Travelore News: Southwest Cancels 17 Routes From Its 5 Busiest Airports

Southwest Airlines is trimming underperforming nonstop routes to optimize fleet utilization.

In an ongoing push to boost operational efficiency and profitability across its domestic network, Southwest Airlines is cutting 17 nonstop routes originating from five of its busiest airport bases.

The route reductions reflect a broader strategic evolution at the carrier as it transitions toward assigned seating, premium legroom options, and redeploying aircraft toward higher-performing business and leisure markets.

Which Airports Are Affected?

The 17 route cancellations are distributed across five of Southwest's largest key operating bases:

• Denver International Airport (DEN)
• Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)
• Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI)
• Orlando International Airport (MCO)
• Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)

Why Is Southwest Cutting These Flights?

Rather than signaling a contraction, Southwest executives emphasize that these schedule trims allow the carrier to eliminate underperforming point-to-point legs while reinforcing frequency on its high-demand trunk routes.

• Aircraft Utilization: Delivery delays from Boeing have constrained fleet growth, forcing the airline to maximize the efficiency of every active aircraft.
• Yield Optimization: Reallocating capacity away from low-margin seasonal routes to stronger year-round markets.
• Preparing for Cabins Overhaul: As Southwest rolls out extra-legroom seating and assigned boarding, streamlined schedule planning helps maintain on-time performance.

What This Means for Travelers

If you frequently fly non-stop on leisure corridors out of Denver, Las Vegas, Orlando, Chicago, or Baltimore:

• Check Your Itineraries: Passengers with existing bookings on affected routes will be automatically rebooked onto connecting flights or offered full refunds.
• Connecting Service Remains: While the nonstop service on these 17 city pairs is ending, most destinations will still be reachable via single-connection itineraries through Southwest's main hubs.

"We continuously evaluate our network to ensure our aircraft are deployed where customer demand and financial performance are strongest." — Southwest Airlines Network Planning

The Bottom Line

Airlines regularly prune underperforming flights, but trimming 17 routes from major focus cities underscores Southwest’s disciplined focus on profitability. Keep an eye on your upcoming travel schedules if you have bookings through these major hubs!

Southwest Airlines Elevates Corporate Travel With New ‘Business Priority’ Program

As Southwest Airlines continues its major brand evolution, the carrier is doubling down on its commitment to corporate travelers. Southwest Business has unveiled Business Priority, a new corporate product designed to give business travelers enhanced day-of-travel flexibility, priority treatment, and seamless management across modern booking tools.

The move aligns with Southwest’s broader cabin overhaul, including assigned seating, Extra Legroom options, and upgraded onboard tech like high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi.

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What is Southwest 'Business Priority'?

Rolling out as an option in corporate travel agreements starting in early 2027, Business Priority is targeted at qualified corporate accounts to provide an elevated, worry-free travel experience on the day of departure.

Key benefits for covered corporate travelers include:

• Preferred Reaccommodation: Priority handling and priority rebooking if flights are delayed, canceled, or disrupted.
• Enhanced Standby Privileges: Upgraded placement on standby lists for earlier flights on the same travel day.
• Priority Boarding Benefits: Streamlined boarding access to ensure early access to overhead bin space and seating.
• Day-of-Travel Confidence: Designed to minimize downtime and reduce travel stress for road warriors.

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Modernizing Distribution with NDC Capabilities

Alongside the new Business Priority product, Southwest is significantly expanding its distribution channels for corporate travel managers. To ensure business travel buyers can easily access Southwest’s full fare inventory, assigned seats, and ancillary options within their existing workflows, Southwest is introducing New Distribution Capability (NDC) tech integrations:

1. Enhanced In-House Direct Connect (API): Expected to roll out to corporate partners by late 2026.
2. Amadeus Altéa NDC Partnership: Integrating Southwest’s personalized fare offers and seat choices directly into the Amadeus Travel Platform by late 2027.

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Why It Matters for Corporate Travel Programs

For years, corporate travel managers faced friction integrating low-cost carriers into legacy booking tools. With the combination of Business Priority and NDC integration, Southwest is making it drastically easier for corporate travel departments to manage policy compliance, access exclusive fares, and provide frontline road warriors with premium travel perks.

Travelore News: FAA Certifies Boeing’s Long-Awaited 737 MAX 7 After Years Of Delays

In a landmark decision for commercial aviation, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) officially granted an amended type certificate for Boeing's smallest MAX variant, the 737 MAX 7 (737-7). The clearance comes after nearly a decade of intensive design adjustments, enhanced safety testing, and heightened regulatory scrutiny.

