New Airline Routes We're Excited to Fly in 2024

A new year brings new international airline routes, and Condé Nast has recently unveiled the latest itinerary additions to explore and make the most of in the upcoming year. To help you take advantage of all the new flight options available in 2024, we rounded up some of the best new international routes we’re most excited about.

The inaugural airline route from San Francisco (SFO) to the Philippines on United Airlines (Daily)

In a historic move, United Airlines introduced the first nonstop flights from San Francisco to Manila in October 2023. This route opens up opportunities to explore both the vibrant capital and the diverse islands of the Philippines. Consider staying at the Peninsula Hotel in Manila, which was on the Forbes Travel Guide in 2023.

Raleigh-Durham (RDU) to Paris (CDG) on Air France (Weekly)

With the 2024 Paris Olympics approaching, Air France’s new weekly route from Raleigh-Durham Airport to Paris CDG offers convenient access to the city’s grand sporting spectacle. As summer arrives, Paris will become a global hub of excitement with iconic landmarks providing stunning backdrops. The introduction of direct flights aligns well with the Olympic events, making travel to the French capital more accessible. Plan your visit before or after the Games when the hotel prices will trend downwards.

For a quick getaway to Paris, read here for inspiration on which luxury hotel to book.

*We at The Luxury Embark can help you source tickets to the Olympics and we will be happy to offer packages as well.

Tulum's First Evert Airport

Tulum’s new airport which just launched in December 2023 ensures easy nonstop flights to this Mexican paradise, with top hotels like Be Tulum, Our Habitas Tulum, and Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya.

Delta begins daily flights from Atlanta on March 28, 2024.
American Airlines introduces routes from Charlotte and Miami on the same date.
United Airlines offers 22 weekly flights from Newark, Chicago, and Houston starting March 31, 2024.

Los Angeles (LAX) to Guatemala on Alaska Airlines (daily)

In December 2023, Alaska Airlines launched a daily year-round route from Los Angeles (LAX) to Guatemala City, connecting travelers to Tikal National Park and Lake Atitlán. Guatemala, known for hot springs, volcanoes, and Antigua’s charm, offers various attractions. Explore Antigua’s Mercado de Artesanías, enjoy views from Cerro de la Cruz, and visit landmarks like Arco de Santa Catalina. Direct LAX-Guatemala City flights are now available. Stay at Casa Palopó, a 15-room Relais & Châteaux property on Lake Atitlán, offering a local and authentic retreat in a former private home. Built on a hillside- Casa Palopo has preserved a unique intimate atmosphere from its past as a private residence. It’s decoration is warm- with a mix of intense colours- massive wood-crafted objects and fabrics and spaces designed to live in. You can stay at the library- in the loungers or in the candle light of the dining room- dreaming of the next escape to the magnificent nature or the discovery of the Maya culture.

New Jersey (EWR) to Faro, Portugal on United Airlines (Four times a week)

United is set to introduce the first direct flight from Newark (EWR) to Faro in Portugal’s Algarve region on May 24, 2024, making it more accessible to U.S. travelers. Operating four times a week on Boeing 757-200 aircraft, this new route expands United’s services in Portugal.

The Algarve, known for its sunny beaches like Praia da Marinha and attractions such as Ponta da Piedade and Benagil Cave, is gaining popularity. Upscale resorts like the W Algarve and Tivoli Alvar Algarve, along with the upcoming Viceroy at Ombria Algarve, contribute to the region’s appeal. Portugal is experiencing a surge in popularity, and the Algarve’s accessibility is expected to enhance its allure for travelers, with Pine Cliffs Hotel and Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort as recommended stays.

Detroit to Istanbul on Turkish Airlines (Three times a week)

Istanbul’s mesmerizing architecture, vibrant bazaars, and rich history make it a perpetually enchanting destination. Enhance your vacation by choosing the Peninsula Istanbul, Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus or Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul At The Bosphorus, all three five-star options along the iconic strait.

