United Airlines BUSINESS CLASS Island Hopper Flight

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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:
• Full Take-offs and Lan...
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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

[@clangston3]

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.

[@brianlau172]

Clangston3, just curious, do you work for the U.S. military?

[@JamesDavidWalley]

Well, since he mentioned "we, in the Air Force," I'd assume so.

[@jasperherridge3168]

@@JamesDavidWalley and it's Hawaii

[@Die4dutch2]

clangston3 Why is it one of the ‘strangest’ places you have been too?

[@jackdoe3889]

You can disembark but only if you either transfer to Ebeye or are military personnel or have been invited by someone based on Kwaj. I never did that, just stayed onboard but Kwaj looks stunning from the air. Ebeye however is another story, sometimes called the Manhattan of the Pacific with squalid living conditions

[@747Sean]

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

[@klxxonyt6113]

LOL

[@tpfp7881]

This is true tho

[@jackdoe3889]

Tbh there is not a lot to see during the apprx 4 hr HNL-MAJ leg. You might spot Johnston atoll but until you get close to the Marshall Islands and see the first islands there, its not terribly interesting. After MAJ it gets much better scenery wise.

[@scottvernon9413]

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

[@jadrianfj]

Wow man, your dad must've truly cared about you. But i know he will still help you. He is always with you and he is in heaven.

[@jacksonskyline]

Sorry for your loss, I lost my grandma recently also.

[@SouthRails]

:(

[@sillyrandomness683]

😭

[@badmingtonsunset1386]

I feel bad for your loss. I have no grandfathers because they have passed away. My grandfather in my moms side died before my 23 year-old cousin was born.

[@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.

[@SharkBoots670]

I've taken the island hopper to and from. But my journey started in Saipan and yes it was called Truk and Ponape (where I was born) also Palau not Belau. I was able to get down on every island ( where I met a lot of old freinds at each stop) except for Johnston island. I do remember them load in the forward bin, that was one on the highlights of the flight, Thank you for your service and sacrifice for the all the micronesian islanders. Air Mic all the way💪🏾, ps I worked for Continental Airline 90 to 97, ramp agent ✈

[@1994WN]

Yea Micronesia sucks

[@AEMoreira81]

The route is a lifeline to those islands. Robert Six, the founding CEO of Continental, recognized that and that this could be profitable.

[@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.

[@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.

[@ElseAndrecool]

first reply and also really?

[@davidvega8536]

@@ElseAndrecool Yup, really. Or at least it was true in the '70s and '80s. Back then, none of the flights went to Kosrae but all of them went to Johnston.

[@AEMoreira81]

That was discontinued once the airfield was closed for good in 2005. Today the island is uninhabited.

[@Trehugindrtlvr1]

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. : (

[@idratherberiding3456]

Done the combi between Anchorage and Kotzebue (stopping by Nome) and done the milk run from Seattle to Juneau, stopping in Ketchikan and... can't remember the other town in southeast Alaska. Incidentally, landing in Juneau is quite the experience as the plan turns around inside the fjord to be able to be at the altitude to have the approach stick.

[@reidhickson7716]

Alaska retired the combis I think

[@reidhickson7716]

Sounds like a great flight tho, I love Alaska Airlines

[@peytonmurphy2279]

The combi has been retired but the Milk Run for passengers still exists!

[@Qc_gambler]

Matthew Thrasher no it still exists

[@zobonnyjoel6519]

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).

[@tungevaag]

Zobonny Joel 🥰🥰👌🏼

[@mangoliang4106]

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!

[@linhofmann4913]

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

[@MacMakita2010]

Yep there's still such things called Island Time 😂😂

[@VictorSanGil]

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!

[@brandons3174]

3:20 "This flight 154, once again, bound for Micronesia with the first stop in the um.. uh.. uh.. Majuro." Dear God, don't let this guy be a gate attendant for any flights bound to the um.. uh.. uh.. Slavic nations.

[@HazptMedia]

Brandon S hahaha

[@koopanique]

Rather than Audible, United Airlines should sponsor this video

[@Txchef85]

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.

[@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...

[@Calebs_Aviation]

I know this video is old but it’s just so calming I keep watching it over and over especially the music and beautiful views of the Pacific at 5:12 What a beautiful 😍 takeoff from HNL!!!

[@USFF2009]

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

[@daxtongourley9670]

My dad flew the island hoper in Guam for 10 years it was one of his favorite flights!

