A few days ago, American Airlines announced some new long haul international flights that will be launching in 2024. This is fairly exciting, given just how lackluster American’s long haul network is. We knew this announcement was coming, as the airline teased it a day prior.
Continue reading: New American Airlines Routes: Copenhagen, Naples, Nice, & More!
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
The press release makes it look like some of the new routes are on 789s (i.e., CPH)!
slight correction: i think that PHL to CPH will be on a -9, not a -8, per the AA PR:
It is an interesting series of additions. What makes you jealous of UA? Weird sentiment to feel for a corporation.
Probably because UA has a superior long-haul business class product? I'd agree with Ben's preference to fly United for long-haul routes.
Yes please to United flying to Copenhagen. Preferably from Dulles because (a) there's capacity there, unlike Newark and (b) it's my home airport for long-haul purposes 🙂
As I read this announcement, once thing that comes to mind for me is that Delta needs the new planes very soon. From JFK, Delta flights to Copenhagen and Venice are on the 763, which are not competitive with these AA 777 and 787.
Overall, decent adds. Though it does show a shift away from JFK focus for AA. Still I would consider redeeming from PHL if the price was right.
It’s just an odd sensation- jealous of a corporation? He can fly United if he wants. Nothing is stopping him. If he doesn’t like AA then there are plenty of options on foreign airlines at Miami. I think AA J has comfortable enough seats. It’s just a very weird thing to say/ weird emotion to have about a soulless multinational corporation
Based out of PHL but rarely fly AA out of PHL. UA is way better even when it’s bit more to get to EWR
AA needs to make itself exciting firstfor any of these route to be exciting.
Excited about Copenhagen. I’m an AA flyer Based in Philly and like to visit Scandinavia. I wish the flight was to Helsinki to have better finnair connections, but I’ll take this. Copenhagen is a launch point for a lot of further north points, like Greenland or faroe islands
Venice banned most cruise ships during COVID, so now the major lines use “nearby” cities as their “Venice” ports. Trisete and Chioggia seem to be popular choices. I’m currently typing this on a ship in what this line calls “Venice (Ravenna)”. It’s been an interesting day to say the least!
Not accurate. Though they’re in an alliance, UA and SK do not revenue share with SK- it does with Lh. So ua way prefers to have their pax fly them across the ocean than have them fly SK. Try to book a ua code on a nonstop ord-cph flight. You won’t find one. You’ll find us offering you a flight to Frankfurt with a connection to Lufthansa. UA does care. If they think the resources are worth it they’ll put on a nonstop.
If not, they’ll fly you to Frankfurt or Munich then connect you.
Really expected a new(/resumed) Prague route, having cities such as Venice/Naples/Nice seems a bit disappointing
Nice routes but nothing really groundbreaking, (no surprise given it’s AA though). The one I’m a bit surprised by is Copenhagen…not sure how much traffic coming from the US is terminating there (SAS is Star so no connecting traffic), or how many Danes would choose AA to go to the States over SAS.
I’m surprised they didn’t bring back Prague or Dubrovnik though. Does anyone know how these flights were performing pre Covid? I thought they were pretty successful, but I could be wrong.
Oh and they’re really going all in on Barcelona!
I've been saying for a long time that no, United doesn't care. That is not in United's DNA. You can see it in the way that FAs have historically treated passengers, the Dr. Dao incident, the reneging on lifetime club membership terms, and the super-tight 8-across 777 business-class configuration.
No, United doesn't care.
What happens on inaugural flights to Nice , Naples , and Copenhagen? Do they always have a ribbon cutting ceremony ? Water salute ? Or sometimes it’s just another flight no big deal. Who cares
These flights make lots of sense with the one interesting add of Copenhagen. Would have though American would have waited for the 321xlr to add that route.
Also, let’s talk about how American is actually building up charlotte with solid international flights including Dublin and Madrid!!
I used to fly AA quite a bit but given their lack of international network outside of Latin America, I shifted my allegiance to DL. Good to see them adding more international destinations, though wish they'd look at Asia more as a Chicago-based flyer. That said, I'm still not sure I'd fly them over JL, DL, KE, BR, or EY when going abroad. I'm stuck with them when I want a direct flight to southeastern North Carolina for family, but otherwise, AA still underwhelms. Anyone fly AA recently, longhaul, with impressions to share?
As an economy flyer, I much prefer the seating layouts on the 763 vs. the 777 and 787.
