Wednesday, June 11, 2025
Delta Air Lines is reimagining the winter getaway experience with its groundbreaking new seasonal routes to Vail and Sarasota, providing unmatched access to the most desired winter destinations in the U.S. The iconic ski mountains of Vail and the sun-kissed beaches of Sarasota are among the most exclusive winter retreats, and these elite routes are designed specifically for discerning travelers who desire adventure and relaxation in equal measure. With non-stop routes offering unmatched comfort and convenience, Delta is establishing a new benchmark for winter getaways with the perfect blend of exhilarating outdoor activities and luxurious beach resorts. Whether you’re looking for the ultimate skiing adventure or a peaceful winter retreat by the Gulf Coast, Delta’s new routes guarantee an unforgettable experience.
Delta Air Lines has introduced two fresh seasonal routes for the upcoming winter holidays, providing travelers with thrilling new choices for both ski trips and beach vacations. These routes, which will operate from December 20th through January 4th, aim to meet the heightened demand for travel during the peak holiday period. The new routes are from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport to Vail’s Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) and from New York JFK to Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ). These seasonal services will provide daily flights, operated under the Delta Connection brand, using regional aircraft.
For those seeking winter sports, the Minneapolis to Eagle County route offers easy access to some of North America’s premier ski resorts, Vail and Beaver Creek. This route, returning after an 11-year hiatus, will use the Embraer E-175 aircraft, featuring 12 seats in Delta First, 20 in Comfort+, and 44 in the main cabin. It will complement Delta’s existing services to Vail-Eagle, which is a popular destination for skiers, and will be the airline’s fourth route to the area. Delta currently offers flights from its hubs in Atlanta, Los Angeles, and New York JFK to this sought-after ski destination.
On the other hand, New Yorkers looking for sun will be able to head south to Sarasota, Florida. Although this route had been previously offered in 2022, it will return this winter, providing a competitive option to JetBlue’s ongoing daily Airbus A220 service between JFK and Sarasota. Delta will use a Bombardier CRJ-900 aircraft, featuring 12 First Class seats, 20 in Comfort+, and 44 in the standard cabin. This new flight aims to provide a convenient alternative for New Yorkers seeking a warm winter retreat along Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Delta’s Vice President of Network Planning, Joe Esposito, emphasized that the airline is continuing to focus on providing an extensive range of options for travelers. “We’re focusing on expanding our winter route options, ensuring our customers have access to the most popular ski destinations and warm-weather retreats during the holidays,” Esposito noted. This expansion reflects Delta’s strategy of meeting the diverse needs of its passengers during the high-demand holiday season.
The Minneapolis to Vail-Eagle route is particularly significant as it brings Delta’s service to a region well-known for its world-class ski resorts. Vail and Beaver Creek attract visitors from around the globe, and Delta’s new flight is expected to draw significant traffic. This route will be Delta’s fourth to Vail-Eagle, further cementing the airline’s position as a leader in connecting skiers to top destinations. To complement this route, Delta operates daily flights from Atlanta to Vail-Eagle, further highlighting the region’s popularity. With daily flights from its hubs across the U.S., including New York JFK, Los Angeles, and Atlanta, Delta continues to strengthen its network of winter travel destinations.
Sarasota, which handled over 4 million passengers in 2023, is becoming an increasingly popular destination for both leisure and business travelers. Delta’s return to Sarasota from New York JFK is strategic, as the route will compete with JetBlue, which is the only airline currently operating a daily flight on this route. Delta’s CRJ-900 will provide another viable option for travelers, making it easier for New Yorkers to access Florida’s Gulf Coast during the busy holiday season. Additionally, Delta offers a wide range of connectivity from Sarasota, with flights from various New York-area airports, including LaGuardia and Newark.
Delta’s expanded services to Sarasota will also complement its extensive winter operations in other Florida cities. The airline already serves Sarasota with multiple daily flights from its Atlanta hub and has a significant presence in Florida, offering passengers a mix of routes to the state’s top destinations. With more than 20% of the market share at Sarasota, Delta is firmly established as one of the largest carriers at this airport.
For the upcoming winter season, Delta will continue to operate its popular year-round routes to ski destinations across the United States, such as Bozeman, Jackson Hole, Montrose, and Steamboat Springs. These destinations, known for their world-class ski resorts, remain a focal point of Delta’s winter schedule. With a variety of aircraft, including the Boeing 757-200 and regional jets like the Embraer E-175, Delta offers a seamless travel experience for skiers heading to the mountains.
Delta’s growing presence in the ski market is evident through its network expansion to various mountain resorts. The airline’s year-round service to Bozeman and other mountain towns ensures that skiers have access to some of the best winter destinations in the U.S. As a result, Bozeman, which is located near Yellowstone National Park, continues to be Delta’s most-served skiing destination. The airline’s strategic route planning ensures that travelers have access to both domestic and international ski markets, helping to solidify Delta’s position as the leading airline for winter travel.
Delta Air Lines is redefining winter vacations with new exclusive seasonal routes to Vail and Sarasota for high-end ski vacations and beach retreats. These new non-stop services offer the ultimate blend of action-packed outdoor activities and peaceful beach vacations.
In summary, Delta’s seasonal routes from Minneapolis to Vail-Eagle and from New York JFK to Sarasota provide new and exciting opportunities for holiday travelers seeking both winter sports and sunshine. With daily flights, regional aircraft, and a commitment to expanding its network of ski destinations, Delta continues to meet the demands of travelers during one of the busiest times of the year. Whether heading to the slopes in Colorado or soaking up the sun on Florida’s Gulf Coast, these new routes offer something for everyone this holiday season.
