American Adds New Routes from Chicago and Los Angeles as Scuffle With United Goes On

Strengthening Key Hubs, Fueling Competition

For American, the additions at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) represent both network expansion and strategic positioning. Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) remains one of the most competitive hubs in the United States and a high-profile battleground between American and United. In recent years, United has outpaced its rival in Chicago, growing capacity and market share while declaring ambitious plans for future widebody and international growth.

American, meanwhile, has steadily rebuilt its position, adding 29 destinations from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) last year and planning more than 500 peak daily departures this spring. The new Maui flight gives Chicagoans a premium-heavy leisure option during cold-weather months with lie-flat Flagship® Business seats and a Premium Economy cabin designed to attract travelers willing to pay for comfort on long flights.

The East Coast additions from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) create more opportunities for connections across American’s global network (linking smaller cities to Honolulu, Tokyo, and beyond). All of the routes added in both Chicago and Los Angeles are also flown by United Airlines.

Growing Scale in Los Angeles

At Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), the airline is leaning into a market where competition is intense and highly fragmented. The new routes  American’s footprint in two important business markets as the airline continues to refine its position on the West Coast. American and its partners now serve more than 85 destinations from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). This gives AAdvantage® members a broad portfolio of options for earning miles and status.

American has also been upgrading the premium experience at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Its new Airbus A321XLR featuring Flagship Suite® seats debuted on Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to/from New York John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK) flights late last year and will roll out on Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to/from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) this summer. Starting March 28th, select Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to/from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) flights will move to Boeing 787-9 aircraft featuring Flagship Suite® as well.

A Competitive Summer Ahead

The timing of these additions is no coincidence. With FIFA World Cup 2026 on the horizon, US carriers are adjusting networks in anticipation of millions of domestic and international visitors. American plans more than 145 peak daily departures from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) this summer.

Consumers stand to benefit most in the near term. American’s return to Kahului Airport (OGG) from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) puts it head-to-head with United’s existing service and sets the stage for fare wars and increased award availability during peak leisure travel months.

United CEO Scott Kirby was asked during the airline’s latest earnings call about the competitive market at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD). In 2025, Chicago  outperformed the rest of United’s system by 1%. It made a $500 million profit there. He also shared that while American is adding tons of flights that it is losing $700 to $800 million annually (this has not been substantiated). He has also made past comments about American already have lost in Chicago. This is likely fueled by the bitterness still held from his exit as the former president of American Airlines.

Anthony’s Take: The rivalry at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and to a lesser extent at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is not likely to end any time soon. Passengers will benefit from the increased capacity and discounted fares that will likely come from these airlines going head to head.

(Image Credits: American Airlines.)