Nothing beats getting the aisle-window seats vs. taking my chances on a 3-4-3 layout.
Don't get me wrong, this is awesome that AA is actually adding desirable international destinations, and I'm a Oneworld traveler, but... if they're going to charge 350-400k miles one way, or I can fly BA with a London connection on BA for 57.5k and a few hundred dollars, why would I fly AA? Prices on most AA metal flights to Europe are ridiculous right now.
It will be interesting to see if AA can make CPH work long term.Other than that all these are very predictable
Would you expect award space to be immediately available once the routes are open?
I completely agree Captain Ron and it makes it very frustrating when trying to book an award ticket!!
The 767 was the most passenger friendly plane to ever fly in economy, and I hate to seem them disappear. The window/aisle seats were perfect for couples, even on long haul flights. My wife and I had many pleasurable fights in economy on Air New Zealand 767's across the Pacific back in the day. The 787 and 777 as currently configured are absolutely horrendous in economy (add in the A350 too)
I have also started trying to plan any domestic flying on the A220 or Embraer 175 if possible. I have come to absolutely detest the 3x3 economy seating on the 737's and A320's.
Very good news for my business travel needs, especially Nice which will save the commute back to CDG from the south of France.
Is it any coincidence that all these cities are cruise ship friendly?
Darn I was expecting GVA. Agree with the comment that they miss the 757 but would rather say they miss the 321XLRs. Probably more destinations were considered using this plane and this is what they thought could work with the spare dreamliners they could find.
I'm curious if GVA will get TAT service from AA when they receive 321XLRs. Both United and Delta serve the route on antiquated metal (767s) but they do so to tap premium heavy diplomatic traffic (to/from DC and NYC).
Only United has decent further connectivity out of EWR. I'm curious, when they do launch the route (now that Delta has broken the Star Alliance monopoly in this market they will want a share) if they'll launch from JFK for direct traffic or favor connecting traffic through PHL to compete with European carriers (with interesting tourism options during ski and summer season)
> it very frustrating when trying to book an award ticket!
You don't seem to understand. For the airlines, that is a feature, not a bug. They try very, very hard to make award tickets stunningly expensive (a million miles for that business class trip) or as miserable as they can make them (insane zigzag connections with multiple looooong stopovers in places you do not want to go, resulting in trips of 30-40 hours en route). Expect more of this.
With the fuel surcharges on BA tickets, you're better off saving the miles and buying a cash ticket honestly (perhaps on a cheaper airline like TP).
First off, Delta has new planes, and more on the way- that’s easy to find out before commenting. And they’re deployed on their longest, most premium routes. What Anthony doesn’t understand is cost of ownership. Those 763’s are bought and paid for, they’re not required to make much to make a route profitable and cover its payments- unlike the 787’s AA is using.
Airlines love older planes to start new or leisure focused routes, because there’s little risk involved. Remember when AA did Dubrovnik on the 763, and was going to do Casablanca on an ancient 757? Low risk aircraft. United also still flies it’s old 757’s transatlantic. So AA better make sure those Dreamliners are FULL, and with high fares at that, to make these boutique destinations work. Time will tell.
the 763, which are not competitive with these AA 777 and 787
Why do people constantly make ridiculous statements like this?
The only way they'd be "not competitive" is if there was a performance issue that made them incapable of consistently covering the distance.
Dude, 99% of passengers have no idea what type of aircraft that they're on; and of the few that do, "aircraft type" ranks at the bottom of the list of purchase choice factors-- compared to price, schedule, operator, etc.
Because the only AA-dominant hub that has any real demand to a single gateway in Africa is Miami to Jo'burg, but AA cannot add service there without either a bilateral adjustment (maybe someday) or DL/UA pulling out and ceding the market (fat chance).
Wouldn't be shocked to someday see PHL get Morocco, but wouldn't hold breath.
DFW has limited and scattered demand throughout northern Africa, but such a fragmented demand is more effectively served by EK+QR+TK through their hubs, not to mention the Euro carriers at DFW.
CLT to Sub-Saharan Africa would be a joke, but a funny one to watch unfold. PHX isn't even worth mentioning in that regard.
Can we get a unique New York route? Europe, South America, Asia, Africa… anywhere? It’d be great if AA miles were worth hoarding for something other than a partner redemption.
How United Flight attendants treat passengers what? The Dr.Yao incident happened on a regional aircraft. How stupid are you?
