American Airlines Adds Scenic New Routes for Winter Travel

Updated: August 3, 2026, 10:38am CDT

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American Airlines Adds Winter Flights to Sun Valley, Santa Maria, Santa Fe, and Fort Myers
Final Thoughts

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Travelers looking to hit the slopes in Idaho or soak up California’s coastal charm will have even more flight options this winter, thanks to new route announcements from American Airlines.

The Fort Worth, Texas–based carrier is adding several new domestic routes to its schedule, coming just in time to plan your winter holiday trips.

Here’s a closer look at American Airlines’ newest routes.

American Airlines Adds Winter Flights to Sun Valley, Santa Maria, Santa Fe, and Fort Myers

As travelers start planning their winter getaways, American Airlines is rolling out a fresh batch of new routes perfect for those looking to embrace the outdoors, whether that means hitting the slopes, sipping wine along the California coast, or soaking up the Florida sun.

First up is Sun Valley (SUN), Idaho, one of the country’s most beloved ski destinations. American will launch new seasonal nonstop flights to Sun Valley from both Chicago O’Hare (ORD) and Phoenix (PHX), Arizona, giving travelers from the Midwest and Southwest a more direct path to the slopes just in time for the winter season.

drew bernard ElltzvKGDl0 unsplash — Sun Valley, Idaho, a top ski destination, is becoming even easier to reach with American Airlines’ new nonstop flights from Phoenix and Chicago. Image Credit: Drew Bernard via Unsplash

Out west, American is expanding its footprint in California with new service to Santa Maria (SMX), nestled along the Central Coast. This new route provides access to wine country, making it American’s 17th destination in the Golden State.

Santa Fe (SAF), New Mexico, is also getting a lift with new flights from both Los Angeles (LAX) and Chicago (ORD). Whether you’re drawn to its historic Southwest architecture, renowned art scene, or mountain air, Santa Fe is now more accessible than ever. Chicago will also launch flights to Missoula, (MSO), Montana, on the same date as the Santa Fe route.

And for those craving a warm-weather escape this winter, American is launching seasonal service from Phoenix (PHX) to Fort Myers (RSW), Florida, a popular Gulf Coast destination known for its beaches, boating, and laid-back vibe.

Below is a summary of these new seasonal and year-round routes, along with their scheduled start dates:

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Route	Start Date	Frequency
Phoenix (PHX)-Fort Myers, Florida (RSW)	November 20	Daily (seasonal)
Chicago (ORD)-Missoula, Montana (MSO)	December 18	Daily (seasonal)
Chicago (ORD)-Santa Fe, New Mexico (SAF)	December 18	Daily (seasonal)
Los Angeles (LAX)-Santa Fe, New Mexico (SAF)	October 6	Daily
Phoenix (PHX)-Santa Maria, California (SMX)	October 16	2x daily
Chicago (ORD)-Sun Valley, Idaho (SUN)	December 18	Daily (seasonal)
Phoenix (PHX)-Sun Valley, Idaho (SUN)	December 18	Daily (seasonal)

These additions reflect American Airlines’ continued push to grow its domestic network and make it easier for travelers to reach popular leisure destinations. All flights are now available for booking on AA.com or American’s app.

Hot Tip:

Flights to winter sun destinations often come with steep cash prices, so we prioritize earning American Airlines AAdvantage miles to book these trips and keep costs down.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re planning a ski trip in Idaho, a cultural getaway in Santa Fe, or a beach vacation in Florida, American Airlines’ newest routes are a welcome addition for travelers looking to shore up their winter travel plans.

The addition of Sun Valley and Santa Maria continues to diversify American’s domestic route map, while seasonal service to Fort Myers adds convenience for winter travelers. If you’re planning a trip to any of these destinations, now’s the time to check schedules and lock in those flights.