Exciting New Airline Routes for October 2017 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 OCTOBER 2017
Hainan Introduces New Nonstop from Chongqing and Chengdu to New York (launched October 20)
Details — Chinese carrier Hainan started flying two new routes this month, from Chongqing (CKG) and Chengdu (CTU) to New York (JFK). The new nonstop flights will operate twice weekly, departing from New York to Chongqing on Saturdays and Tuesdays and to Chengdu on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Hainan will fly its Boeing 787 on both of the routes.
Schedule (2x weekly):
- HU416 New York City (JFK) 1:50am Departure → Chongqing (CKG) 5:55am (+1) Arrival
- HU415 Chongqing (CKG) 10:00pm Departure → New York City (JFK) 11:50pm Arrival
- HU7916 New York City (JFK) 1:50am Departure → Chengdu (CTU) 5:55am (+1) Arrival
- HU7915 Chengdu (CTU) 9:55pm Departure → New York City (JFK) 11:50pm Arrival
Frontier Expands With 33 New Routes (Launched October 5, 6, 12, 13)
Details — Frontier Airlines, the low-cost carrier based in Denver, launched a whopping 33 new routes in October. The first wave of 30 came on October 5 and 6, with Long Island MacArthur (ISP), Miami (MIA) and San Antonio (SAT) being some of the focus cities where Frontier started multiple routes. Later in the month, the airline commenced three new flights from Ontario (ONT) in Southern California. Frontier will operate its narrow-body A319, A320s and A321s on the new routes.
Allegiant Air Adds Nine New Routes to Its Network (launched October 7 and 13)
Details — Allegiant Air grew its route network with the addition of nine new flights. The budget airline launched seven new routes that aren't currently served by any other airline, with four based out of its hub at the smaller Phoenix-Mesa (AZA) airport. On October 13, Allegiant introduced Milwaukee (MKE) to its network, flying from Tampa (PIE) and Punta Gorda (PGD).
Schedule:
- AAY194 Phoenix (AZA) 2:10pm Departure → Kansas City (MCI) 5:35pm Arrival
- AAY195 Kansas City (MCI) 11:35am Departure → Phoenix (AZA) 1:20pm Arrival
- AAY192 Phoenix (AZA) 7:35am Departure → Louisville (SDF) 12:55pm Arrival
- AAY193 Louisville (SDF) 8:10pm Departure → Phoenix (AZA) 10:10pm Arrival
- AAY178 Phoenix (AZA) 7:25am Departure → Omaha (OMA) 10:55am Arrival
- AAY179 Omaha (OMA) 9:05pm Departure → Phoenix (AZA) 10:50pm Arrival
- AAY952 Tampa (PIE) 3:46pm Departure → Norfolk (ORF) 5:46pm Arrival
- AAY953 Norfolk (ORF) 8:24pm Departure → Tampa (PIE) 10:35pm Arrival
- AAY374 Los Angeles (LAX) 6:30am Departure→ Ogden (OGD) 9:11am Arrival
- AAY375 Ogden (OGD) 9:51am Departure → Los Angeles (LAX) 10:40am Arrival
- AAY 196 Phoenix (AZA) 12:53pm Departure → Boise (BOI) 2:53 Arrival
- AAY197 Boise (BOI) 8:20pm Departure → Phoenix (AZA) 10:25pm Arrival
- AAY1590 Punta Gorda (PGD) 12:30pm Departure → Flint (FNT) 3:15pm Arrival
- AAY1591 Flint (FNT) 4:05pm Departure → Punta Gorda (PGD) 6:42pm Arrival
- AAY955 Milwaukee (MKE) 10:55am Departure → Tampa (PIE) 2:55pm Arrival
- AAY954 Tampa (PIE) 10:20am Departure → Milwaukee (MKE) 12:20am Arrival
- AAY1593 Milwaukee (MKE) 5:03pm Departure → Punta Gorda (PGD) 9:08pm Arrival
- AAY1592 Punta Gorda (PGD) 2:13pm Departure → Milwaukee (MKE) 4:18pm Arrival
United Initiates Nonstop Flights From Newark to Buenos Aires (October 28)
Details — United added a new connection from the Northeastern US to South America, with the introduction of nonstop service from Newark (EWR) to Buenos Aires (EZE). The carrier will fly a 767-300 with 30 business-class seats, 49 Economy Plus seats and 135 economy seats.
