TPA lands nonstop service to San Francisco aboard United Airlines

(August 4, 2016) It’s the air service news Tampa Bay residents have all been waiting to hear: Tampa International Airport is getting daily nonstop service to San Francisco! 

On July 25, United Airlines announced it will begin the daily service to San Francisco International Airport in February 2017.

“We want to be the airline that our Tampa Bay area customers choose first when booking travel to the West Coast,” said Michael Brooks, United’s Sales Manager in Tampa. “Our customers told us that service to San Francisco is important for business and leisure and we are responding with daily, nonstop service. This flight connects Tampa’s growing technology industry directly to Silicon Valley and provides easy access to international destinations through our premier gateway to the Asia Pacific region.”

United will fly a 737-800 with 16 United First seats and 150 United Economy and Economy Plus seats. The flight leaves San Francisco daily at 8:30 a.m. and arrives in Tampa at 4:51 p.m. It will depart Tampa at 5:50 p.m. and arrive in San Francisco at 8:45 p.m.

“San Francisco has long been a top air service development priority for the airport team and our partners,” said Airport CEO Joe Lopano. “And once again, working together with our regional economic development groups and tourism bureaus, we’ve logged a big win. I can’t even count the number of times I have been asked: When will we have a flight to San Francisco? Now I have an answer: February. I extend a sincere thanks to all those who have worked so hard to make this a reality.”

The Tampa Bay community has long called for a nonstop connection between Tampa and San Francisco.

Nearly 600 people travel daily between the two regions already, making the Tampa to San Francisco Bay Area connection the most underserved route in America.  Close to 1,400 people recently joined TPA’s Facebook group #TPA2SF to lend their voices in support of the new route. They talked about tourism, visiting family and friends, and business development.

The reaction to the announcement flight was overwhelming.

“AMAZING NEWS!” said Tim Hyer, a #TPA2SF member. “Can’t wait for my first non-stop flight in 2017.”

“Congrats to you and the rest of the TIA group,” said Amy Fisher Loupin, another group member.” TIA truly is the best airport in the US! Great job!!”

“Hurrah! So Excited!!!!” commented Jeanette Kauf-Stern to the group.

“Wohoooo!!! … Victoria Pastry and Princess cake here we come!” said Miguel Rodriguez.

 

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