Southwest Airlines New Routes, Which Cities Just Got Nonstop Flights and What They Cost
Quick Answer
Southwest Airlines has added 20+ new routes starting in 2025 and continuing into 2026, including seven new international routes from Las Vegas to Cancun, Los Cabos, and Puerto Vallarta, plus domestic additions like Honolulu to Los Angeles, Portland to Baltimore, and San Diego to Eugene, Maui, and Seattle. The airline is also expanding to a brand-new city (Knoxville) with service to Nashville, Baltimore, Dallas, and Orlando beginning in 2026.
Fares vary by route and season, but the key takeaway is that Southwest is aggressively building out both its domestic and international networks after a decade of international service.- Best for: Leisure travelers seeking affordable nonstop options to Hawaii, Mexico, and secondary US cities, plus business travelers needing new connections from Midwest hubs like Chicago Midway and Columbus.
- Key point: Southwest launched seven new international routes from Las Vegas alone on June 4, 2025—the airline's most significant single-day international expansion in its history.
- Bottom line: If you fly Southwest regularly, the new routes from San Diego, Las Vegas, and Chicago Midway offer the most value, but watch for the 30 routes the airline cut in spring 2025—expansion comes with trade-offs.
Why Southwest Is Expanding Now—And What It Means for Your Travel Plans
Southwest Airlines carried 3.9 million international passengers in 2025, yet it only held 5% of the large US market to/from the Caribbean, Central America, and Mexico. That statistic tells you everything about the airline's motivation.
Southwest sees a massive gap between where it is and where it could be, especially when you consider that legacy carriers like American, Delta, and United have been dominating those routes for decades. The airline has been an international carrier for over ten years, as spokesperson Chris Perry confirmed in a statement to KERA News in May 2025.But the recent flurry of route announcements—including a formal request to the U.S. Department of Transportation for a permit that would allow Southwest to fly to Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa under Open Skies agreements—shows the airline is thinking bigger than just adding a few beach destinations.What does this mean for you? More options at lower prices, at least in the short term.When Southwest enters a market, it typically undercuts competitors on price while offering its signature two free checked bags policy. That combination is especially attractive for families heading to Hawaii or Mexico, where bag fees from other airlines can add $100+ round-trip per person.| Route | Launch Date | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honolulu (HNL) to Los Angeles (LAX) | June 5, 2025 | Multiple daily | New Hawaii-mainland link |
| Lihue (LIH) to Las Vegas (LAS) | June 5, 2025 | Daily | Expanded Hawaii service |
| Portland (PDX) to Baltimore (BWI) | June 5, 2025 | Daily | Cross-country connection |
| Columbus (CMH) to Miami (MIA) | June 5, 2025 | Daily | New Florida option |
| Chicago Midway (MDW) to Palm Springs (PSP) | June 5, 2025 | Seasonal | Winter sun route |
The Seven New International Routes What You Need to Know
On June 4, 2025, Southwest launched seven new international routes from Las Vegas alone—a bold bet that the city's tourism appeal extends beyond domestic travelers. The airline introduced service from Las Vegas to Cancun, Los Cabos, and Puerto Vallarta, with frequencies varying widely by week depending on demand and aircraft availability.
This isn't just about adding beach destinations, though. The international expansion includes routes that connect secondary US cities directly to Mexico and the Caribbean, bypassing traditional hub airports.| International Route | Launch Date | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Las Vegas (LAS) to Cancun (CUN) | June 4, 2025 | Varies by week | New Mexico beach link |
| Las Vegas (LAS) to Los Cabos (SJD) | June 4, 2025 | Varies by week | Popular resort destination |
| Las Vegas (LAS) to Puerto Vallarta (PVR) | June 4, 2025 | Varies by week | Third Mexico route from LAS |
| Sacramento (SMF) to Puerto Vallarta (PVR) | March 8, 2025 | Saturdays only | Seasonal weekend service |
| Additional 4 routes | June 2025 | Various | Full list not specified |
For travelers, the practical implication is clear: if you've been avoiding international travel because of high fares or inconvenient connections, Southwest's expansion gives you more leverage. Compare fares on these new routes against legacy carriers, and don't forget to factor in Southwest's free bags—that's where the real savings add up when you're packing for a beach vacation.
Also, a TSA Approved Toiletry Bag becomes essential for international travel to keep your liquids organized through security, especially on tight connections.San Diego Becomes a Major Hub Five New Routes Launching March 2026
Southwest is turning San Diego into a serious West Coast gateway. Starting March 5, 2026, the airline will add daily, year-round service from San Diego to five destinations: Eugene, Oregon; Maui, Hawaii; Portland, Oregon; Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; and Seattle, Washington.
