The new nonstop flights, without the airline jargon.

Air Canada and United will each fly to Sapporo three times a week. Here are the dates, days and the practical implications for your trip.

Weekly pattern

There is a flight to Hokkaido six days out of seven.

The only day with no Vancouver or San Francisco departure is Tuesday. The only day with no Sapporo departure to North America is Wednesday.

Flight	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat	Sun
YVR → CTS AC55 · 13:25	Fly	—	—	Fly	—	Fly	—
SFO → CTS UA234 · 10:30	—	—	Fly	—	Fly	—	Fly
CTS → YVR AC54 · 19:55	—	Fly	—	—	Fly	—	Fly
CTS → SFO UA235 · 16:15	Fly	—	—	Fly	—	Fly	—

Times shown are the current published local schedule. Flights from North America arrive the following day. Always reconfirm before ticketing.

Air Canada

Vancouver (YVR) – Sapporo (CTS)

Flight	Days	Depart	Arrive	Season
AC55 YVR → CTS	Mon · Thu · Sat	13:25	15:35 +1	17 Dec 2026 – 25 Mar 2027
AC54 CTS → YVR	Tue · Fri · Sun	19:55	11:10 same day	18 Dec 2026 – 26 Mar 2027

My read: the cleanest choice for western Canada and a useful option for U.S. travelers who can connect efficiently through Vancouver.

United

San Francisco (SFO) – Sapporo (CTS)

Flight	Days	Depart	Arrive	Season
UA234 SFO → CTS	Wed · Fri · Sun	10:30	14:15 +1	11 Dec 2026 – 26 Mar 2027
UA235 CTS → SFO	Mon · Thu · Sat	16:15	08:20 same day	12 Dec 2026 – 27 Mar 2027

My read: the most natural choice for MileagePlus members and travelers already connecting through United’s San Francisco hub.

How I would choose between them

Compare the whole trip, not just the long flight

From Los Angeles, Seattle, Vancouver or the western U.S., the new nonstops can remove a painful connection in Tokyo. From New York, Boston or Miami, San Francisco may add enough backtracking that a Tokyo connection is still competitive.

Match the schedule to the resort stay

A three-times-weekly route can quietly force an eight-night trip when you wanted seven. Check the return day before falling in love with the outbound fare.

Both airlines are Star Alliance members, but they are not one loyalty program

Aeroplan and MileagePlus members may be able to earn, redeem and receive partner benefits across the two carriers. The exact outcome depends on fare, status and award availability.

Leave room for winter disruption

These are long, seasonal routes into a snowy airport. I would avoid a tight separate-ticket connection on either end and keep the first hotel night flexible where possible.

Now choose the mountain.

The fastest flight does not help if you book the wrong resort for your group.

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