8 PLACES TO VISIT IN THE NEW YEAR
These nonstop flights from Phoenix can help get you there easily
Throughout 2019, airlines at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport added a flurry of new flights, most aiming to bring sun-seeking tourists to Phoenix. Face it, we live in a place where many people want to vacation.
But if you’ve resolved to adventure more in 2020, you also have a plethora of places you can reach nonstop from Phoenix.
Here are my top picks of destinations inspired by nonstop flights added at Sky Harbor International Airport and Phoenix-Mesa Gateway airport over the past two years.
Some are old routes but with new competition driving fares down. Others are new routes that could inspire you to explore a destination that might have not been on your radar.
Either way, I hope this list sparks your 2020 explorations.
Frankfurt, Germany
Condor launched seasonal service to Frankfurt from Phoenix in 2018 and quickly broadened its calendar to meet the strong demand. Spotting that success, Lufthansa announced it would bring its Eurowings brand to Sky Harbor in April 2020.
These nonstops mean you can get to Europe in 11 hours, and the increased competition should lead to some good fares.
You can connect to many other European destinations through both carriers. You also can fly to Frankfurt, spend a couple days there and then take Deutsche Bahn (the train) to the rest of Germany.
Both airlines seem to be testing the waters for year-round service with some flight options in April and October. April/early May and September/October are great times to travel to Europe because you still have decent weather but can avoid the crowds and save some money compared with the high season.
To plan your trip: www.frankfurt-tourismus.de.
Honolulu
American and Hawaiian airlines have offered nonstop flights between Phoenix and Honolulu for some time. However, the entrance of Southwest Airlines into the Hawaiian market has driven down prices — the so-called “Southwest effect.”
As I wrote in September, the Southwest flight with its connection may not be the best fit for Phoenix travelers. However, it has helped dip the price of flights so if you’ve been dreaming of a Hawaiian vacation, you might be able to cash in on a good deal.
If you’re looking for a time to visit that is a little less expensive, consider September when prices decrease for the shoulder season and festival season begins.
To plan your trip: www.gohawaii.com.
Downtown Las Vegas
Sun Country, Frontier and JSX all added this route out of Sky Harbor in 2018, and American has increased its number of Vegas flights. Combine this with Allegiant Air flying there from Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport and that adds up to very competitive fares.
An evolution happening in downtown Las Vegas could make this dependable weekend escape feel brand new again. The boutique Ferguson Downtown will start offering lodging in tiny homes and Airstreams in early 2020. The Fremont Experience canopy has undergone a $32 million makeover to make it more energy efficient and spectacular. The new canopy will be revealed on New Year’s Eve.
A quick Uber ride away, the Neon Museum has a new exhibit created by Tim Burton that