As summer radiates warmth across the United States, American Airlines is casting its gaze to the snowy destinations of winter. The airline recently unveiled an expanded winter schedule featuring two brand-new destinations and seven new routes, making it an exciting time for travelers planning their winter getaways.
The two new destinations that American Airlines is introducing are Santa Maria Airport (SMX) in California’s picturesque Santa Maria Valley and Friedman Memorial Airport (SUN) in the charming Sun Valley, Idaho. These locations provide a gateway to stunning landscapes and recreational opportunities, offering travelers a unique blend of beach retreats and mountain escapes.
From Sun Valley, travelers can now easily access American Airlines’ hubs at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). Meanwhile, Santa Maria will enjoy direct flights connecting it to Phoenix, positioning the airport as a convenient entry point for travelers heading to California’s scenic coastline.
American Airlines is also enhancing its service to several existing locales with expanded routes. These include Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers, Montana’s Missoula Montana Airport (MSO), and Santa Fe Regional Airport (SAF) in New Mexico. This move reinforces the airline’s commitment to offering more options for travelers seeking sunny beaches or snowy escapes during the colder months.
Specifically, the new routes introduced by American Airlines for the upcoming winter season include:
- Fort Myers to Phoenix: Daily service on a Boeing 737 from Nov. 20 through Dec. 3 and from Dec. 18 through Jan. 6, 2026.
- Missoula to Chicago: Daily flights on an Embraer E175 starting Dec. 18 (currently available seasonally in summer).
- Santa Fe to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): Daily service on a Bombardier CRJ700 from Oct. 6.
- Santa Fe to Chicago: Daily flights on a CRJ700 from Dec. 18 through Jan. 6, 2026.
- Santa Maria to Phoenix: Twice daily flights on a Bombardier CRJ900 beginning Oct. 16.
- Sun Valley to Chicago: Daily service on a CRJ700 from Dec. 18 through April 6, 2026.
- Sun Valley to Phoenix: Daily flights on a CRJ700 from Dec. 18 through April 6, 2026.
Ticket sales for these exciting new routes began on June 30, allowing eager travelers to begin planning their winter escapades. Many of these new destinations are popular vacation spots known for sun or skiing, already frequented by other major airlines. Interestingly, Santa Maria stands out as it was previously only serviced by Allegiant Air with limited routes. American Airlines is stepping into this space to broaden travel options for consumers.
While United Airlines is the only major competitor on the Chicago-Missoula and Chicago-Sun Valley routes, American Airlines is looking to leverage its burgeoning presence in smaller domestic markets. The airline has made a strategic shift towards tapping into regional airports that show growth potential during specific seasonal windows. Recent data indicate increasing demand for these leisure destinations—evidence that American Airlines is keen on capturing this wave of interest.
This effort reflects American Airlines’ broader strategic vision to cater to seasonal leisure travel by focusing on smaller regions that demonstrate growing demand. As noted by Katy Nastro, a travel expert, American’s commitment to both the ski slopes of Sun Valley and the sun-soaked shores of Fort Myers exemplifies its intention to capitalize on emerging travel trends. Fort Myers, in particular, has shown significant growth in scheduled flights, enabling American Airlines to position itself effectively as a competitor in this vibrant market.