The announcement marks a critical turning point for Boeing as it works to restore confidence and clear its backlog of aircraft orders.

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What Delayed the 737 MAX 7?

The certification journey for the MAX 7 was far from straightforward. Following two tragic crashes involving the larger MAX 8 variant in 2018 and 2019, the FAA completely overhauled its aircraft certification framework.

Before signing off on the MAX 7, federal regulators mandated key structural and technical revisions under the Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act and NTSB guidelines:

• Engine Anti-Ice System Redesign: Prevented potential overheating issues that could affect the surrounding engine nacelle structure.
• Flight-Control Software Updates: Enhanced flight control behavior under varying aerodynamic conditions.
• Upgraded Flight Deck Alerting: Provided pilots with clearer, more distinct warnings and actionable cockpit feedback.

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Key Specifications: Boeing 737 MAX 7

Feature	Details
Capacity	135 to 160 passengers (typical two-class setup)
Maximum Range	3,800 nautical miles (~8.5% further than the MAX 8)
Primary Route Focus	Short-to-medium haul, high-altitude, and hot-climate airports
Launch Customer	Southwest Airlines (over 200 aircraft on order)

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When Will Passengers Fly on the MAX 7?

While the FAA's approval clears Boeing to begin production and deliveries, travelers shouldn't expect to step aboard immediately.

Southwest Airlines, the jet's largest single customer, plans to integrate the aircraft into its fleet over the coming months. However, passenger schedules are expected to start seeing the MAX 7 deployed on revenue routes in early 2027 as crew training and fleet logistics wrap up.

In the meantime, FAA safety inspectors will maintain an active, on-site presence at Boeing production lines to continuously monitor manufacturing quality and safety management systems.

Southwest Airlines to Open Premium Airport Lounges Co-Branded With Chase

In what marks one of the most drastic business transformations in aviation history, Southwest Airlines is officially preparing to enter the premium lounge market. Long known for its single-cabin, low-cost model, the Dallas-based carrier is quietly securing airport space to build a network of lounges in partnership with long-time credit card issuer Chase.

The strategic move comes alongside Southwest's recent shift toward assigned seating and extra-legroom seats, signaling a full-court press to attract premium leisure and corporate travelers.

Southwest Airlines is moving forward with plans to open airport lounges co-branded with Chase at key hub airports.

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Why Southwest is Entering the Lounge Business

For decades, airport lounges were considered taboo for low-cost airlines. However, credit card partnerships have become massive profit drivers for major airlines. While competitors like Delta, United, and American generate billions through premium co-branded cards that offer lounge access, Southwest's top card tier has historically maxed out at lower price points.

By building airport lounges in partnership with Chase, Southwest aims to unlock a brand-new ultra-premium Rapid Rewards credit card tier.

SOUTHWEST x CHASE LOUNGE NETWORK AT A GLANCE

• Co-Brand Partner: Chase Bank (issuers of Southwest Rapid Rewards cards)
• Reported Hub Pipeline: Honolulu (HNL), Dallas Love Field (DAL), Austin (AUS), Nashville (BNA), and Denver (DEN)
• Expected Tied Product: A new premium Chase card ($395–$650 annual fee tier)
• Key Target Audience: Frequent business travelers and loyal Rapid Rewards cardholders

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Where Will the First Lounges Open?

While executive leadership hasn't formally announced opening dates yet, lease filings and industry reports confirm space acquisition is already underway across at least five major Southwest focus cities:

• Honolulu (HNL): Approved for Southwest's first-ever official lounge lease.
• Dallas Love Field (DAL): A primary headquarters hub that handles heavy passenger volume.
• Denver International (DEN): One of Southwest's busiest connecting hubs in the nation.
• Austin-Bergstrom (AUS) & Nashville (BNA): Rapidly growing tech and leisure destinations where Southwest holds major market share.

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What This Means for Rapid Rewards Cardholders

To support a lounge network, Southwest and Chase are surveying a new premium credit card option expected to feature an annual fee between $395 and $650. Cardholders will likely receive unlimited lounge visits, potential guest passes, and added Priority Pass membership perks to cover secondary airports where dedicated Southwest lounges aren't yet available.

Travelore Pro-Tip: If you currently hold a Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority card, hold off on making major changes to your setup. The new Chase lounge card tiers will officially be revealed alongside the formal lounge launch announcements.

