United Airlines BUSINESS CLASS Island Hopper Flight

Several times each week, United Airlines makes an Island Hopper flight that stops at several islands throughout the Pacific. The flight has become world famous because of its unique nature.

Three times each week, the Island Hopper flight connects Honolulu with Guam via Majuro, Kwajalein, Kosrae (twice per week), Pohnpei, and Chuuk.

The Island Hopper flight ranks high on most #AvGeek bucket lists and in this video, we'll explore what it's like to fly on the Island Hopper, along with the history, and unique nature of the flight. The Island Hopper is unlike any other flight in the world and this video breaks it down so you can understand all of the unique quirks of it.

Of course, as always, we'll take a look at the seat, service, entertainment, food, and lounge, but we'll also look deeper at the United Airlines Island Hopper.

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Here's a link to the complete and unedited takeoff and landing:

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Music:
Anticipation - Future Joust
Enemy Territory - Jean Leonti
Island Race - Wanda Shakes
Sacudir - Flooaw
Solitude Island - Calm Shores
Milk Island - David Celeste
Mystery Island - Rune Dale
The Key - Jean Leonti
Hidden Identity - Jean Leonti
Be Free with Me (Acoustic Version) - Siine

[clangston]

Those sprayers you saw in Hawaii is what we, in the Air Force, call a bird bath. It's used to remove salt deposits from aircraft that's flown over saltwater at low altitude for an extensive length of time.

I also spent the night in Kwaj a few weeks ago. It's a shame you couldn't leave the aircraft at all. I can honestly say it's one of the most beautiful but strangest places I've ever been to.

[Sean]

15:33
People on the flight: oh no the entertainment system doesn’t work!
Pacific Ocean: Am I a joke to you?

[scottvernon]

That vid had special meaning to me.... Daddy died 3 years ago today.. and I stumbled upon this... During WWII.. his Navy ship visited those Islands .. and it was just nice to see where had been his youth ... Thanks very much....Scott in Cleburne, Tx

[diannewi]

Great overview of this classic flight. I worked for Continental in the late 1970s and early 80s and took this marathon run as a non-rev, with a co-worker. Back then it was Air Micronesia and Continental pilots vied for the slots flying in Micronesia. The flights also landed at Johnston Island, another U.S. military installation where no one was allowed off except government contractors. There was no non-stop from HNL-GUM then, it was the hopper or no go. In addition to the stops you mention we also visited Saipan, Yap, and Palau. Back then it was Ponape and Truk (not Pohnpei and Chuuk), and no one could get off and back on at Truk because of a cholera epidemic. Your picture of the 727 shows the giant cargo door that was forward in the aircraft, the passenger section was the rear 2/3 of the plane, economy only. We saw fridges, washing machines, lots of coolers, and other weird cargo being loaded and unloaded at each stop. Passengers got on and off via the rear "air stairs, " made famous by the D.B. Cooper hijacker parachutist. Yes, the runways were crushed coral and all the "airports" were open-air thatched huts.

We spent about 2 weeks in Micronesia and on the way back to HNL we got bumped at Majuro and the next flight was 3 days later! The water system for the entire island was broken, so no water for those days. The "hotel" was a bunch of trailers set on concrete blocks. We procured water (to flush the toilet) with buckets from the locals' well next door, . The water smelled like kerosene, and we had to dodge a giant pig that roamed around the village. Ah, those were the days. Thanks for this great report, I've been looking forward to it for a long time.

[samadiddle]

As a United Airlines employee, I'm humbled of your kind words for the great people I have the opportunity with which to work. I've flown this route many times and I always enjoy the amazing views. Thank you for your business and coverage of our fine people and this truly unique route.

[zobonnyjoel]

Hey Jeb, I'm from the Marshall Islands and I live on Majuro. I've watched your video for so long, and I never thought you would ever take this island hopper route. Love that you took this route so that we can see our beautiful islands from the sky. Komoltata (Thank you).

[Inspadave]

I remember taking this flight back in the 90s on a Continental Micronesia 727. Back then there was an additional stop at Johnston Island.

[FirelordVic]

Thanks for showing off our islands! I'm personally from Guam, but know many people from the other islands.

