Faraway getaway

American Airlines takes off with new nonstop flights from DFW to New Zealand

Kiwis, here we come.

Photo courtesy of DFW Airport

American Airlines is making it easier for North Texans to visit the country where the Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed.

The Fort Worth-based airline announced May 26 that it’s launching daily nonstop flights between Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and Auckland, New Zealand, on October 29. The nonstop service, which will operate through March 25, will be the first between the two cities.

The airline had said in 2019 that it would start DFW-Auckland service in 2020, but that plan was put on hold due to the pandemic. Located in the South Pacific and known for its stunning landscapes, New Zealand is home to a little over 5 million people.

“Auckland joins a lineup of exciting international destinations that we offer from DFW, and as DFW’s hometown airline, we are proud to open the splendors of New Zealand to our local customers and those who connect through DFW from across our global network,” Jim Moses, American’s vice president of DFW operations, says in a news release.

The service will operate on Boeing 787-9 aircraft.

DFW “is one of the most connected airports in the world, and American Airlines’ service to Auckland will provide an additional, convenient choice for our customers,” says John Ackerman, the airport’s executive vice of president global strategy and development. “DFW is one of just a handful of global gateway airports that grew international destinations over the last two years, and this flight will further strengthen our connectedness and demonstrates that international travel demand is returning.”

The daily flight from DFW to Auckland will take off at 10:30 pm and arrive at either 7:45 or 8:45 am, depending on seasonal time changes. The daily flight from Auckland to DFW will depart at 12:40 or 1:40 pm, depending on seasonal time changes, and land at 8:45 am.

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Flying High

DFW Airport lands largest Admirals Club and more upgrades from American

Rendering courtesy of American Airlines

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Fresh off welcoming thousands of travelers for the World Cup, American Airlines has unveiled a batch of luxe upgrades coming to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. Two new lounges — including the largest Admirals Club in the airline's history — and American's "Flagship" check-in experience are on the horizon for DFW.

The brand-new Admirals Club will encompass 37,000 square feet of space near the Skylink station in Terminal C. Guests can expect new "enhancements," such as ample space for relaxing, chef-inspired menu offerings and all-day food choices, and a premium beverage program.

"Thoughtfully designed with a variety of seating options, premium amenities and dedicated areas for work and relaxation, the lounge will serve as a modern home away from home for travelers connecting through American's largest hub," the release says.

The new club will join the first phase of DFW's long-awaited Terminal C expansion, which was unveiled earlier this summer. It includes new state-of-the-art electronic boarding gates, concessions, upgraded amenities, and more.

American will also build a Provisions by Admirals Club lounge in DFW's future Terminal F, which is expected to open in 2027. The release is mum on details, but says the Provisions lounge will serve as an efficient grab-and-go space for travelers to find high-quality food, drinks, and other travel necessities "in a streamlined setting."

And, finally, American will bring its exclusive "Flagship" check-in experience to DFW later this year. The dedicated space allows travelers to privately check in for their flights. It will be located near Terminal D's D30 security checkpoint, offering travelers easy access to security screenings and personalized assistance from American staff.

"We're investing in every stage of the premium travel journey at DFW, beginning the moment customers arrive at the airport," says Heather Garboden, American’s Chief Customer Officer. "Our Flagship check-in experience offers a more tailored and streamlined start to the journey, bringing together dedicated service, premium amenities and greater convenience for our most loyal and premium customers."

DFW will become the fourth U.S. airport to boast American's Flagship check-in experience; the others are in Chicago (ORD), Los Angeles (LAX), and Miami (MIA). London Heathrow Airport is the only other American hub that offers the Flagship feature.

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