If your passport has been collecting dust, American Airlines is here to help with this week’s announcement of exciting new flights to 4 sunny international destinations.
Nobody likes the headache of going through customs, but is there a better feeling than getting some fresh ink in your passport book?
Okay, I can think of a few, but we’ll keep this PG…
American is not only launching new flights internationally but also adding some notable new domestic flights and adding extra daily services to already popular routes such as Cabo, Montego Bay, and Cancun.
According to American Airlines’ latest press release, the latest 4 destinations will total 17 new escapes in 2025 for one of the U.S. travelers’ favorite airlines.
The following 4 new international routes will depart from Chicago (ORD) this winter:
Guatemala City, Guatemala
Anyone flying to Guatemala City with the idea of making a vacation out of it—good luck.
Guatemala’s capital city is best served as a gateway to neighboring Honduras’ San Pedro Sula and Belize City.
I’ve flown into Guatemala City and was supposed to stay a couple of days before venturing into the timeless town of Antigua, but my Uber driver practically begged me not to stay in the big city as he feared I’d be robbed.
His plea seemed genuine, but honestly, I have no idea if this was a ploy to switch my route to Antigua for more money or perhaps he was hoping I’d hire him to guide me around to feel more secure.
According to numerous travel forums, Guatemala does have a sketchy reputation, but the reality is there are far more safe and charming destinations in the country, such as the aforementioned Antigua (which will always hold a special place in my heart), tranquil Lake Atitlan, and the portal to the past, Tikal, an ancient Mayan city, among others.
American’s new route from ORD will launch November 6th with 3 weekly flights.
San Jose, Costa Rica
Speaking of springboard cities, Costa Rica’s capital is another, especially with a fairly recent security alert issued regarding San Jose’s airport.
For what it’s worth, American also increased routes to Costa Rica’s alternative airport in Liberia, which holds a safer reputation as the more glamorous side of the country with resort-laden beach towns.
Believe it or not, Costa Rica has actually seen a dip in tourism, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less enjoyable. In fact, one could argue it just means less crowds at the usual hotspots — not San Jose.
Whether you’re ready to hit the beach, explore the lush vegetation in hopes of wildlife sightings, or soak in a waterfall, it’s nearly impossible to have a bad time in such a diverse destination that suits all types of travelers, from solo trippers to digital nomads to romantic couples retreats.
American’s new route to SJO will launch with daily service starting November 2nd, providing easy access by car or bus to nearby destinations like Poás Volcano National Park, Zarcero, Jaco Beach, and the famous Monteverde Cloud Forest (3 hours away).
Curacao
For the Midwest, there’s no better time than winter to escape the frigid weather. While Chicago is beaming now, we all know “The Windy City” lives up to its name come winter.
What better place to escape to than a vibrant Caribbean island?
Curacao is arguably the trendiest Caribbean getaway right now with a blend of multiple cultures, Willemsted’s color-wheeled townscape perhaps brighter than their own turquoise waters, and pristine beaches that feel untouched by the masses unlike numerous fellow islands.
Rather than booking the same-o same-o in Montego Bay or Nassau, Curacao offers a more authentic experience with hidden coves, rich culture, and more sense of adventure rather than whittling away seaside with a drink in hand.
The food scene is spot on, the capital is vibrant and UNESCO-protected, and waters couldn’t be any clearer for snorkelers and divers, especially Playa Piskado where you can swim with sea turtles.
Like most Caribbean islands, there’s a wide selection of beachfront stays to choose from — but Curacao is yet be overrun with flashy eyesores stealing the shine away from coastal charm.
American’s new route to Curacao is set to launch December 6th with Saturday-only service.
St. Maarten
St. Maarten is a blast from the moment your pilot says “flight attendants, please prepare for landing”.
If you snagged a window seat, your adventure has already begun as pilots somehow land safely after coming within 100 feet of beachgoers at St. Maarten’s popular Maho Beach.
Once your heart rate settles, St. Maarten is ready to whisk you away to a paradise of sun-soaked shores, delicious cuisine, and a unique Dutch-French flair.
St. Maarten is a quintessential Caribbean island we’ve all seen on screensavers and postcards — a place that seems too good to be real.
Extremely safe, welcoming, and surprisingly affordable, you can’t go wrong making this stunning island your next vacation spot with luxe resorts like Simpson Bay Resort, Marina & Spa, only costing $104 this summer.
American’s new route to St. Maarten is set to launch November 8th with Saturday-only service.
Make sure you dot your I’s and cross your T’s with St. Maarten’s newly required digital entry form upon entry.
Ready For Your Trip? Check The Latest Entry Requirements For Your Destination Here
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
