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Exciting New Airline Routes for May 2016 and Beyond

May 31, 2016
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10 min read
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Exciting New Airline Routes for May 2016 and Beyond
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Each month, airlines around the world launch and announce dozens of new flight routes and service changes — and today, TPG Senior Editor Kaeli Conforti shares just a few of the latest flights that will take to the skies this month or in the near future. Keep in mind that exact flight details (e.g., flight schedules, aircraft and more) may change based on travel dates.

NEW ROUTES LAUNCHED IN MAY 2016

It's now even easier to get to Ireland from the West Coast thanks to a new Aer Lingus route. Image courtesy of Shutterstock.

Los Angeles (LAX) – Dublin (DUB) on Aer Lingus (launched May 4)

Details — Earlier this month, Aer Lingus launched nonstop service between Los Angeles and Dublin, offering year-round flights on its Airbus A330-200 four times per week. New service from Newark to Dublin is also expected to begin September 1, along with a new route from Hartford, Connecticut, in late September.

Schedule (4x per week):

  • EI144 Los Angeles (LAX) 7:50pm Departure ⇒ Dublin (DUB) 2:00pm (+1) Arrival
  • EI145 Dublin (DUB) 3:00pm Departure ⇒ Los Angeles (LAX) 6:00pm Arrival
You can now fly to lovely Lima from Washington, D.C. Image courtesy of Shutterstock.

Washington, D.C. (IAD) – Lima, Peru (LIM) on LATAM (launched May 2)

Details — Great news if you're planning a South American adventure anytime soon: LATAM recently launched nonstop service linking Washington, D.C. and Lima, Peru, with flights three times per week on the carrier's Boeing 767-300.

Schedule (3x per week):

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  • LA2801 Washington, D.C. (IAD) 11:30pm Departure ⇒ Lima (LIM) 6:20am (+1) Arrival
  • LA2800 Lima (LIM) 9:20am Departure ⇒ Washington, D.C. (IAD) 6:15pm Arrival
Doesn't this beautiful Amsterdam canal scene look great right about now? Image courtesy of Shutterstock.

Salt Lake City (SLC) – Amsterdam (AMS) on KLM (launched May 5)

Details — You now have another option if you're looking to fly from Salt Lake City to Amsterdam thanks a new KLM route. Currently, service is available twice a week on Thursdays and Saturdays, and a third flight on Mondays will start as of July 4. KLM also plans to launch a new route between Miami and Amsterdam — operating three times per week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays — on October 30.

Schedule (2x per week, then 3x per week after July 4)

  • DL56 Salt Lake City (SLC) 4:50pm Departure ⇒ Amsterdam (AMS) 10:50am (+1) Arrival
  • DL57 Amsterdam (AMS) 9:50am ⇒ Salt Lake City (SLC) 12:24pm Arrival
Norwegian Air is making it easier to fly to London from the West Coast.

Oakland (OAK) – London (LGW) on Norwegian Air (launched May 12)

Details — Looking for a more affordable way to visit London from the San Francisco area? Norwegian Air just launched three weekly flights on its 787 Dreamliner that'll connect Oakland and London. Note that you'll be flying into London's Gatwick Airport, which is located about an hour south of London's city center, so plan accordingly.

Schedule (3x per week):

  • DY7074 Oakland (OAK) 6:50pm Departure ⇒ London (LGW) 12:55pm (+1) Arrival
  • DY7073 London (LGW) 1:00pm Departure ⇒ Oakland (OAK) 4:00pm Arrival
Hop on a flight from Boston or Fort Lauderdale and get your country on in Nashville. Image courtesy of Shutterstock.

Nashville (BNA) – Boston (BOS) and Fort Lauderdale (FLL) on JetBlue (launched May 5)

Details — Hello, Music City! As of May 5, you can now fly nonstop to Nashville from Boston on one of two daily round-trip flights, or from Fort Lauderdale on one daily round-trip flight thanks to JetBlue's new service expansion.

Schedule:

  • B61807 Boston (BOS) 7:20am Departure ⇒ Nashville (BNA) 9:05am Arrival
  • B61907 Boston (BOS) 4:10pm Departure ⇒ Nashville (BNA) 5:54pm Arrival
  • B61806 Nashville (BNA) 9:50am Departure ⇒ Boston (BOS) 1:23pm Arrival
  • B61906 Nashville (BNA) 6:40pm Departure ⇒ Boston (BOS) 10:14pm Arrival
  • B6182 Fort Lauderdale (FLL) 3:00pm Departure ⇒ Nashville (BNA) 4:19pm Arrival
  • B6181 Nashville (BNA) 5:00pm Departure ⇒ Fort Lauderdale (FLL) 8:11pm Arrival
Waikiki Beach has your name on it. Fly there from Los Angeles on Virgin America. Image courtesy of Shutterstock.