Would of been a bit creative to fly miami to nice instead with the large French population and easy one stop access to Latin America. Especially since they pulled the Mia - Paris nonstop. Just to show you more overpaid executives that have no creativity.
Correct, however you can still book with miles on the direct flight. I'm guessing it is way more lucrative for United to connect via Lufthansa than to add a direct flight to CPH with mediocre yields (SAS sells such cheap discounted economy fares these days) for connecting traffic.
They'll let SAS execute their low yield / lower cost strategy and stick to their established strategy.
Am I the only one here who is missing those iconic route maps that Lucky adds to his posts? I love seeing the lines from point to point on the map.
Agreed, AA wants us all to spend on CC'S and do all of this partner stuff. Yet when we even attempt to redeem its insane. An EXP would need 4-5 YEARS of miles to earn 1 Trans-Atlantic trip in Business Class. No Thanks!
I've never seen BA with a 57.5 business redemption...or at least not in years.
There is also a cabin called Economy Class...just sayin'
I think if the destination was that "unique" it would mean the route is not serviced for a reason....that's not how network planning works.
I'm pleasantly surprised by Naples. Discovered the city for my first time in the last 2 years and it's fantastic...the FOOD, the local culture and laneways...and as a gateway/proximity to more famous places like the Amalfi Coast and Vesuvius (though they're both crazy touristy)...plus, as someone commented, being a major cruise port
I uses to fly American more frequently when there were direct flights from Pittsburgh. However when it ceased to be a hub and everything jumped to Philly; it ceased to be worth the effot.
Go to gcmap.com - that's where he's been generating those, and you can play with the mapping tool yourself as well.
@BenjaminGuttery - stop being so dramatic. I’m not saying it is easy, but good value can be had at times. I just booked 2 PHL-LHR for 75K in J in January, and I’m returning to JFK in F for 90k. Granted, I could be flexible with my dates.
@Leigh - plenty of 57.5 to be found on BA for PHL-LHR. Perhaps not June 2024 for 4 people, but plenty. Use the full-month search option. Other hubs to LHR as well.
Sure, but who's naive enough to believe that essentially every Western longhaul airline won't be "Delta" sooner or later, in that regard?
They were just first to inflate their redemptions so ridiculously. They won't be the last.
It isn't really a difficult nor unusual concept....
He's not "jealous of a corporation," he just has a brand which he prefers, and wishes his preferred operator (AA) would offer some of the same options as another (UA).
Its funny reading the comments of the others about the availabilty or lack thereof of award space on these new routes.
You know, the airlines really are for-profit business. And they make that money of charging actual money for the product (transportation) that they provide from one point to another.
Just saying... LOL
Look what has been taken away without me even noticing. C’mon Lucky, bring them back!
They mean something niche but profitable like NY to Ponta Delgada that only United services or Delta with JFK to Accra
Cranky Flyer reported in the past that with the exception of the JFk-LHR route, AA lost money on its long haul international network. Could be the reason that AA has focused instead on its domestic network.
In terms of profitability, Southwest has done fine with only flying domestically or near abroad. Flying to Nice or Prague generates some excitment, but not sure how much it adds to profitability, especially outside of June/July/August.
I've seen 60K return from CA to Europe redemption in economy but the fees are steep at $589. What were your fees @OCTinPHL
Doubt that United will add to Copenhagen with SAS massive presence and SAS already feeding to United by flying to New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco
no, they did not. AA BCNDFW is an entirely new line in the carriers’ history.
AA has previously flown the following long haul from DFW (which are no longer served): MAN, ZRH, BRU, GIG, HKG, PEK, KIX, MUC, KEF, LIH, LIM, ORY, LGW, and TLV (never launched).
I think you should consider AA's partners. For example who would fly AA on the same route that Qatar flies if both options are available unless AA is disproportionately cheaper. On the other hand consider the OneWorld partners. If AA flew to markets that feeds into OneWorld connectivity this would be one thing. United and Delta do pretty well with that.
Brian: “ Flying to Nice or Prague generates some excitment, but not sure how much it adds to profitability, especially outside of June/July/August.”
And these new routes are SUMMER routes. Did you read the post?
“I think you should consider AA's partners. For example who would fly AA on the same route […]”?
And what other airline flies from the U.S. to Nice, Naples, or Venice? And PHL-CPH? No one. Iberia flies DFW-BCN, I believe - but IB is not a whole lot better (if at all) than AA.