[@rolling60s45]

"freshly squeezed coconut water" 😅

[@justinralph8100]

Lmao

[@LoveYourNeighbors]

Lol

[@MaiMelaliBali]

Now i'm wondering how strong your hand needed to sqeeze a whole coconut

[@MiracleWinchester]

He's from the East Coast. 😂😂😂😂

[@niuean3000]

definitely didn't look squeezed, if it was it would be milkier in colour.

[@Txchef85]

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.

[@jackdoe3889]

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

[@PaulStewartAviation]

Nice Jeb! Loved some of those tropical scenes from the window. I also often wish I could explore some of the small islands that I fly over. There's something exciting about imaging that you're an explorer visiting an uninhabited island, but back to reality.... ahah

[@thenorthlinerfoundation9885]

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!!!

[@ryanrobles653]

I flew this flight 11 years ago from Guam to Honolulu, the staff was accomodating, but I remember telling myself that I was so ready to land in Honolulu

[@jater10]

For those wanting an even longer marathon trip: Take the island hopper from Honolulu, and then connect to another UA flight to Manila or Palau at GUM.

[@ishan4763]

or tokyo

[@AEMoreira81]

@@ishan4763- At one time, one could also connect on a 737 flight to Vietnam…but Vietnam has since been dropped (it was via Hong Kong).

[@attack_helicopter3525]

I was once on a similar flight with Alaska Air, it was a ‘milk run’ flight from Anchorage to Seattle with stop overs in 3-4 different cites. The flight I was on stopped in Juneau (1 hour and 30 minuet flight), then Sitka (20 Minute flight) and this is where the flight crew changed out, and for me as my final destination Ketchikan (a 40 minute flight). Than after that the flight took off for Seattle that took about 2 hours. It was fun, was stormy and made the ride a bit rough but overall the landings were great and the view was better. I would definitely do it again.

[@DennisBunnikTravels]

What an amazing route! Would love to do that one - one day! Congrats on another great video.

[@aarondrake-worth]

DennisBunnik Travels Nice to see you here!

[@FezanRafique]

Glad to see your comment Dennis :) I am your follower too :)

[@jdan150]

I was on that flite in 1994 and made it out to Pohnpei. That was when it also had a stop on Johnston Atoll

[@gabrielvarig]

17:30 it’d be pretty damn hard to “squeeze” a coconut… 🤣🤣

[@rajasimanta]

😁😁😁😁 you just let the plane run over them

[@briantampabay7403]

I did this two years ago and cashed in miles to do it first class the whole trip and it was amazing. I loved all the takeoffs and landings.

[@MatsoGunnar]

Thank you Jeb! I flew this route on Continental Air Micronesia B727 in 1989 and your video really brought back memories! I remember a short stop on Johnston Island, it was the first stop and we were not allowed to leave the aircraft.

[@HiFlyerr]

Fantastic video! This trip is definitely in my top 5 bucket list for aviation things. Keep up the great work!

[@avioncamper]

Excellent video, yes I would try this route with enough food :) The views are incredible, well worth the 15 hour ride. A+ Awesome Dude :)

[@sambecker23]

I'd have to have at least 3 full meals packed with me....

[@JoshDoesTravel]

The video we’ve all been waiting for, and I gotta say, it surpassed expectations!

[@tungevaag]

Awesome video! Thanks 😊

[@jacksongilliam1254]

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!

[@lierixon4459]

Aw the clouds are just amazing to enjoy...

[@daveadams6421]

17:42 That plane flies so well on one engine ;-) What a fascinating route the island hopper is - will definitely have to try that one day soon

[@wecanfly777]

Been looking forward to this video - brings back great memories! I might even do it again just for the hell of it! CONGRATS! Andy

[@patrickschehrer8834]

What a great video! This route sure is on my bucketlist now!

[@jeffreyrossman1083]

I live in Guam and fly the island hopper half a dozen times a year for work. It's incredibly beautiful but the charm wears off quickly when you just want to get some work done but have to take off or land every 60 minutes, but then again, I've never gotten served coconut water either, maybe that would bring the luster back. Great Video, Jeb. Thank you.

[@BayAreaTraveler]

Wow, this is the best Island Hopper video I’ve seen with excellent footage and excellent narration.

[@daveogarf]

INCREDIBLE Vid! And that looks like a bucket list flight. What a beautiful planet we live on!