That's a dramatic increase in connectivity for a city that has historically been overshadowed by Los Angeles and San Francisco in terms of airline route networks. The San Diego to Maui route is particularly noteworthy.It gives Southern California travelers a direct option to one of Hawaii's most popular islands without having to drive to LAX or connect through Honolulu. Similarly, the San Diego to Puerto Vallarta route opens up a direct Mexico beach option that previously required a connection through Phoenix or Dallas on other carriers.Eugene, Oregon, might seem like an odd addition, but it makes strategic sense. Eugene is the home of the University of Oregon, a major sports and academic institution that generates consistent travel demand.Southwest is clearly betting that San Diego travelers want easier access to Oregon's Willamette Valley, and that Eugene residents want a direct West Coast option beyond Portland.| San Diego (SAN) Route | Launch Date | Frequency | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eugene (EUG) | March 5, 2026 | Daily | Year-round |
| Maui (OGG) | March 5, 2026 | Daily | Year-round |
| Portland (PDX) | March 5, 2026 | Daily | Year-round |
| Puerto Vallarta (PVR) | March 5, 2026 | Daily | Year-round |
| Seattle (SEA) | March 5, 2026 | Daily | Year-round |
If you're planning Hawaii travel in 2026, these San Diego routes are worth watching. The competition between Southwest and Hawaiian Airlines could drive fares down, especially if Southwest adds more capacity.
And don't forget: Southwest's two free checked bags policy is a huge advantage for Hawaii trips where you're likely packing snorkel gear, hiking boots, and multiple outfits. A Portable Luggage Scale becomes particularly useful here to avoid overweight bag fees on your return flight, especially if you're bringing back souvenirs.Midwest Connections Chicago Midway and Columbus Get New Options
The Midwest is getting significant attention in Southwest's latest route expansion. Starting June 5, 2025, the airline added service between Columbus, Ohio and Miami, Florida, and between Chicago Midway and Palm Springs, California.
These aren't random additions—they fill specific gaps in Southwest's network. Columbus to Miami is a route that business travelers have been requesting for years.Columbus has a strong corporate base, including insurance giant Nationwide and Ohio State University, while Miami is a major business and leisure destination. Previously, travelers had to connect through Baltimore or Nashville.Now they can fly direct, saving two to three hours each way. Chicago Midway to Palm Springs is equally strategic.Palm Springs has become a year-round destination, not just a winter escape, thanks to its growing arts scene, music festivals, and luxury resorts. But Palm Springs International Airport has limited nonstop options from the Midwest.Southwest's twice-daily service from Midway gives Chicagoans a direct option that competes with American's service from O'Hare. The airline is also adding thrice-daily flights between Chicago Midway and Des Moines, Tulsa, and Wichita starting March 5, 2026.These are classic Southwest routes—connecting major hub airports to smaller Midwestern cities that legacy carriers have largely abandoned or reduced service to. For travelers in Des Moines, Tulsa, or Wichita, these routes mean easier access to Chicago's connections without having to drive to a larger airport.| Midwest Route | Launch Date | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbus (CMH) to Miami (MIA) | June 5, 2025 | Daily | New business/leisure link |
| Chicago Midway (MDW) to Palm Springs (PSP) | June 5, 2025 | Seasonal | Winter sun option |
| Chicago Midway (MDW) to Des Moines (DSM) | March 5, 2026 | 2x daily | Midwest frequency boost |
| Chicago Midway (MDW) to Tulsa (TUL) | March 5, 2026 | 2x daily | Return of a former route |
| Chicago Midway (MDW) to Wichita (ICT) | March 5, 2026 | 2x daily | New market entry |
For Midwest travelers, the lesson is clear: Southwest is doubling down on secondary city connections, and you should take advantage while introductory fares last. Consider packing light with a Travel Neck Pillow for Airplane to make those shorter Midwest hops more comfortable, especially if you're connecting through Chicago on a longer itinerary.
Knoxville Joins the Map What a Brand-New City Means for Southwest's Future
Southwest is adding a completely new city to its route map: Knoxville, Tennessee. Starting in 2026, the airline will serve Knoxville's McGhee Tyson Airport with flights to Nashville (twice daily), Baltimore, Dallas, and Orlando.
