American Airlines Debuts New Seasonal Winter Routes

With record-setting temperatures raising the mercury across the United States, some travelers may be looking forward to a winter getaway. 

Fortunately for ski and cold-weather enthusiasts, American Airlines is launching new flights to some of the most popular ski destinations across the country, as well as other winter getaways in the Southwest. 

The airline will launch a new seasonal service to Friedman Memorial Airport (SUN) in Sun Valley, Idaho, from both Chicago's O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) between Dec. 18 and April 6. The Idahoan mountain town has long been a favorite ski destination and is home to the historic Sun Valley Inn and Sun Valley Lodge. 

American Airlines will also be expanding its presence to Santa Fe Regional Airport (SAF) in New Mexico with new direct flights from both Chicago and Los Angeles. Though Santa Fe is perhaps best known for its artsy atmosphere, it's just 16 miles from Ski Santa Fe, which has about 660 acres of skiable terrain.

“American will offer more than 70 daily flights this winter to top spots where travelers can head down the slopes on a bluebird day before rounding out the evening with hot cocoa around the fireplace,” American Airlines said in a statement obtained by Travel + Leisure.

In addition to Sun Valley and Santa Fe, American will begin twice-daily, year-round service between Santa Maria Airport (SMX) in Santa Maria, California, and Phoenix. Santa Maria is located on California's Central Coast, about 158 miles (or a three-hour drive) northwest of Los Angeles. Flying into the airport gives you easy access to all the natural beauty of the Central Coast, as well as nearby destinations San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, or even Carmel-by-the-Sea.

The airline shared that travelers can begin purchasing tickets for these new routes starting on June 30, 2025, online or through a travel agent.

Earlier this year, American Airlines announced it would also begin new service between Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) and Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE). The new flights begin service later this year, on Dec. 19. Aspen, home to popular resorts and hotels such as the Limelight Aspen and Hotel Jerome, is also a much-beloved (and ritzy) ski town.