[@daytripdude]

Jeb! Nothing compares to your videos ... your videos are superb, your narration, your enthusiasm, passion and it’s so informative !!! Even the music is suited.. there’s nothing negative I can ever say about your videos

[@dianeschroeder3980]

Jeb, this is one of the best reviews ever! I thoroughly enjoyed it, the history and all the thought behind it. It was well worth the wait!✈️❤️

[@ianwinder2349]

I got so excited when I saw the notification for the new vid. I love the scenery! I may be biased but I'm pretty sure the views from the sky in The Bahamas is the best in the world!

[@slotigy]

As an aviation enthusiast I must say this was a great video. I’m going to try this route in P3D soon!

[@scottdclary]

Great job!

[@steveburnell7625]

I am speechless . By far your best post IMO. BREATHTAKING!! Your facial expressions always crack me up! Ugh, the colour of the water, the clouds, the view .... thank you Jeb!,

[@eldon3069]

Thanks for this Jeb. Loving this video so much I had to replicate the flights on my flight simulator (Prepar3d). Love your cute smile by the way :)

[@alonb4902]

Absolutely one of the best videos. This is pure avgeek heaven. Thank you for sharing.

[@sambecker23]

You know you're a true Av Geek when you take the Island Hopper for fun. Not just the people who upgrade for 1st Class on a Trans-Pacific or Trans-Atlantic flight because it's special and luxurious. The Island Hopper is really a truly special flight that I don't think a lot of non-Av Geeks really love and appreciate.

[@jimbeaux89]

Love your videos man! Thank you so very kindly for sharing all of your ventures. Calm winds and clear skies!!

[@phronsiekeys]

That was an epic journey! Those mountainous islands look like paradise.

[@PlanesTrainsEverything]

What a great video. I hadn't heard of this flight (I live in the UK), but it's now been added top my aviation bucket list.

[@johnweb7055]

This video made me smile. And at the end, methane even get a little teary eyed. You hit the nail on the head for us aviation geeks. I hope to have this experience someday. Great job!!

[@antonallen8972]

The anticipation you built up for this video on Instagram was totally worth it! Jeb, back at it again with another banger video!

[@galihxtreme]

I love your pun at 8:00 "2B(to be), or....NOT, 2B(to be)..." and for the matter of the seat next to it, "2A(to a), or....NOT, 2A(to a)..." LOL

[@bork_playz1295]

Finally :) I have been waiting for days!

[@burnabyemergencyphotograph8683]

Absolutely amazing trip report!! Oh must enjoyed the takeoffs, landings, and of course the views! Having a good seat is pretty important to me, if I am on this flight.

[@kareng3847]

Breathtaking! And the clouds Wow!! Been to a lot of the Hawaiian islands just loved it! I need to do the island Hopper sometime

[@bobbernstein8824]

I've been very curious about this flight since I first became aware of it. Thanks so much for this great video sharing your experience!

[@ejd5902]

Absolutely love your reviews, keep up the great work!!

[@mad_dog_explores3940]

Fascinating video! I had absolutely no idea that this route existed! Thanks for taking us along!

[@ryankenyon5010]

What a fantastic journey! Thanks for sharing. That one is on my bucket list.

[@theunitedflight6487]

I've been looking forward to this video for a long time and I am glad it's Finally here!!! Great video!

[@ppapendick]

Thanks for adding to my bucket list! I appreciate the beautiful imagery and respect shown for the islands and oceans.

[@ecclestonsangel]

Jeb: my favorite view is when Im heading to Myrtle Beach. My plane does a full 360° over the Atlantic before landing, so you can get a panoramic view of the beach. It's magnificent! Then, when I go back to Central NY to spend the summer with my parents, the plane does a 360° again over the Atlantic so you can say bye, before heading up the coast. I love it!

[@RecordsTravels]

Fantastic! Really spectacular footage from this journey! Thank you so much for sharing!

[@LoboLakerGaming]

One thing i picked up on - we often overlook seeing 737s because they’re extremely common and smaller than many other planes, but those views of the plane from the ground really put in perspective that the 737 is still such a large and prevalent machine

[@VibeXplorer]

The aircraft used for the Island Hopper flight should have its own special paint scheme...

[@Colin_Yote]

VibeXplorer it did in the 60s the DC-8 had a water blue + tree green for islands and Ocean

[@prestonmcmillan796]

Amazing video; I think this is your best one yet! Thank you for sharing a truly unique experience with the world!

