American Airlines kicks offpreparations 2026 FIFA World Cup with extra flights and special decals
December 5, 2025
American Airlines plans to expand service across North America next summer as the carrier prepares for increased travel demand associated with the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The airline said it will be adjusting schedules on selected domestic and international routes between the 16 host cities in the United States, Canada and Mexico, and will allow loyalty programme members to redeem miles for match tickets.
The World Cup will run from 11 June to 19 July and is expected to be the largest edition of the tournament yet, with 48 teams and more than 100 matches.
Host cities range from major international hubs such as Los Angeles and Toronto to smaller markets, including Kansas City.
2026 FIFA World Cup drives demand for North America air travel
The World Cup is expected to generate significant traffic for airlines across the region, with the US Department of Transportation having forecast above-average domestic travel in June and July tied to the tournament.
Airlines are expecting substantial short-haul and medium-haul demand between venues as fans follow their teams through the group stage and knockout rounds.
Travel patterns will depend on the final match schedule, which will be confirmed later this week.
US airlines have used similar capacity strategies around major sporting events in the past, though the scale of the 2026 tournament is unprecedented in North America.
American Airlines will add around 27,000 seats across 12 routes for the period, combining additional frequencies with larger aircraft on existing services.
Adjustments include more seats between Los Angeles and Seattle, and more flights between Boston and Dallas-Fort Worth, as well as Atlanta and Miami.
The carrier also plans temporary nonstop flights on routes not usually served, including Atlanta–Kansas City and New York LaGuardia–Kansas City during the quarter-final period.
Most of the changes fall in June and early July, when the group and early knockout matches take place.
“American is ready with its game plan for the FIFA World Cup 26, adding an extra 27,000 seats on 12 routes this summer,” said Brian Znotins, American’s senior vice president of network planning.
“With more flights to all host cities, we’re making sure fans don’t miss the chance to take part in this once-in-a-lifetime moment across North America.”
Adjusting flights to fit the football schedule
The timing of the schedule changes reflects the format of the 2026 tournament.
Organisers expect that many fans will book travel only once fixtures are confirmed, creating short-notice demand spikes that airlines must manage with flexible capacity.
Airlines with large domestic networks, including American, will be able to respond quickly through aircraft “upgauging” and schedule changes, rather than adding new long-term routes.
AAdvantage members can score free football tickets
In addition to scheduling changes, American will offer AAdvantage members the option to redeem loyalty miles for match tickets.
The airline plans a short, staggered redemption window in December based on elite status tiers.
“After a successful first round of ticket redemptions, we’re thrilled to give AAdvantage members even more chances to be part of the action,” said Scott Long, American’s senior vice president of AAdvantage.
“From the opening to the final match, we’re committed to delivering exclusive experiences for our most loyal members and making it easier for them to follow their teams all the way through FIFA World Cup 26.”
American – the “Official North American Airline Supplier” for the event – is also using its World Cup sponsorship in fleet branding and marketing activity.
Aircraft across its US domestic fleet will carry FIFA World Cup 26 decals from December, and the airline plans live and digital advertising content tied to the tournament.
“Every aircraft in the American Airlines fleet – totalling more than 1,550 aircraft – will proudly display a custom FIFA World Cup 26 decal,” the airline said.
Featured image: American Airlines
