There are few places as dreamy as The Bahamas, especially as much of the US will soon see chilly temperatures continuously dwindling until it’s time for Spring Break.

While there’s nothing wrong with leaf-peeping in lush mountain landscapes, come wintertime, travelers begin scoping out paradise beaches.

Truth be told, most vacationers will opt for Nassau when it comes to booking an unforgettable trip to the Bahamas, but this Caribbean hotspot is home to approximately 700 islands.

Even other islands with world-class stays are overshadowed by globally-renowned Atlantis, but American Airlines is destined to change that this winter.

Slated to launch the only US flight to the stunning island of Bimini, travelers wishing to go beyond Nassau can soon fly direct without the hassle of layovers.

Why Choose Bimini Over Nassau

It probably goes without saying that Nassau is the Bahamas’ most popular destination. Often overlooked are numerous postcard islands since many of them require a layover, cutting time from your picture-perfect beach days ahead.

One of them is Bimini, since there are currently no direct flights from the US at all.

Best of all, despite being a small cluster of map-dot islands, diminutive size doesn’t equate to crowds.

Bimini is home to North Bimini, South Bimini, and the surrounding Paradise Cays. The northern side boasts an expansive stretch of coastline most visitors scope out, known as Bailey Town.

This region is lined with savory seafood shacks like Joe’s Conch Stand, thrilling excursions like the chance to swim with sharks, and the most popular way to reach Bimini currently, the cruise port.

But the real selling point for vacationers is proximity. Bimini is closer to Miami than both Key West and Havana, Cuba.

Set almost directly across the vibrant blue waters off-shore of Miami’s metropolis lies Bimini roughly 50 nautical miles away, hence it’s a popular fishing getaway for day-trippers.

With less curation, more authentic vibes, and pristine beaches that visitors tend to find more relaxing than Nassau, it’s easy to see why American Airlines is taking a chance with their groundbreaking route to this unsung gem.

Fly Nonstop This Winter From Miami (MIA)

Being so close to Miami already, even if you connect from another city, it’s a hop, skip, and a jump across the Atlantic to get here.

Kidding about those idioms — that would be a scary flight bouncing around over the ocean…

What will surely be smooth and seamless flights are already on sale on American’s official app and website, stating the initial launch set for February 14, 2026 has a flight time of 1 hour.

That’s hard to believe considering the ‘stone’s throw’ location, so it’s likely American is simply covering their tracks, which airlines tend to do, in case there are any unforeseen hiccups delaying the flight.

The journey will commence on Embraer 175 aircraft, the “shawty” of the fleet. It’s slated for a weekly schedule of Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, becoming American’s 7th destination in The Bahamas.

The first flight will be a doozy on your wallet, so you might want to ask your fishing buddies to tag along in your boat that week, as one-way flights go for a staggering $447 for such a quick journey.

However, fares are much more reasonable later in the week at $269. You’ll arrive in Bimini (BIM) on South Bimini, an even quieter side of this dynamic du,o for what’s already known as a tranquil Caribbean hideaway.

What Else Is New In Bimini?

The South Bimini airport is undergoing an extensive $80 million overhaul. It’s expected to be completed by ‘early 2026′.

This makeover has likely attracted American Airlines to test out the waters for the Bimini market in anticipation of the lavish Banyan Tree Bimini Resort & Residences that has partially opened already.

Though, the full resort will be open in 2027 according to numerous reports.

This, of course, is in addition to an already impressive row of resorts anchored in Bimini:

• Bimini Cove Resort & Marina (South Bimini)
• Resorts World Bimini Beach (North Bimini)
• Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina (North Bimini)

For those already dreaming of trading frosty temperatures for sun-drenched beaches this winter, we’ve got some absolutely fantastic news that’s about to make your travel planning a whole lot smoother. Your trusted insiders here at Travel Off Path are thrilled to report that two major U.S. carriers are rolling out five brand-new nonstop flight routes direct to Cancun, significantly expanding your options for a seamless escape. Get ready to ditch the layovers and dive straight into the turquoise waters!

