As summer winds down and the airline industry shifts into fall mode, the focus moves from leisure travel to business connectivity. This September, major airlines are introducing new routes and expanding services to cater to business travelers, while budget carriers are also making notable moves in the market.
Major U.S. Airlines Expand Connectivity
American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines are enhancing their route networks this month. These changes come as airlines adjust their offerings to accommodate a shift from leisure to business travel following Labor Day.
Delta’s New Nonstop Flight
Delta Air Lines is expanding its services at New York LaGuardia Airport with a new nonstop flight to Tulsa, starting September 3. This new route will compete with American Airlines’ existing service. Delta’s flight will depart New York daily at 5:35 p.m., offering a three-hour-and-35-minute journey with economy fares ranging from $193 to $448 one way.
United Airlines Adds New Routes
Beginning September 26, United Airlines will introduce new nonstop flights from its Los Angeles (LAX) and Washington Dulles hubs. The Los Angeles route will connect LAX to St. George, Utah—a popular gateway to Lake Powell—with one-way economy fares starting at $145. The flight will depart daily at 1:30 p.m. and lasts approximately one hour and 30 minutes.
From Washington Dulles, United will add three daily flights to Greenville-Spartanburg, S.C., with economy fares beginning at $371 one way. These flights will depart Dulles at 8:15 a.m., 12:45 p.m., and 5:20 p.m., covering the hour-and-a-half trip. This addition is part of a larger expansion at United’s Dulles hub, which aims to enhance connectivity with ten new routes this year.
American Airlines Enhances Domestic Connectivity
American Airlines is reintroducing its route between Chicago O’Hare and Evansville, Indiana, starting September 3. This route complements existing services to Evansville from Charlotte and Dallas-Fort Worth. Flights will depart Chicago at 12:45 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., with economy fares beginning at $391 one way.
JetBlue Expands Regional Service
JetBlue Airways is making a notable expansion into Maine’s North Woods this September. Starting September 5, the airline will connect Boston with Presque Isle—a city near the Canadian border. Daily flights will depart Boston at 3 p.m., covering the one-hour-and-25-minute journey with economy fares starting at $59 one way. JetBlue will receive nearly $22 million over two years from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Essential Air Service program to support this route.
Cape Air Introduces New Route
Regional carrier Cape Air is launching a new service between New York JFK and Hyannis, Massachusetts, on September 4. This flight will replace a service previously operated by JetBlue, ensuring continuous year-round air service between New York and Cape Cod. Daily departures from New York will be at 11:55 a.m., with one-way fares starting at $261.
Spirit Airlines Challenges Southwest in California
Spirit Airlines is entering California’s competitive market with new routes from Burbank to Sacramento and San Jose, starting September 4. Sacramento flights will operate up to twice daily, departing Burbank at 9:10 a.m. and midday. San Jose flights will also run twice daily, departing at 11:40 a.m. and 3:40 p.m. One-way fares on both routes will range from $39 to $49.
On the East Coast, Spirit will connect Nashville and New Orleans four times a week from September 4, with flights departing Nashville at 6:05 a.m. on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Fares will range from $39 to $67 one way.
International Routes: WestJet and Norse Atlantic
WestJet is adding a new route from Nashville to Winnipeg starting September 26. Flights will operate on Mondays and Fridays, departing Nashville at 11:10 a.m. for the three-hour-and-10-minute journey. Fares will vary widely, with prices ranging from as low as $88 to over $1,000 one way.
European budget carrier Norse Atlantic is launching a new nonstop flight from Las Vegas to London Gatwick on September 12. Flights will depart Las Vegas on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays at 4:45 p.m. and arrive in London at 10:35 a.m. the following day. Introductory economy fares start at $525 one way. Norse Atlantic joins British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, which already operate up to three flights a day on this route.
Conclusion
As airlines adjust their schedules for the fall season, travelers can expect a range of new and expanded options. Whether you’re looking for new business routes or competitive fares on budget carriers, September’s changes offer something for everyone. With increased connectivity from major airlines and new international and regional services, this month promises to be an exciting one for air travel.