@Max - what partner of AA flies direct to Nice, Naples, or Venice? Instead of flying AA, who would you fly?
@Max - who flies PHL-CPH? Most everything I wrote is correct. What partner of AA flies to Nice, Naples, or Venice - from the U.S.? None. The original post asked who would fly AA instead of a partner?
Not what you wrote.
Other US airlines fly to Nice, Naples and Venice. Hell, aa flies to Venice from other places.
But sure. No one else flies PHL-CPH if you need a win.
And Iberia certainly doesn’t fly to Barcelona from dfw, they fly to Madrid, their hub.
"In terms of profitability," these are summer routes for the airframes, which are otherwise used for countercyclical routes like SYD and AKL. As soon as mid-September hits, they're sent to heavy maintenance or redeployed in the Southern Hemisphere.
@Max - the original comment was comparing AA to its partners. I could care less about a win. I was responding to the original post. Bye.
So what if IB flies DFW-MAD instead of BCN. The original poster asked who would fly AA over a partner. My response was that IB is not a whole lot better, if at all. That was the point.
Yeah… again. Everything you wrote was wrong
Lots of US airlines fly to those places and Iberia certainly doesn’t fly dfw-bcn
Read what you wrote.
Mmm......very surprised edinburgh (edi) isn't there amercan flew Philly >edinburgh said the route would be reintroduced once there new dreamliners arrived which they have...route used to be B757 and it was busy ...american actually said the route would be back ..edinburgh very busy with american tourist presently 4 united routes coming in and 3 delta ..possibly now 2025..
I personally find AA's long-haul "flagship" business product substantially more comfortable, modern, and consistent than DL's on the DL aircraft I have flown (A339, A333, B767). All their planes (with the exception of the Concept D 787-8s, which are pretty meh) have comfortable, sufficiently spacious business seats, and most gateways (with the notable exception of PHL) have flagship lounges, which I find fairly pleasant. The issue I have with AA, as you said, is the network. Especially in Asia, they are weak and I end up flying partners frequently.
They can think about it as much as they'd like, but they can't actually GO there until either [1] the bilateral is renegotiated (plausible) or [2] Delta or United give up their rights (fat chance).
The flight times for PHL seem like a mess. Just these three flights alone all land within 10 mins of each other, and towards the later part of the afternoon. Going to be lots of long immigration lines, waits for bags, and tight connections.
Expecting half of them to be cancelled before starting and the orher half within a year of the new service.
These are seasonal, summer flights for 2024… so they end within 4-5 months anyway. Will they be back in 2025? Who knows.
The three flights land with 25 minutes of each other, not 10. Regardless, immigration at PHL can be interminably slow (unless you have GE), waits for luggage are always horrible (but better than MIA), and tight connections are the norm across AA hubs (CLT being much worse than PHL).
I don't think that will come back until the XLRs amaretto being delivered. Not a priority ATM, and bigger planes can be used elsewhere more profitably.
Have to agree with MAX on this one. I get the original comment, but you clearly said "what other US airline". Not "partners". Also, MAD and BCL are COMPLETELY DIFFERENT and on the other side of the country. Definitely a weird few statements to "die on the hill" for OCT.....
Thanks for this, W1ll.
I flew "Flagship" on a 777 LAX-HKG back in 2017 and did really enjoyed it - more than DL One on the planes you mention, for sure - those planes are pretty narrow for the seats they use; DL One on the A350 is quite nice, though for some it might feel low to the ground (at 6'3" tall, I am one of those people). The service on DL, however, still feels way better than AA to me, which may be why I have stuck with them. Agreed, too, on the 787 - flew that NRT-ORD back in 2018 and said "never again" to it. I remember the Flagship lounge in LAX also being very nice.
Direct flights between NAP & PHL are bookable starting on June 7th 2024, pending government approval, not the June 5th date initially stated.
Back in the 1990s and 2000s, AA had a wide array of European destinations from Chicago, including Glasgow, Stockholm, Frankfurt, Munich, and Zurich.
So, it bugs me that almost every new European destination is out of Philadelphia.
Meanwhile, United keeps adding European flights out of ORD, and there is a steady increase in flights to Europe from European carriers.
One can only hope that when the new Terminal 2 opens, for Star and Oneworld carriers, AA will see fit to add more flights.
But, considering Chicago's track record with construction projects, whether at ORD or elsewhere, that won't happen any time soon.