This winter season, reaching Mexico’s beloved Caribbean coast from several key American cities is about to become easier than ever. This isn’t just about adding more flights; it’s about strategically connecting previously underserved markets with direct access to one of the world’s premier beach destinations. It’s a testament to Cancun’s enduring appeal, especially as a go-to spot for those chilly months.

American Airlines Unlocks the Heartland’s Direct Route

For travelers residing in the heartland, a truly groundbreaking connection is on the horizon. American Airlines is set to launch what will be the very first international route originating from Oklahoma City’s Will Rogers International Airport (OKC), heading straight for Cancun. This means Oklahomans no longer face the hurdle of a connecting flight just to start their international vacation – a genuine game-changer for hassle-free travel.

The direct service from Oklahoma City (OKC) to Cancun (CUN) is scheduled to commence on November 8, 2025. This new link transforms Cancun from a multi-stop journey into a direct, effortless escape, making the vibrant culture and stunning beaches of the Mexican Caribbean more accessible than ever for heartland adventurers.

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Delta’s Major Network Boost Across the States

Not to be outdone, Delta Air Lines is making a bold play, significantly expanding its Cancun network with the introduction of four brand-new nonstop routes from a quartet of crucial U.S. metropolitan areas. This strategic move by Delta underscores Cancun’s position as a top-tier winter destination, offering unparalleled convenience from diverse and growing markets across the country.

These new nonstop services are set to begin on December 20, 2025, connecting the following cities directly to Cancun (CUN):

• Austin (AUS)
• Nashville (BNA)
• Indianapolis (IND)
• Kansas City (MCI)

This substantial expansion means travelers from these bustling hubs will enjoy direct access previously unavailable, solidifying Cancun’s reputation as the ultimate winter getaway spot with more convenient options stretching across the map.

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An Extra Splash of International Connectivity

While our primary focus is on the exciting new routes from U.S. carriers, a savvy traveler always appreciates extra insights. It’s worth noting another significant international development for Cancun’s connectivity: Aer Lingus, Ireland’s national airline, is pioneering a brand-new direct path from Dublin straight to the Mexican Caribbean.

This route, launching on January 6, 2026, marks the very first direct link between Ireland and Mexico’s most popular tourist destination. While not a U.S. flight, it highlights Cancun’s growing global appeal and offers incredible convenience for our friends across the Atlantic, bypassing lengthy layovers and bringing those famous turquoise waters closer than ever. It’s a bonus piece of news showcasing Cancun’s overall expansion.

These new nonstop flights make your winter trip to Cancun much easier and give direct access to paradise without long layovers. Lock in those plans now as seats on these new routes are bound to be popular.

Looking for that perfect hotel in Cancun? Lets us do the work for you with our new Cancun Resort Finder. It will match you with the perfect resort in seconds based on your vibe and budget.

As summer 2025 nears its final chapter, is it too soon to dream of where to go in summer 2026?

According to American Airlines, the answer is a resounding “no!”.

The people have spoken, and one of the States’ most popular airlines is ready to deliver huge promises next year for new routes travelers have been begging for, even before a single leaf has had a chance to change color.

But hey, I planned my trip to Peru a year in advance, so why can’t you?

However, American isn’t announcing any new flights to Latin America, with the exception of the existing Dallas-Buenos Aires route being extended from May 21 to August 3, 2026.

As for the brand new flights being added, all 5 cities are spread across Europe, including one that’s set to be the only nonstop connection from the U.S.

Travel Tip: Before we dive in, make sure to check out Travel Off Path’s latest tools. The 1 Minute Trip Check ensures a smooth trip abroad, and the Jetlag Fixer helps you hit the ground running!

Giddy-Up For Summer ’26! Dallas Welcomes 2 New Flights To Europe

Dallas may be giving it the ol’ college try in hopes to become a new travel hotspot, but let’s be honest — Big D isn’t known for culture.

