FORT WORTH- American Airlines (AA) expands its route map with new international destinations and domestic flights. The carrier adds South Caicos Airport, Turks and Caicos, to its network.
This new route launches on February 15, 2025, with twice-weekly flights from Miami International Airport (MIA). American will use a 76-seat Embraer 175 regional jet for the 628-mile service.
American Airlines Caribbean Flights
The airline schedules morning departures from Miami and early afternoon returns from South Caicos. This new route connects over 75 destinations across the U.S. and Canada to South Caicos. American becomes the first U.S. airline to offer nonstop service to this destination.
Jason Reisinger, American’s managing director of global network planning, highlights the airline’s 30-year history with Turks and Caicos. He emphasizes the improved access this new route provides to North American travelers.
Previously, U.S. travelers primarily flew to Providenciales International Airport when visiting Turks and Caicos. South Caicos offers popular resorts and will soon host a new Marriott Luxury Collection property. The Salterra Turks & Caicos opens on the same day as American’s inaugural flight, potentially attracting Bonvoy members.
These route changes reflect American’s strategy to optimize its network. The airline focuses on strengthening its Miami hub for Caribbean and Latin American travel. Simultaneously, it adjusts capacity on other routes based on seasonal demand and market conditions.
The new South Caicos route demonstrates American’s commitment to expanding its Caribbean network. It provides travelers with direct access to a less-visited destination in the region. This move could stimulate tourism to South Caicos and support the island’s economic development.
New Flights from LaGuardia
American Airlines expands its winter routes from New York LaGuardia Airport. The carrier launches flights to Fort Myers and Tampa starting November 5. These seasonal services will operate until May 4, 2025. Tampa receives twice-daily flights, while Fort Myers gets one daily flight, reported The Points Guy.
American aims to provide customers with more access to warm-weather destinations. LaGuardia Airport’s capacity constraints require airlines to have slots for takeoffs and landings. American uses existing slots from its inventory, previously lent to JetBlue (B6) during their Northeast Alliance.
A federal judge ruled the partnership anti-competitive last year, forcing JetBlue to return American’s slots. Slots operate on a use-it-or-lose-it basis, compelling American to utilize them or risk losing access. The airline chooses to add popular winter destinations instead of short regional flights.
In June, American added winter seasonal flights from LaGuardia to New Orleans, Orlando, Sarasota, and West Palm Beach. These additions, along with the new Fort Myers and Tampa routes, strengthen American’s presence in the competitive New York market.
The airline cuts once-daily winter service from LaGuardia to Grand Rapids, Michigan, to accommodate these new routes. This decision reflects American’s strategy to optimize its network based on seasonal demand and profitability.
Some Route Cuts from Miami
American Airlines ends its Miami to Orange County route on August 5. The service, which began on January 8, lasted only eight months. American cites capacity growth plan evaluation as the reason for discontinuation.
This route was part of American’s expansion in Miami, where it faced competition from Delta and Spirit. Both rivals have recently added new Miami routes and destinations. The Miami to Orange County flight was American’s third new transcontinental route from Miami, following Portland and Sacramento.
American will continue serving Portland and Sacramento from Miami. The Orange County route’s performance didn’t meet expectations. South Florida travelers heading to Orange County now must fly to Los Angeles and drive or connect through American’s other hubs.
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