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Southwest Airlines is set to transform summer travel in 2026 with a dynamic expansion of its flight network, introducing new routes and record-frequency services across major U.S. cities such as Las Vegas, Orlando, San Diego, Anchorage, Nashville, Indianapolis, New Orleans, and more. The enhanced schedule includes first-time destinations, seasonal services, and additional daily flights on high-demand routes, providing travelers with unmatched flexibility and convenience. This bold move addresses growing demand for both leisure and business travel while strengthening connectivity to key hubs and popular vacation spots nationwide.
The Dallas-based carrier’s summer 2026 schedule highlights significant growth in major U.S. leisure markets and the addition of new destinations to its expanding network. Operations will increase in high-traffic hubs including Las Vegas, Orlando, and San Diego, while Anchorage, Alaska, will welcome Southwest’s inaugural service starting May 15, 2026. These updates reflect the airline’s commitment to meeting evolving travel needs and giving passengers more options for summer getaways and business trips.
Reservations for the summer schedule are now open through August 3, 2026. Travelers can take advantage of more frequent flights on domestic routes, new international connections, and expanded access to sought-after destinations, making it easier than ever to plan seamless travel during the peak summer season.
Boosted Service in Las Vegas and Orlando
Las Vegas will see a significant increase in Southwest’s flight offerings, with added frequencies on eight domestic routes. The expanded connections include destinations such as Nashville, Burbank, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Orlando, New Orleans, Reno, and Tampa. In addition, the airline will launch its first international service from Las Vegas, with nonstop flights to Cancun, Los Cabos, and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, starting June 4, 2026. This move positions Las Vegas as a key international gateway for Southwest while continuing to strengthen its domestic network.
Orlando, home to Southwest’s largest Florida operation, will also experience major growth. The airline plans additional flights on 11 routes, increasing service to a total of 63 destinations. This expansion covers cities including Austin, Nashville, Baltimore, Indianapolis, Las Vegas, Kansas City, Milwaukee, New Orleans, Pittsburgh, Louisville, and San Juan, Puerto Rico. By bolstering Orlando’s connectivity, Southwest aims to accommodate growing passenger traffic and enhance the airport’s status as a critical hub for both domestic and international travelers.
San Diego Records and New Alaska Service
Southwest will operate record-level flights from San Diego International Airport following the opening of the new Terminal 1. The airline plans up to 134 trips on peak days, offering service to 43 destinations. New nonstop flights between San Diego and Boston will launch on June 4, 2026, while the San Diego–San Francisco route will see service increased to eight daily flights. These additions reinforce San Diego’s position as one of Southwest’s most important West Coast bases.
Expanding its reach northward, Southwest will begin service to Anchorage, Alaska, for the first time. Daily summer flights will connect Anchorage to Denver and Las Vegas, both key gateways for further domestic travel. This expansion not only opens up Alaska to Southwest passengers but also strengthens the airline’s nationwide network by connecting new regions to established hubs.
Growth in Austin and Other Key Hubs
Austin, Texas, will also benefit from network growth. A new daily route to Cincinnati will be added, along with the return of seasonal service to Seattle. The airline will further increase flight frequencies between Austin and Indianapolis as well as San Francisco. These expansions reflect Southwest’s ongoing commitment to enhancing service at key hubs while providing more options for both leisure and business travelers.
Onboard Upgrades and Loyalty Enhancements
Alongside the expanded schedule, Southwest is introducing several improvements to the onboard experience. Assigned and premium seating is being added to Boeing 737-8 aircraft, along with in-seat power and complimentary Wi-Fi for loyalty program members. The airline’s Rapid Rewards® program continues to offer opportunities to earn and redeem points on flights, upgrades, and new routes, with up to 40% savings on purchased points designed to accelerate rewards for frequent travelers.
Positioning for Growth and Customer Flexibility
Southwest’s summer 2026 schedule reflects a strategic focus on key leisure-driven markets, increased flight frequencies on business corridors, and the introduction of entirely new destinations. By expanding service across established hubs, opening international routes, and entering new states like Alaska, the airline is responding to growing passenger demand while providing flexibility for vacationers and professionals alike.
With enhanced connectivity, improved onboard amenities, and a stronger loyalty program, Southwest Airlines is poised to deliver a more versatile and comfortable travel experience for the summer of 2026. The expanded schedule reinforces its position as a leading carrier in the U.S., capable of accommodating both domestic and international travelers across North America.