Unless shopping, driving oversized trucks, and ordering fish bowl margaritas are considered cultural, it’s no wonder we at Travel Off Path have reported on numerous new international flights set to launch from DFW over the years.

American Airlines is adding to the mix next year with a pair of Europe’s most stunning destinations, one being both an iconic time capsule and the other is where glitz and glamour meet jaw-dropping nature that will have you yodeling to the high heavens about how much you loved your trip.

First, Dallas will welcome a nonstop flight to Athens, Greece. Whether you’re ready to take a deep dive into mythology and ancient history or hop aboard another short flight or ferry to one of Greece’s paradise islands, prepare to wine and dine on the cheap and savor some of Europe’s most renowned culinary delights.

This new service will launch May 21, 2026.

Next up is Zurich, Switzerland, a vibrant, cosmopolitan city not often found in the list of top-ranking European destinations, and that may be due to its upper-tier pricing.

Dallasites will have to save their paychecks to afford a splurge here, but hey, everything is bigger in Texas, right?

Well, maybe not with their $7.25 minimum wage, which may equate to a bottle of water in Zurich.

Seasonal service is slated for May 21 to August 4, 2026, where you can discover breathtaking nature and a postcard cityscape in this underrated European jewel.

Jetset To The “New York Of Italy” From Miami

Is Italy ever a bad idea? Never. Well, don’t ask Amanda Knox…

For the majority of us, Italy is a true bucket-list destination for all types of travelers. Home to such icons as Venice and Rome, endless hidden gems, and otherworldly beaches, there’s one city you don’t hear about as often — Milan.

Dubbed the “New York of Italy” for its hustle and bustle lifestyle, innovative arts and fashion, and luxury hotels, Milan is somehow an under-hyped destination overshadowed by more romantic getaways we’ve all dreamed of visiting.

Though Milan is the best gateway to Lake Como, and there’s no denying how beautiful it is.

Miami is the lucky winner of American’s latest venture into Italy. The new flight will be served year-round beginning March 29, 2026, the earliest flight launch for any of this group of newbies.

Hope You’re Hungary! Philly Is Set To Swap Cheesesteaks For Goulash

It’s only fitting history is being made in arguably America’s most historical city. Philadelphia may be most known for cheesesteaks, but if you turn back the clock, you’ll discover the roots of modern-day America.

Like Dallas, Philly is set to welcome a pair of new flights. Though one clearly stands out among the other.

Despite Prague being one of Europe’s most aesthetically stunning cities, the new route to Budapest will be the States’ only nonstop option.

In other words, you can skip Ryanair this time.

Swap greasy cheesesteaks for soulful pots of goulash, and the Liberty Bell for much more photo-worthy Old World marvels and landmarks, such as the Fisherman’s Bastion and 13th-century Matthias Church.

Plus, after a long flight, there’s no better European city to recharge with a spa day than Budapest, widely known for world-class thermal baths incomparable to other countries.

Once you’re ready to go sightseeing, know that Budapest is practically an open-air museum. You can’t go wrong in any part of town, but Castle Hill lives up to its name.

Seasonal service to both Prague and Budapest is set to take off on May 21, 2026.

We’re fully in the swing of summer now, but American Airlines is already prepping us for an exciting new fall escape.

Serving as both a Central California dupe to avoid Napa’s crowds and a stunningly beautiful coastline too often overlooked for your next beach vacation, it’s quite a shock to discover American hasn’t flown here in decades.

Last serving this lesser-known town in 1996, budget airline Allegiant is currently the pathway here by air.

That’s set to change in October 15, 2025, and American is quite literally doubling down by offering not one, but two daily flights from Phoenix (PHX).

Though travelers will have to let the summer pass before being able to hob aboard an American bird, the good news is sunny weather is a constant here with plentiful 70-degree days even when you’re forced inside to eat Gam Gam’s “famous” Thanksgiving cranberry sauce or do the hard work of playing Santa, eating late-night cookies.