Los Angeles (LAX) – Honolulu (HNL) on Virgin America (launched May 5)

Details — Following the 2015 launch of new flights between Los Angeles and Hawaii, Virgin America is now offering daily service between LAX and Honolulu. The carrier is also expected to launch daily service between LAX and Maui (OGG) starting June 14.

Schedule (daily):

  • VX57 Los Angeles (LAX) 10:35am Departure ⇒ Honolulu (HNL) 1:25pm Arrival
  • VX60 Honolulu (HNL) 2:25pm ⇒ Los Angeles (LAX) 10:55pm Arrival
Fly nonstop from the City by the Bay to Xi'an, China, thanks to this new United route. Image courtesy of Shutterstock.

San Francisco (SFO) – Xi'an (XIY) on United Airlines (launched May 8)

Details — You can now fly nonstop on a 787 Dreamliner from San Francisco to Xi'an, China, thanks to a new United Airlines route that operates three times per week now through October 27. It's also the first-ever nonstop transpacific route to Xi'an — the carrier plans to launch another, between San Francisco and Hangzhou, on July 13.

Schedule (3x per week):

  • UA853 San Francisco (SFO) 1:35pm Departure ⇒ Xi'an (XIY) 5:30pm (1+) Arrival
  • UA852 Xi'an (XIY) 9:30am Departure ⇒ San Francisco (SFO) 6:40am Arrival
Take advantage of Delta Shuttle service between Seattle, San Francisco and Los Angeles (pictured here). Image courtesy of Shutterstock.

Delta Shuttle Service Begins Between Seattle, Los Angeles and San Francisco (launched May 11)

Details — Delta Shuttle recently introduced eight daily flights from Seattle-Tacoma (SEA) to Los Angeles (LAX), as well as eight daily flights to San Francisco (SFO) — on May 23, two more flights will be added to the Los Angeles route, for a total of 10 each day. You can expect to fly a mix of Boeing 737-800 and 717 jets between Seattle and LA, while trips to and from San Francisco will be operated by Compass Airlines on Embraer 175 jets.

NEW ROUTES ANNOUNCED IN MAY 2016

Attention Dreamliner fans: You can fly a 787-8 from Newark to Vancouver starting this June.

Air Canada Will Offer Dreamliner Service Between Newark (EWR) and Vancouver (YVR)

Details — Dreamliner lovers, rejoice! Air Canada will be replacing its current Airbus A319 with a shiny new 787-8 Dreamliner for year-round daily service between Newark and Vancouver starting June 17.

Schedule (daily):

  • AC549 Newark (EWR) 7:00pm Departure ⇒ Vancouver (YVR) 10:05pm Arrival
  • AC548 Vancouver (YVR) 9:00am Departure ⇒ Newark (EWR) 5:20pm Arrival
Fly all the way to Brisbane in a Dreamliner thanks to this new Air Canada route from Vancouver. Image courtesy of Shutterstock.

Air Canada Will Fly Dreamliners Between Vancouver (YVR) and Brisbane (BNE)

Details — You'll soon be able to fly Dreamliners between Vancouver and Brisbane, Australia, thanks to a nifty new Air Canada route starting June 3 with three flights per week until June 19, when it switches to daily service. It's also worth noting that this route will use a 787-8 Dreamliner during the summer (Australian winter) and switch to a 787-9 Dreamliner starting October 30, just in time for Australia's summer season (our winter).

Schedule (3x per week until June 19, then daily service):

  • AC35 Vancouver (YVR) 11:45pm Departure ⇒ Brisbane (BNE) 7:15am (+2) Arrival
  • AC36 Brisbane (BNE) 10:40am Departure ⇒ Vancouver (YVR) 7:15am Arrival
JetBlue will be expanding its presence at Newark (EWR) starting October 30.

JetBlue Will Offer 30 Flights Per Day From Newark (EWR) Starting This Fall

Details — JetBlue is planning to expand its reach from Newark (EWR) thanks to a recent FAA decision designed to ease restrictions at the busy NYC-area airport. Starting October 30, the carrier will increase the amount of flights it currently operates from Newark to Tampa (TPA), Orlando (MCO), Palm Beach (PBI), Fort Myers (RSW) and Fort Lauderdale (FLL), resulting in 30 flights per day from EWR.

