United Requests to Further Postpone San Francisco to Guangzhou

According to the airline route updates blog, United Airlines has again requested to postpone their San Francisco to Guangzhou launch. The route was awarded to United back in 2007, at which time the airline said it would begin flying in the Spring of 2008. It later postponed the launch to 2009 citing a sluggish economy, and since economic conditions have yet to improve, the airline is now requesting another extension to Summer 2010.

Cathay Pacific 2009 All Asia Pass Now Available

Those planning a visit to Asia next year should consider Cathay Pacific's 2009 All Asia Pass. With the basic Asia Pass, travelers can visit Hong Kong and two other cities in Asia served by Cathay Pacific and Dragon Air. Travel is permitted for up to 21 consecutive days. A special bonus: You earn Asia Miles in Cathay Pacific's frequent flier program, as you fly around Asia on this pass. The cost is $1499+ taxes and fees for the basic pass departing from San Francisco. Add-on's are available, if for example you want to extend travel beyond 21 days or visit additional cities. 

This pass is particularly useful if your plans take you to more remote, less-visited Asian destinations where the cost to purchase individual airline tickets could add up quickly. For example, if you want to fly from Hong Kong to Kathmandu, a round-trip ticket could cost over $1000. Using the Asia Pass, include Kathmandu as an add-on city and pay just $300. 

Click here to read a brochure about the 2009 All Asia Pass from Cathay Pacific. 

United Drops SFO-Nagoya Next Month

United Airlines will discontinue nonstop flights between San Francisco and Nagoya, Japan effective October 25, 2008. The cut is part of the airlines' plan to reduce international flights by 7%. Passengers can still reach Nagoya on United by connecting though Toyko/Narita airport.

San Francisco to Asia flights from $789 "all in"

Pretty good deals just released for flights into Asia. If you haven't had much luck recently finding good airfares, consider repricing your ideal itinerary. Other destinations have had price reductions as well. Here are a couple inFLIGHTout confirmed deals:

• Asiana Airlines, San Francisco to Hong Kong (HKG) flights from $789 round-trip, tax included. "V" booking class.
• Northwest Airlines, San Francisco to Shanghai (PVG) $874 from round-trip, taxes included. "K" booking class.

The fares about were found for 9/2-9/9, though the low fares are available all the way through early December.

Click below (for Travelocity use the flexible date option) to search for fares.