Turkish Airlines now offers a three-times-weekly service from Detroit to Istanbul via the Boeing 787-9, expanding its U.S. routes. This summer, the airline will introduce its fourteenth U.S. destination in Denver. Turkish Airlines also provides a unique perk with its Stopover in Istanbul program, offering complimentary hotel stays for layovers of at least 20 hours, allowing travelers to explore this captivating city and stay in select four- and five-star accommodations.

New York (JFK) to Palermo on Neos Air (Two times a week)

In June 2024, Neos Air will launch two weekly direct flights from New York JFK to Palermo, a unique route among airlines. Upon arriving in Palermo, travelers can immediately savor Sicily’s renowned cuisine through street food tours, sampling iconic dishes like arancini and cannoli with companies like Streaty.

The travel boom in Sicily, fueled by HBO’s “The White Lotus” second season, saw the introduction of a direct flight from New York’s JFK airport to Palermo. Notable accommodations include Susafa, a seasonal countryside retreat, and Villa Igiea, a stunning Rocco Forte property overlooking the Gulf of Palermo.

Palermo serves as an ideal base for exploring Sicily’s southern and eastern coasts, featuring historic sites like the Valley of the Temples Archaeological Park. Activities range from cable car rides to Mt. Etna’s summit to wine tastings at Benanti Winery. Luxurious stays abound, including Villa Igiea, ADLER Spa Resort Sicilia near Torre Salsa Nature Reserve, and the upcoming luxury spa at the San Domenico Palace, a Four Seasons Hotel, slated to open in 2024.

JetBlue's recently launched routes to Central America and the Caribbean

JetBlue’s recent expansion into The Bahamas, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Belize highlights the airline’s ongoing efforts to broaden its footprint in Latin America and the Caribbean. Currently, JetBlue operates in 27 countries within the region.

From the West Coast to The Bahamas

Four times a week from LAX to Nassau, Bahamas
Three times a week from Seattle to Nassau, Bahamas

The allure of Paradise Island, the pink sands of Harbour Island, and the renowned swimming pigs of Exuma are now easily accessible for travelers from the West Coast. Given the many options that travelers have to stay in Nassau, Bahamas, our top pick would be for Rosewood Baha Mar.

New York (JFK) to St. Kitts on Jet Blue

In November 2023, JetBlue initiated flights from New York JFK to St. Kitts, providing an alternative on a route that currently has limited competition. The dual-island nation of St. Kitts and Nevis is renowned for its striking volcanic peaks, expansive beaches, and an array of five-star resorts, such as the Park Hyatt St. Kitts Christophe Harbours, Sunset Reef St. Kitts, an SLH WIthin Property, and the Four Seasons Resort Nevis. The Four Seasons Resort Nevis has tennis court for our clients that play tennis.

I went to medical school on the island of Nevis, so feel free to ask me for all the insider tips and I assure you I wish I had this direct flight back in the day. You can take a quick 7 minute fast ferry upon landing in St. Kitts and be on your merry way to paradise in Nevis.

*Please note the Park Hyatt is slated to undergo a renovation in 2024 and the rooms are a bit dated at the time this blog was written.

New York (JFK) to Belize on Jet Blue (Three times a week)

Discover Belize’s wonders, from the world’s second-largest barrier reef to ancient Mayan sites and thrilling jungle zip-lining. JetBlue has made it more accessible for New York travelers with its new year-round service, operating three times a week from JFK to Belize City since December 6 2023.

Luxurious resorts like Ka’ana Resort, Alaia Belize, Mahogany Bay Resort & Beach Club, and the upcoming Six Senses Belize offer a perfect retreat. Direct flights mean reaching this jungle paradise in about four-and-a-half hours. Consider Turtle Inn or Itz’ana Belize Resort & Residences for a memorable stay.

Urvashi

With a focus on luxury hotels, resorts and villas, I deliver premium travel planning service to both leisure and business clients who appreciate value over cost.