American Airlines announced:

In 1926, the story of one of the world’s most iconic airline brands started with a flight carrying mail from Chicago to St. Louis. And 100 years later, the story of that one flight unfolded into a global aviation leader: American Airlines. While there’s much to celebrate in 2026, customers will start to see and be a part of American’s celebrations for a milestone of 100 years of flight starting today. 

“American is proud to be among the small group of airlines that have celebrated 100 years of flight,” said Robert Isom, American’s Chief Executive Officer. “There’s no brand in aviation more iconic than American, built on a culture of innovation and forward-thinking. We’re poised to continue that legacy into the next 100 years for our customers and team members.” 

A centennial celebration for all customers

Travelers should get their cameras ready to capture a special centennial livery on a Boeing 737-800 later this month. This aircraft, which is one of the backbones of American’s industry-leading domestic and short-haul international network, pays homage to the past while looking to the future of travel. 

Toward the aft of the aircraft, the silver infinity rings, referred to as American’s centennial pattern, represent a subtle nod to the airline’s forward focus and infinite possibilities.

Travelers will also start seeing the airline’s centennial logo throughout various points in their travel journey — from the online booking process to airports and in flight. 

This centennial logo — a seamless blend of American’s brand with an infinity symbol to represent American’s enduring legacy and connection with its customers — will be featured across the airline’s digital channels, including aa.com, social media channels, inflight entertainment screens and merchandise, including airplane models of the centennial livery. In addition, the airline is placing a special decal of the logo to its fleet of more than 1,500 aircraft, celebrating American’s centennial with every flight.

Behind the design

The centennial livery utilizes the current livery design as a canvas with commemorations to the airline’s 100-year brand and progress. Evoking a sense of familiarity, the aircraft has been thoughtfully layered with details telling a deeper story:

• Silver infinity rings: These striking visual rings symbolize enduring legacy and infinite possibilities. The abstract circular motion ties back to the infinity icon embedded in American’s centennial logo.
• Three shades of gray: Each ring is painted in a different gray tone representing our past, present and future. This gradient of grays honors American’s history while embracing the future.
• Mica finish: The rings shimmer with a mica-infused finish, adding depth and brilliance. This isn’t just aesthetic — it’s a tribute to the airline’s illustrious heritage and premium experience, catching the light like the polished aluminum of the early fleet but with a modern twist. It’s a reminder that while styles evolve, the spirit of American Airlines endures.

Meanwhile, the remainder of American’s fleet will include decals commemorating the airline’s centennial at the boarding door. These decals are already flying on some aircraft and will be applied across the airline’s fleet of more than 1,500 aircraft.

Throughout 2026, American will be thoughtfully celebrating its centennial year with customers and team members. Travelers can look forward to special centennial treats including amenity kits, pajamas, inflight dining offerings and more limited-time delights taking flight this year. 

Dive deeper into American’s centennial

American has launched a special website to pay homage to the airline’s rich history. Starting today, visit aa.com/american100 to learn more about American’s first 100 years, read team member stories and purchase Centennial merchandise.

Throughout 2026, American’s history of innovation, connection, customer experience, teamwork and loyalty will be on display for customers to learn more about how the airline has evolved and persevered over the past 100 years. 

In 1926, a Robertson Aircraft Corporation DH-4 took off from Chicago bound for St. Louis with mail in tow. With that flight, the roots of modern-day American were sowed. From that first flight to the launch of the airline’s industry-leading AAdvantage® program and the world’s first airport lounge to the future travel experience with Flagship Suite® seats, learning more about American’s history and legacy is available at the click of a button. 

Citi® / AAdvantage® Mastercard® cardmembers can celebrate with limited-edition centennial credit cards 

New Citi® / AAdvantage® Mastercard® cardmembers now have a chance to carry a piece of history in their wallets.

