15 Long-Haul U.S. Flights That Often Have the Emptiest Seats
Do you want more space on your upcoming flight? Finding space and saving money on long-haul trips can be as simple as searching for flights with empty seats. Most people believe finding empty seats on long-haul flights is as rare as spotting a unicorn. According to recent data from Luxury Link and the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics, nearly 19% of airline seats remain unoccupied on average despite the current conditions of cramped cabins and crowded airports.
The presence of empty seats increases your opportunities to stretch out comfortably or to find enough space for your luggage in the overhead bins. That personal space during lengthy journeys transforms into an ultimate travel paradise! Explore 15 U.S. long-haul routes with above-average empty-seat availability through this dedicated listicle. Secure your seatbelt because your next roomy and surprisingly economical flight is just a scroll away.
Guam to Honolulu (United Airlines)
Can you imagine soaring across the Pacific Ocean with an entire row to yourself? The United Airlines Guam to Honolulu route leads the way with 27.9% of its seats empty. The route from Guam to Honolulu, operated by United Airlines, maintains the most significant percentage of vacant seats at 27.9%. The flight averages 98 vacant seats, which creates a tranquil atmosphere at 30,000 feet.
This flight route provides passengers with abundant personal space and stunning views of the vast Pacific Ocean, which turns your flight into an adventure. The tranquil environment of this route promises a stress-free journey regardless of whether you travel for business or leisure.
Boston to Phoenix (JetBlue)
The 2,300-mile route keeps approximately 20.7% of seats empty, which equates to 34 vacant spots per flight. JetBlue’s extra legroom feature becomes even more attractive when booking this route for a comfortable desert getaway.
JetBlue provides complimentary snacks and beverages, high-speed Wi-Fi at no cost and extensive in-flight entertainment options. This route offers additional space and amenities to ensure a comfortable flight experience so passengers can enjoy catching up on TV series or reading new books.
Los Angeles to Tampa (United Airlines)
Cross-country travel does not require passengers to experience the discomfort of being packed in a sardine can. On this route, United averages 20.7% vacancies. Experience fewer shoulder bumps during your in-flight movie marathons.
Economy Plus seating provides passengers on this route with additional legroom to enhance comfort during their cross-country journey. The combination of movies, TV shows, and music on United Airlines flights makes lengthy hours pass quickly.
Chicago to West Palm Beach (United Airlines)
The less popular travel route maintains an average of 32.1% unoccupied seats, allowing travelers to relax fully during their flight without competing for seat space.
A peaceful escape awaits travelers at this route’s destination with its warm sandy beaches and relaxing atmosphere. Passengers flying for business or leisure can take advantage of the additional space available on this flight to stretch their bodies while beginning to imagine their sunny days ahead in Florida.
Anchorage to Denver (United Airlines)
This flight from Anchorage to Denver features 21.4% empty seats while providing aerial views of Alaskan glaciers and Rocky Mountain peaks. The spacious cabin allows passengers to stretch their bodies while experiencing breathtaking landscapes from the air.
Utilize the extra space available to unwind and rejuvenate as you travel. This flight route delivers an ideal combination of comfort and inspiration. Capture images of the magnificent scenery through your window seat because these views justify your travel expenses.
Honolulu to Los Angeles (United Airlines)
During post-vacation relaxation, the Hawaiian route to Los Angeles shows changing seating patterns thanks to available extra-legroom seats, which require an upgrade payment. Promising vacancy rates make it possible to secure an entire row and transform this flight into the reality of your best dreams.
United Airlines enhanced the in-flight experience on this route by introducing upgraded entertainment options and offering passengers a wide range of complimentary snacks and beverages. The airline provides dependable Wi-Fi options that travelers can access affordably. Combining these flight amenities alongside the usual breathtaking sunsets creates an ideal atmosphere to reminisce about your Hawaiian trip while transitioning back into everyday life.
Charlotte to Los Angeles (Spirit Airlines)
Despite its budget carrier label, Spirit Airlines deserves recognition for its 22.4% empty seat rate. For those traveling to Los Angeles on a budget flight, there will be plenty of room to stretch your legs, but don’t forget to bring your snacks.