Without further ado, get ready to wine and dine and hit up crowd-free beaches in the lovely town of Santa Maria, which will surely be one of California’s new hotspots once American Airlines’ new route takes flight this fall.

Santa Maria: California’s Most Underrated Wine ‘n Dine Destination

Santa Maria is a city of roughly 110,000 people and largely considered a locals’ favorite hideaway to escape the bustle of California’s major cities, and even world-renowned wine towns like Napa.

Offering everything from insanely delicious barbecue with their own spin, ample wineries dotting lush greenery, and undiscovered beaches in terms of mass tourism, it seems American Airlines realized their mistake by leaving nearly 30 years ago.

Let’s start with food, shall we?

Santa Maria-style barbecue is one of the towns’ minimal claims to fame as it clings on to “hidden gem” status…for now.

Traditionally cooked over red oak wood, and sticking to the basics with simple seasonings of salt, pepper, and garlic, Santa Maria sticks to the motto of “simplicity is best” and it’s received nationwide fanfare.

The Hitching Post oozes nostalgia is classic Western digs like something out of a Clint Eastwood movie and we all know the atmosphere adds to the flavor, which is why it’s one of Santa Maria’s best places to indulge in barbecue.

Santa Maria’s Top Wineries

Now let’s switch to wine, Santa Maria’s other huge draw.

In fact, this charming town boasts the Central Coast’s first officially designated American Viticultural Area (AVA), essentially meaning it’s a legally recognized grape-growing region with distinctive geological, geographical, and climatic features that make it ideal for wine production — all the things you’d want to give places like Napa a run for their money.

It’s inland yet elevated location draws in ocean breezes creating longer growing seasons, but isn’t there just something special about sipping wine outdoors in the crisp fall air anyway?

Visitors will have over 30 tasting rooms you choose from in Santa Maria, some of which are on the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail (a great starting point for tastings).

According to TripAdvisor, these are the top 5 wineries in the Santa Maria region to scope out this fall:

1. Presqu’ile Winery
2. Foxen Vineyard
3. Rancho Sisquoc Winery
4. Riverbench Vineyard & Winery
5. Cambria Estate Winery

Discover Secret Sunny Beach Year-Round

Santa Maria isn’t a proper beach town, but it’s an easy gateway to largely unexplored shores that will have you forgetting all about Santa Barbara and the likes.

Plus, the nearest coastline is home to the otherworldly Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Complex, a vast and ecologically significant dune system stretching for miles and miles like a scene from Interstellar.

Tucked beneath the dunes is perhaps California’s most hidden beach, Oso Flaco Beach. One of very few visitors stated in a Google review, “It is a beautiful place for its pure nature and access far from the city. I admire its sand dunes, flora and fauna. It is a place to walk and relax”.

More notable is Point Sal State Beach. One beachgoer described this secluded paradise as ‘incredible, wild, and nearly no people’, but it’s a trek!

Though, Pismo Beach is undoubtedly more popular being a 22 minute drive away with typical beach town vibes.

One town over is Avila Beach, which HomeToGo crowned as America’s top beach for 2025.

We’ve all been there: scrolling for flights and you spot a deal from a budget airline like Spirit or Frontier that makes you do a double-take. The price is so low you start mentally spending the money you’ve saved on beachfront cocktails.

But is it really a deal? The final cost often comes down to one confusing and expensive factor: your bags. Before you book, use our new calculator below to see the real price and find out if a discount airline will actually save you money for your specific trip.

And there you have it. That rock-bottom fare doesn’t look so cheap anymore once you add a bag, a seat selection, and the option to actually change your ticket. This is the hidden math of budget airlines. Now that you’ve seen the true cost, you can decide for yourself if that ‘deal’ is actually a deal at all.

Smart tools like this are just one of the ways we help you travel better. To get the most out of your next trip, check out our full suite of resources below:

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If your passport has been collecting dust, American Airlines is here to help with this week’s announcement of exciting new flights to 4 sunny international destinations.