To celebrate American’s centennial milestone, starting today for a limited time, all new and reissued Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®, Citi® / AAdvantage® Globe™ Mastercard® and Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® credit cards will feature an exclusive commemorative design showcasing American’s centennial logo.

Whether it is in a customer’s wallet or flying above the clouds on American’s aircraft, the centennial logo demonstrates the airline’s commitment to keep moving forever forward.

Now that the Eastern Caribbean airspace has reopened, it’s all hands on deck at American to take care of the airline’s customers and help as many get to and from the region as possible. In addition to the flexibility provided by the airline’s travel alert and the fare caps in place, American has so far added nearly 5,000 additional seats to and from the region on top of resuming scheduled service Sunday, Jan. 4. This includes adding a number of extra flights and, where possible, deploying larger aircraft — including a Boeing 777-300, the largest aircraft in American’s fleet — to add as much lift as possible to support as many customers as possible. That work will continue as the American team does everything it can to help customers affected by the FAA-mandated airspace closure.

American is grateful to its team members for their swift work to support the airline’s customers and to its federal partners for the coordination and communication throughout the closure. 

Additional flying for Jan. 4

The following extra flights have so far been added:

Antigua, Antigua (ANU)

• AA9621 (MIA-ANU)
• AA9622 (ANU-MIA)

Aruba, Netherland Antilles (AUA)

• AA9605 (CLT-AUA)
• AA9607 (AUA-CLT)
• AA9616 (AUA-MIA)
• AA9618 (MIA-AUA)

Bridgetown, Barbados (BGI)

• AA9615 (BGI-MIA)

Curacao, Netherland Antilles (CUR)

• AA9617 (ORD-CUR)
• AA9619 (CUR-ORD)

Melville Hall, Dominica (DOM)

• AA9630 (MIA-DOM)
• AA9631 (DOM-MIA)

San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU)

• AA9603 (CLT-SJU)
• AA9604 (SJU-CLT)
• AA9609 (MIA-SJU)
• AA9610 (SJU-MIA)

St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands (STT)

• AA9608 (MIA-STT)
• AA9608 (STT-MIA)

St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands (STX)

• AA1485 (ORD-STX)
• AA2205 (STX-ORD)

St. Maarten, Netherland Antilles (SXM)

• AA9611 (MIA-SXM)
• AA9612 (SXM-MIA)

St. Lucia, St. Lucia (UVF)

• AA9623 (CLT-UVF)
• AA9624 (UVF-CLT)

More flying on Jan. 5 with a Boeing 777-300

San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU)

• AA9604 (MIA-SJU)
• AA9605 (SJU-MIA)
• AA9606 (MIA-SJU)
• AA9613 (SJU-MIA)

 American Airlines is taking its ongoing expansion in Chicago to the next level with 100 new daily departures from O’Hare International Airport (ORD) — bolstering its schedule with additional flights to more than 75 popular destinations just in time for spring break. The airline’s largest ORD spring schedule on record enhances the strongest network in the U.S. and means more for American’s customers: more flights, more choices, more popular destinations and more opportunities to see the world. Additionally, the airline is expanding its summer seasonal service from ORD to two sought-after European destinations: Paris and Dublin. It’s the latest in American’s comprehensive expansion plan that has already enhanced the customer experience, improved operational reliability and deepened its century-long roots in the Chicago community.

• American continues to strengthen its network at O’Hare International Airport (ORD) with 100 additional daily departures to more than 75 destinations in time for spring break travel. 
• The airline is adding even more flights for spring, including double the service from ORD to popular spring break destinations — like Las Vegas (LAS); Panama City, Florida (ECP); and Sarasota, Florida (SRQ) — and more than double the flights from ORD to Savannah, Georgia (SAV), and San Francisco (SFO) compared to what was originally available for sale for spring 2026.
• A year of strategic ORD investments in 2025 sets the stage for American’s record spring break operation, reaching 500 departures from ORD in March and restoring prepandemic levels of flying. 
• The expansion represents 21% more departures than what was originally for sale this spring and a 30% increase in spring departures compared to 2025, solidifying American’s ORD operation as the fastest-growing legacy carrier hub in the country.
• This is the latest in American’s comprehensive expansion plan that has already added 29 new destinations from ORD, as well as enhanced the customer experience and improved operational reliability.

