Exciting New Airline Routes for June 2016 and Beyond
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 JUNE 2016
Los Angeles (LAX) – Auckland (AKL) on American Airlines (launched June 23)
Details — Last week, American Airlines launched daily nonstop service between Los Angeles and Auckland, New Zealand. The best part: You'll be making the nearly 13-hour flight in a shiny new 787 Dreamliner and have access to comfy lie-flat seats if you're flying in business.
Schedule (daily):
- AA83 Los Angeles (LAX) 10:40pm Departure ⇒ Auckland (AKL) 6:35am (+2) Arrival
- AA82 Auckland (AKL) 1:20pm Departure ⇒ Los Angeles (LAX) 6:30am Arrival
New Domestic Routes on Southwest (launched June 5)
Details — Southwest expanded its network by adding new service to several cities around the US this month.
New Routes:
- Albuquerque (ABQ) – Austin (AUS)
- Buffalo/Niagara Falls (BUF) – Denver (DEN)
- Charleston (CHS) – Denver (DEN)
- Cleveland (CLE) – St. Louis (STL)
- Dallas (Love Field, DAL) – Burbank (BUR)
- Dallas (Love Field, DAL) – Pensacola (PNS)
- Denver (DEN) – Norfolk/Virginia Beach (ORF)
- Long Beach, CA (LGB) – Oakland (OAK)
- Kansas City (MCI) – Pensacola (PNS)
- Oakland (OAK) – Reno/Tahoe (RNO)
- Oakland (OAK) – St. Louis (STL)
- Portland, OR (PDX) – St. Louis (STL)
New York (JFK) – Edinburgh (EDI) on Delta (launched May 26)
Details — Delta just launched new daily nonstop service between New York and Edinburgh, Scotland, with year-round flights operated by Boeing 757-200ER aircraft — except during the busy summer months, when a 767-300ER will be used (now through September 5). The carrier also plans to add a new nonstop route from JFK to Glasgow (GLA) starting May 25, 2017.
Schedule (daily)
- DL409 New York (JFK) 10:50pm Departure ⇒ Edinburgh (EDI) 10:50am (+1) Arrival
- DL209 Edinburgh (EDI) 1:10pm Departure ⇒ New York (JFK) 3:49pm Arrival
Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP) to Rome (FCO) and Reykjavik (KEF) on Delta (launched June 2 and May 26, respectively)
Details — Rome just got a whole lot closer to the midwest thanks to Delta's new nonstop route between Minneapolis-St. Paul and FCO. The carrier also recently launched daily nonstop service between MSP and Reykjavik, Iceland (KEF).
Schedule (daily):
- DL90 Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP) 5:35pm Departure ⇒ Rome (FCO) 10:10am (+1) Arrival
- DL91 Rome (FCO) 11:55am Departure ⇒ Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP) 3:56pm Arrival
- DL260 Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP) 9:55pm Departure ⇒ Reykjavik (KEF) 9:00am (+1) Arrival
- DL261 Reykjavik (KEF) 8:30am Departure ⇒ Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP) 10:00am Arrival
San Francisco (SFO) to Singapore (SIN) on United (launched June 1)
Details — Earlier this month, United launched new daily nonstop service between San Francisco and Singapore's Changi Airport, making it the longest 787 Dreamliner flight in the world — a whopping 8,446 miles each way. TPG Editor-in-Chief Zach Honig tested out the route a few weeks ago — click here to read his review of the inaugural flight.
Schedule (daily):
- UA1 San Francisco (SFO) 10:55pm Departure ⇒ Singapore (SIN) 6:15am (+2) Arrival
- UA2 Singapore (SIN) 8:45am Departure ⇒ San Francisco (SFO) 9:15am Arrival
Washington, DC (IAD) and New York (EWR) to Barcelona (BCN), Lisbon (LIS) and Athens (ATH) on United (launched May 25)
Details — Want to go to Europe this summer? United launched several nonstop flights from Washington-Dulles and Newark to Barcelona, Lisbon and Athens, so start packing!
