Travelers will have easier access to one of the most iconic horse races in the United States this spring, thanks to American Airlines’ latest route expansion.
The Dallas-based carrier is launching special new flights to the Kentucky Derby, which is scheduled to take place in Louisville on May 2.
American will offer 13 special flights to Louisville’s Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF), adding to its existing seven routes for a record total of 20 routes operating to SDF for the big race.
Among the 13 special destinations getting connections to Louisville are Austin (AUS), Houston (IAH), Jacksonville (JAX), Las Vegas (LAS), Los Angeles (LAX), New Orleans (MSY), New York-JFK, New York LaGuardia (LGA), Phoenix (PHX), Pittsburgh (PIT), Raleigh-Durham (RDU), Santa Ana (SNA), and West Palm Beach (PBI).
These special flights will operate to and from Louisville between April 30 and May 3.
On the flights on the two limited-time routes from Los Angeles and Santa Ana, California, American will use its Airbus A321T aircraft, which offers 10 lie-flat seats in Flagship First and 20 lie-flat seats in Flagship Business class.
On its existing routes to Louisville from its hub airports—including Charlotte (CLT), Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Philadelphia (PHL), and Washington, D.C. (DCA)—American will add extra flights and larger aircraft to increase capacity.
“Blooming roses, ice‑cold mint juleps and all the excitement of race week are just a flight away with American’s expanded schedule,” said Jason Reisinger, American’s managing director of global network planning. “With these added nonstops to Louisville, travelers can break from the gate in style and arrive with plenty of time to soak in every sip, gallop and celebration.”
Fares on all of the limited-time flights are now on sale.
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