If you're going to visit family, traveling with COOLERS is a must!! We bring coolers of local fish and other local foods to our families living in HI, WA, TN, and CA.

Funny story, we brought a cooler of fish to Seattle all taped up, but TSA cut the tape for inspection and didn't sufficiently tape it back and you can probably guess what happened next...When we got to the baggage claim we saw our fish going around the baggage claim as our cooler opened up on its way down the conveyor belt!! As you can imagine at the time many people were not happy that their items got all fishy, but it's a great story to laugh about now. It's also a dead giveaway to spot another islander at the airport and extend a smile and greeting!



If you ever get a chance, check out Yap and Palau as well as the Northern Mariana Islands. We have a lot to offer!

[Trehugindrtlvr]

I went to college In Anchorage. There was Alaska Airlines flight called, "The Milk Run." You flew in a 737 Combi (1/2 cargo, 1/2 passenger) and made a stop at 7 or 8 little towns between Seattle and Anchorage. Sometimes the plane didn't even get above the mountains before you were landing again. It was great, dirt cheap to get on....$100, maybe. Direct flights in winter could go to $800, no problem. I heard that flight doesn't exist anymore. : (

[mangoliang]

I have tried this route with economy class, and it delayed for more than 4 hours. I ended up finished it in 20 hours plus 5 hours's 737 from Hong Kong to Guam and 7 hours' 737 from Hololulu to Vancouver. I believe nobody have taken continuously 32 hours of 737 in the world... But it's just AMAZING! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

[linhofmann]

Those small shed type airports with minimal security and staff operating on their own time, reminds me very much of the tiny regional airports we have throughout Australia, mainly served by Qantas Dash 8 aircraft

[josephjoseph]

I'm from pohnpei and In my 5yrs of staying in America i always fly island hopper when i visit home every year.. the views of the beautiful islands never change..

[thenorthlinerfoundation]

Spectacular Jeb!!! I’ve been an airline geek for 40 years (even worked for United) and never ever knew or thought to look into this. This is now on my bucket list! Fantastic!!!

[jacksongilliam]

Jeb, you have the best voice for a trip report channel! Every one of these videos is so well made and a joy to watch!

[jackdoe]

Used to take this flight quite a few times back in early 2000s when it was still CS (Continental Micronesia). They had the most stunning and beautiful inflight video I have ever seen, highlighting the beauty of this region most people do not even know exists. I highly recommend also taking the GUM-YAP-ROR-MNL part of the Island Hopper service.
The Rock Islands of Palau are breathtaking and long time ago I was treated to a low level (2000 ft) sightseeing departure from ROR over them. The 1st officer called Fiskejoy was Norwegian and upon striking up a convo with him I asked if they could do that. They did.
Since there was virtually no-one else flying there they could request and get approved special departures like this one.
They just asked over PA to please not to thank CS for this as it used up a lot of fuel and the airline would not appreciate this.
Since CS/CO no longer exist and 2 decades have passed, I think it is safe to tell this story

[Txchef]

I used to take this flight a couple times a year for vacation as I grew up on Kwajalein, It's definitely a unique flight. Back in the early 200's the military would allow the civilians on Kwajelein to travel on the c-140's back to Hickam Air Force Base Honolulu. 2015 I believe they stopped allowing that and civilians are only allowed to fly on the Island hopper. Another awesome flight I went on was from Christ Church New Zealand to Mcmurdo station..that was a once in a lifetime experience.

[USFF]

One of the best videos Jeb has ever done. Absolutely love it, the footage, locations, memories and insight to this flight.

[FranckMartin]

I did many parts of that flight on Continental and I spent time on many of these islands.

[MarcusLeepapi]

Yes, I was aware from training and through my love for aviation of the 727-200s doing the island hopper stops years ago by Continental Airlines. Yes, you are so right about places like these island around the world. It is an experience to see islands like these...I am glad you took this trip. I had had family and friends base in Guam...

[Txchef]

I grew up on Kwajalein and went back out there for work a couple years ago, its a uniquely beautiful place to live and I am glad you got to get a glimpse of it.