Featured image credit: Anna Zvereva
Start spreading the news. New Yorkers looking to get away from the Big Apple for a weekend in Las Vegas are in luck. It seems American Airlines is bringing back their embattled New York to Las Vegas direct route. One of the most in-demand routes not currently offered by the airline, it gives New Yorkers yet another option for quickly getting to and from Sin City.
When Will American’s New York to Las Vegas Service Open?
American Airlines, a Fort Worth-based airline that carries more scheduled passengers than any other global airline, is also the only major airline that doesn’t offer a direct route between New York and Las Vegas. There’s clearly demand for American Airlines to offer such a service. It consistently ranks among the most popular services not currently offered by the airline giant.
That will change on Tuesday, November 5 when American re-opens its New York to Las Vegas service. American Airlines will provide the route through John F. Kennedy International and Harry Reid International Airports.
Failed Attempts at the Same Service
American Airlines has actually tried to sustain a direct flight from New York to Las Vegas before. However, the global COVID-19 pandemic grounded initial attempts. They tried again in 2021 before shuttering service in 2022. Will the third time be a charm for American’s New York to Las Vegas route?
The Planned Schedule
When American’s latest iteration of their NYC to LAS route opens in November, they will offer daily flights to and from both cities. The schedule is as follows:
_________________________________
Departure from JFK: 8:05 AM
Arrival at LAS: 11:15 AM
_________________________________
Departure from LAS: 11:30 AM
Arrival at JFK: 7:30 PM
_________________________________
American Airlines will use a Boeing 737-800 to accommodate the service.
Potential Problems with the Flight Number
While the New York to Las Vegas service is hotly anticipated, critics already foresee issues with American Airlines’ flight numbering system. The airline has decided to use flight number AA190 for both its flights leaving from New York to Las Vegas and its flights going in the opposite direction. While the flights aren’t scheduled to run concurrently, delays could feasibly result in both flights being in the air simultaneously. In such a case, the dual use of the flight number could result in profound confusion.
Other Forthcoming Routes to Las Vegas
American Airlines joins a long line of projects aimed at allowing easier access to Las Vegas. Starting in January 2025, Delta Airlines will begin offering a Santa Ana to Las Vegas direct flight twice a day. They will use an E175 jet to accommodate.
But perhaps the most hotly anticipated route to Las Vegas is the Rancho Cucamonga to Las Vegas high-speed rail. Developers broke ground on the project on Monday, April 22, and are planning to complete it in time for LA’s 2028 Summer Olympics hosting duties. While Rancho Cucamonga’s a good distance from LA proper, a commuter rail will connect Rancho Cucamonga arrivals to downtown LA.
With a full three months between now and the opening of American Airlines’ New York to Las Vegas service, New Yorkers have time to start saving. Of course, with the tendency for things to “stay in Vegas” maybe it’s best to travel light.
_@_LHR,_Oct_2019.jpg){kind=link}