Evander Jones
Passengers on long U.S. flights might expect crowds, but not all journeys follow that pattern. Seating gaps usually reflect changing traveler habits, route economics, and unexpected timing shifts. As airlines stretch across thousands of miles, certain flights remain curiously sparse. If you’re curious about the calmest cross-country cabins, here are 10 with the most empty seats.
Boston, MA (BOS) To Phoenix, AZ (PHX) By JetBlue
Spanning three time zones from the northeast to the desert southwest, it stretches roughly 2,300 miles. JetBlue adds perks like free Wi-Fi and live TV, making the ride comfortable from start to finish. Still, passenger totals lag behind aircraft capacity.
Los Angeles, CA (LAX) To Tampa, FL (TPA) By United Airlines
With 2,158 miles between them, these sunny cities provide very different scenes—Hollywood lights on one side, Gulf Coast calm on the other. Even so, United’s flights between them usually leave with rows of empty seats. Tampa’s reputation for a breezy, art-filled terminal hasn’t been enough to raise numbers.
New York, NY (JFK) To Ontario, CA (ONT) By JetBlue
Clocking in at 2,429 miles, it is one of the longest flights but far from packed. JetBlue’s Mint service is rare on this route, and many travelers default to LAX instead of Ontario. Despite connecting two major regions, this route sees a high seat vacancy on average.
New Orleans, LA (MSY) To Seattle, WA (SEA) By Alaska Airlines
On paper, this route linking two cultural capitals should be bustling with travelers. Yet even with a strong weekly schedule, Alaska Airlines doesn’t manage to pack the cabin. It’s one of the quietest long-haul flights in the skies, placing it within the top tier of underused U.S. flights.
Charlotte, NC (CLT) To Santa Ana, CA (SNA) By American Airlines
With 2,099 miles between them, these two cities give a family-friendly appeal, especially with Disneyland just 14 miles from SNA. Still, this flight sees fewer passengers than one might expect for a cross-country connection. It ranks as one of the Southeast-to-SoCal routes with a high rate of unused seats per trip.
Kahului, HI (OGG) To San Francisco, CA (SFO) By United Airlines
Running multiple daily departures, this 2,338-mile trip from Maui to the mainland doesn’t always fill up. Travelers frequently spot whales from their windows, while SFO greets them with perks like a yoga room in Terminal 2. Even with all these extras, demand stays soft.
Anchorage, AK (ANC) To Chicago, IL (ORD) By United Airlines
This 2,846-mile route links Alaska’s largest city to a major hub in the Lower 48. United Airlines operates it regularly, which partly explains why planes often take off with more empty seats than passengers. The consistent schedule keeps the route available but not always full.
Anchorage, AK (ANC) To Denver, CO (DEN) By United Airlines
Crossing 2,405 miles, the flight route delivers stunning mountain and wilderness views. However, it doesn’t quite capture the crowds. Despite being served by a major airline, more than a fifth of the seats stay unfilled. It posts a 21.5% vacancy rate—well above average for a major mainland connection.
Washington, DC (IAD) To San Diego, CA (SAN) By Alaska Airlines
From coast to coast, this 2,253-mile journey links the capital to California’s coast. Since the schedule remains steady, the passenger count doesn’t always follow. Flyers usually note plenty of overhead space and quiet rows with about 150 empty seats per flight on average.
Oakland, CA (OAK) To Kahului, HI (OGG) By Hawaiian Airlines
While Hawaiian Airlines provides friendly service and free meals, this ocean-crossing route usually flies under the radar. At 2,349 miles, it’s no short hop, and over 25% of seats remain empty. One likely reason is that many travelers choose SFO instead of OAK.
