FORT WORTH – American Airlines is bringing back nonstop service between Phoenix and Anchorage after nearly five years, while also preparing a major capacity surge for the 2026 Super Bowl in San Jose.
The carrier confirmed Thursday that it will relaunch the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)–Anchorage (ANC) route on May 21, 2026. The daily summer service, operated with an Airbus A321neo, will run through September 8, restoring a key seasonal link between the Southwest and Alaska.
The decision to restart the route reflects strong demand for leisure travel to Alaska, a market that has rebounded in recent years as passengers seek access to cruises, national parks, and adventure tourism.
Route History and Aircraft Choice
American first launched the Phoenix–Anchorage route in 2015, operating seasonally before suspending it in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The airline briefly reinstated service in 2021, but pulled the route again later that year. Its return marks a renewed push to capture summer travelers heading north.
The Airbus A321neo, a fuel-efficient narrowbody jet, will operate the route. The aircraft offers updated interiors, improved fuel burn, and enhanced passenger comfort compared with older models. Its deployment is part of American’s ongoing strategy to modernize its fleet and optimize operations on medium-haul leisure routes.
The Phoenix–Anchorage flights will also complement existing service from Alaska Airlines, which has continued to operate between the two cities. Together, the carriers will expand options for travelers moving between the desert Southwest and Alaska’s largest city.
Expanding for the Super Bowl
The Anchorage restart comes as American Airlines simultaneously prepares for one of the biggest travel events of 2026: the Super Bowl in San Jose, California. Between February 5 and 10, 2026, the airline will increase capacity at Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) by more than 450%.
That expansion will include additional frequencies, larger aircraft on existing routes, and special flights connecting San Jose with major American hubs and coastal markets. Cities gaining extra service include Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, and Phoenix.
Jason Reisinger, Managing Director of Global Network Planning at American Airlines, underscored the airline’s intent to meet demand for football fans. “The season is just getting started, and American is locking in our game plan to get fans to the Big Game,” he said.
Premium Options from New York
For travelers flying in from New York, American will operate the Airbus A321T, the premium-configured transcontinental aircraft featuring lie-flat Flagship® First and Flagship® Business seats.
Customers in Flagship® First will have access to the exclusive Chelsea Lounge™, which includes a champagne bar and a la carte dining. Flagship® Business passengers will be able to use the Greenwich Lounge™, offering chef-curated meals and premium wine selections.
These amenities are designed to appeal to high-spending customers traveling to the Bay Area for the championship game, further strengthening American’s premium product offering.
Special Flight Schedule
The airline detailed its temporary San Jose schedule for the Super Bowl week. Highlights include:
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Charlotte (CLT): Two daily flights Feb. 5–6; two return flights Feb. 9
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Chicago (ORD): Two daily flights Feb. 5–6; three return flights Feb. 9; one return Feb. 10
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Dallas Fort Worth (DFW): Seven daily flights Feb. 5–6; eight return flights Feb. 9
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Los Angeles (LAX): Three daily flights Feb. 5–6; four return flights Feb. 9
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Miami (MIA): One daily flight Feb. 5–6; one return flight Feb. 9
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New York (JFK): One daily flight Feb. 5–6; one return flight Feb. 9
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Philadelphia (PHL): One daily flight Feb. 5–6; one return flight Feb. 9–10
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Phoenix (PHX): Six daily flights Feb. 5–6; five daily return flights Feb. 9
The move underscores how American tailors its network for large-scale sporting events, where travel demand spikes over a few days and airlines compete for share.
Bottom Line
With the relaunch of its Phoenix–Anchorage service and its massive Super Bowl expansion in San Jose, American Airlines is signaling its strategy for 2026: restore high-demand seasonal routes while aggressively chasing event-driven travel.
By leaning on both leisure demand to Alaska and football fan traffic to the Bay Area, the carrier is positioning itself to strengthen its market share in two very different—but equally lucrative—sectors of U.S. air travel.