Chicago’s spring break boost

American’s largest-ever ORD spring operation gives Chicago travelers more options to reach top destinations across its global network while boosting tourism to the city and offering more customers a convenient one-stop connection through ORD.

The airline is adding 100 peak daily departures to its spring schedule with increased service in 75 markets, including Boston (BOS); Cincinnati, Ohio (CVG); Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW); Fort Myers, Florida (RSW); and Orlando, Florida (MCO). The airline is doubling its service from ORD to popular spring break destinations like Las Vegas (LAS); Panama City, Florida (ECP); and Sarasota, Florida (SRQ), as well as well as offering more than twice as much service from ORD to Savannah, Georgia (SAV), and San Francisco (SFO) than what was originally available for spring 2026.

This expansion brings peak ORD operations to more than 500 daily departures this spring, representing 30% more departures than last spring. Reaching 500 peak daily departures solidifies ORD’s spot as the third-largest hub in American’s global network and among the top 10 largest hub operations of all major U.S. carriers. It also extends its spot as the fastest-growing legacy airline hub this year.

These additional flights are now available for purchase through American’s mobile app or aa.com.

Further strengthening American’s ORD network

The airline announced today the extension of summer seasonal service from ORD to Dublin to operate about a month longer and Paris to operate three months longer than previous seasons. The extended seasonal service is part of American’s globe-spanning international network connecting customers with the airline’s best-in-class group of global partners.

American kicked off a major expansion at ORD in summer 2025 with 20% more flights and 22% more seats compared to the 2024 summer schedule. Since then, the airline added nearly 30 new destinations to its ORD network, including Honolulu (HNL), Mexico City (MEX), Madrid (MAD) and Chicago’s only nonstop service to Naples, Italy (NAP). Additionally, the airline doubled service to warm weather destinations this winter in Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America — making American the leading carrier from ORD to the region — and increased frequencies to traditional business markets like Seattle (SEA), Houston (IAH), Fayetteville/Bentonville, Arkansas (XNA), and more to provide customers more flexibility.

The power of hubs

Airline hubs act as “connection factories,” driving economic growth and business development in their home cities while strengthening regional communities with crucial air service. They multiply travel opportunities for business and leisure by offering convenient one-stop connections, creating a ripple effect that fuels local economies, generates jobs and gives customers more choices.

American’s recent expansion at ORD delivers on that promise, bringing more tourism and business opportunities to Chicago while giving travelers in smaller markets access to a vast global network and unmatched flexibility. With added service to destinations like Cedar Rapids, Iowa (CID); Bloomington, Illinois (BMI); Flint, Michigan (FNT); and more, American’s ORD hub opens doors for customers, helping them expand business reach and make long-haul travel a reality.

As the nation’s largest dual-hub airport, ORD has long thrived on strong competition among hub carriers, which keeps fares lower and doubles options for travelers. With three new peak daily flights to SFO and Cleveland (CLE) and two to Denver (DEN), customers now have even more ways to travel to, from and through Chicago, and, importantly, they have more choice.

Travel experience upgrades draw customer loyalty

American’s expansion goes beyond adding flights through a comprehensive strategy to secure American’s position as the airline of choice at ORD. Chicago travelers are responding to American’s enhanced focus on customer experience that spans every facet of the travel journey. In the third quarter, enrollments in American’s industry-leading AAdvantage^® loyalty program grew 7% systemwide year over year, with Chicago leading the way at approximately 20% growth, more than double the system average.

