Expanded Horizons: New Flight Routings We're Most Excited About
Aviation geeks are a special subset of travelers - the types who argue the relative merits of the Dreamliner versus the Airbus A350, who will fly a less efficient route to try a new first class product, and who scan Flightradar 24 in hopes of finding the most niche aircraft currently aloft. But you don’t have to be a million-miler to understand the excitement prompted by new routes that connect domestic cities to fabulous international destinations. Whether you're dreaming of the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean, the vibrant culture of Japan, the chic allure of northern Africa, or the historical charm of Europe, new flights launching this year are making some very exciting corners of the world more accessible. Read on for five new non-stops and the best places to stay once you arrive.
Aer Lingus: Denver to Dublin
Two cities that know how to have a good time, rugged Coloradans will now have non-stop access to the craic of Ireland’s capital. From the Mile High City to the Emerald Isle, we think Denverites and Dubliners will find a lot to love about each other.
Where to Stay: The Merrion
A few steps from St. Stephen’s Green, the Georgian façade of the Merrion welcomes visitors with a sweeping sense of grandeur – which is made even grander inside the marble lobby, where an impressive collection of Irish artwork provides a framework for porters in top hats and long-tail coats. Good looks aside, The Merrion impresses with half a dozen dining options – including the 2 Michelin Star Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud and an art-focused afternoon tea service – Dublin’s best spa, and a collection of 15 rooms restored to their 18th century glory.
Flight Facts: Service began May 17, 2024, and departs Denver four times a week, on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
When to Visit: Spring and autumn offer mild weather and fewer crowds (with the exception of St. Patrick’s Day), making them ideal for a relaxed visit. Summer provides the warmest weather and a lively atmosphere, but comes with more tourists. Winter offers a magical festive experience but requires bundling up against the cold.
SAS: Atlanta to Copenhagen
Southerners looking to escape the summer heat in style will soon have a straight shot to cool Copenhagen on SAS. The move is a first step by the Scandinavian carrier to readjust its network ahead of leaving Star Alliance on August 31 and joining SkyTeam the following day.
Where to Stay: Hotel D’Angleterre
Located right on the city’s central plaza, the Hotel D’Angleterre has over 250 years in operation under its belt, making it one of the world’s oldest. It also lies at the bottom of the Stroget, Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping street. In addition to breaking records, the hotel’s recent renovation that melded the original details such as high ceilings, intricate molding, and original sconces with a more modern and elegant style.
Flight Facts: Daily beginning June 17
When to Visit: For warm weather and a lively atmosphere, summer is ideal despite the crowds. Spring and autumn offer mild weather and fewer tourists, making these seasons perfect for a more relaxed experience. Winter, while cold, provides a unique and cozy atmosphere with festive events and the chance to experience Danish hygge.
American Airlines: JFK to Tokyo Haneda
Connectivity between New York and Tokyo has always been comprehensive, but American loyalists will be happy to hear the airline is launching its fourth daily nonstop flight to Haneda, joining existing daily service from Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) and two daily flights from Los Angeles (LAX).
Where to Stay: Bulgari Hotel Tokyo
Perched atop a sleek new 45-story skyscraper, this luxurious retreat brings a taste of la dolce vita to Japan. Seamlessly blending contemporary Italian design, precise Japanese craftsmanship, and the glamorous Bulgari heritage, every corner exudes sophistication. Spacious guest rooms adorned with floor-to-ceiling windows offer panoramic views of the cityscape, and the 20,000-square-foot spa beckons when you’re ready to retreat from the frenetic city streets.
Flight Facts: Daily beginning June 28
When to Visit: Year-round; For cherry blossoms and pleasant sightseeing weather, spring is ideal. For those who enjoy festivals and don’t mind the heat, summer offers a lively atmosphere. Autumn provides beautiful foliage and comfortable weather, while winter is perfect for snow sports and hot springs.
United Airlines: Newark to Marrakech
Big news for fans of Northern Africa: United will become the only carrier to fly to the Red City nonstop from the United States when they launch service in October. The sub-eight hour flight time means Marrakech becomes a long-weekend destination from the east coast; make sure you bring an empty suitcase to take advantage of the legendary shopping on offer in the medina.
Where to Stay: Royal Mansour Marrakech
If La Mamounia is the queen of Marrakech, then the Royal Mansour is its king consort, a mirror of decadent luxury just outside the medina. Listen to the sound of birdsong as you walk the pristinely manicured grounds of Mansour's edenic acreage, where 53 standalone "riads" serve as guests' Morrocan jewel boxes tempered with inconceivable intricacies of Moorish design. Elsewhere, the property glitters with enviable amenities like Yannick Alléno dining rooms, a renowned spa and hammam, and what is perhaps the prettiest pool and garden in all of Marrakech.
Flight Facts: Three times a week on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, beginning October 24, 2024
When to Visit: spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these periods, the weather is most pleasant, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Tradewinds: San Juan to Virgin Gorda
The British Virgin Islands offer swashbuckling scenery, but getting to this Caribbean wilderness can often end up feeling like a serious voyage. Ahead of the holiday season, Tradewinds - the sleek luxury airline known for making the dramatic entry into St. Barth’s in style - will launch seasonal service from San Juan, Puerto Rico, to Virgin Gorda, shortening the time it takes to get your hands on a painkiller by a large margin.
Where to Stay: Rosewood Little Dix Bay
Practically woven into the fabric of Virgin Gorda’s history, you cannot recount the story of the British Virgin Islands without including a chapter on Little Dix Bay. Founded by Laurance Rockefeller in 1964 with the intention of representing a new style of island lodging, the property was meant to blend with its surroundings, leaving the island’s wild beauty as the focal point. Sip Pusser’s Navy Rum at the bar, eat Anegada lobsters straight from the boat, and as you lounge in a hammock swinging beneath a Tamarind tree, remember that life doesn’t get much better than this.
Flight Facts: Seasonally between November 21, 2024 and April 21, 2025, daily except Tuesday + Wednesday
When to Visit: December to April, when the holidays and events like the BVI Spring Regatta in March and the Virgin Gorda Easter Festival bring a festive atmosphere to the islands.