Nobody likes the headache of going through customs, but is there a better feeling than getting some fresh ink in your passport book?

Okay, I can think of a few, but we’ll keep this PG…

American is not only launching new flights internationally but also adding some notable new domestic flights and adding extra daily services to already popular routes such as Cabo, Montego Bay, and Cancun.

According to American Airlines’ latest press release, the latest 4 destinations will total 17 new escapes in 2025 for one of the U.S. travelers’ favorite airlines.

The following 4 new international routes will depart from Chicago (ORD) this winter:

Guatemala City, Guatemala

Anyone flying to Guatemala City with the idea of making a vacation out of it—good luck.

Guatemala’s capital city is best served as a gateway to neighboring Honduras’ San Pedro Sula and Belize City.

I’ve flown into Guatemala City and was supposed to stay a couple of days before venturing into the timeless town of Antigua, but my Uber driver practically begged me not to stay in the big city as he feared I’d be robbed.

His plea seemed genuine, but honestly, I have no idea if this was a ploy to switch my route to Antigua for more money or perhaps he was hoping I’d hire him to guide me around to feel more secure.

According to numerous travel forums, Guatemala does have a sketchy reputation, but the reality is there are far more safe and charming destinations in the country, such as the aforementioned Antigua (which will always hold a special place in my heart), tranquil Lake Atitlan, and the portal to the past, Tikal, an ancient Mayan city, among others.

American’s new route from ORD will launch November 6th with 3 weekly flights.

San Jose, Costa Rica

Speaking of springboard cities, Costa Rica’s capital is another, especially with a fairly recent security alert issued regarding San Jose’s airport.

For what it’s worth, American also increased routes to Costa Rica’s alternative airport in Liberia, which holds a safer reputation as the more glamorous side of the country with resort-laden beach towns.

Believe it or not, Costa Rica has actually seen a dip in tourism, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less enjoyable. In fact, one could argue it just means less crowds at the usual hotspots — not San Jose.

Whether you’re ready to hit the beach, explore the lush vegetation in hopes of wildlife sightings, or soak in a waterfall, it’s nearly impossible to have a bad time in such a diverse destination that suits all types of travelers, from solo trippers to digital nomads to romantic couples retreats.

American’s new route to SJO will launch with daily service starting November 2nd, providing easy access by car or bus to nearby destinations like Poás Volcano National Park, Zarcero, Jaco Beach, and the famous Monteverde Cloud Forest (3 hours away).

Curacao

For the Midwest, there’s no better time than winter to escape the frigid weather. While Chicago is beaming now, we all know “The Windy City” lives up to its name come winter.

What better place to escape to than a vibrant Caribbean island?

Curacao is arguably the trendiest Caribbean getaway right now with a blend of multiple cultures, Willemsted’s color-wheeled townscape perhaps brighter than their own turquoise waters, and pristine beaches that feel untouched by the masses unlike numerous fellow islands.

Rather than booking the same-o same-o in Montego Bay or Nassau, Curacao offers a more authentic experience with hidden coves, rich culture, and more sense of adventure rather than whittling away seaside with a drink in hand.

The food scene is spot on, the capital is vibrant and UNESCO-protected, and waters couldn’t be any clearer for snorkelers and divers, especially Playa Piskado where you can swim with sea turtles.

Like most Caribbean islands, there’s a wide selection of beachfront stays to choose from — but Curacao is yet be overrun with flashy eyesores stealing the shine away from coastal charm.

American’s new route to Curacao is set to launch December 6th with Saturday-only service.

St. Maarten

St. Maarten is a blast from the moment your pilot says “flight attendants, please prepare for landing”.

If you snagged a window seat, your adventure has already begun as pilots somehow land safely after coming within 100 feet of beachgoers at St. Maarten’s popular Maho Beach.