• Customer-first commitment: This year, American renewed its focus on the customer experience with a holistic look at the travel journey. Enhancements include a redesigned mobile app, connection-saving technology and the new premium-configured Boeing 787-9 aircraft that is becoming the mainstay of American’s Chicago-London service. 
• A more reliable operation: Strategic investments in operational performance — including the airline’s new boarding process, new devices and initiatives that improve baggage handling and technology that streamlines aircraft pushback — have contributed to a more reliable operation at ORD. American was the most on-time hub carrier at ORD this year.
• New gates fuel ongoing growth: American recently made a significant investment in its operational presence at ORD with the acquisition of two new gates, which made way for three new destinations, resulting in 29 destinations added to ORD in 2025. 
• More premium options: After upgrading all flights to operate on dual-class regional jets, American is the only hub carrier to offer premium options on every flight from ORD. 

• 29 new destinations from ORD in 2025 
• Fastest-growing legacy airline hub in the U.S. this year 
• Largest-ever spring operation in 2026 with 500+ departures, driven by 100 additional peak daily flights 
• 500+ departures planned from ORD next summer
• Currently the only hub carrier to return to all markets served in summer 2025 
• First airport in American’s network with new self-service kiosks and reconfigured lobby for faster and smoother check-in
• Revamped boarding process improving on-time departures, enhancing jetbridge flow and reducing gate-checked bags by 25%
• New connection-saving technology implemented this summer at ORD, saving thousands of customer connections systemwide 
• Only carrier at ORD offering premium seats on every flight after replacing smaller aircraft with dual-class regional jets equipped with Wi-Fi 
• Chicago customers first to experience American’s brand-new Boeing 787-9 premium aircraft, deployed to ORD before anywhere else 
• Most on-time hub carrier at ORD in 2025, leading on-time departures during nine of 11 months so far this year
• Partnership with U.S. Customs and Border Protection to implement Enhanced Passenger Processing (EPP) biometric system at ORD, reducing time spent clearing immigration for U.S. citizens without Global Entry and increasing flow for all customers
• Collaboration with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to install TSA PreCheck^® Touchless ID, enabling AAdvantage^® members to clear security faster than ever before

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American Airlines is ushering in the new year with exciting culinary updates across its premium lounges. Travelers can now enjoy refreshed winter menus in lounges, followed by new experiential offerings in select Admirals Club^® lounge locations nationwide starting January 2026.

Seasonal menus in Flagship and premium lounges

The below chef‑crafted winter plates provide just a sampling of the refreshed menus and showcase seasonal produce, warm spices and inviting flavors. From sweet to savory, these highlights offer a taste of what’s new, with additional dishes available across the lounge network.

Los Angeles (LAX) Flagship^® lounge:

• Apricot and ginger pork loin with baby spinach, kale and micro cilantro
• Cinnamon matcha pancakes with mandarin orange syrup, raspberries and mint
• Grapefruit and fennel goat cheese salad with baby arugula, heirloom radish, farro, glazed pecans, sultanas, mint and white balsamic grapefruit vinaigrette

Chicago (ORD) Flagship^® lounge:

• Curried artichoke orange salad with shave fennel, mint and curry vinaigrette
• Honey mascarpone and fig parfait with roasted pistachios and almonds
• Coconut lemongrass salmon with fried eggplant and chickpeas

Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) Flagship^®lounge:

• Beef bulgogi and poached egg with sticky rice, butternut squash, kimchi, sauteed mushrooms, garlic chili oil, seaweed flakes, scallions and toasted sesame
• Mediterranean couscous salad with mixed olives, baby artichokes, red onions, feta and lemon oregano dressing
• Beet and farro salad with goat cheese and vinaigrette

Above: Mediterranean couscous salad (DFW)

Philadelphia (PHL) Flagship^® lounge:

