American Airlines expands Charlotte hub with new routes to 2 mountain getaways
An American Airlines subsidiary will begin new routes next winter, connecting Charlotte’s airport to the Appalachian mountain areas of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley and West Virginia’s Greenbrier Valley.
Service from Charlotte Douglas International Airport to the Shenandoah Valley Airport in Weyers Cave, Virginia,, begins Feb. 3, CLT announced this week. A few days later, routes to Lewisburg, West Virginia, via Greenbrier Valley Airport, will start Feb. 10.
Daily flights between Charlotte and SHD will be operated with regional aircraft seating between 65 and 76 customers and feature a first-class section cabin, according to a news release from Shenandoah Valley Airport.
SkyWest Airlines, operating under the American Eagle brand, will hire workers at SHD to support its new flights to Charlotte and Chicago. Thanks to an agreement with American Airlines, passengers traveling from SHD will enjoy a streamlined travel experience, including seamless check-in and baggage transfers, the airport said.
Another airline, Contour, will continue to provide service from SHD to CLT through Feb. 1. The airline has provided flights between the two airports for three years, and that service will end in early February.
“Charlotte has long been a popular hub for Valley residents, and we are excited that this important connection will continue seamlessly with SkyWest’s new American Eagle service,” said SHD spokeswoman Heather Ream.
Exploring the Shenandoah Valley
The Shenandoah Valley is known for its stunning landscapes, including Shenandoah National Park, Skyline Drive, and famous caverns like Luray. Visitors can also explore hiking trails and paddle along the Shenandoah River.
Steeped in Civil War history, the valley features preserved battlefields, historic towns like Staunton and Winchester, and cultural destinations such as Harpers Ferry and the American Shakespeare Center. Travelers can also experience local wineries, breweries and farm-to-table dining, reflecting the region’s strong agricultural heritage
Discovering the Greenbrier Valley
The Greenbrier Valley in West Virginia is known for The Greenbrier Resort —a historic luxury destination that once served as a secret Cold War bunker and a World War II hospital. Today, the resort draws visitors for tours, golf and its opulent setting.
The region is also popular for outdoor attractions that include the Greenbrier River, a popular trail for hiking and biking, and caves like Lost World Caverns. Towns such as Lewisburg have historic architecture, arts and restaurants.
More on American and CLT
American Airlines offers thousands of daily flights to more than 350 destinations in over 60 countries. Charlotte Douglas is the second-largest hub for American, which accounts for about 90% of all flights out of the airport.
The airline provides flights to more than 170 destinations in 27 countries worldwide at CLT through its global network.
Charlotte Douglas is the sixth-busiest airport in the world for takeoffs and landings, according to preliminary rankings released in April by Airports Council International. The airport had 596,583 flights last year — an 11% increase from 2023, when it was ranked seventh internationally.
