Exciting New Airline Routes for January 2018 and Beyond
Airlines around the world launch and announce dozens of new flight routes and service changes every month. Today, we'll share 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 (like schedules and aircraft, among other things) may change.
NEW ROUTES LAUNCHED IN JANUARY 2018
United's New Nonstop from Houston to Sydney (launched January 18)
Details — Move over Dallas-to-Sydney; as of January 18, there's a new longest flight from Texas in town. United's new nonstop 787-9 Dreamliner route from Houston (IAH) to Sydney (SYD) is just 18 minutes longer, putting your flight time at a whopping 17 hours and 30 minutes. Keep in mind that while you'll be losing a day of travel as you cross the international dateline, you'll gain it back on the return trip, which puts you back in the Lone Star State an hour and 20 minutes before you even took off in Sydney because #TimeTravel.
Schedule (daily):
- UA101 Houston (IAH) 8:00pm Departure → Sydney (SYD) 6:30am (+2) Arrival
- UA100 Sydney (SYD) 11:50am Departure → Houston (IAH) 10:30am Arrival
Fly an A321neo from Boston to the Azores (launched January 12)
Details — This one isn't so much a new route as an exciting new development in terms of the aircraft Azores Airlines is now flying — in this case, a shiny new A321neo instead of the ancient A310s it had been using to bring folks between Boston (BOS) and Ponta Delgada (PDL). You can try out the new bird on hops between the two cities four times per week until March 25, when flights increase to six times per week.
Schedule (4x per week until March 25, then 6x per week):
- S4220 Boston (BOS) 9:15pm Departure → Ponta Delgada (PDL) 6:00am (+1) Arrival
- S4221 Ponta Delgada (PDL) 3:30pm Departure → Boston (BOS) 5:20pm Arrival
- S4281 Ponta Delgada (PDL) 5:15pm Departure → Boston (BOS) 7:05pm Arrival
New Southwest Service Between Tampa and San Diego (launched January 8)
Details — As Tampa International Airport (TPA) continues its expansion, it seems Southwest is as well, adding a new nonstop flight between the popular Sunshine State city and San Diego (SAN) this month aboard a combination of its 737-700s and 737-800s. The move gives beach enthusiasts in Florida and California an easy way to swap sand for a few days.
Schedule (daily):
- WN799 Tampa (TPA) 9:40am Departure → San Diego (SAN) 11:55am Arrival
- WN478 San Diego (SAN) 12:45pm Departure → Tampa (TPA) 8:05pm Arrival
JetBlue Begins Service Between Syracuse and Boston (launched January 4)
Details — Great news for those based in upstate New York: You'll now be able to easily get from Syracuse (SYR) to Boston (BOS) thanks to a nonstop flight from JetBlue that launched earlier this month. The 80-minute hop is being operated by the carrier's Embraer RJ-190.
Schedule (daily):
- B6840 Syracuse (SYR) 5:40am Departure → Boston (BOS) 7:00am Arrival
- B6845 Boston (BOS) 10:15pm Departure → Syracuse (SYR) 11:42pm Arrival
NEW ROUTES ANNOUNCED IN JANUARY 2018
Emirates Will Soon Fly Nonstop Between Newark and Dubai
Details — Exciting news for those in the NYC area who wish to visit the UAE. As of June 1, Emirates will be flying its 777-300ER — although, sadly, not the version featuring the new first-class suite — nonstop on a new daily flight between Newark (EWR) and Dubai (DXB). You can also catch the carrier's daily nonstop to Athens (ATH) from EWR, a fifth-freedom route that eventually takes you to DXB as well. To compensate for the new Newark option, Emirates is cutting down on its service from JFK, reducing its current offerings to just two daily nonstop options as of March 25. Also note that the airline's fifth-freedom route from JFK to Milan (MXP) and Dubai will remain operational.
Schedule (daily, starting June 1, 2018):
- EK224 Newark (EWR) 11:50am Departure → Dubai (DXB) 8:20am (+1) Arrival
- EK223 Dubai (DXB) 3:00am Departure → Newark (EWR) 9:00am Arrival
New Routes on Icelandair to Reykjavik From Three US Cities
Details — With the amount of new routes to Reykjavik (KEF) starting up this year from San Francisco (SFO), Baltimore (BWI) and Kansas City (MCI), it's getting harder to find reasons not to visit Iceland this year. The SFO route will be operated by a 767-300ER, while the BWI and MCI routes will be serviced by the airline's 757-200. Assistant Editor Brendan Dorsey flew in economy on Icelandair's 767-300ER last year, which also features an economy comfort section as well as business class — or what the carrier calls Saga — with reclining seats. Note that while these flight times don't yet appear on Google Flights, you can still find them by searching directly through Icelandair's website.