Schedule (daily):
- UA140 Washington, DC (IAD) 5:40pm Departure ⇒ Barcelona (BCN) 7:45am (+1) Arrival
- UA141 Barcelona (BCN) 11:15am Departure ⇒ Washington, DC (IAD) 2:30pm Arrival
- UA168 Washington, DC (IAD) 10:15pm Departure ⇒ Lisbon (LIS) 10:35am (+1) Arrival
- UA167 Lisbon (LIS) 12:15pm Departure ⇒ Washington, DC (IAD) 3:35pm Arrival
- UA124 Newark (EWR) 5:50pm Departure ⇒ Athens (ATH) 10:30am (+1) Arrival
- UA125 Athens (ATH) 12:15pm Departure ⇒ Newark (EWR) 4:15pm Arrival
NEW ROUTES ANNOUNCED IN JUNE 2016
Norwegian Will Offer Flights From Fort Lauderdale to the French Caribbean
Details — After much success with last year's wintertime flights between the northeastern US and the French Caribbean, Norwegian will launch twice weekly flights from Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to Guadeloupe (SFC). While the exact schedule hasn't been released yet, the carrier says the new route will be available on Wednesdays and Saturdays as of December 17.
Singapore Airlines Will Fly Between San Francisco (SFO) and Singapore (SIN) Later This Year
Details — Perhaps in response to United's newly launched nonstop route between SFO and SIN (mentioned above), Singapore Airlines announced its own daily nonstop service between the two cities — aboard its stunning A350 aircraft — beginning October 23.
Schedule (daily):
- SQ31 San Francisco (SFO) 10:45am Departure ⇒ Singapore (SIN) 6:40pm (+1) Arrival
- SQ32 Singapore (SIN) 8:30am Departure ⇒ San Francisco (SFO) 8:05am Arrival
United Will Fly 787-9 Dreamliners to Tel Aviv (TLV) from San Francisco (SFO) Every Day
Details — You'll soon be able to fly daily between San Francisco and Tel Aviv, Israel, aboard United's 787-9 Dreamliner thanks to the carrier's new daily nonstop service — up from its current 3x weekly service — starting October 8.
Schedule (daily):
- UA954 San Francisco (SFO) 8:00pm Departure ⇒ Tel Aviv (TLV) 8:10pm (+1) Arrival
- UA955 Tel Aviv (TLV) 1:00am Departure ⇒ San Francisco (SFO) 6:05am Arrival
Fly from Las Vegas (LAS) to London (LGW) on Norwegian
Details — Great news: Flights from Sin City to London just got a little more affordable. Low-cost carrier Norwegian will fly from Las Vegas to London's Gatwick airport starting October 31. Passengers can enjoy nonstop service between the two cities Mondays and Thursdays aboard the carrier's Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
Schedule (2x per week, Mondays and Thursdays):
- DY7108 Las Vegas (LAS) 6:00pm Departure ⇒ London-Gatwick (LGW) 10:50am (+1) Arrival
- DY7107 London-Gatwick (LGW) 12:10pm Departure ⇒ Las Vegas (LAS) 3:00pm Arrival
Fly to Cuba on Several Major US Carriers Starting This Fall
Details — Earlier this month, the US Department of Transportation approved the proposed routes of six major US airlines, allowing flights between the US and Cuba to begin this fall on American Airlines, Frontier, JetBlue, Silver Airways, Southwest and Sun Country. While Americans can't fly directly into Havana yet, you can fly into other Cuban cities like Camaguey (CMW), Cayo Coco (CCC), Cayo Largo (CYO), Cienfuegos (CFG), Holguín (HOG), Manzanillo (MZO), Matanzas (VRA), Santa Clara (SNU) and Santiago de Cuba (SCU) instead.
Swiss Announces Service from Zurich (ZRH) to Miami (MIA), Delays 777 Service from Zurich (ZRH) to San Francisco (SFO)
Details — As they say, good things come to those who wait. While Swiss recently announced a delay in adding the 777 to its Zurich to San Francisco flight — originally scheduled for August 30, 2016 — the carrier also plans to launch service between Zurich and Miami starting October 30. The new route will be operated by a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft until March 24 when its wintertime service ends.
Schedule (daily):
- LX65 Miami (MIA) 7:50pm Departure ⇒ Zurich (ZRH) 11:00am (+1) Arrival
- LX64 Zurich (ZRH) 1:15pm Departure ⇒ Miami (MIA) 6:00pm Arrival
Which of these new routes are you most excited about?
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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
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- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
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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.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | 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. |
| 4X | 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. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.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.