American Airlines Iceland service logically flows from Philadelphia. That’s American’s transatlantic gateaway. However they launched flights from Dallas Fort-Worth to Reykjavik when both Icelandair and Wow Air started flying the route. Here’s how CEO Doug Parker explained their classic anti-competitive approach,
Somebody starts flying a flight from Dallas to anywhere and American either is already there or we’re gonna be there. Because we’re not going to let customers have another option other than American in and out of here.
When Icelandair and Wow Air pulled out of Dallas, American ended their own Dallas – Reykjavik service and moved it to Philadelphia.
American’s head of route planning Vasu Raja had said they were considering making Dallas Fort-Worth – Reykjavik year-round. Now they’ve gone year-round out of Philadelphia, filing to operate a Boeing 757 daily in the winter of 2020.
If there’s a market that’s seasonal, it’s US-Iceland. However there’s far less competition for American’s Boeing 757 in winter, so it must seem worth trying.
Just sucks the 757 they use is old with no pitch and no seat back entertainment.
@Trup: at least they aren’t using an “oasis” airplane.
In business, the 757 has lie flat seats, one of the best products to Iceland
Although there are short days during Iceland’s winter, it’s an attractive destination at that time for watching the Northern Lights. Plus, many of the natural waterfalls look especially attractive in a snowy scene.
@Donald – exactly what I was going to say. IMO the winter months reveal the true beauty of Iceland. The Northern Lights are spectacular!
Just back, on Iceland Air (if only they had lie-flats). Was great to walk about Reykjavik w/out the crowds. Snow was beautiful and light. The Icelandic winter holiday spirit is awesome.