American Airlines Adds New Winter Flights to Sun Valley, Aspen, and Santa Fe

Key Takeaways

• American Airlines adds over 50 new winter routes for 2025-2026, including daily nonstop flights to Sun Valley.
• New services target ski resorts and sun destinations, with smaller regional jets offering dual-class cabins.
• Tickets on sale since June 30, 2025; some routes seasonal, others year-round for traveler flexibility.

American Airlines Expands Winter Routes: What Travelers Need to Know for the 2025-2026 Season

American Airlines has announced a major expansion of its winter routes for the 2025-2026 season, bringing new nonstop flights to popular ski and sun destinations across the United States 🇺🇸. The announcement, made on June 26, 2025, marks the airline’s biggest winter schedule update in recent years. With over 50 new routes and two brand-new destinations, American Airlines is responding to strong demand for both winter sports and warm-weather getaways. Here’s what travelers, local communities, and the travel industry need to know about these changes, and how they might affect your winter travel plans.

Who Benefits from the New Winter Routes?

The new routes are designed to serve a wide range of travelers:
– Skiers and snowboarders looking for easy access to top mountain resorts like Sun Valley and Aspen
– Families and sun-seekers planning winter escapes to places like Fort Myers and Santa Maria
– Local economies in smaller cities that will see more visitors and business
– Frequent flyers who want more nonstop options and premium seating on regional flights

American Airlines’ expansion focuses on both leisure and regional travel, aiming to make winter trips easier, faster, and more comfortable for everyone.

Key Details: New and Expanded Routes

The winter 2025-2026 schedule includes several important new routes and expanded services. Here are some of the highlights:

Direct Access to Sun Valley
– Chicago O’Hare (ORD) – Sun Valley, ID (SUN): Starting December 18, 2025, American Airlines will offer daily nonstop flights to Sun Valley through April 6, 2026. This new route gives travelers in the Midwest a direct link to one of the country’s most famous ski resorts.
– Phoenix (PHX) – Sun Valley, ID (SUN): Also launching December 18, 2025, this daily seasonal route connects the Southwest to Sun Valley, making it easier for travelers from Arizona and beyond to reach the slopes.

More Choices for Aspen
– Charlotte (CLT) – Aspen, CO (ASE): Beginning December 19, 2025, American Airlines will fly daily to Aspen from Charlotte. This addition means American now connects more U.S. cities to Aspen than any other airline, giving travelers more flexibility and fewer layovers.

Unique Service to Missoula
– Chicago O’Hare (ORD) – Missoula, MT (MSO): Starting December 18, 2025, American Airlines becomes the only carrier offering nonstop winter service between Chicago and Missoula. This daily route, operated with an Embraer E175, opens up Montana’s outdoor attractions to more visitors.

Santa Fe Gets a Boost
– Chicago O’Hare (ORD) – Santa Fe, NM (SAF): From December 18, 2025, to January 6, 2026, American Airlines will offer daily flights from Chicago to Santa Fe, expanding its position as the largest carrier at SAF.
– Los Angeles (LAX) – Santa Fe, NM (SAF): Starting October 6, 2025, this new daily, year-round route connects Southern California to Santa Fe, making it easier for travelers to visit the city’s historic sites and art scene.

Santa Maria’s Only Global Network Carrier
– Phoenix (PHX) – Santa Maria, CA (SMX): Launching October 16, 2025, American Airlines will operate twice-daily, year-round flights between Phoenix and Santa Maria. This makes American the only global network carrier serving Santa Maria, giving the region new access to the national and international air travel network.

Seasonal Sun Destinations
– Phoenix (PHX) – Fort Myers, FL (RSW): Starting November 20, 2025, American Airlines will offer daily seasonal flights to Fort Myers, a popular winter escape for those seeking sunshine and beaches.

For a full list of new and expanded routes, travelers can visit the American Airlines official website.

Why Is American Airlines Expanding Its Winter Routes?

American Airlines’ decision to add these new flights is driven by several factors:
– Growing demand for leisure travel: More people are traveling for vacations, especially to ski resorts and warm-weather destinations during the winter months.
– Regional airport focus: By targeting smaller, high-demand airports, American Airlines is filling gaps in the market and making it easier for travelers to reach less-served destinations.
– Competitive advantage: With these new routes, American Airlines will offer more daily flights to top ski and sun destinations than any other U.S. carrier, strengthening its position in the market.

According to travel expert Katy Nastro, “American is betting on popular skiing and sun locations,” with Fort Myers showing the biggest year-over-year growth in scheduled seats. This strategy helps the airline capture a larger share of the winter travel market and meet the needs of both vacationers and local communities.

How Will the New Routes Operate?

Most of the new flights will use regional jets like the CRJ700, CRJ900, and Embraer E175. These planes are smaller than the large jets used on cross-country routes, but they offer several benefits:
– Dual-class cabins: Passengers can choose between standard and premium seating, with more comfort for longer regional flights.
– More frequent service: Smaller planes allow for more daily flights, giving travelers more options for departure times.
– Direct connections: Nonstop flights mean less time spent on layovers and connections, making travel faster and easier.