• Farro and squash salad with butternut squash, imported farro, pomegranate arils and citrus vinaigrette
• Mini pretzels with Dijon mustard and Yards beer cheese sauce
• Custom pho bar with pho broth, tofu, lemongrass chicken soy, vermicelli noodles, sliced yellow onion, bean sprouts, lime wedges, mint, Thai basil, scallions, cilantro, jalapeño, sweet chili, tamari, hoisin and sambal

Above: Mini pretzels with Dijon mustard and Yards beer cheese sauce (PHL)

Above: Farro and squash salad with butternut squash (PHL)

Miami (MIA) Flagship^® lounge:

• Blistered shishito peppers with sesame chimichurri and pearl onions
• Ghirardelli cocoa bar with butterscotch sticks, white and dark chocolate chips, marshmallows, Andes Mints, whipped topping and caramel and chocolate sauce
• Peruvian chaufa bowls action station with brown rice, chorizo, fried tofu, hoisin sauce, carrots, napa cabbage, charred corn, scallions, cilantro, red peppers, tamari and broccoli

New York (JFK) joint premium lounges (The Chelsea Lounge™, Soho Lounge™ and Greenwich Lounge™ experiences):

• Pulled short rib sliders (Greenwich)
• Avocado tartine with smashed avocado, toasted sourdough, mache salad, heart of palm, pickled shallot, fresno pepper and radish (Chelsea)
• Signature burgers (The Soho, Bushwick and East Village burgers): A trio of chef‑crafted options, including a house‑made veggie patty with vegan aioli, and two Pat LaFrieda smash‑patty creations featuring toppings such as English cheddar, caramelized onions, smoky aioli and artisanal buns (Soho)

New culinary action stations in Admirals Club lounges

American is expanding its experiential culinary program in select Admirals Club^® lounges nationwide. Beginning in January 2026, eligible Citi^® / AAdvantage^® Mastercard^® cardmembers and Admirals Club^® members will enjoy freshly prepared bagel and waffle bars, designed to add comfort and variety to the preflight routine.

Above: Bagel bars — locations include Nashville (BNA), DFW, LAX, ORD, Phoenix (PHX) and San Francisco (SFO)

• Toppings: avocado, tomato, arugula, red pepper, red onion, prosciutto, smoked salmon, fresh dill and capers
• Condiments: cream cheeses, hot sauces, olive oil, honey, everything seasoning and lemon

Above: Waffle bars — locations include Boston (BOS), Charlotte (CLT), Washington Reagan (DCA), JFK, New York (LGA), MIA and PHL

• Spreads: maple syrup, chocolate sauce, whipped cream and almond butter
• Toppings: powdered sugar, walnuts, cinnamon, coconut, fresh fruit and sprinkles

Gluten-free options will be available upon request

Looking ahead

These winter menu updates represent only a sneak peek of the refreshed offerings debuting in lounges beginning Dec. 10. Even more culinary experiences will be available across the network. In February, Flagship^® lounges will transition to a spring lineup, followed by Admirals Club^® lounge locations in March.

American Airlines remains committed to delivering distinctive flavors and thoughtful hospitality at every stage of the journey, ensuring travelers enjoy memorable experiences both in the air and on the ground.

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American has elevated transcontinental travel today with the inaugural flight of its Airbus A321XLR, carrying more than 150 passengers between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). As the only U.S.-based airline to operate the A321XLR, the aircraft is a class above the rest, offering customers a Flagship Suite^®, Premium Economy and Main Cabin experience.

Customers on the inaugural received a gift bag that included a specially designed flight tag to commemorate the aircraft’s first transcontinental flight.

As American takes delivery of additional A321XLR aircraft, the airline will schedule the aircraft on its transcontinental routes between Boston (BOS)-LAX and JFK-San Francisco (SFO) for service starting early next year. This additional transcontinental service will complement new service between JFK and Edinburgh, Scotland (EDI), that will launch on the XLR on March 8, 2026.

