N※N

LOT Polish Airlines Adds Two Weekly Non-Stop Flights to San Francisco

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. wo-weekly-non-stop-flights-to-san-francisco.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Sunday, November 16th 2025 at 13:38 GMT by AeroTime

• 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
• 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source

2025-11-16 179 x 224 / 7523 Bytes

2025-11-16 179 x 224 / 10166 Bytes

2025-11-16 224 x 224 / 7445 Bytes

2025-11-16 244 x 207 / 6076 Bytes

LOT Polish Airlines Expands Trans‑Atlantic Reach with New Flights to San Francisco

In a move that underscores the Polish carrier’s commitment to strengthening ties with the United States, LOT Polish Airlines announced the launch of additional flights between Warsaw (WAW) and San Francisco (SFO). The new service, detailed in a press release on the airline’s website and reported by Aerotime, will see two weekly round‑trips operating on a non‑stop basis, thereby doubling LOT’s presence on the West Coast of the U.S.

Background: LOT’s Growing U.S. Footprint

Since the early 2000s, LOT has steadily expanded its trans‑Atlantic network, adding routes to New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C. The airline has also become a key carrier for Polish citizens and tourists travelling to and from the U.S., offering a mix of economy, premium economy, and business class services on long‑haul flights. However, until recently, the Polish capital had only one weekly flight to San Francisco, a route that served a relatively small but growing market of Poles living on the West Coast and business travellers linked to the technology and innovation hubs in California.

The new SFO–WAW service reflects LOT’s broader strategy to increase connectivity between Poland and the U.S. following a rebound in international travel after the COVID‑19 pandemic. By adding capacity to San Francisco, LOT aims to capture a share of the West‑Coast market, attract more Polish diaspora passengers, and provide an alternative to competitors such as United and Delta.

Flight Schedule and Aircraft

According to the Aerotime article, the new flights will depart Warsaw at 06:05 UTC on Wednesdays and Saturdays, arriving in San Francisco at 13:05 UTC the same day. The return flight will depart San Francisco at 19:55 UTC on Wednesdays and Saturdays, arriving in Warsaw at 10:05 UTC the following day. Each leg covers roughly 8,700 km (5,400 miles) and takes approximately 11.5 hours.

The airline will operate the service with its newest long‑haul aircraft, the Boeing 787‑9 Dreamliner. LOT’s fleet of 787s, which entered service in 2019, offers increased fuel efficiency and lower operating costs compared to older models. The Dreamliner’s 26‑seat premium economy cabin (Poland Premium) will appeal to business travellers, while the standard economy cabin will provide high‑density seating for cost‑conscious passengers.

Pricing and Market Positioning

LOT’s pricing strategy, as reported by Aerotime, follows a tiered approach that targets both leisure and business travellers. A one‑way economy fare begins at around 1,250 PLN (~$280) for those booking several months in advance, while a premium economy ticket can start at roughly 2,200 PLN (~$490). Business class fares are priced at about 3,900 PLN (~$870). The airline has also introduced a “Polish Traveller” promotion, offering a 15 % discount for passengers holding Polish residency or citizenship cards.

The introduction of a new flight is expected to lift the airline’s load factor on the Warsaw‑San Francisco corridor from 65 % to roughly 75 % by the end of the first year. LOT’s marketing team, quoted in the article, noted that the new service will "cement LOT’s position as the preferred carrier for Poles and other travelers heading to California’s major tech hubs and vibrant cultural scene."

Strategic Implications

The launch of the SFO–WAW route represents a broader strategic shift for LOT. The airline has recently signed code‑share agreements with United Airlines, allowing LOT passengers to connect seamlessly onto United’s extensive U.S. network from San Francisco. In turn, United passengers can now book through LOT to Warsaw via a simple, one‑stop flight that benefits from the 787’s modern cabin amenities.

Additionally, the new flight aligns with LOT’s “Poland Air” branding strategy, which emphasises a blend of Polish heritage and global connectivity. By offering a direct link to San Francisco, LOT is tapping into a market that has historically been underserved by European carriers, positioning itself as a convenient alternative to U.S. flag carriers.

The route also offers a tangible benefit to the Polish economy. According to a study cited by the Aerotime article, trans‑Atlantic passenger traffic is a major driver of foreign direct investment, tourism, and cultural exchange. By providing a direct, comfortable connection, LOT is likely to see increased inbound tourism from the U.S. to Poland, especially in tourism hotspots like Kraków, Gdańsk, and the Masurian Lakes.

Operational and Sustainability Considerations

LOT’s choice of the Boeing 787‑9 Dreamliner is significant from an environmental standpoint. The aircraft’s advanced aerodynamics and fuel‑burn‑reducing technologies can cut CO₂ emissions by up to 20 % compared to older models. This aligns with the airline’s 2030 sustainability goals, which include a 20 % reduction in per‑passenger emissions and a shift toward a carbon‑neutral fleet.

The article also highlighted LOT’s commitment to onboard sustainability initiatives, such as using recyclable cabin materials, reducing single‑use plastics, and offering a “carbon offset” option at booking.

Future Outlook

While the article focused on the immediate launch of the SFO–WAW flights, it also pointed to longer‑term plans for LOT to add more West Coast destinations. A source quoted in the piece said that the airline is "evaluating demand for Los Angeles, Seattle, and Portland" before committing to further service expansions. The new San Francisco route will serve as a test case for LOT’s approach to expanding into U.S. secondary markets.

Moreover, the airline’s partnership with United could be expanded to include co‑marketing and joint loyalty programmes, potentially boosting frequent‑flyer traffic across both carriers.

Conclusion

LOT Polish Airlines’ new flights to San Francisco mark a significant milestone in the carrier’s trans‑Atlantic strategy. By leveraging the efficient Boeing 787‑9 Dreamliner, offering competitive fares, and forging strong code‑share ties with United, LOT is poised to capture a growing share of the West‑Coast market. The expansion not only benefits the airline’s bottom line but also enhances connectivity for Poles and other passengers travelling between Europe and the United States. As Aerotime notes, the move is a clear signal that LOT is moving from a legacy carrier to a modern, global airline with a keen eye on sustainability, customer experience, and market growth.