Some routes, like Phoenix to Fort Myers, will use larger aircraft such as the Boeing 737, which can carry more passengers and offer additional amenities.

When Can Travelers Book These Flights?

Tickets for the new and expanded winter routes went on sale starting June 30, 2025. Travelers can book flights through the American Airlines website, the mobile app, or through travel agents. Many of the new routes are seasonal, operating only during the winter months, while others, like Los Angeles to Santa Fe and Phoenix to Santa Maria, will run year-round.

For the most up-to-date schedules and to book tickets, visit American Airlines official website.

What Does This Mean for Local Communities?

The expansion of American Airlines’ winter routes is expected to have a positive impact on local economies in the cities served. More flights mean more visitors, which can boost tourism, create jobs, and support local businesses. For example:
– Sun Valley and Aspen: Increased access could lead to more bookings at hotels, ski resorts, and restaurants, especially during the busy winter season.
– Santa Fe and Santa Maria: New connections to major cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, and Phoenix can help attract tourists, business travelers, and even new residents.
– Missoula: As the only nonstop winter service from Chicago, this route could bring more visitors to Montana’s outdoor attractions and support the local tourism industry.

Ben Humphrey, American’s Vice President of ORD Operations, highlighted the airline’s commitment to supporting local economies and expanding leisure travel options. By focusing on both large and small markets, American Airlines aims to serve the needs of travelers while helping communities grow.

What Are the Practical Benefits for Travelers?

Travelers stand to gain several advantages from American Airlines’ expanded winter schedule:
– More nonstop options: Direct flights to ski resorts and sun destinations mean less time in airports and more time enjoying your trip.
– Greater comfort: Premium seating options on regional jets make longer flights more comfortable, especially for families or business travelers.
– Competitive pricing: More flights and increased competition can lead to better prices and more availability during peak travel times.
– Convenience: With more daily flights and new routes, travelers have greater flexibility in planning their trips.

For those who travel frequently or are planning a special winter vacation, these changes make it easier to reach top destinations without the hassle of multiple connections.

How Does This Affect the Travel Industry?

American Airlines’ expansion is likely to influence other airlines and the broader travel industry in several ways:
– Increased competition: Other carriers may respond by adding their own new routes or increasing service to popular destinations.
– Improved service standards: With American offering premium cabins on regional jets, travelers may expect similar comfort from other airlines.
– Focus on regional airports: The success of these new routes could encourage more airlines to serve smaller airports, giving travelers in less-populated areas better access to the national network.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, American Airlines’ focus on underserved regional airports and leisure destinations reflects a broader trend in the industry, where airlines are adapting to changing travel patterns and customer preferences.

What Should Travelers Watch For?

While the new routes offer many benefits, travelers should keep a few things in mind:
– Seasonal schedules: Some routes only operate during the winter months, so check the dates carefully when planning your trip.
– Aircraft types: Regional jets may have different amenities than larger planes, so review seating options and baggage policies before booking.
– Booking early: Popular routes to ski resorts and sun destinations can fill up quickly, especially during holidays and school breaks. Booking early can help secure the best fares and seats.

For official travel and immigration information related to air travel in the United States 🇺🇸, travelers can visit the U.S. Department of Transportation.

What’s Next for American Airlines?

American Airlines has signaled that it will continue to watch travel trends and may adjust its network further based on demand. The airline’s focus on regional airports and leisure travel suggests that more route announcements could be on the horizon for future seasons. By staying flexible and responsive to customer needs, American Airlines aims to remain a leader in both winter sports and sun destination travel.

Summary Table: New and Expanded American Airlines Winter Routes (2025-2026)

Here’s a quick look at the key new and expanded routes for the upcoming winter season:

Actionable Takeaways for Travelers

• Check the American Airlines website for the latest schedules and to book your winter travel early.
• Review the details of your chosen route, including start dates, aircraft type, and whether the service is seasonal or year-round.
• Consider premium seating on regional jets for added comfort, especially on longer flights.
• Watch for future announcements as American Airlines continues to expand its network based on demand.

With these new winter routes, American Airlines is making it easier than ever to reach top ski resorts and sunny escapes across the United States 🇺🇸. Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a ski trip, or a warm-weather getaway, the expanded schedule offers more choices, greater convenience, and improved comfort for all types of travelers.

Learn Today

Nonstop flights → Flights that travel directly between two airports without any layovers or stops in between.
Regional jets → Smaller aircraft designed for short-to-medium routes, offering premium seating options and frequent service.
Seasonal routes → Flight paths that operate only during specific times of the year, such as winter months.
Dual-class cabins → Aircraft cabins offering both standard economy and premium seating options for passenger comfort.
Global network carrier → An airline that provides extensive service connecting multiple countries and major hubs worldwide.

This Article in a Nutshell

American Airlines expands winter 2025-2026 routes with 50+ new flights to ski and sun destinations, using regional jets and larger planes to improve nonstop access and traveler comfort nationwide.
— By VisaVerge.com