Departure airport	Arrival airport	Service start date
Boston (BOS)	Los Angeles (LAX)	July 2, 2026
New York (JFK)	San Francisco (SFO)	May 7, 2026

Featuring the luxurious 20 Flagship Suite^® seats, a dozen relaxing Premium Economy seats and 123 reimagined Main Cabin seats, American is offering customers a refined premium transcontinental journey with high-speed Wi-Fi and complimentary seatback entertainment featuring Bluetooth connectivity.

Customers traveling in the Flagship Suite^® seat have direct aisle access, lie-flat seating, more storage space and wireless charging. Premium Economy seats feature enhanced winged headrests, calf and footrests and wireless charging.

While the holiday season is underway, American Airlines is looking ahead to next summer with 15 new routes for those looking to gift the perfect trip next year. American’s network already provides more one-stop connections than any other airline. Now, travelers will have more reasons to fly American when traveling across the country and the world next summer.

American’s new domestic routes

Departure airport	Arrival airport	Aircraft type	Service start date	Service end date	Frequency
Boston (BOS)	Madison, Wisconsin (MSN)	Embraer 175	June 18, 2026	Year-round	Once daily
BOS	Nantucket, Massachusetts (ACK)	E175	June 18, 2026	Sep. 8, 2026	Once daily
Charlotte (CLT)	Columbia, Missouri (COU)	E175	June 4, 2026	Year-round	Once daily
Chicago (ORD)	Erie, Pennsylvania (ERI)	Bombardier CRJ-700	May 21, 2026	Year-round	Once daily
ORD	Lincoln, Nebraska (LNK)	CRJ-700	June 4, 2026	Year-round	Once daily
ORD	Tri-Cities, Tennessee (TRI)	Embraer 170	May 21, 2026	Year-round	Once daily
Dallas Fort Worth (DFW)	LNK	CRJ-700	June 4, 2026	Year-round	Twice daily
DFW	Roanoke, Virginia (ROA)	Bombardier CRJ-900	June 4, 2026	Year-round	Once daily
Miami (MIA)	Jackson, Mississippi (JAN)	E175	March 14, 2026	Aug. 1, 2026	Once weekly on Saturdays
Phoenix (PHX)	Abilene, Texas (ABI)	E175	June 4, 2026	Year-round	Once daily
PHX	Anchorage, Alaska (ANC)	Airbus A321neo	May 21, 2026	Sept. 8, 2026	Once daily
PHX	Bozeman, Montana (BZN)	E175	June 4, 2026	Sept. 8, 2026	Once daily
PHX	Kalispell, Montana (FCA)	CRJ-700	June 19, 2026	Sept. 6, 2026	Twice weekly
PHX	LNK	CRJ-700	Winter 2026	Seasonal	Once daily
PHX	McAllen, Texas (MFE)	E175	June 4, 2026	Year-round	Once daily
PHX	Rapid City, South Dakota (RAP)	E175	June 4, 2026	Oct. 4, 2026	Once daily

American’s growing Chicago hub

American will offer more than 500 daily departures from Chicago (ORD) next summer as part of its continued commitment to the hub. The airline has added new service to more than 25 destinations from ORD and added frequencies in other markets this year, making the airport one of the fastest-growing hubs in the country. With this momentum, American is focused on thoughtfully growing its ORD network to more than 180 destinations and adding more flights in popular markets.

This growth will continue in 2026 with the addition of service to Erie, Pennsylvania (ERI); Lincoln, Nebraska (LNK); and Tri-Cities, Tennessee (TRI). And, as customers have positively responded to American’s winter network, the airline will extend winter-only offerings to Santa Fe, New Mexico (SAF) and Key West, Florida (EYW) into the summer between May 21 and Sept. 8.

Separately, American will also expand summer service from ORD to Hilton Head, South Carolina (HHH), and to Pensacola (PNS) and Panama City (ECP) in Florida. Previously operated only on the weekends, flights to these cities will operate daily between Feb. 12 and Sept. 8.