Schedule (daily):
- UA979 Newark (EWR) 9:50pm Departure → Buenos Aires (EZE) 10:50am (+1) Arrival
- UA978 Buenos Aires (EZE) 9:00pm Departure → Newark (EWR) 6:10am (+1) Arrival
NEW ROUTES ANNOUNCED IN OCTOBER 2017
Iberia Adding Seasonal Flights From San Francisco to Madrid in 2018
Details — Spain's flagship airline and Oneworld alliance member Iberia will introduce a new San Francisco (SFO) to Madrid (MAD) flight on April 25, 2018. This will be the only nonstop flight between the two cities, with Iberia operating an A330 on the seasonal route which ends on September 28, 2018.
Schedule (Monday, Wednesday, Friday):
- IB6175 Madrid (MAD) 12:25pm Departure → San Francisco (SFO) 4:00pm Arrival
- IB6174 San Francisco (SFO) 6:00pm Departure → Madrid (MAD) 2:15pm (+1) Arrival
Aer Lingus Announces Philadelphia to Dublin Flight
Details — Starting March 26, 2018, Aer Lingus will fly between Philadelphia (PHL) and Dublin (DUB). This new flight competes with American's daily service. The Irish carrier will fly a 757 on the ~7-hour journey, and that aircraft received a solid review from TPG staff. This route is a great use of British Airways Avios, and will cost you 20,000 miles one-way in economy or 60,000 miles in biz.
Schedule (4x weekly):
- EI115 Dublin (DUB) 1:50pm Departure → Philadelphia (PHL) 4:15pm Arrival
- EI114 Philadelphia (PHL) 5:30pm Departure → Dublin (DUB) 5:10AM (+1) Arrival
Budget Airline Scoot Announces Connection Between Singapore and Honolulu
Details — Scoot, the ultra-low cost carrier based in Singapore announced its first flight to the US will start on December 19, 2017. The airline will fly between Singapore (SIN) and Honolulu (HNL) with a stop in Osaka (KIX). Passengers can book each leg individually too, and the flight will be on a 787-8 Dreamliner.
Schedule (Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Sunday):
- TR700 Singapore (SIN) 10:45am Departure → Osaka (KIX) 5:30pm Arrival
- TR700 Osaka (KIX) 7:25pm Departure → Honolulu (HNL) 7:30am Arrival
- TR701 Honolulu (HNL) 9:35am Departure → Osaka (KIX) 2:00pm (+1) Arrival
- TR701 Osaka (KIX) 3:10PM Departure → Singapore (SIN) 9:10pm Arrival
Air France Restarts Service From Seattle to Paris
Details —SkyTeam member Air France will restart Seattle (SEA) to Paris (CDG) service five years after allowing its joint venture partner Delta to take over the route. Starting March 25, 2018, the airline will fly a Boeing 777-200ER with 40 business-class seats, 24 premium economy seats and 216 economy seats between the two cities. Initially Air France will fly on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays and then will add in Tuesday and Thursday flights during peak summertime. Delta will still operate its daily nonstop.
Schedule (3x → 5x weekly):
- AF338 Paris (CDG) 1:10pm Departure → Seattle (SEA) 2:20pm Arrival
- AF355 Seattle (SEA) 4:30pm Departure → Paris (CDG) 11:10am (+1) Arrival
Air China to Add Nonstop From Los Angeles to Shenzhen
Details — Air China announced this month that it will begin flying its 787-9s between Los Angeles (LAX) and Shenzhen (SZX) starting December 7, 2017. This will be the only nonstop flight between the two cities and will last nearly 15 hours in the LA to Shenzen direction. Air China is part of the Star Alliance, meaning you can book awards through Chase Ultimate Reward transfer partners like United or Singapore.
Schedule (Mondays, Thursdays, Saturdays):
- CA769 Shenzhen (SZX) 11:30pm Departure → Los Angeles (LAX) 8:00pm Arrival
- CA770 Los Angeles (LAX) 10:50pm Departure → Shenzhen (SZN) 5:40AM (+2) Arrival
Which of these new routes are you most excited about?
Additional reporting by Jeffrey Preis. Featured image of Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina courtesy of Saiko3p/Getty Images.
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| 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. |
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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.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.