American Airlines is gearing up for what it says will be a record-breaking summer travel season, announcing plans to operate more than 715,000 flights between May 16 and September 2. As demand for air travel continues to surge, American is expanding capacity across its network.
The airline’s schedule includes nearly 38,000 flights over Memorial Day weekend alone, with May 22 and May 23 each expected to see 6,471 departures. The busiest day of the summer will be July 6, when nearly 6,800 flights are scheduled to take off. On average, American will operate almost five flights every minute (or about one every 13 seconds), raising the stakes for its operations during peak periods.
American is also boosting service in key markets. Compared to summer 2024, the airline is offering nearly 5% more flights, including a 20% increase in departures from Chicago O’Hare. The network now includes seasonal routes to five new destinations, among them Edinburgh, Scotland.
To support this growth, American says it has spent months preparing behind the scenes. More than 130,000 team members are in place across the airline and improvements have reportedly been made to staffing, aircraft readiness and facility management. According to the airline, it logged its best-ever baggage handling performance in early 2025, a promising sign ahead of an expected 50 million checked bags this summer. But summer operations are notoriously volatile across the airline industry and even the most thorough preparation can be tested by weather delays, airport congestion or crew shortages.
The airline is also pointing to upgrades aimed at improving the customer experience. For travelers with an AAdvantage credit card, the first checked bag remains free on domestic American-operated flights, a benefit increasingly valuable as baggage fees continue to rise across the industry. The updated American Airlines mobile app includes features like streamlined check-in, live gate notifications and mobile boarding passes, designed to reduce friction at the airport.
In the skies, American says it will serve over 240 million beverages and more than 55 million Biscoff cookie packs this summer. The airline also claims to lead the industry in aircraft equipped with high-speed satellite Wi-Fi. While that service is currently paid, all AAdvantage members will have access to free Wi-Fi beginning in 2026 through a partnership with AT&T.
Tips for Travelers This Summer:
As travelers prepare to navigate one of the busiest summer travel seasons on record, a few smart steps can go a long way in minimizing stress and avoiding common pitfalls.
Arrive early. American recommends arriving two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international departures — and many seasoned travelers would agree.
Use the app. The redesigned American Airlines app can be a useful tool for tracking gates, boarding times and baggage updates.
Check your ID. A REAL ID or valid passport is now required for domestic travel. Make sure your ID meets current TSA requirements at DHS.gov/real-id.
Join AAdvantage. Members can earn miles, receive travel perks like free checked bags and eventually get free Wi-Fi.
With more flights, more destinations and a more connected network, American Airlines is betting on a strong summer but travelers should still be prepared for the realities of peak season flying.
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