After announcing two new non-stop routes to Japan, United Airlines has, once again, surprised U.S. travelers with a coveted new route between Fort Lauderdale and Los Angeles.
With Spirit Airlines shutting down and ending its previous service on the route, United Airlines has stepped in. For many, the new route is an exciting option given United’s limited flights to Florida compared to other major U.S. airlines.
However, despite the excitement surrounding the new route, Delta Air Lines has been quick to react. The carrier is already offering the route and is now filing to double the service, largely in response to United. It is clear that the route has significant value, especially during the winter months.
For Delta, this is yet another push for routes between Los Angeles and Florida, as the carrier has already expanded service between the destinations this year.
United Airlines Drew Positive Reactions To Its New Fort Lauderdale And Los Angeles Route
United Airlines has now added the new route between Fort Lauderdale and Los Angeles. With a hub at LAX, United Airlines is looking to expand its FLL operations with this route. The same trips are also being offered by Delta Air Lines and JetBlue.
United’s new route is set to start on October 25, 2026, using the Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft. United Airlines will offer the flight five times per week. According to Aviation Journal on Facebook, United is planning to increase frequency during the winter peak travel period, with two daily flights for the holidays between December 17, 2026, and January 4, 2027. As of March 2027, the route is expected to increase to 17 weekly flights.
Reactions to the new route have been extremely positive among passengers, who now have yet another option for travel between two of the busiest destinations in the United States.
How Passengers Are Reacting To United’s New Fort Lauderdale And Los Angeles Route On Aviation Journal
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“This is great. Saves a layover in IAH. Every flight I’m on from LAX to MIA or FLL always has several of the same passengers on both flights laying over. I can deal with delta but AA LAX-MIA is less than ideal.” |
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“United needs to do a better job at extending its Florida network.” |
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“Looks like FLL hub/base may come soon.” |
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“This was originally Virgin America’s route. The Spirit took it over. Use to commute to work in LA from FLL but that was wayyy back in like 2012.” |
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“Been waiting on this for 10 years.” |
Although the reactions have been positive, Delta Air Lines reacted quickly following the route announcement. Given its dominance at LAX and the increase in flights to Florida in recent years, the carrier has already planned an extension of its FLL and LAX routes in response to United Airlines.
Delta Air Lines Has Already Responded With Plans To Double Its Daily Flights On FLL And LAX
Delta has already filed for plans to double its daily route on FLL-LAX as of October, right before United Airlines debuts the same route.
According to travel content creator, Zach Griff, who posted on X, Delta is not happy with United’s route announcement.
“Earlier this month, United announced it’d start flying FLL-LAX. Guess who’s not happy about that? Delta. This week, Delta filed plans to go double-daily on FLL-LAX starting on Oct. 5. JetBlue will still be the only airline offering lie-flats on this route.”
Delta’s reaction should not come as a surprise. Less than two months ago, in late March, the airline revealed it was adding more seats to its LAX routes, looking to expand on its dominance outside of Los Angeles, with connections to Florida.
Delta Air Lines Has Been The Most Dominant Airline For Flights Between LA And Florida
Delta announced a major expansion of flights out of LAX to Florida. Delta now has 12 daily departures, with 2,328 peak‑day seats to Florida. The schedule for the two destinations is its highest ever.
The expansions include:
- New nonstop service to Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) beginning November 20, 2026
- Expanded service to Tampa International Airport (TPA) with three daily flights year-round, beginning November 9, 2026
- An increase to five daily flights to Orlando International Airport (MCO), beginning November 20, 2026
Amy Martin, Delta’s Vice President of Network Planning, commented on the new routes to Florida, stating that the carrier has continued its dominance for flights out of LAX.
“Los Angeles is one of our most important global gateways, and these additions give our customers more choice and flexibility across the network. With expanded Florida service and new routes to Hong Kong and Chicago coming this summer, we’re continuing to build a network at LAX that meets our customers’ needs and reflects Delta’s momentum in the region.”
It is clear that both United and Delta Air Lines are looking for ways to capitalize on domestic travel. For both airlines, Florida provides many possibilities throughout the year, especially in the winter months.
With United expanding into Fort Lauderdale, Delta has clearly been affected and has already filed to double the route just before United launches it for passengers.
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