Peter Greenberg: Nonstop Routes to Seasonal Destinations
By: Peter Greenberg | Source: AARP.org | 2009-07-23
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Q: Hello. We like to fly nonstop Chicago to Palm Springs, Calif., and for years, American Airlines has been the only option. Now they no longer offer nonstops—at least not nine–10 months in advance. When do airlines like AA add nonstop flights to popular winter destinations like Palm Springs?
–Karen
Bloomingdale, Ind.
A: Many airlines offer nonstop flights only during certain seasons. American Airlines offers nonstop routes from Chicago to Palm Springs, Calif., from September through mid-June, and to other popular winter destinations, such as West Palm Beach, Fla., Vail, Colo., and Jackson Hole, Wyo.
Due to the seasonality of the flights and the limitations of the airline's reservation system, you might not be able to book the nonstop flights very far in advance. Generally I recommend booking flights 45 days in advance domestically and 60 days in advance internationally, unless you are traveling during a popular holiday season.
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