Galloping to Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby? Fly Nonstop

Hold onto your hats – and boarding passes – because you will be able to fly nonstop to this year’s Kentucky Derby from Pittsburgh.

American Airlines is offering special flights between Pittsburgh and Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) for the historic race taking place on May 3.

American will operate roundtrips on May 1 and May 4 with the outbound flight departing from Pittsburgh on May 1 at 7:05 a.m. and arriving in Louisville at 8:35 a.m. The return flight leaves Louisville on May 4 at 9:05 a.m. and arrives back in Pittsburgh at 10:20 a.m. American’s flights are scheduled to be flown with 76-seat Embraer E175s operated by regional carrier Republic Airways.

Known as “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports,” the Kentucky Derby is the longest continually held sporting event in the U.S. – this year’s race is the 151st running of the event – and one of the most prestigious horse races worldwide. The iconic race is also the first leg of the American Triple Crown, which includes the Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes.

American’s nonstop flights between Pittsburgh and Louisville can be booked through AA.com.

A Republic Airways Embraer E175 taxis at Pittsburgh International Airport on Oct. 12, 2024. (Photo by Evan Dougherty)

Airlines adding flights for major sporting events

This isn’t the first time American – and other carriers – have added special flights at PIT for sports fans.

In January, American operated additional flights on its Pittsburgh-Miami service for Penn State fans traveling to Hard Rock Stadium to see the Nittany Lions matchup against Notre Dame in the NCAA College Football Playoff Semifinal.

During the 2024 National Football League season, Southwest Airlines operated additional flights on its Atlanta and Las Vegas routes for Steelers fans traveling to watch the team face the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium and to bring Las Vegas Raiders to Allegiant Stadium.

In November, Delta Air Lines flew roundtrips from Seattle to Pittsburgh for University of Washington football fans traveling to State College for the Huskies’ game at Penn State on Nov. 9.

U.S. carriers have added special scheduled and charter services around major sports events, such as adding flights into New Orleans for this year’s Super Bowl and flights between college towns for traveling football fans.