[@tinahale6328]

I used to live in Kwajalein. This brings back memories.

[@alexriemann5549]

Nice to see that you made the smart decision and put on sunscreen. I recently traveled to Hawaii too, I think that we can both agree it's a really beautiful place.

[@josephjoseph8980]

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..

[@garrettjohnston1585]

I’ve gotten to dive in Pohnpei and let me tell you it’s amazing! The best diving I’ve done in my life so far!

[@470danadidas]

I did this flight back in 2003 but the opposite direction... from Guam to Chuuk where I spent part of a bespoke diving holiday. Then onto Majuro via all the island stops, where I stayed for another diving trip to Bikini Atoll. Then back to Honolulu. A truly memorable experience.

[@tobiasfloki1527]

abselutely amazing you have improved so much so glad to see the qualety

[@Palacemalicee]

Amazing video man. All of your videos are put together perfectly. Keep up the great work!!

[@rtjeff83]

WOW!!! I Lived in Maui 17 years and except for Guam had NEVER heard of these islands nor this flight! This was very educational and scenery exceptional. Thanks!

[@whogon]

I love the "dramatic heart ❤️ pounding" 🎵🎶 music around 17:45 😂 great video tho love these!

[@C2K777]

This one was special eh, could you imagine doing it back in the days of the flying boats!? Even for you this was some really stand out amazing content and thanks for bringing to all of us. As an AVGeek myself I found this fascinating.

[@SkyblueAviation]

Now that's an interesting flight! Thank you so much Jeb for introducing me to the Islands Hopper by United, I never knew it existed up until now! Definitely on my bucket list :D

[@sjnavaid]

I was waiting for this one Jeb!

[@mywindowseat]

Great video as always Jeb!

[@michaelpanzarella7490]

Well done ! Thank you for this great video Jeb !

[@mewho80]

Thanks for this great video Jeb. That is magnificent journey for aircraft enthusiasts. Would love to try this one day.

[@planedudea380]

Fascinating, much thought and planning around this flight. Very unique and an AVGeek bucket list item.

[@101akar]

17:30 -Just for the record ,coconut water is not squeezed out of the coconut ,the coconut fruit is cut and then coconut water is either poured into a container or drunk directly using a straw ,in case you havent seen one just google for it

[@ashleymalamute]

This must be my favourite of all your flight reviews. Such an adventure!

[@kakafan77]

Fascinating video thank you for recording and sharing with all these facts!!

[@cardiffflyer]

WOW! That looks an amazing flight with some amazing views! Thanks for showing it to us!

[@elmstreeet]

One of the best flight reports I've ever seen. Well done, Jeb!

[@lazerman121]

Nan Madol on the island of Pohnpei is on my bucket list.

[@klxxonyt6113]

Love your vids keep up the awesome work

[@ruz1957]

What a brilliant trip....and as for the inflight entertainment, some people do not fully appreciate what can be seen by looking out of the window. I recall with fondness watching a "light" show provided by mother nature as we flew around a thunderstorm....or the majesty of the Alps at 35K feet.

[@trust7784]

Hafa Adai! I hope you enjoyed GUM too. It was great sharing your excitement. I've flown the island hopper both directions (GUM-HNL, HNL-GUM) and on the westbound it is usually by the time we get to PNI that I'm starting to feel weary from the take offs and landings. It is all good fun none the less. I plan on taking this route to cross my 2MM threshold just for nostalgia sake. Interesting to see how the food service has trimmed down a lot! For example, from MAJ-HNL they used to offer fresh baked cookies before landing. We also had a sandwich service on the KWA-KSA leg and again on the TKK-GUM leg. I've also experienced IRROP where delays caused the pilots and flight attendants to time out and force us to overnight in PNI and continue to TKK and GUM the next day. Up until last fall, the same GUM based crews used to work the entire flight eastbound and westbound; the MAJ switch off just started last fall. OH, and up until I believe 2001 there was an additional stop on the westbound between HNL and MAJ in Johnston Atoll - I think JON was the airport code.

[@lalukheti143]

one of your best videos dude! keep it up! this video just made my morning. Ola from Toronto, Canada!

[@kingsleydawes7244]

Just re-Watched this video for the third time, so much fun!!

[@Jutrasongtr]

I love the video. Thank you!