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The Bottom Line

With assigned seating, extra-legroom options, and now Chase co-branded airport lounges on the horizon, Southwest Airlines is fundamentally reshaping its identity to capture high-value travelers who want comfort from curb to gate.

Southwest’s Massive Expansion: Alaska Flights, Costa Rica Redeyes, And Assigned Seats

Southwest Airlines is completely rewriting its playbook. In what is being hailed as the most aggressive network transformation in the carrier’s history, Southwest has launched a massive expansion that pushes its boundaries further than ever before—while simultaneously upending the quirky boarding traditions passengers have known for decades.

From the glaciers of the Pacific Northwest to the beaches of Central America, the low-cost giant is aggressively targeting new markets to compete head-to-head with legacy network carriers. If you haven't flown Southwest recently, your next flight is going to look completely different.

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Say Hello to Alaska & Costa Rica

In the boldest network expansion of the decade, Southwest has officially broken out of the lower 48 states to launch its first-ever service to Anchorage, Alaska (ANC). Operating as a daily seasonal service out of major hubs in Denver (DEN) and Las Vegas (LAS), the route marks a historic milestone for a carrier that once focused strictly on short-haul regional hops.

But the expansion map doesn't stop in the frozen north. Southwest is also ramping up its international presence with a flurry of sun-and-sand routes:

• First-Ever International Redeyes: In a bid to maximize aircraft utilization, Southwest is launching a new daily, late-night route from Las Vegas (LAS) to San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO).
• The Vegas-to-Mexico Pipeline: Breaking monopolies, Southwest has added highly requested nonstop service connecting Las Vegas to Cancún (CUN), alongside increased frequencies to Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta.
• Caribbean Deep Dive: New daily flights are taking off from Orlando and Baltimore down to the island paradise of Sint Maarten (SXM).

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Doubling Down on Key Domestic Hubs

While the exotic new destinations are grabbing headlines, Southwest is also fortifying its strongholds across the United States. Following major schedule optimizations, significant frequency boosts are rolling out across several key focus cities:

Hub Airport	Key Expansion Details
San Diego (SAN)	Hitting an all-time high of 134 peak-day departures; adding a highly anticipated nonstop to Boston (BOS).
Orlando (MCO)	Increasing year-over-year frequencies across 11 different routes, including Albuquerque, Cleveland, and El Paso.
Austin (AUS)	Adding a brand-new daily route to Cincinnati (CVG) and introducing year-round service to Memphis (MEM).
Intra-California	Redesigning the West Coast grid to pump extra daily flights from LAX to Sacramento, San Francisco, and San Jose.

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A Brand-New Product for a New Era

Southwest executives admit that flying to places like Alaska once seemed "inconceivable," but the route map isn't the only thing changing. To appeal to modern business and premium travelers, the airline is matching its massive route expansion with an equally dramatic product evolution.

The carrier is actively rolling out its highly publicized shift to assigned seating, effectively killing off its famous, decades-old open-boarding cattle call. Furthermore, Southwest is installing in-seat power across its full Boeing 737 fleet and partnering with T-Mobile to offer completely free Wi-Fi for all Rapid Rewards members.

By blending its legendary "bags fly free" philosophy with robust premium seating options, international connections, and a rapidly expanding global footprint, Southwest is proving it is no longer just a quirky budget airline—it's a global heavyweight.

What do you think of Southwest’s massive new direction? Will you be booking a flight to Alaska, or are you just excited to finally have an assigned seat? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Inside Southwest Airlines' Massive 2026 Caribbean Expansion

For the first time since 2021, Southwest Airlines is aggressively expanding its international footprint by adding brand-new tropical destinations to its route network. If you have been looking for an easier, more affordable way to trade the mainland for pristine island shores, your vacation planning just got a lot more exciting.

Launching throughout the first half of 2026, Southwest’s major Caribbean expansion introduces direct access to two of the region's most beloved island gateways. Here is everything you need to know about the new routes, departure cities, and when you can catch your next flight.

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1. St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands (Service Starts Feb 5, 2026)

Southwest officially kicks off its island expansion by landing at Cyril E. King International Airport (STT) on the picture-perfect island of St. Thomas. Serving as the gateway to the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Thomas is a dream destination for travelers chasing world-renowned beaches like Magens Bay, historic Dutch-European architecture, and easy ferry access to nearby St. John. Since it is a U.S. territory, American travelers won't even need a passport to make the trip.

