While 2020 has only just begun, the world's major airlines have already announced exciting new flights for the year. The latest airline routes will facilitate direct flights to exciting new destinations, making new trips from certain U.S. cities a breeze. Below, we reveal six of the new routes we can't wait for.
Boston to Vienna
Beginning in March, Boston's Logan Airport will offer its first-ever nonstop flight to Austria's capital city. Starting on March 29, 2020, this will mark the debut of Austrian Airlines at Logan Airport.
For business class passengers en-route to Vienna, Austrian Airlines will offer regional and global delicacies prepared by on-board chefs. These passengers will also have access to sommelier services and a wide array of coffee specialties from the Original Viennese Coffee House Service and Julius Meinl.
The Boston to Vienna route will depart from Logan at 6:52 p.m. and arrive in Vienna at 8:25 a.m. It will initially be offered four nights a week, with plans to increase to six nights a week in April.
And, if you're going to book a spot on the maiden voyage to Vienna, you have to put Hofburg Palace on your list of destinations. This 13th-century palace features elegant kaiserappartements, where the Hapsburg royal family lived for 600 years. Don't forget St. Stephen's Cathedral, one of the most celebrated Gothic structures in modern Vienna. The cathedral is also part of the Historic Centre of Vienna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Newark to Auckland
As of right now, the quickest travel time from New York to Auckland is 21 hours, and it only involves one stop. However, that's set to change later this year. Come October, Air New Zealand will offer direct flights between Newark and Auckland. This new flight path will shave more than three hours off the travel time. Plus, the return trip will be even quicker — the time will drop from 19 hours to 15 hours and 40 minutes. With long-haul trips, even a small portion of time saved makes a huge difference.
Newark will be the fifth city in the United States to offer a nonstop flight to New Zealand, and it will be the first one to do so from the East Coast. The only other cities currently offering this service are Houston, Chicago, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. If you've always wanted to visit Auckland, this new flight route (which will be offered three days a week) will afford you an opportunity to try the highly-rated Air New Zealand. In 2018, the airline earned Travel Weekly's Airline of the Year award, and it has also won numerous Skytrax awards.
Chicago to Prague
From May 8 until October 24, Chicago's O'Hare Airport will offer seasonal nonstop flights to Václav Havel Airport in Prague. Officials in Prague have estimated that during the first six months in operation, over 48,000 passengers will take advantage of this new route.
If you're one of those planning to hop on a direct flight to Prague, there are plenty of places to explore once you're there. Try visiting Old Town Square, which has preserved much of its original character since its establishment in the 12th century. While you're there, be sure to check out the Astronomical Clock, which was built in the 15th century to track the equinoxes and phases of the moon.
San Diego to Montreal
From June through October, Canada's Air Transat will begin offering a seasonal nonstop flight from Montreal to San Diego. It will be the only airline offering a direct route between the cities. The flight will only take between five and six hours and cost approximately $450 for a round-trip ticket.
If you're still sitting on the fence, U.S. News ranks Montreal as number three on their list of Best Spring Vacations. While you're there, be sure to set aside some time to explore Old Montreal. This area is overflowing with charm and history. You can ride a horse-drawn carriage through the beautiful streets, sip coffee by the river, and explore the Marché Bonsecours. This historic building is home to world-class restaurants and 15 boutiques offering unique "Made in Quebec" creations.
Austin to Paris
Beginning in May and lasting through October, Austin–Bergstrom International Airport will begin offering seasonal nonstop flights to Paris. This route will be offered by Norwegian Airlines and is a direct response to the busy travel season in Austin during the summer months. Since Paris is one of its most popular European destinations, Norwegian has decided to focus on making the city more accessible to Austin residents.
The nonstop flight will operate three times a week and is only the fifth transatlantic route to depart out of Austin. Best of all, Norwegian Airlines will focus on making airfare costs more affordable, which means that a trip to Paris may just be in the cards for the budget-conscious traveler — one-way tickets are estimated to start at around $220.
Philadelphia to Casablanca
For the first time ever, American Airlines will begin offering flights to Africa. Its first nonstop route will take passengers from Philadelphia to Casablanca and begin in early June. Once it starts, American Airlines will be the only American airline offering nonstop service to Casablanca.
Fans of the 1942 film Casablanca won't want to miss the opportunity to visit Rick's Cafe, a tribute bar offering drinks, dinner, and live piano music. For a slightly more authentic city experience, try visiting Old Medina. This fast-paced neighborhood is full of winding streets, cafes, and vendors selling their wares. You may also decide to visit the Hassan II Mosque, the world's second-largest place of worship for Muslims. This enormous mosque is strikingly beautiful and open to all visitors, regardless of faith.