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American adds 3 new routes in big Latin America expansion

Zach GriffSenior reporter
Zach Griff is a senior reporter at TPG. He writes travel and product reviews, deep dives into loyalty programs, news about the airline industry and more.

July 12, 2025 • 4 min read

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American Airlines will give winter-weary travelers some warm-weather escapes later this year.

The Fort Worth-based airline announced this week that it would add three new routes across Latin America for the winter season.

The new flights include service between Chicago and two destinations in Mexico: Mexico City and Queretaro. American will also add service between Philadelphia and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

When to go: These are the best times to buy an international flight

American's new daily service from its Chicago hub at O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Mexico City International Airport (MEX) will debut on Oct. 26, while the airline will only operate select flights during the peak holiday season from Dec. 18, 2025, to Jan. 5, 2026, on the new route from Chicago to Queretaro International Airport (QRO).

Meanwhile, the new daily service from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) to Santo Domingo's Las Americas International Airport (SDQ) will commence on Dec. 18.

In addition to the three new routes, the airline is expanding holiday service across Latin American between Dec. 18, 2025, and Jan. 5, 2026. This expansion touches three routes from PHL and eight from Miami International Airport (MIA), which is American's primary gateway hub to points south of the border.

In total, American plans to operate more than 2.3 million round-trip seats throughout Latin America during the December holiday season, which is a hopping one million more seats than its closest competitor.

Not only will these new flights appeal to those looking to escape during winter break, but they'll also likely be popular with VFR (or "visiting friends and relatives") flyers looking to go home for the holidays.

Interestingly, American's expansion in Latin America comes as two of its biggest competitors also announced new flights to the region for the winter season.

This week, Delta announced first-ever flights from Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) to Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) in Lima, Peru, taking off on Dec. 4, while United Airlines announced a sizeable expansion across the region.

United is adding one new destination from Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) — Tepic International Airport (TPQ), which serves the Mexican state of Nayarit, on the Pacific coast — as well as two new routes from Denver International Airport (DEN) to MEX and to Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) in the Dominican Republic.

But despite all the competition, American is still the undisputed leader in service to Latin American. "As the leading U.S. airline in Mexico, the Caribbean and Latin America, at American we’re focused on growing our network, giving our customers access to their favorite destinations in the region — from the tropical paradise of Puerto Rico to the dynamic and cosmopolitan city of Mexico City, and beyond. With these new routes and additional flying, next winter we’ll operate 10% more seats than the previous year, a testament to our commitment to the region and our customers," said José Freig, American's vice president of international operations, in a statement.

Tickets for the new flights will be available for sale starting July 14 across all of American's channels.

Related reading:

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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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 $8,000 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.
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Enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
Book two nights or more with The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and receive a $100* credit towards eligible charges at over 1,400 upscale hotels worldwide. *Eligible charges vary by property.
Book your travel through the Amex Travel App™ with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Annual Fee is $325.
Terms Apply.

American Airlines will give winter-weary travelers some warm-weather escapes later this year.

The Fort Worth-based airline announced this week that it would add three new routes across Latin America for the winter season.

The new flights include service between Chicago and two destinations in Mexico: Mexico City and Queretaro. American will also add service between Philadelphia and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

When to go: These are the best times to buy an international flight

Meanwhile, the new daily service from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) to Santo Domingo's Las Americas International Airport (SDQ) will commence on Dec. 18.

Interestingly, American's expansion in Latin America comes as two of its biggest competitors also announced new flights to the region for the winter season.

Tickets for the new flights will be available for sale starting July 14 across all of American's channels.

Related reading:

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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.
5X	Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
3X	Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
2X	Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
1X	Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.

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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.
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1X	Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.

Rewards rate
Rate	Category
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.
5X	Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
3X	Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
2X	Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
1X	Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.

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