Direct flights from Prague to Philadelphia start

US-based carrier American Airlines has opened a direct connection between Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG) and Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). Flights between the two major cities will use a Boeing 767-300 with more than 2,800 seats a week for the entire summer season.

The flights leave Prague at 11:30 am and arrive at 3:10 pm, the return flights leave Philadelphia at 6:30 pm and arrive at 9:05 am the next day.

The Business Class cabin offers 28 fully lie-flat, aisle accessible seats arranged in a one-two-one configuration, plus personal Samsung Galaxy tablets loaded with the latest movie releases, hit TV programs, games, music and best-selling book excerpts. Flagship Business Class users can also enjoy a first-class international menu designed by renowned chefs.

In the main cabin, there are 21 “Main Cabin Extra” seats, offering up to 18 centimeters of extra leg room. International Wi-Fi is also available for every customer on board.

American Airlines is the first airline to provide a direct connection between the Czech Republic and the state of Pennsylvania. Philadelphia is North America's largest air hub. From there, Passengers can fly to nearly 120 destinations in North and Central America and the Caribbean.

American Airlines provides connections from Philadelphia to Los Angeles, Miami, San Francisco, Chicago, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cancun and the Bahamas.

“The launch of a new service from Prague is a testament to the American’s ongoing commitment to international growth and strengthening our presence in Europe,” Jim Butler, the airline’s senior vice president for international and cargo, said in a press release.

Richard Muise, director of operations for Europe and Canada, pointed out the route was also beneficial for people going from Europe.

“Prague is a vibrant new addition to American’s international network and we are pleased to offer Czech travelers more choice and more connections for transatlantic travel,” said Richard Muise, director for Europe and Canada operations. “If Philadelphia is their final destination, Czechs will be able to explore all of the history, shopping and culture the 'City of Brotherly Love' has to offer.”

Václav Řehoř, chairman of the board of airport operator Letiště Praha, said the flight helped with the airport's long-term goals.

“I am very pleased that today and for the very first time we welcome American Airlines at Václav Havel Airport Prague, at the opening ceremony of a regular service between Prague and Philadelphia. This step brings us again closer to meeting our strategy of extending our flight offer to North America, as one of our priorities in the route development. There is long-term interest in traveling to the United States, and a major transport hub like Philadelphia will offer our passengers not only a quick connection to this interesting historic city but also a comfortable transfer to other destinations across the USA or Canada. Already today, American Airlines will offer our passengers around 65 connecting flights with a fast transfer within five hours of arrival,” Řehoř said.

“We will do our best to make American Airlines’ route successful in Prague and make sure that the service can be extended from a seasonal connection at least by the following months until the end of the calendar year,” he added.

Monika Palatková, director of state agency CzechTourism, also welcomed the route. “This direct flight is another example of excellent cooperation within the TouchPoint project. Certainly, it will be appreciated by not only American tourists heading to us but also experts and journalists from all over the world. CzechTourism co-organizes two major international conferences for journalists, writers, PR specialists and influencers in the Czech Republic this year — SATW and TBEX,” she said.

American Airlines also just launched service to Budapest. Aside from a ceremony in Prague to welcome the flight, there was a ceremony in Philadelphia for the launch. Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney and Philadelphia International Airport CEO Chellie Cameron were joined by Hynek Kmoníček, Czech ambassador to the United States, and Dr. László Szabó, Hungarian ambassador to the United States. “PHL is proud to offer these new air services and bring the world a bit closer,” the airport management said on Twitter.

American is in the midst of more than $3 billion in planned improvements to give customers a superior travel experience around the world. These investments include fully lie-flat seats; international Wi-Fi; more in-flight entertainment options and power outlets; a new, modern design for lounges worldwide including in PHL; and an upgraded assortment of complementary healthy food, cocktails and more.