San Francisco (SFO) to Reykjavik (KEF), starting June 1:
4x per week on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday:
- FI862 San Francisco (SFO) 3:15pm Departure → Reykjavik (KEF) 6:40am (+1) Arrival
4x per week on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday:
- FI863 Reykjavik (KEF) 5:00pm Departure → San Francisco (SFO) 6:55pm Arrival
Baltimore (BWI) to Reykjavik (KEF), starting May 28:
4x per week on Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Sunday:
- FI642 Baltimore (BWI) 8:35pm Departure → Reykjavik (KEF) 6:20am (+1) Arrival
- FL643 Reykjavik (KEF) 3:05pm Departure → Baltimore (BWI) 7:25pm Arrival
Kansas City (MCI) to Reykjavik (KEF), from May 25 to September 2018:
Seasonal service 3x per week on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday:
- FI840 Kansas City (MCI) 5:15pm Departure → Reykjavik (KEF) 5:10am (+1) Arrival
- FI841 Reykjavik (KEF) 6:00pm Departure → Kansas City (MCI) 8:45pm Arrival
Hawaiian Airlines to Start Flying Between Long Beach and Honolulu
Details — Break out those Aloha shirts and bathing suits. For those based on the West Coast, that Hawaiian vacation you've been dreaming about just got a little bit closer thanks to a new route from Long Beach, California (LGB) beginning May 31. The roughly six-hour flight will be operated by the carrier's A321neo, which you can also fly from Oakland (OAK) and Portland (PDX) to Kahului, Maui (OGG). Hawaiian Airlines will also begin flying the aircraft between OAK and Kauai (LIH) as of April 11, as well as Los Angeles (LAX) to Kona (KOA) on Hawaii's Big Island later this year.
Schedule (daily, starting May 31, 2018):
- HA69 Long Beach (LGB) 8:30am Departure → Honolulu (HNL) 11:40am Arrival
- HA70 Honolulu (HNL) 12:30pm Departure → Long Beach (LGB) 9:00pm Arrival
American Airlines Adds Shuttle Service Between New York and Chicago
Details — Earlier this month, American Airlines continued its ongoing expansion by announcing new shuttle service from everybody's favorite NYC airport, LaGuardia (LGA) — note the sarcasm — designed to help business travelers who regularly fly between the Big Apple and Chicago (ORD). As of April 4, you'll have 15 flights to choose from per weekday. The best part: Main cabin passengers will receive complimentary snacks, wine and beer, while those seated in first class will receive free snack baskets, beer, wine and spirits. Newspapers and magazines will also be available in the boarding lounge free of charge.
Kenya Airways to Introduce Nonstop Flights to Nairobi This Fall
Details — If an epic African safari or a memorable stay at Giraffe Manor has been on your bucket list, now's the time to start planning your big adventure, with a daily nonstop flight on Kenya Airways from New York (JFK) to Nairobi, Kenya (NBO), set to launch October 30.
Schedule (daily, starting October 30, 2018):
- KQ3 New York (JFK) 12:25pm Departure → Nairobi (NBO) 9:55am (+1) Arrival
- KQ2 Nairobi (NBO) 11:25pm Departure → New York (JFK) 6:25am (+1) Arrival
Low-Cost Carrier Gol Announces Flights Between Brazil and Florida
Details — Between the recent news that US passport holders can now apply for a $40 E-Visa to enter Brazil and the fact that low-cost carrier GOL is launching flights from Miami (MIA) and Orlando (MCO) to two Brazilian cities — Brasília (BSB) and Fortaleza (FOR) — starting November 4, an epic trip to this intriguing South American country just became more affordable than ever. Not only that, you'll have the chance to travel on the world's longest 737 flight since the Orlando to Brasília route clocks in at a whopping 3,778 miles.
Schedule (daily, starting November 4, 2018):
- G37600 Brasília (BSB) 9:50AM Departure → Orlando (MCO) 2:50PM Arrival
- G37601 Orlando (MCO) 9:30PM Departure → Brasília (BSB) 8:20AM (+1) Arrival
- G37664 Fortaleza (FOR) 8:35AM Departure → Orlando (MCO) 2:25PM Arrival
- G37665 Orlando (MCO) 9:45PM Departure → Fortaleza (FOR) 7:15AM (+1) Arrival
- G37748 Brasília (BSB) 9:50AM Departure → Miami (MIA) 2:25PM Arrival
- G37749 Miami (MIA) 9:45PM Departure → Brasília (BSB) 8:20AM (+1) Arrival
- G37732 Fortaleza (FOR) 8:35AM Departure → Miami (MIA) 2:05PM Arrival
- G37733 Miami (MIA) 10:00PM Departure → Fortaleza (FOR) 7:15AM (+1) Arrival
United To Add Nonstop Flights From Newark to Rapid City This Summer
Details — If you're looking for a fantastic place to do a summer road trip this year, a new nonstop flight from the New York City area (EWR) to Rapid City (RAP), South Dakota, will put you right in the middle of all the action. From RAP, you'll be within an hour's drive of Badlands National Park, 30 minutes from Mount Rushmore National Monument and 35 minutes from Custer State Park, where you can literally get caught in traffic because a herd of buffalo decides to cross the road. The new domestic route, one of many being introduced by United this month, will be operated on Saturdays by Embraer E175 aircraft starting June 23.
Schedule (Saturday only, starting June 23, 2018):
- UA3540 Newark (EWR) 10:00am Departure → Rapid City (RAP) 12:05pm Arrival
- UA3491 Rapid City (RAP) 12:45pm Departure → Newark (EWR) 6:47pm Arrival
Which of these new routes are you most excited about?
Additional reporting by Jeffrey Preis. Featured image of the Bondi Icebergs in Sydney, Australia, by @prozipix via Twenty20.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 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
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
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.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.
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.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.