The Routes:

• Orlando (MCO): Daily nonstop round-trip service officially takes flight on February 5, 2026.


• Baltimore/Washington (BWI): Perfect for a quick winter escape, peak-day weekend nonstops roll out starting February 7, 2026.

2. St. Maarten (Service Starts April 7, 2026)

Just a couple of months later, Southwest will plant its flag at Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) on the vibrant island of St. Maarten. Famous for its unique dual French and Dutch culture, world-class shopping on Front Street, and the iconic Maho Beach (where aviation fans watch commercial jets roar directly overhead), St. Maarten is a heavy hitter in Caribbean travel.

The Routes:

• Orlando (MCO): Once-daily nonstop service will bridge Central Florida and St. Maarten starting April 7, 2026.


• Baltimore/Washington (BWI): Weekend nonstop service from the Northeast launches just two days later on April 9, 2026.

A Network Transformation: Connecting 45+ Cities

While Orlando and Baltimore serve as the primary launching pads for these new international routes, the expansion actually benefits travelers across the entire United States. Because of how Southwest spaces its daily flight banks, passengers originating in more than 45 domestic cities will be able to book single-layover, seamless connection itineraries straight to St. Thomas or St. Maarten.

This leisure-focused push comes at a fascinating time for the carrier. The 2026 Caribbean expansion coincides with a massive operational shift for Southwest, as the airline rolls out assigned seating, premium cabin sections with extra legroom, and new reconfigured fleet layouts.

The Bottom Line for Travelers

Southwest's entry into these premium island markets is a massive win for consumers. Not only does it introduce healthy competition that typically drives down overall airfares, but it also means travelers can finally redeem Rapid Rewards points and take advantage of Southwest's legendary "Bags Fly Free" policy on long-haul beach vacations.

Flights for the 2026 spring and summer seasons are already loaded into the airline's booking schedule, so make sure to check your points balance and lock in your island getaway early!

Southwest Airlines Atlanta Route Cancellations: Full List Of 26 Dropped Cities

In a move that marks the end of an era for low-cost transit in the Southeast, Southwest Airlines is executing a massive strategic retreat from one of the busiest aviation markets in the world.

The carrier has officially announced a sweeping operational overhaul at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), slashing its schedule by nearly 30% and entirely cutting 26 nonstop routes. The decision represents the single largest network reduction in Atlanta’s recent aviation history, fundamentally shifting the competitive landscape in Delta Air Lines' primary mega-hub.

Why is Southwest pulling back so aggressively from the world's busiest airport, and how will it rewrite the rules for budget-conscious travelers? Here is the breakdown of the major changes taking effect this fall.

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The 26 Cities Losing Nonstop Southwest Service

The scale of the service reduction is massive. Southwest is eliminating nonstop flights from Atlanta to 26 different destinations across the United States and the Caribbean. If you frequently fly out of ATL, you will no longer be able to catch a direct Southwest flight to the following cities:

• Major Hubs & Transcon Routes: Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), Phoenix (PHX), Charlotte (CLT), Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP)


• Midwest & Northeast Tech Centers: Chicago Midway (MDW), Cleveland (CLE), Detroit (DTW), Indianapolis (IND), Columbus (CMH), Pittsburgh (PIT), Richmond (RIC)


• Southern & Texas Regions: Austin (AUS), Dallas Love Field (DAL), Houston Hobby (HOU), San Antonio (SAT), Memphis (MEM), Greenville-Spartanburg (GSP), Jackson (JAN), Oklahoma City (OKC)


• Florida & Caribbean Vacation Hotspots: Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Fort Myers (RSW), Sarasota (SRQ), West Palm Beach (PBI), Nassau (NAS), Punta Cana (PUJ)

What's Left? Southwest isn't leaving Atlanta completely. The airline will maintain direct service to just 21 destinations, down from its peak of over 47. Moving forward, the remaining schedule will focus heavily on core operational strongholds like Baltimore (BWI), Orlando (MCO), Denver (DEN), and Nashville (BNA).

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Why is Southwest Retreating from Atlanta?

The decision to pull back from Atlanta boils down to two critical factors: underperforming profitability and a severe delay in aircraft deliveries.

