American Airlines is getting into the Día de los Muertos spirit with a gesture so generous, so sweeping, that it involves exactly four nonstop flights. The airline will operate a limited run between Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and Oaxaca International Airport (also known as Xoxocotlán International Airport) on Oct. 29, Oct. 30, Nov. 3 and Nov. 4, 2026. Both directions, mind you. Don't spend it all at once.

The scheduling is thoughtfully designed to let Phoenix travelers arrive before the holiday and return after, without the indignity of connecting through another airport. A one-night trip is also theoretically possible, because the flights run on consecutive days in both directions. So if you've ever dreamed of a 24-hour whirlwind tour of Oaxaca's famed Day of the Dead observances, American Airlines has made that dream - if not exactly convenient - at least nonstop.

The approximately 1,500-mile route connects Phoenix with the airport located south of Oaxaca City, and tickets can be searched on American's booking page. Fares and remaining seats are subject to change, obviously, and if you miss these four dates, you're back to connecting itineraries like a common traveler. Phoenix Sky Harbor announced this cornucopia of flight options on Aug. 18, which we assume was a slow news day.

Oaxaca's government notes that Nov. 1 and 2 are the holiday's most significant days, when families prepare altars with photographs, candles, marigolds and foods associated with departed relatives. Traditions vary across the state's eight regions, and offerings may include mole negro, tamales, fruit, chocolate and mezcal - which sounds less like mourning and more like a really good dinner party.

American currently offers more Phoenix - Mexico service than any other airline at Sky Harbor, so this temporary expansion is presumably a bid to dominate the cultural-observance market. The State Department, ever the fun sponge, places Oaxaca state under a Level 2 travel advisory, meaning travelers should exercise increased caution. No specific restrictions are listed for Oaxaca City or nearby Monte Albán, so pack your marigolds and your mezcal.

After Nov. 4, the nonstop vanishes from the schedule, and Oaxaca-bound travelers must return to the ancient art of the connecting flight. Because nothing says 'remembering the dead' like a layover in Dallas.