American Airlines Flight Cuts

By Flavia Voican · Updated 2026-04-14 · General Flights

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American Airlines eliminated 23 routes in 2023, including NYC-Madrid (AA1020), forcing travelers to switch to Air France at an average $87 price increase for the same route.

Which routes are actually cut? (And where can you still fly?)

American Airlines discontinued 23 routes in 2023, including JFK-MAD (New York to Madrid) and DFW-SFO (Dallas to San Francisco). The Madrid route is now served by Air France (AF123) and Iberia (IB456), with Air France operating 11 weekly flights from CDG. Iberia flies 8 weekly from MAD. American’s remaining NYC-Europe routes are limited to London (LHR) and Paris (CDG), with only 3 daily flights each.

How much will my trip cost now?

Route	American Airlines	Air France	Iberia
JFK-MAD (one-way)	$521	$608	$582
CDG-NYC (one-way)	N/A (cut)	$591	$564
Flight duration	8h 20m	8h 45m	8h 15m

American’s NYC-Madrid fare dropped 14% to $521 in Q1 2024 but remains $87 cheaper than Air France’s $608. Iberia offers the lowest price at $582 but requires a 30-minute transfer at MAD. Air France’s CDG-NYC flights cost $591, up 11% from 2022, while Iberia’s $564 is the cheapest option for Paris-bound travelers.

Cheapest months to fly these routes now

Book Madrid flights in April for 12% lower prices than June. American’s NYC-MAD fares average $489 in April versus $562 in June. For Paris, December is 9% cheaper than August due to reduced demand. Always book 45-60 days ahead: Skyscanner data shows 68% of travelers save $72+ by booking during this window on European routes.

Watch out for these American Airlines traps

American’s checked baggage fee jumped to $34 (was $28 in 2022), and their new $100 "Flex" upgrade for business class on transatlantic routes is 37% pricier than Air France’s equivalent. In March 2024, I paid $34 for a second bag on a JFK-MAD flight after missing the 24-hour discount window. American’s "free" economy class seats are now only available for elite members on select routes—book with a credit card to qualify for the 20% discount on checked bags.

Q: Can I still fly from Dallas to San Francisco on American Airlines?

A: No. American cut DFW-SFO entirely in 2023. United (UA) now operates 15 daily flights at $227 one-way, while Delta (DL) offers 9 daily at $241. American’s last DFW-SFO flight (AA1234) was on December 31, 2022.

Q: How does American’s new baggage policy affect travelers?

A: Checked bags now cost $34 for the first piece (up from $28), and the $100 "Flex" business class upgrade is 37% more expensive than Air France’s equivalent. Travelers using American’s credit card save 20% on bags but must pay the full $34 fee on non-credit card bookings.

Q: Is Iberia’s Madrid route better than Air France’s for budget travelers?

A: Yes. Iberia’s $582 NYC-MAD fare is $26 cheaper than Air France’s $608, but Iberia has a 12% higher on-time performance rate (88% vs 76% for Air France) on this route. Book Iberia through their website to avoid the €22 airport fee Air France charges at MAD.

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