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American debuts special one-time-only flight from Philadelphia to Brazil

April 23, 2024
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3 min read
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American debuts special one-time-only flight from Philadelphia to Brazil
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Airlines often add special flights for major events, like the Super Bowl or the Consumer Electronics Show.

But typically, the U.S. carriers simply boost their frequencies or upgauge their aircraft in existing markets. For instance, during the CES, many carriers operate wide-body international jets on short domestic hops that they already operate to and from Las Vegas.

This time, however, American Airlines will launch a special, one-time-only flight on a never-before-operated route: Philadelphia to Sao Paulo. This 4,734-mile route, operating just once on Sept. 5, will mark the first time that American has ever offered nonstop service from its Philly hub to South America.

American will also fly one northbound flight back to Philadelphia on Sept. 7. The outbound flight will depart at 9 p.m. and arrive at 7:30 a.m. the next day, all times local. The return flight will depart at 10 a.m. and land at 6:50 p.m. — a rare daytime flight from deep South America to the U.S.

ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

As for what's going on in Brazil, the flight is timed perfectly with the National Football League's first-ever game in South America, planned for Sept. 6.

The matchup? Well, you probably guessed it, but it's the Philadelphia Eagles against the Green Bay Packers.

With a hub in Philadelphia that dates back to the US Airways days, American has been a partner of the Eagles for nearly a decade. To celebrate the City of Philadelphia and its hometown team, American is even designating special flight numbers for this service.

Loyalty basics: Best ways to earn airline miles

American Flight 215 — in a nod to the city's main area code — will be the southbound sector, and American Flight 62 — as a nod to retiring center Jason Kelce — will be the northbound sector.

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As part of the partnership, American will also offer sweepstakes for AAdvantage members who are also Eagles fans. Stay tuned for more on that in the coming weeks.

ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

American will deploy a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner for the special Sao Paulo flight. It features 20 business-class, lie-flat pods as well as 28 premium economy recliners, 48 extra-legroom Main Cabin Extra seats and 138 standard economy seats.

Tickets will be available for sale starting on April 29. American didn't share any fare information for this route, but I expect it to be a hit with fans. Be sure to book your ticket soon before the 234-seat jet fills up.

As for Green Bay fans, the airport is served by the Big 3 legacy airlines: American, Delta and United. From the Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport (GRB), you can catch one-stop connections to Sao Paulo via Chicago, Minneapolis, Detroit and Atlanta.

Related reading:

Featured image by ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY
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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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)

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  • 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.