New Zealand
United finally decided to give the LAX base some love with a resumption of their service to Auckland, New Zealand after cancelling it 20 or so years ago. They also had service to Hong Kong happen the same day (yay for LAX-HKG!), but both of these flights were not very big deals compared to the SFO-MNL inaugural that was a few hours later.
Still good to see LAX get two major international long-haul routes back, and a plus of picking the least-popular service restoration, my upgrade to business class went through, too.
Day 1: the LAX-AKL inaugual was technically not only a restoration of service, but a destination already serviced by United, so very little fanfare.
Day 2: early morning arrival in Auckland with somewhat more fanfare than the departure ceremony, then wandering a drizzly and grey day due to the impact of Tropical Cyclone Lola.
Day 3: morning stroll in Auckland with more delicious eats, then the return home.