Southwest Airlines made headlines last week with the announcement of 30 new routes, expanding its service to cities across its map. These new routes, which will be available for booking through August 4, 2024, are not the only changes that Southwest customers can expect to see next summer. The airline also revealed that it will be bringing back 66 seasonal routes, replacing winter-oriented seasonal routes that will pause as the summer routes begin.
The returning seasonal routes will offer a range of options, from short regional flights to cross-country journeys. While some of these routes will operate on a daily basis, the majority will only be available on weekends. Some of the returning routes will resume after a short hiatus, while others will be reintroduced after a longer pause. Regardless of the details, the airports receiving these returning flights are excited to welcome them back.
For example, Iftikhar Ahmad, CEO of the Rhode Island Airport Corporation, expressed his enthusiasm for Southwest’s seasonal service from Providence to both Dallas and Denver. With the addition of the Denver service, Providence now joins Albany, New York, and Hartford, Connecticut, as destinations in the Northeast that offer service to the Rocky Mountain hub. As one of the busiest airports in Southwest’s network, Denver provides numerous connection options to cities in the West.
Milwaukee will also see the return of seasonal service to San Diego. This Saturday-only service, which covers a distance of 1,739 miles, will become Milwaukee’s longest regularly scheduled flight. Brian Dranzik, the airport director, stated that there is strong demand for flights to southern California, and these new flights will make it easy for Milwaukee travelers to enjoy the West Coast nonstop. Dranzik also emphasized that the support of Milwaukee travelers will be crucial in ensuring the continuation of this service.
In Norfolk, Virginia, Southwest’s seasonal service to St. Louis could lead to increased service between the two cities. Charlie Braden, the head of market development at Norfolk International Airport, noted that Southwest Airlines carries the majority of passengers between Norfolk and St. Louis, making nonstop service a natural fit. The airport expects the customer base to grow as a result.
Southwest’s list of returning seasonal nonstop markets for summer 2024 includes a wide range of destinations. Some of the notable routes include Albuquerque to Orlando and San Antonio, Austin to Cozumel, Boston, and Puerto Vallarta, Baltimore/Washington to Grand Cayman and Providenciales, and Boise to Dallas. Other returning routes include Chicago to Buffalo, Cancun to Pittsburgh, Charleston to St. Louis, and Cleveland to Las Vegas and Tampa.
The list goes on, with various other airports and destinations included. From Detroit to Las Vegas, El Paso to Orlando, Fort Lauderdale to Phoenix, and Indianapolis to Panama City, Southwest is expanding its reach and offering more options for travelers. The airline is also bringing back service to locations like Kansas City, Montego Bay, Myrtle Beach, Nashville, Norfolk, Portland, Providence, Reno, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, and many more.
Southwest’s commitment to expanding its route map and providing seasonal service to a wide range of destinations demonstrates its dedication to meeting customer demand and providing convenient travel options. With these new and returning routes, Southwest aims to make travel easier and more accessible for passengers. Whether it’s a short regional trip or a cross-country adventure, Southwest is ready to take customers to their desired destinations.