Hope for the best and strength in whatever you are working through.
It’s exciting to see United utilizing the 787 for all those sorts of things that the marketing folks talked about when the 787 was rolling out… that this plane enables routes like this.
@Doug but there is no god
Read the room Jimmy
Your comment is unnecessary, unwanted, and bigoted.
Sending the family caring prayers.
So sorry about your family. Stay strong. It’s OK to grieve. At least they are sort of ok.
You and your family will be in our prayers.
Sorry to hear about whatever is going on in you life.
Your family comes first, while your website is interesting, we all can wait.
Please take care Matthew :pray:
Praying for your family
Keeping you and your family in my prayers as we prepare for His coming.
I have a friend on that flight, he seems to be enjoying it, although lets be honest, polaris is polaris, wherever you’re going. Hope things get better soon Matthew.
Thoughts with you Matt!
Sensing thoughts of love and peace to you and your family.
Thinking about y’all, Matthew.. tk
Best Wishes for you and your family, sending my love
I’m booked next March. DCA EWR SFO CHC. Then CHC SYD DOH AUH LHR IAD
Take care
Christchurch to Sydney on the a380 in first?
Sending love, hugs and prayers to you and your family Matthew.
Whatever is happening, it sounds serious. Really sorry. South Island is beautiful and visiting it will be something to look forward to.
So sorry that this has happened to you.. Hope it resolves soon.
Thinking of y’all.
Mate good luck with everything. Egad what a tough period for your family.
I hope that things improve soon for you and your family.
Matthew, wishing you and your family peace and good thoughts. Lots of us thinking about you this Sunday morning.
Matthew, I have your family in my thoughts. Best to you and them.