American Expands Caribbean with Bimini Service and CLT-PSP Transcon

(MIAMI) American Airlines will add a new international hop to Bimini, Bahamas, and open a new East–West transcon route between Charlotte and Palm Springs, moves the carrier says will deepen winter connectivity while meeting strong leisure demand. The airline plans to start Miami–Bimini service on February 14, 2026, and launch Charlotte–Palm Springs on December 20, 2025, as part of a broader push across the Caribbean, Mexico, and Latin America.

Miami–Bimini: a short international hop

American’s Miami–Bimini flight will run three times weekly — Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays on dual-class Embraer 175 aircraft. The flight time is about 50 minutes, making it the carrier’s first direct link from Miami to Bimini and expected to be its shortest international route.

This addition brings American’s Bahamas network to seven destinations, underscoring a strategy built around short-haul island access from the United States. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, short segments like Miami–Bimini can be high-impact for tourism because they convert day-trip and ferry travelers into overnight stays, which supports local jobs.

Practical traveler takeaways:
– Speed and a simple schedule make weekend and short midweek stays easier.
– The ferry from South Florida can take several hours door-to-door; a sub-hour flight changes the trip dynamic.
– Tourism officials expect more visitors for beaches, fishing, and maritime history, especially as resort investments continue on the island.

Charlotte–Palm Springs: a new East–West transcon

American’s new transcon route will connect Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) and Palm Springs, California (PSP), tying a major Southeast hub to one of Southern California’s peak winter destinations.

Details and expected impact:
– Frequency and aircraft are not yet listed, but industry watchers expect daily service during the high season.
– The route is positioned to capture both leisure and conference traffic.
– VisaVerge.com notes this route addresses a gap in coast-to-coast access from Charlotte, offering travelers an alternative that avoids Northeast connections.

Winter network expansion and schedule highlights

American is expanding winter flying across its broader network to meet seasonal demand and strengthen regional access.

Key service starts and seasonal flights:
– Chicago (ORD) – Mexico City (MEX): Daily from October 26, 2025 (Boeing 737)
– Chicago (ORD) – Queretaro (QRO): Daily holiday service Dec. 18, 2025 – Jan. 5, 2026 (Boeing 737)
– Philadelphia (PHL) – Santo Domingo (SDQ): Daily from Dec. 18, 2025 (Airbus A321)
– Increased flying to Dominica, St. Maarten, Tortola, Aruba, and San Juan from key U.S. gateways

In peak winter 2025/2026, American expects:
– Over 430 daily departures to 97 destinations in Mexico, the Caribbean, and Latin America
– About 2.3 million round-trip seats — nearly one million more than its closest competitor

Tickets for these additions go on sale July 14, 2025, through news.aa.com and other official channels.

Immigration, entry rules, and traveler documents

Immigration and entry requirements remain central to travel planning for these routes.

Bimini-specific notes:
– U.S. citizens typically need a valid passport.
– Some non-U.S. travelers may need a Bahamian visa depending on nationality.
– Bimini does not have U.S. preclearance; travelers will complete U.S. entry checks on arrival in Miami.
– Keep proof of your most recent U.S. entry handy.

Important document checks:
– Nonimmigrants returning to the U.S. should ensure their admission record is correct. You can view or print your Form I‑94 travel history at the official I‑94 site: U.S. CBP I‑94: Get Most Recent I‑94.
– The I‑94 shows class of admission and “admit until” date, which matters if you’re visiting the U.S. on a visa or under a visa waiver.
– Families should plan for passport validity rules, return tickets, and any onward travel.
– If traveling with minors, carry consent letters when one parent is absent — airline staff and border officers may request them.
– Travelers with dual nationality should use the same passport for booking and border checks to avoid delays.

For the Charlotte–Palm Springs domestic route:
– No visas or border checks are involved, but the schedule can connect travelers to international flights that do require careful document planning.
– Charlotte’s hub role gives one-stop access to Mexico and the Caribbean, and the new Palm Springs link may open easier one-stop paths to Latin America for West Coast visitors.

Industry context and expected benefits

Analysts say these launches fit American’s pattern of matching aircraft to seasonal demand and connecting high-demand leisure points.

• In winter, Palm Springs draws East Coast travelers seeking sun and golf.
• Bimini draws South Florida visitors and ferry/cruise customers who may switch to air.
• José A. Freig, American’s vice president of International and Inflight Dining Operations, has tied these moves to customer access and local tourism goals.

For communities and local economies:
– Short flights like Miami–Bimini can lift small businesses — fishing guides, guesthouses, and restaurants — by turning day visitors into weekend guests.
– Palm Springs benefits when a nonstop from the Southeast feeds resorts and events without forcing a connection through larger California airports.
– New service often leads to more stable seasonal jobs and a broader tax base.

Competitor response and traveler benefits:
– Competitors such as Delta and United are likely to defend their markets with added capacity, schedule tweaks, or fare sales.
– For travelers, that often means more flight times and better chances to find premium seats, especially on weekend peaks.

Quick route summary

• Miami (MIA) – Bimini (BIM): Starts Feb. 14, 2026; 3x weekly; E175; ~50 minutes
• Charlotte (CLT) – Palm Springs (PSP): Starts Dec. 20, 2025; schedule TBA
• Chicago (ORD) – Mexico City (MEX): Daily from Oct. 26, 2025; Boeing 737
• Chicago (ORD) – Queretaro (QRO): Daily holiday service Dec. 18, 2025–Jan. 5, 2026; Boeing 737
• Philadelphia (PHL) – Santo Domingo (SDQ): Daily from Dec. 18, 2025; Airbus A321

Booking advice and reminders

• Book early once sales open on July 14, 2025 — winter flights to the Bahamas and Southern California tend to sell quickly.
• If coordinating U.S. reentry, check your Form I-94 and keep copies of visas, ESTA approvals, or advance parole documents as needed.
• Verifying records ahead of time prevents delays; one mis-keyed date can cause stress at the airport.

For official updates, route maps, schedules, and press materials, see news.aa.com. Customer reservations are available at 1-800-433-7300 and on @AmericanAir social channels.