American will continue to grow options for Chicagoans to travel with increased frequencies across the airline’s network. In the spring, American will increase departures by more than 30% compared to 2025, offering more than 480 peak daily departures from ORD just in time for spring break.

All destinations served from ORD this spring will return next year, making American the only hub carrier at the airport to achieve this feat. As part of its demonstrated investment in Chicago, the airline will offer more than 25 additional destinations next spring versus 2025, including a mix of new destinations and seasonal routes that will start earlier.

All of American’s flights from ORD operate with dual-class aircraft, giving customers the opportunity to enhance their travel experience with the selection of a premium cabin. In addition, American’s ORD to London (LHR) route will continue to offer Flagship Suite^® seats for customers. Chicago was the first city in American’s network to receive this elevated premium offering.

Connecting smaller cities with the world

Traveling across the country and around the world will be easier than before on American’s global network. Starting June 4, American will add service to its 240th destination in the U.S.: Lincoln, Nebraska (LNK). No other airline serves as many domestic destinations as American, and now residents from LNK will have competitive one-stop service to international destinations such as Athens, Greece (ATH); Cancun, Mexico (CUN); Rome (FCO) and Sao Paulo (GRU).

In the Western U.S., American will grow its Phoenix (PHX) hub with seven new routes. New service to Bozeman, Montana (BZN); Kalispell, Montana (FCA); and Rapid City, South Dakota (RAP) will make it easier for travelers from states including California, Nevada and Arizona to get to national parks, monuments and more. Meanwhile, new flights to Abilene (ABI) and McAllen (MFE) in Texas will provide travelers one-stop access to destinations across the Western U.S. and Mexico.

This growth is part of American’s consistent commitment to powering global access through its hubs. Recently, the airline launched service to cities including Carlsbad, California (CLD); Golden Triangle, Mississippi (GTR); Santa Maria, California (SMX); and Sun Valley, Idaho (SUN). In 2026, the airline will also be the only airline connecting the U.S. with Bimini, Bahamas (BIM), and will add service to Vero Beach, Florida (VRB).

Collectively, American’s hub airports power global access to more than 350 destinations around the world served by the airline. Together with American’s airline partners, customers can access more than 1,000 destinations.

American Airlines is renovating its popular Admirals Club^® lounge in Concourse D of Reagan National Airport (DCA). The renovated lounge will span more than 10,000 square feet, adding approximately 50% more seating and giving customers more room to recharge and relax ahead of their journey.

The redesigned lounge will take design inspiration from the city, including local design elements that reflect the rich history of Washington, D.C. It will also feature airside views of the United States Capitol and Washington Monument.

American operates more than 255 peak daily flights out of DCA, connecting customers to more than 90 destinations. The airline remains committed to serving the D.C. community and delivering a world-class travel experience.

This project will result in the second fully refurbished Admirals Club^® lounge for American at DCA, reinforcing the company’s broader commitment to elevating the premium customer experience. Construction is targeted to begin in early 2026. During construction, the current lounge space will close, and customers will continue to be able to access the Admirals Club^® lounges in Concourses C and E.

American’s plans to upgrade its DCA lounge offering is the latest in a series of investments reflecting its commitment to enhancing the customer experience, with news earlier this year of additional Admirals Club^® lounges, plus new Flagship^® lounges in both Charlotte and Miami.

American Airlines proudly celebrates the 100 recipients of its most prestigious career achievement award — the Circle of Excellence — for their exceptional contributions to American’s operation, customers and the communities it serves. These elite team members exemplify American’s core values, demonstrating the leadership, strategic innovation and undeniable excellence that drive the airline’s success every day.

This year’s honorees are an exclusive group of professionals who set — and hold — the highest standard across our global network. Their impact reaches every corner of the business, and their service and selflessness are an inspiration to both customers and their fellow team members.

