New destinations–and bonus miles–from American Airlines


American Airlines launched 10 new destinations from Los Angeles yesterday. The new routes, mostly served but their American Eagle regional subsidiary, are all offering double miles for travel until June 30, 2011.

The biggest addition of service is the non-stop flight from LAX to Shanghai, China. This flight represents the only non-stop service by a US-flagged carrier on the route. Passengers flying between LAX and Shanghai can receive up to triple miles for their travel between now and June 30, 2011. Business and First class fares will receive triple miles while economy fares will receive double miles. Registration is required for this promotion.

The other nine destinations being added place American into direct competition with a number of other carriers. Of the nine, all are currently served by at least one other carrier and most have two or three others, namely United Airlines and Southwest; US Airways serves a couple of the routes as well. The destinations are:

  • Albuquerque, NM (ABQ)
  • Boise, ID (BOI)
  • El Paso, TX (ELP)
  • Houston, TX (IAH)
  • Oklahoma City, OK (OKC)
  • Phoenix, AZ (PHX)
  • Salt Lake City, UT (SLC)
  • Sacramento, CA (SMF)
  • Tucson, AZ (TUS)

All of these routes are eligible for double miles through the end of June. Similar to the Shanghai promotion, registration is required.

Challenging incumbent carriers by adding capacity as fuel prices are rising and the industry struggles to control seat inventory is an interesting move. Going head-to-head in markets that include three competitor hubs by offering regional jet service is even more interesting. Time will tell if American can come out of this experiment profitably or not.

Finally, oneworld partner Iberia is launching service between LAX and their hub in Madrid, Spain. AAdvantage members can earn double miles on this route as well. Register for this promotion here.

Lots of excitement at LAX of AAdvantage members. Here’s hoping the routes actually stick.

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Seth Miller

I'm Seth, also known as the Wandering Aramean. I was bit by the travel bug 30 years ago and there's no sign of a cure. I fly ~200,000 miles annually; these are my stories. You can connect with me on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.