Once your heart rate settles, St. Maarten is ready to whisk you away to a paradise of sun-soaked shores, delicious cuisine, and a unique Dutch-French flair.

St. Maarten is a quintessential Caribbean island we’ve all seen on screensavers and postcards — a place that seems too good to be real.

Extremely safe, welcoming, and surprisingly affordable, you can’t go wrong making this stunning island your next vacation spot with luxe resorts like Simpson Bay Resort, Marina & Spa, only costing $104 this summer.

American’s new route to St. Maarten is set to launch November 8th with Saturday-only service.

Make sure you dot your I’s and cross your T’s with St. Maarten’s newly required digital entry form upon entry.

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Remember when you used to board flights, halfway through checking your mailbox in a rush, or ensuring you’ve closed down all your pending WhatsApp chats, however urgent replying to them may be, before an imminent takeoff?

Once that orange plane logo slid on the top right corner of your screen, you knew it was bye-bye world, and hello 2-4 hours (or more) of an unbearable wait as your life was literally put on hold.

Either that, or one of those exorbitantly-priced internet packages that are hardly even functional.

Yeah, we don’t miss those moments either, especially as digital nomads and online business owners who cannot afford to go AWOL for the best part of an afternoon on a commercial day.

The good thing is, in 2025, it seems like the dreadful era of staying disconnected for hours on end during flights is quickly drawing to an end.

3 of the major airlines operating in the United States already offer complimentary Wi-Fi, either to all guests, or under certain conditions, and in 2026, yet another big name will be joining them.

Delta Air Lines

As one of the leading airlines in America, it’s no wonder Delta would join in on the Viasat roll-out race across their network: they may not have been the first ones to do so, but theirs is a much-welcome addition to the group of carriers welcoming passengers to free Wi-Fi.

As of right now, over 90% of all domestic mainline aircraft are equipped with Viasat Wi-Fi (some with Intelsat and Gogo).

The mainline distinction is essential, as although they operate as connection airlines for the Delta group, Endeavor Air, SkyWest, and Republic Airways do not make the list.

That’s a bit of a bummer for travelers who frequently use secondary hubs served by these smaller brands, but on the bright side, Delta is in the process of a big international launch, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.

Soon enough, you’ll be able to enjoy free Wi-Fi flying with Delta all over the world, with just one caveat, if we can even call it that:

You must join SkyMiles, either before boarding or onboard, and you only get 1 device per login, but hey, it is free! On top of that, you get to participate in their frequent flyer program—check out how you can convert that impressive mileage of yours into free flight tickets here.

As for speed and performance, Delta’s Wi-Fi is fast enough for streaming and browsing. If you’re not keen on signing up for SkyMiles, you still get free iMessage, WhatsApp, and Messenger access.

On the downside, it only allows 1 device per SkyMiles.

United Airlines

Next, we have United Airlines. Although it does not yet offer free Wi-Fi, it anticipates doing so by mid-2025.

Unlike Delta, however, they’re starting with regional jets, which should all be equipped with Starlink by the end of the year. We guess if you live somewhere like Boise, Spokane, Charlottesville in Virginia, or Albany, whose airports are typically served by regional jets, you can start getting excited.

As for the mainline fleet, the one you would use flying to your favorite sunny beach getaway in the Caribbean, or that fairytale European country, full coverage is only coming between 2026 and 2027.

The positives are: this is SpaceX-provided internet, so we can count on higher speeds and low-latency, and much like Delta, joining United’s MileagePlus loyalty program for free will be a precondition for accessing the service.

Quality Wi-Fi, and we get to collect miles? We’re not exactly complaining.

Once the launch takes place, United will become the first airline to adopt Starlink.

JetBlue

If you haven’t been to an airport in a while, you might be surprised to learn that JetBlue is the only airline currently offering free Wi-Fi coverage across 100% of its fleet.

In the United States, that is.

Viasat-powered internet is available on all domestic and international routes operated from U.S. soil. Unlike full-service airlines, which ask for a little something in return, however minimal, JetBlue requires no membership or even logging in.

