American Airlines has announced a series of new and expanded flight routes for 2026, focusing on popular domestic leisure destinations. The schedule update introduces new weekend services from New York to the Southeast and reinstates summer flights to key mountain destinations in Wyoming and Colorado.
Key Takeaways
- American Airlines is adding weekend flights from New York's LaGuardia Airport (LGA) to Jacksonville (JAX), Savannah (SAV), and Myrtle Beach (MYR) starting in early 2026.
- The airline will resume daily summer service between New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Jackson Hole, Wyoming (JAC) for the first time since 2022.
- Service between Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) and Gunnison-Crested Butte, Colorado (GUC) will have an extended season for summer 2026.
- These additions are part of a larger network expansion that includes 30 new routes for the summer 2026 season.
New Weekend Routes from New York to the Southeast
To meet demand for short getaways, American Airlines will introduce three weekend-focused routes from New York's LaGuardia Airport (LGA) beginning in early 2026. These flights are timed for travelers looking to escape the winter cold.
Service to Florida and Georgia
Starting February 13, 2026, the carrier will launch flights from LGA to two popular southern destinations:
- Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) in Florida.
- Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) in Georgia.
Both routes will operate with southbound flights on Fridays and Saturdays, and return northbound flights on Saturdays and Sundays. This schedule is designed to accommodate two-night weekend trips.
Myrtle Beach Service Returns
A month later, on March 13, 2026, American will begin service from LGA to Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) in South Carolina. This marks the return of a route last operated by the airline in 2021.
All three of these southeastern routes are scheduled to run through September 8, 2026, covering the spring and summer travel seasons. According to the airline, the LGA-JAX and LGA-MYR services represent an expansion of previously more limited or seasonal schedules.
Aircraft and Cabin Details
The new routes from LaGuardia will be operated by American Eagle using Embraer 170 or 175 regional jets. These aircraft are configured with both first-class and Main Cabin Extra seating options.
Summer Expansion to Western Mountain Destinations
American Airlines is also bolstering its 2026 summer schedule with increased service to popular outdoor recreation areas in the western United States. The changes include a reinstated route from New York and an extended season for a key Texas flight.
Jackson Hole Flights Resume from JFK
For the first time since 2022, American will offer nonstop service between New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) in Wyoming. The daily flights are set to begin on June 18, 2026.
This service will operate through October 4, 2026, providing travelers with access to Grand Teton National Park and other regional attractions throughout the peak summer and early fall seasons. The route will be flown using an Airbus A319 aircraft.
Extended Season for Colorado Route
The airline also announced it will extend the operating season for its flights between Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport (GUC) in Colorado. The service will now run from June 18 to September 8, 2026.
This flight, also operated on an Airbus A319, serves a popular destination for hiking, mountain biking, and other outdoor activities. The extended schedule provides more options for travelers during the summer months.
A Focus on Leisure Travel
The addition of these routes highlights a strategic focus on domestic leisure travel. The airline has added a total of 30 new routes for its summer 2026 schedule, aiming to connect major hubs with sought-after vacation spots.
Broader Network Strategy and Booking Information
The latest schedule adjustments reflect the airline's ongoing efforts to align its network with current travel patterns, which show strong demand for domestic and leisure-oriented destinations.
"American knows summer is a time for traveling to new destinations, making memories with friends [and] families, and revisiting fond favorites, and that's why we continue to add new routes," said Jordan Pack, American's Director of Domestic Network Planning, in a statement.
These new flights provide more options for travelers planning their 2026 vacations, whether they are seeking beach destinations on the East Coast or mountain adventures in the West.
Using Points and Miles
Travelers can book these new flights using American Airlines AAdvantage miles. Additionally, points from some flexible rewards programs can be transferred to AAdvantage. For example, eligible Citi ThankYou Rewards cardholders can transfer points to the airline's loyalty program, often at a 1:1 ratio. Other options may include booking through partner airline loyalty programs.
