As travelers swap sunscreen for snow gear, American Airlines is rolling out an ambitious slate of new routes just in time for winter. Beginning Dec. 18, American will launch service to Sun Valley, Idaho (SUN) from both Chicago O’Hare (ORD) and Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX), giving skiers and snowboarders across the country easier access to one of the West’s most beloved alpine destinations.
The new routes to Sun Valley are part of a broader winter expansion designed to serve more than 150 cities across the U.S. with convenient one-stop connections. Nestled in the Sawtooth Mountains, Sun Valley offers not just world-class skiing, but also a full roster of indoor and outdoor adventures — from snowshoeing and snowmobiling to fine dining and cultural events. American will operate all flights to SUN with dual-class aircraft, offering a premium cabin option for those looking to elevate their winter getaway.
“American is focused on giving our customers the most options to pick the perfect vacation destination,” said Jason Reisinger, Managing Director of Global Network Planning. “Now there are even more ways to turn travel dreams into reality.”
New Flights to Aspen, Missoula, and Santa Fe Expand Mountain Access
For those looking to check off multiple bucket-list destinations in a single season, American is also expanding its footprint across the Mountain States. This winter, the airline will launch new nonstop service to Aspen, Colorado (ASE) from Charlotte (CLT), making American the airline with the most U.S. connections into ASE. Additionally, it will become the only airline offering winter nonstop flights between Chicago (ORD) and Missoula, Montana (MSO) — a new option for travelers heading to Montana’s ski resorts or Yellowstone’s frosty backcountry.
In total, American plans to operate more than 70 daily flights to top ski and snow destinations this winter. Whether it’s carving first tracks under a bluebird sky or winding down beside a lodge fireplace, travelers will find more flexibility and flight options than ever before.
Western Gems: Santa Fe and Santa Maria Join the Network
American is also adding new service to two under-the-radar Western U.S. destinations: Santa Fe, New Mexico (SAF) and Santa Maria, California (SMX).
Already the largest airline serving SAF, American will deepen its presence in the Southwest with new routes from Chicago and Los Angeles, building on existing flights from Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) and Phoenix. Whether visiting the museums and galleries of Santa Fe — dubbed “The City Different” — or skiing the slopes of nearby Taos, the region offers a blend of cultural richness and outdoor thrills.
On Oct. 15, American will also begin service to Santa Maria, marking its 17th destination in California. Two daily flights from Phoenix will connect travelers to this charming Central Coast town, home to Santa Maria-style barbecue, coastal vineyards, and scenic ocean drives. American will be the only global network carrier serving SMX, making the destination more accessible than ever before.
For Snow or Sun: More Ways to Escape This Winter
Whether you’re chasing fresh powder or warm surf, American’s winter schedule offers options for every kind of traveler. The airline is bolstering its sun-seeking routes with service from:
Chicago (ORD) to Honolulu (HNL)
Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) to Kona, Hawaii (KOA)
Los Angeles (LAX) to Brisbane, Australia (BNE)
Miami (MIA) to Buenos Aires, Argentina (EZE) — with four daily flights, a record for the airline
This December, American will also debut new service to Puerto Escondido, Mexico (PXM) for the first time ever, along with four new routes to Punta Cana (PUJ) in the Dominican Republic — reinforcing its position as the leading U.S. airline to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Latin America.
And for those who prefer palm trees to pine trees, American will offer new holiday season nonstop flights between Phoenix (PHX) and Fort Myers, Florida (RSW), a gateway to the sandy shores and barrier islands of Southwest Florida.
Planning Your Trip
Tickets for American’s new winter routes are now available on aa.com and the American Airlines mobile app. Travelers can earn AAdvantage® miles and elite status while enjoying the airline’s broad domestic and international network — whether they’re heading to the mountains, the desert, or the beach.
With more than 50 new routes in 2025 and service to key winter destinations like Sun Valley, Aspen, Missoula, Santa Fe, and Santa Maria, American Airlines is giving travelers more ways than ever to plan the ultimate winter escape.