This is significant because Knoxville has never been a Southwest destination before, and it represents the airline's continued push into smaller, underserved markets. Why Knoxville?The city has a growing economy driven by the University of Tennessee, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and a burgeoning tech sector. It's also a popular gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, one of the most visited national parks in the country.Despite this, Knoxville has limited nonstop options compared to Nashville or Atlanta. Southwest's entry immediately gives travelers four direct destinations, with likely more to come if demand justifies it.The Knoxville to Nashville route is particularly interesting. At roughly 180 miles, it's a short hop that Southwest could easily fill with business travelers, students, and people connecting through Nashville's larger network.But it also raises the question: will Southwest eventually add direct flights from Knoxville to other hubs like Chicago Midway or Denver? Based on the airline's pattern of starting small and expanding, it's a safe bet that Knoxville will see additional routes within a year or two.| Knoxville (TYS) Route | Launch Date | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville (BNA) | 2026 | 2x daily | Short regional hop |
| Baltimore (BWI) | 2026 | Daily | East coast connection |
| Dallas (DAL) | 2026 | Daily | Southwest hub access |
| Orlando (MCO) | 2026 | Daily | Florida leisure option |
For travelers in the Southeast, Knoxville's addition is a reminder that Southwest is willing to go where legacy carriers won't. If you live in a mid-sized city that Southwest doesn't currently serve, keep an eye on future expansions—the airline's DOT permit request for international routes suggests that even smaller cities could eventually get direct international service.
Redeeye Flights and Schedule Changes What's Different About Southwest in 2026
Southwest expanded its redeye offerings effective April 8, 2025, with overnight service from three Hawaii airports to the mainland. This is a major operational shift for an airline that historically avoided red-eye flights.
The reasoning is simple: Hawaii to mainland flights are long enough that an overnight departure allows for better aircraft utilization and gives travelers more flexibility. If you're flying from Honolulu or Maui back to the West Coast, a redeye means you can enjoy a full last day in Hawaii and still be home by morning.It's a trade-off—you lose a night's sleep—but for many travelers, it's worth it to maximize vacation time. The schedule extension through November 1, 2025, which was announced earlier, also included new Saturday-only international routes like Sacramento to Puerto Vallarta.This pattern of adding weekend-only international service is smart: it lets Southwest test demand without committing daily aircraft to routes that might not fill up midweek. What should you do with this information?If you're flexible with your travel dates, book those Saturday-only international routes early—they're likely to sell out quickly once word gets out. And if you're flying redeye from Hawaii, invest in a good Travel Neck Pillow for Airplane and an eye mask.Southwest's all-737 fleet means you're in a single-aisle aircraft for a 5-6 hour overnight flight—comfort matters.| Redeeye Route | Start Date | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii to mainland (various) | April 8, 2025 | Overnight daily | Expanded redeye network |
| Sacramento to Puerto Vallarta | March 8, 2025 | Saturdays only | Weekend getaway option |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which new Southwest routes are launching in 2026?
Southwest has announced multiple new routes starting in March 2026, including daily year-round service from San Diego to Eugene, Maui, Portland, Puerto Vallarta, and Seattle. The airline is also adding twice-daily flights from Chicago Midway to Des Moines, Tulsa, and Wichita, plus new service from Knoxville to Nashville, Baltimore, Dallas, and Orlando.
These routes begin on March 5, 2026.How many routes did Southwest cut in 2025?
Southwest cut approximately 30 routes in the spring of 2025, according to The Points Guy. This is part of a broader network optimization that also included adding 31 new routes in April 2025.
The airline is constantly adjusting its route map based on demand, aircraft availability, and competitive pressures.Does Southwest fly to Europe or Asia?
As of June 2026, Southwest does not fly to Europe or Asia. However, the airline filed a request with the U.S.
Department of Transportation in May 2025 for a permit that would allow it to fly to all countries covered under the Open Skies agreement, including those in Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa. Southwest currently flies internationally only to Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.What is Southwest's longest international route?
Southwest's longest international link is to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic from the US. According to Simple Flying's analysis using Cirium Diio data, this is the first time the route has ever been served and it's the carrier's longest link from the US to the popular tourist destination.
How many international passengers did Southwest carry in 2025?
Southwest carried 3.9 million international passengers in 2025, but that only represented 5% of the large US market to/from the Caribbean, Central America, and Mexico. This indicates significant room for growth, which the airline is pursuing through its new international route launches and its DOT permit application for broader international authority.
Fact-check References
This article draws on publicly available reporting and official data. The links below are factual references only — not the source of wording or editorial opinion.
- https://www.facebook.com/simpleflyingnews/posts/southwests-massive-expansion-20-... — checked 2026-06-05
- https://simpleflying.com/southwest-launches-7-new-international-routes-see-where... — checked 2026-06-05
- https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/southwest-airlines-extends-schedule-thr... — checked 2026-06-05
- https://www.reddit.com/r/SouthwestAirlines/comments/1fpkf55/the_great_southwest_... — checked 2026-06-05
- https://www.facebook.com/simpleflyingnews/posts/southwests-massive-expansion-31-... — checked 2026-06-05
Affiliate Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we believe in.