While we have known this was planned for quite some time, American Airlines has finally had its proposed route between San Antonio International Airport (SAT) and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) approved by the Department of Transportation.
Now, we have more information regarding timing, equipment, and the date that the carrier plans to begin service. With the launch of American’s SAT-DCA route, the Alamo City finally gains long awaited service to the closer and more convenient D.C. airport (United serves San Antonio from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)).
According to American, the new route is scheduled to go on sale Monday December 23rd with flights scheduled to launch on March 2, 2025. The flight is timed for day trips to Washington D.C., departing San Antonio in the morning and returning in the evening. American plans to utilize Airbus A321 aircraft on the route which will operate on the following schedule:
San Antonio (SAT) to Washington (DCA)
AA1718 Departs: 6:35a Arrives: 10:41a
Washington (DCA) to San Antonio (SAT)
AA1947 Departs: 7:45p Arrives: 10:43p
American decided to give unique flight numbers to these flights as flight 1718 recognizes the year San Antonio was founded while flight 1947 celebrates the year the U.S. Air Force was established.
San Antonio has been one of the fastest-growing cities in the country and is home to one of the largest concentrations of military bases in the United States. Until the launch of service from American, it is the largest city in Texas lacking nonstop service to DCA. Between government and corporate interests on both ends, this flight has been a long time coming and, something local leaders have been advocating for for years.
Summary
San Antonio is finally getting direct flights to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport beginning March 2, 2025. American will operate the route daily using Airbus A321 aircraft with flights timed for trips to the Washington D.C. area.