Now, there have been varying reports on its efficacy and quality, but in theory, it is supposed to support web browsing, email, messaging, and even video streaming.

Just don’t be surprised if the latest Joe Rogan episode you’re listening to starts lagging a little over a Transatlantic flight.

To be on the safer side, download enough content in case.

That being said, among other perks, you can connect on multiple devices, and there is free Amazon Prime Video streaming onboard.

American Airlines Coming In 2026

Now for the big one.

American Airlines has free, ad-sponsored Wi-Fi exclusively for a select number of Viasat-equipped narrowbody fleets.

Usually, you get 20-30 minutes of internet by watching an ad, but starting in 2026, they will improve their offer and expand to up to 90% of the fleet.

Full-time free Wi-Fi will be available for AAdvantage members, who can sign up for it for free. Depending on the aircraft, it will be provided by Viasat or Intelsat.

Similar to its service on other carriers, Viasat will support stable, fast connections for video streaming, texting, and browsing while restricting it to one device per member.

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If you want to spend your spring break sunbathing on a stunning tropical beach, then Southwest has got you covered, especially if you live in or around Nashville!  

The airline has launched two brand new flights from Nashville to tropical beach destinations just in time for the start of spring. Both flights will launch on March 8 and are seasonal flights that won’t run in the winter months.  

The destinations?

You can now choose to fly from Nashville to either Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic or Cabo San Lucas in Mexico.  

Here’s everything you need to know about these new flight routes.  

Brand New Options From Nashville  

From March 8 2025 you can fly nonstop between Nashville and Punta Cana as well as Cabo San Lucas/Los Cabos.

Initially, these nonstop flights will only operate on Saturdays, meaning that you will be able to take week-long vacations in the sun, but you can’t use these flights to plan shorter getaways.  

Southwest already offers a nonstop route from Nashville to Cancun, but these two new routes will give people in the area even more convenient options for their next international vacation.  

The all-important question when any new international service is launched is how much will it cost! Both of these flight routes are already available to book on the Southwest Airlines website.  

Firs,t I looked at the prices for a nonstop return flight from Nashville to Cabo San Lucas/Los Cabos. These flights are from Saturday, March 22 – Saturday, March 29, shortly after this new route launches.  

The outbound flight currently costs $582, and the inbound flight currently costs $543. Meaning the total round-trip flight cost would be $1,124, including taxes and fees.  

If you’d rather enjoy the complete relaxation offered by island life then I also looked at the price for tickets between Nashville and Punta Cana. This must be the more popular route because economy tickets were sold out for the March dates I looked at above.  

These prices are based on flights from Saturday, April 5 – Saturday, April 12. The outbound flight currently costs $454 and the inbound flight currently costs $632.

This means the total round-trip flight cost would be $1,086, including taxes and fees.  

The ticket prices for these two new flight routes are very similar, so ticket price needn’t be a factor in which destination you choose.  

It’s worth noting that these prices are based on a ‘Wanna Get Away’ ticket, which is the cheapest economy flight ticket offered by Southwest Airlines.

This ticket is non-refundable, and you will also have to pay extra to select your seats. But two bags are included for free with all Southwest tickets.   

Punta Cana or Los Cabos?  

If you’re an international globe trotter, then you might be able to visit Los Cabos and Punta Cana this year. But if you only have the time (and the cash!) to visit one of these destinations, which one is best for you?

Both destinations are tropical paradises with spectacular white sand beaches.  

But while the landscapes in Punta Cana are fringed with palm trees and tropical jungle, you’ll find desert views (and the dry desert climate to go with it) in Los Cabos.  

Both destinations are blessed with excellent all-inclusive resorts, but if you’re on a tight budget, you’re likely to find a wider range of budget accommodations and restaurants in Punta Cana than you will in Los Cabos.

Los Cabos is a famously luxurious and high-end destination, so this is a better option if you’re looking for opulence at any price.  