A celebration under the wings

The two-day Circle of Excellence celebration in Dallas-Fort Worth last month included an award ceremony gala at the Winspear Opera House attended by American’s senior leaders, including CEO Robert Isom. A surprise highlight this year was a hangar luncheon under the wings of American’s Boeing 777 bearing the recently revealed heritage livery that celebrates the company’s upcoming 100th birthday in 2026.

During the event, Isom expressed his appreciation for the honorees’ career-long impact to the airline. “This is my fourth time hosting this ceremony, and it’s always one of my favorite nights of the year,” said Isom. “Tonight, we celebrate the very best of American by honoring 100 of you, nominated and hand-selected by your colleagues and leaders for this prestigious recognition. You’re now part of an exclusive group — less than 1% of our team members receive this recognition. That’s rare air, and you should be proud.”

For many honorees, the Circle of Excellence recognition was deeply personal and surprising, even after decades of above-and-beyond service and commitment. Christopher Ortega, DFW-based Maintenance Control Technician for Boeing 777 and 787 aircraft, was in disbelief when he heard he was a 2025 recipient after 37 years at American. “I never thought winning would be possible. I didn’t believe it. Every day I give my all, and I know many other people who work just as hard as I do and are worthy of this award, too.”

The selection process

A panel of former honorees and leaders conducted a rigorous evaluation to select the top 100 nominations from those submitted by team members and leaders. Each winner received a commemorative pin, a trophy and $10,000, recognizing their lasting contributions to American’s success.

Together, they represent more than 2,700 years of combined service, with an average tenure of 27 years, and hail from 12 countries: Brazil, Denmark, the Dominican Republic, France, Guatemala, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Peru, Trinidad and Tobago, the United Kingdom and the United States.

American Airlines is ready to welcome more than 12 million customers this winter holiday season across more than 119,000 flights — a larger schedule that provides customers more choices than in 2024.

American’s operation is fully ready for the winter weather. The team has spent months preparing for deicing operations at key cold-weather airports such as Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Boston Logan Airport (BOS). The airline’s aircraft and facilities are winterized to ensure that customers and team members stay warm during the winter cold.

Delivering for our customers

American has made significant investments in the customer experience.

• With very near-term expansion of TSA Touchless ID across American’s hubs and gateways, including New York (JFK), ORD, Los Angeles (LAX), Washington Reagan (DCA), Philadelphia (PHL), Charlotte (CLT) and more terminals at Dallas Fort Wort (DFW) for the holiday period, American continues to be committed to streamlining the customer experience by giving customers the ability to move through the security checkpoint more quickly with this hands-free process.
• The airline’s new connection-saving technology has saved the day for thousands of customers since it was launched earlier this year and is now active at seven of American’s hubs: DFW, LAX, CLT, Miami (MIA), ORD, PHL and Phoenix (PHX).
• American’s introduction of the Airbus A321XLR coincides with the first day of the travel period, Dec. 18. This premium narrowbody aircraft joins our fleet alongside the premium Boeing 787-9, bringing a new customer experience to the skies.
• American has more satellite-equipped Wi-Fi aircraft now than any other carrier in the world.
• American has new partnerships with Champagne Bollinger and soon, Lavazza coffee, elevating sips on board and in American’s Flagship^® and Admirals Club^® lounges.
• The airline has opened new Flagship^® and Admirals Club^® lounges at PHL, with new lounges to come at American’s CLT and MIA hubs and the introduction of the Provisions by Admirals Club^SMlounge, a new lounge concept at CLT.
• American has introduced enhancements to prepaid bags, including flexible refunds, expanded self-service options, the ability to use Trip Credits for bag purchases and seamless integration with same-day flight changes.

“The customer is at the heart of everything we do,” said Heather Garboden, American’s Chief Customer Officer. “We’re thrilled to be a part of your travel plans as you gather to be with your friends, family and loved ones this holiday season.”