Spirit Airlines attracts budget travelers through its simple and basic air travel model. Despite the lack of free meals and entertainment onboard, low ticket prices allow passengers to adapt their travel experience.
Kahului to San Francisco (United Airlines)
Hopping from Maui to the Bay Area? The average number of unoccupied seats on this flight remains at 54.9 per journey. The combination of United’s window views transforms your flight into a soothing end to your vacation journey.
Passengers flying with United Airlines can access several amenities that enhance travel comfort. Fly through the skies with free drinks and snacks while enjoying their selection of movies, TV shows, and music playlists as in-flight entertainment. Their Economy Plus seating option allows travelers to upgrade their experience with additional legroom for stretching and relaxation.
Boston to Phoenix (Delta Airlines)
This route offers travelers a spacious choice because it has 43.3 empty seats on average for each flight to escape New England’s cold winters for warm Southwestern sunsets.
The travel experience on this route remains comfortable due to Delta Airlines’ attentive service and enhanced onboard amenities. Delta Studio offers passengers in-flight access to movies, TV shows, and music from their seats for entertainment during flights. Delta Comfort+ seating provides passengers additional legroom and priority boarding privileges, guaranteeing a stylish and comfortable beginning toward the sunny Southwest.
Los Angeles to Pittsburgh (Spirit Airlines)
Spirit Airlines reports a vacancy rate of 23.7 percent, which results in 47 empty seats. Budget prices plus room to move? That’s a win-win for the Steel City.
Traveling from Los Angeles to Pittsburgh on Spirit Airlines provides extra space and industry-leading low prices during your flight. Spirit Airlines’ à la carte pricing model ensures that you only pay for required services, which makes it perfect for travelers who need to manage their spending.
Kahului to Phoenix (American Airlines)
Flying from Hawaii to Arizona on this route, passengers will experience spacious seating surrounded by tropical palms and desert cacti. This route is ideal for passengers transitioning from Hawaii’s relaxed paradise atmosphere to Phoenix’s lively landscapes.
The Valley of the Sun welcomes visitors to its stunning hiking trails alongside famous golf courses and lively cultural festivals through a comfortable, spacious flight.
Oakland to Kahului (Hawaiian Airlines)
Passengers benefit from 25.2% empty seats on this flight, making it ideal for an uninterrupted journey to paradise. The exceptional service from Hawaiian Airlines adds the perfect finishing touch to the overall flight experience.
Passengers on this route will receive friendly service alongside free snacks and drinks while enjoying Hawaiian cultural entertainment during their flight. As you fly toward the island, enjoy the breathtaking ocean views, a perfect gateway to your upcoming paradise.
Anchorage to Chicago (United Airlines)
This Alaskan route provides availability at 21.3% vacancy rates while traveling to Chicago. This flight offers comfort and convenience, enabling you to relax while watching Alaska’s wilderness transform into Chicago’s famous skyline. As soon as you arrive in Chicago, you begin your adventure in a city that pulses with cultural richness alongside its diverse culinary delights and historical landmarks.
Washington, D.C. to San Diego (Alaska Airlines)
The cross-country trip will be comfortable because there are 22.6% empty seats along this path. Before you arrive at your destination, start enjoying the California atmosphere.
San Diego delivers an ideal escape through its sunny beaches, extensive coastline, and relaxed atmosphere. The flight gives you a comfortable cross-country start with top-notch in-flight amenities. It ensures stress-free travel through generous legroom and a silent cabin environment when you daydream at high altitudes or read your favorite book.
New Orleans to Seattle (Alaska Airlines)
Reach the Pacific Northwest without having to endure crowds. The flight path offers 20.8% empty seats per journey, allowing you to enjoy your coffee peacefully. Because fewer passengers are on board, the flight provides more space to stretch your legs and enjoy the beautiful views.
This route opens the journey to Seattle, setting the stage perfectly for your adventures at Pike Place Market or Olympic National Park and your coffee indulgence during rainy afternoons.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
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