Bottom Line Up Front: Delta Air Lines is launching daily nonstop service from Los Angeles to Hong Kong and three daily flights to Chicago O'Hare starting June 2026. These routes open new award redemption opportunities and strengthen Delta's West Coast hub strategy, though they'll face stiff competition.

Delta announced Wednesday that it will expand its Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) operations with two major new routes: daily service to Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) beginning June 6, 2026, and three daily flights to Chicago O'Hare (ORD) starting June 7, 2026. For points and miles enthusiasts, these additions represent significant new redemption opportunities—though with some important caveats.

Delta Returns to Hong Kong After Eight-Year Absence

This isn't Delta's first foray into Hong Kong. The airline last served the market in 2018 with nonstop service from Seattle, but it pulled out at the time due to weak demand. The return to Hong Kong marks a strategic shift for Delta, which has been routing most Asian traffic through Seoul Incheon via its partnership with Korean Air.

Route Details and Aircraft Configuration

Delta will deploy its flagship Airbus A350-900 on the new 7,260-mile route with 40 Delta One Suites, 40 Premium Select recliners, 36 Comfort+ extra-legroom seats and 159 standard economy seats.

The A350-900 represents Delta's premier long-haul experience, featuring lie-flat Delta One Suites with privacy doors, premium bedding, and chef-curated meals. Delta One passengers at LAX will have access to the new Delta One Lounge, offering nearly 200 seats, a chef-curated menu, year-round sushi bar, and wellness amenities.

For those without lounge access through Delta, consider Priority Pass membership for airport lounge access worldwide.

Competitive Landscape

The LAX-Hong Kong route is already well-served by competitors. United Airlines operates two daily flights, while Cathay Pacific runs three daily services between the cities. This means Delta will be entering a market with five existing daily frequencies, but the increased competition could benefit consumers through better award availability across all carriers.

New Chicago Service Fills Network Gap

Delta's decision to add LAX-Chicago O'Hare service addresses a notable gap in the airline's domestic network. This will be a domestic route Delta has never operated before, with three daily flights beginning June 7, 2026.

The service will face competition from American Airlines, United, and discounters Frontier and Spirit. The new service will operate on Boeing 737-800 aircraft featuring Delta First, Delta Comfort+, and Main Cabin seating, all with complimentary entertainment and Delta WiFi for SkyMiles members.

Once you arrive in Chicago, consider booking accommodations through Hotels.com for competitive rates and rewards on your stay.

Award Redemption Opportunities

Unfortunately, flights aren't available for booking yet. When the routes launch, you'll be able to book using Delta SkyMiles or through SkyTeam partners like Virgin Atlantic Flying Club or Air France-KLM Flying Blue.

Based on Delta's current pricing, expect Hong Kong business class to cost 80,000-120,000 SkyMiles, while Chicago first class should run 25,000-50,000 SkyMiles depending on demand.

Booking Strategies

Consider these approaches for maximizing value:

1. Partner Program Bookings: Virgin Atlantic Flying Club and Flying Blue often offer better redemption rates
2. Transfer Partners: Chase, Amex, and Capital One miles all transfer to Delta SkyMiles
3. Delta Companion Tickets: Save on family travel with eligible Delta credit cards

For ground transportation, consider Hertz or Enterprise for rental cars that earn miles with Delta's partners.

Delta's LAX Hub Strategy

"As the largest global carrier at LAX, we're continuing to invest in routes that matter to our customers," said Paul Baldoni, SVP of Network Planning.

Delta's $2.3 billion transformation at LAX features the Sky Way and Terminal 3, a 1.2-million-square-foot, 27-gate complex with a centralized check-in lobby and expanded Delta Sky Club.

These routes build on Delta's momentum in Los Angeles, where the airline operates more than 160 peak-day departures to over 50 destinations, including the return of service to Shanghai and upcoming year-round flights to Melbourne launching in December 2026.

Strategic Analysis: Why LAX Over Seattle?

It's interesting that Delta selected Los Angeles instead of its Seattle hub for Hong Kong service, given the existing competition. Several factors likely influenced this decision:

Market Size: Los Angeles represents a much larger local market than Seattle, with substantial corporate travel demand. As The Points Guy notes, "if DL is entering a market that already has as many flights as LAX-HKG does, they have a pretty good idea they can get the corporate business they need to make the route work."

Competitive Positioning: This could be a strategic move to limit United's ambitions in LAX and ensure Delta's international presence remains the largest.

Feed Network: LAX provides better connectivity to Delta's domestic network, offering 30 one-stop connection options for travelers from across North America.

What This Means for Points Travelers

The addition of these routes creates fresh award availability options for SkyMiles members and partner program participants. Hong Kong's status as a major business destination makes it particularly valuable for premium cabin redemptions.

Increased competition typically leads to better award availability and potentially lower redemption rates across all carriers. This is especially true for the Hong Kong market, where five daily frequencies will compete for passengers.

Key Strategies:

• Monitor award availability as the June 2026 launch approaches
• Consider Delta Medallion status benefits for priority access
• Compare options across LAX and connecting flights through Seoul or Tokyo
• Book accommodations early using Expedia or Booking.com for the best rates

Timeline and Bottom Line

Both routes launch in June 2026, giving travelers almost two years to plan redemptions. The schedule hasn't been published yet, and flights aren't on sale.

Key Dates:

• June 6, 2026: LAX-Hong Kong daily service begins
• June 7, 2026: LAX-Chicago three daily flights start
• Late 2025: Award inventory likely becomes available

Delta's expansion at LAX represents a significant opportunity for points enthusiasts, particularly for premium cabin awards to Hong Kong. While competition exists on both routes, the addition of Delta service should benefit travelers through increased options and competitive pressure on award pricing.

Start planning now, as award availability for new routes often sees high demand initially. Consider flexible dating and alternative booking strategies through partner programs to maximize your chances of securing these premium redemptions.

Sources: Delta News Hub, ATX Jetsetter

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