You'll be able to fly from all three major NYC area airports to Boston on JetBlue starting this fall. Image courtesy of Shutterstock.

JetBlue Is Launching New Flights Between New York (LGA) and Boston (BOS)

Details — Great news for New Yorkers: Starting October 31, you'll be able to fly to Boston from all three NYC-area airports thanks to the addition of six weekday flights, two flights on Saturdays and three flights on Sundays from LaGuardia (LGA). Fares start at just $49 each way.

Schedule (6x on weekdays, 2x on Saturdays, 3x on Sundays):

Weekdays:

  • B61432 New York (LGA) 6:30am Departure ⇒ Boston (BOS) 7:44am Arrival
  • B6632 New York (LGA) 9:00am Departure ⇒ Boston (BOS) 10:19am Arrival
  • B6732 New York (LGA) 10:59am Departure ⇒ Boston (BOS) 12:03pm Arrival
  • B6832 New York (LGA) 2:29pm Departure ⇒ Boston (BOS) 3:43pm Arrival
  • B61232 New York (LGA) 5:30pm Departure ⇒ Boston (BOS) 6:44pm Arrival
  • B61332 New York (LGA) 7:30pm Departure ⇒ Boston (BOS) 8:45pm Arrival
  • B6631 Boston (BOS) 6:35am Departure ⇒ New York (LGA) 8:00am Arrival
  • B6731 Boston (BOS) 8:40am Departure ⇒ New York (LGA) 10:00am Arrival
  • B6831 Boston (BOS) 11:30am Departure ⇒ New York (LGA) 12:54pm Arrival
  • B61231 Boston (BOS) 3:10pm Departure ⇒ New York (LGA) 4:39pm Arrival
  • B61331 Boston (BOS) 5:10pm Departure ⇒ New York (LGA) 6:44pm Arrival
  • B61431 Boston (BOS) 7:30pm Departure ⇒ New York (LGA) 8:50pm Arrival

Saturdays:

  • B6632 New York (LGA) 9:00am Departure ⇒ Boston (BOS) 10:19am Arrival
  • B6832 New York (LGA) 2:29pm Departure ⇒ Boston (BOS) 3:43pm Arrival
  • B6831 Boston (BOS) 11:30am Departure ⇒ New York (LGA) 12:54pm Arrival
  • B61231 Boston (BOS) 3:10pm Departure ⇒ New York (LGA) 4:39pm Arrival

Sundays:

  • B6832 New York (LGA) 2:29pm Departure ⇒ Boston (BOS) 3:43pm Arrival
  • B61232 New York (LGA) 5:30pm Departure ⇒ Boston (BOS) 6:44pm Arrival
  • B61332 New York (LGA) 7:30pm Departure ⇒ Boston (BOS) 8:45pm Arrival
  • B61231 Boston (BOS) 3:10pm Departure ⇒ New York (LGA) 4:39pm Arrival
  • B61331 Boston (BOS) 5:10pm Departure ⇒ New York (LGA) 6:44pm Arrival
  • B61431 Boston (BOS) 7:30pm Departure ⇒ New York (LGA) 8:50pm Arrival
Air India is expanding its presence in the US with a new flight to Newark by way of London.

Air India Will Soon Fly Between India (AMD), London (LHR) and Newark (EWR) on the Same Aircraft

Details — As of August 15, you'll be able to fly from Gujarat, India (AMD), to the New York City area thanks to an Air India fifth freedom flight that allows passengers on the aircraft to stop in London (LHR) before continuing to EWR (or AMD) on the same plane. Passengers can choose from three weekly flights on a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner.

Schedule (3x per week):

  • AI171 Ahmedabad (AMD) 5:00am Departure ⇒ London (LHR) 10:15am Arrival, then London (LHR) 12:30pm Departure ⇒ Newark (EWR) 3:00pm Arrival
  • AI172 Newark (EWR) 10:30pm Departure ⇒ London (LHR) 10:15am (+1) Arrival, then London (LHR) 12:30pm (+1) Departure ⇒ Ahmedabad (AMD) 2:00am (+2) Arrival

Which of these new routes are you most excited about?

Featured image by Andres Bolkenbaas

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Apply for American Express® Gold Card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
Best for dining at restaurants

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TPG Editor‘s Rating
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  • Intro Offer

    As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

  • Annual Fee

    $325

  • Recommended Credit

    Excellent to Good

Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.