Looking to party the night away? Punta Cana should be your first choice. The nightlife here is incredibly vibrant. There are plenty of nightlife options and a lively party atmosphere in the town.  

By contrast, the nightlife in Los Cabos focuses on chic rooftop lounges and high-end restaurants. Both options are a lot of fun, but Punta Cana is better suited to a younger party-ready crowd.  

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Year after year, airlineratings.com has released their annual list of the world’s safest airlines in some form or another.

For 2025, these travel experts unveiled some big surprises both globally and domestically – many of which fly through U.S. skies.

You might be wondering how such a list is compiled. No worries; it’s not some basement-dwelling dimwit using AI based on a bunch of gobbledygook.

AirlineRatings gathers its data from pilots and various aviation experts as well as uses the following information to put together an insightful list for travelers like you and me.

• Noteworthy incidents over a two-year span
• Age of fleet
• Size of fleet
• Rate of incidents
• Fatalities
• Profitability
• IOSA certification
• ICAO country audit pass
• Pilot training and skill level

There you have it. Now let’s dig in!

These are the 3 safest U.S. airlines for 2025:

3) American Airlines

Some airlines on the list you’ll likely never board, but American Airlines is truly an American staple.

Headquartered in the Dallas region, even providing employees with their own hotel, travelers may love flying American just as much as flight attendants enjoy their cool perks.

Out of all U.S. airlines ranking in the top 23 global airlines for safety, America comes in 3rd in the nation and 13th in the world, which is great to know since the latest data shows the mega-popular airline served over 2 million passengers in 2023.

American flies to some really awesome places all over the world, including 2 exciting new routes to Italy this year, and obviously connects much of the U.S., given its name.

In terms of safety, AA scores a perfect 7/7, while the product is just a 5.5/7. And ohhh boy, don’t get travelers started on the passenger experience, scoring a lowly 4.4.

As the kids would say, “that’s mid, bruh”. But anything beats Spirit, right?

2) Hawaiian Airlines

Ever flown across the ocean?

The views can be stunningly beautiful or absolutely terrifying. You may not want a window seat if you’re the type that looks down when someone says, “Don’t look down!”.

Hawaiian Airlines obviously connects Hawaii to the mainland, among numerous international destinations as well.

In other words, all flights soar over the ocean, so there may be no other airline you’ll want to feel safer since Captain Sully retired.

Hawaiian barely eked out Americans for the 12th spot globally and also holds bragging rights for better service and products, with a 5.4 passenger experience score and perfect 7/7 ratings for product and safety.

1) Alaska Airlines

Let’s get right to it. Airline Ratings has got some ‘splainin’ to do.

Remember when Alaska Airlines’ door plug blew off in 2024? It had nothing to do with those wild stories of passengers attempting to open emergency doors mid-flight and everything to do with maintenance shortcuts.

That doesn’t exactly paint a picture of safety. Perhaps this is where Airline Ratings’ “fatalities” bullet point comes into play since there were fortunately no lives lost during one of the scariest flight situations imaginable.

Despite this mishap just a year ago, Alaska Airlines remains a very popular airline, especially for short getaways. Not only does Alaska fly to, well, Alaska, they fly to many awesome cities and hidden gems, many of which are along the West Coast.

In addition to having the most reliable wi-fi, Alaska notched perfect ratings for product and safety (somehow) and matches Hawaiian with a 5.4 passenger experience score.

Airline Ratings’ Take On Air Safety In 2025

In a day and age of instant information, flight accidents may seem like they occur more often, but they may just be reaching our screens quicker.

It might be tempting to jump to conclusions when you see (very few) planes fall from the sky, but Airline Ratings cites a recent airline study claiming ‘global death risk per flight boarding was approximately one in 13.7 million’.

Pretty solid odds, right?

However, those concerned might appreciate Skyscanner’s new tool, a first-of-its-kind flight booking platform allowing users to search for flights based on safety.