GETTING to the US capital has just become a whole lot easier, after United Airlines announced an almost year-round flight.
Scots are already able to fly to Washington DC from Edinburgh, thanks to the airline’s non-stop summer service.
4
The flight will take Scots direct to Washington, D.C.Credit: Getty
4
Explore the National Mall, a national park in downtown Washington, D.C.Credit: Getty – Contributor
But it’s become so popular they’ve just announced they are extending the programme to a a virtual year-round schedule.
United will fly daily to Dulles International Airport until October 25, when the service will cut back slightly to five times a week during the winter season.
Flights will stop on January 5 and begin again on February 20, resuming the five-times weekly schedule. Then from March 29 they will resume operating daily.
United’s extended service between Edinburgh and Washington D.C. builds on their existing daily year-round flights from Edinburgh to New York, doubling from once to twice daily during the peak summer season.
They also operate a daily seasonal service between Edinburgh and Chicago O’Hare.
United is the only airline offering year-round service from Edinburgh to the U.S. and offers more seats and flights than any other airline.
4
The White House will be a must see on any trip to Washington DCCredit: Getty
4
As will the United States Capitol buildingCredit: Getty
Karolien De Hertogh, Director Sales U.K. and Ireland, United Airlines: “As the only airline connecting Edinburgh to the United States year-round, we are delighted to announce this significant expansion which further underlines the importance of our Edinburgh services within United’s global network.
“Our customers in Scotland can now benefit from even more time and travel options to visit Washington D.C., as well as an unrivalled route network from United’s Washington/Dulles hub, offering convenient non-stop connections to 65 destinations across the Americas.”
Gordon Dewar, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Airport said: “This is fantastic news as we see United adding yet more growth at Scotland’s busiest airport.
“Taking this service to almost year-round shows the clear demand for direct connections between Scotland and the USA, and with three routes from Edinburgh Airport, it’s also a huge show of confidence in the airport as United’s base in Scotland.
“We’re really looking forward to seeing United expand its presence during the winter months, and with already strong North American connectivity, we will continue to work on adding even more direct services where possible.”
The extension of the Edinburgh to Washington D.C. route is part of United’s largest international expansion in its history, adding six new destinations and nine new routes across the Atlantic for customers this summer.
The Washington flight departs daily from Edinburgh at 12.30pm until October 25, then reverts to five times weekly leaving the airport at the same time.
The return flight departs from DC at 22.25pm, arriving back into Edinburgh at 10.30am the following day.
United will operate the flight on a Boeing 757-200 aircraft, featuring a total of 176 seats – 16 flat-bed seats in United Polaris business class, 42 Economy Plus seats with added legroom and 160 seats in economy.