Delta Air Lines is significantly increasing its service to Hawaii next winter, adding two new routes – Boston (BOS) to Honolulu (HNL) and Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP) to Maui (OGG) – and bolstering capacity from several existing hubs. This move comes after both Delta and Hawaiian Airlines previously cut back on flights between the mainland U.S. and the islands, leaving some markets with limited or no nonstop options.
Return of the Longest Domestic Flight
The Boston-Honolulu route will reinstate what was once the longest domestic flight in the United States. Delta previously operated this service for a single winter season, and now it’s coming back with a scheduled launch on December 19th. The airline will utilize an Airbus A330-300 aircraft, offering a mix of cabin classes: 34 lie-flat seats in Delta One, 21 in Delta Premium Select (premium economy), 24 with extra legroom in Comfort+, and 203 in the main cabin. For now, Delta will be the only major carrier on this route, as Hawaiian Airlines has yet to reverse its previous decision to cut service.
New Service from Minneapolis
Alongside the Boston route, Delta is launching a brand-new nonstop flight from Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP) to Maui (OGG). This route will also operate using the A330-300, with a similar cabin configuration to the Boston service. The MSP-OGG route will begin on December 19th, with five weekly flights initially expanding to daily service during peak holiday and spring break periods.
Increased Capacity from Key Hubs
The expansion doesn’t stop there. Delta will also add extra weekly flights to Honolulu from its hubs in Atlanta (ATL), Detroit (DTW), and New York (JFK). Seasonal service from Salt Lake City (SLC) to Kona (KOA) on the Big Island will begin earlier in the fall, and flights from Los Angeles (LAX) to Kona will be upgraded to larger Boeing 767-300 aircraft.
Why This Matters
The airline industry has been reevaluating long-haul domestic routes in the wake of pandemic-era travel shifts. Hawaii, as a popular destination, has been particularly affected by these changes. Delta’s expansion suggests a renewed confidence in demand for direct flights between the mainland and the islands, especially during peak travel seasons. The move also puts pressure on Hawaiian Airlines to reconsider its own route network, potentially leading to more competition and better options for consumers.
Looking Ahead
Delta’s latest moves will shift the title of “longest domestic flight” away from New York-Hawaii routes. Passengers should expect increased availability and potentially competitive fares as the winter season approaches. For those holding Delta SkyMiles, monitoring booking channels closely for award space is advised, as cancellation policies allow for full refunds of miles, taxes, and fees.
Delta’s strategic expansion into Hawaii underscores the airline’s commitment to premium travel options and its willingness to capitalize on high-demand routes. The changes will provide travelers with more convenient and luxurious ways to reach the islands.