1. Sub-Par Financial Performance

Airlines measure route success through margins, and Southwest executives admitted that the intense competition in Atlanta simply wasn't delivering a healthy return on investment. Competing directly against Delta Air Lines—which controls roughly 80% of the passenger traffic in Atlanta—made it incredibly difficult for Southwest to command premium fares on short-to-medium-haul domestic hops. Southwest President Bob Jordan noted that the carrier is systematically auditing its network to eliminate areas where performance falls below acceptable standards.

2. The Boeing Delivery Squeeze

The pullback is heavily exacerbated by ongoing delivery delays from Boeing. Faced with a shortage of incoming Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, Southwest is forced to build a highly conservative, defensive schedule. Rather than stretching their existing fleet thin across highly competitive, lower-margin routes like Atlanta, they are choosing to protect their aircraft and reallocate them to high-density, highly profitable markets elsewhere in their network.

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The Ripple Effect: Higher Fares for Atlanta Travelers

For local travelers and business flyers based in the Atlanta metropolitan area, this retreat is a tough pill to swallow. Southwest has historically acted as a natural check on regional ticket prices—a economic concept known in the aviation industry as the "Southwest Effect."

When a low-cost carrier introduces competition on a route, legacy network carriers are naturally pressured to lower their base fares to remain competitive. By removing Southwest from these 26 direct markets, Delta and other remaining carriers gain an immediate monopoly or duopoly on several routes out of ATL. Without a low-cost counterweight, travelers should brace themselves for an inevitable climb in domestic airfares on these affected routes over the coming year.

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What Lies Ahead: A Changing Business Model

The network trimming in Atlanta is just one piece of a much larger puzzle. As Southwest fights off pressure from activist investors and works to boost long-term margins, the entire airline is preparing for a complete structural evolution.

Alongside dropping unprofitable routes, the carrier is getting ready to abandon its historic open-seating policy in favor of assigned seats, rolling out premium extra-legroom tiers, and introducing overnight "red-eye" flights. Southwest is proving that it is no longer afraid to break its own rules to secure its financial future—even if it means giving up ground in the world's busiest airport.

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Southwest Rolls Back Controversial "Customer of Size" Seating Mandate: What You Need to Know

Just months after tightening its restrictions and sparking a wave of online backlash, Southwest Airlines has officially updated its policy regarding plus-size travelers once again.

Back in January 2026, alongside a massive operational shift toward assigned seating and premium cabins, Southwest quietly implemented a strict mandate: passengers who "encroached upon" adjacent seats were required to pay upfront for a second seat at booking or face being rebooked at the gate. Detractors quickly labeled the change a "fat tax," and travelers reported feeling ostracized by the rigid rules.Now, the airline is pivoting. Southwest has announced a partial rollback of that policy, empowering airport staff to accommodate passengers needing extra space for free under certain conditions.

Whether you are a regular flyer tracking airline policy updates or planning a trip yourself, here is exactly how the new policy works right now.

What is Changing? The New Gate Policy

The biggest update focuses on what happens at the airport. Southwest is no longer strictly forcing larger passengers to purchase an additional seat in advance.

Instead, the airline has reintroduced flexibility at the gate:

Free Extra Seats at the Airport: According to Southwest Airlines, gate agents are now fully empowered to provide a second adjacent seat at no extra cost on the day of travel—provided the flight has available open seats.

The Catch (If the Flight is Full): If you arrive at the gate needing two seats but the aircraft is entirely full, you won't be forced to cram into a single seat. Instead, Southwest will work to rebook you onto the next available flight that has two open adjacent seats.

"On flights where adjacent seats are available, our Agents at the airport are empowered to provide an additional seat at no extra cost to Customers who require one. If another seat is not available, we will work to accommodate the Customer on a later flight."— Southwest Airlines Official Statement.

How Does Southwest Define Who Needs an Extra Seat?

Southwest uses a specific physical marker to determine if a second seat is necessary: the armrest.

The airline’s official policy states that the armrest is considered the "definitive boundary" between passenger spaces. If a traveler cannot sit comfortably with the armrest completely lowered, a second seat is required for safety and comfort.

Additionally, only one seatbelt extension per passenger is permitted onboard, and it must be provided directly by Southwest flight attendants (personal extensions are not allowed). Passengers using a seatbelt extension are also legally barred from sitting in emergency exit rows.

Booking in Advance: The Safest Bet (With a Catch)

Despite giving gate agents the power to hand out free extra seats, Southwest still strongly recommends that plus-size passengers purchase a second seat ahead of time. This is the only way to guarantee a spot on your preferred flight.

If you decide to book an extra seat in advance to secure your travel plans, here is how the refund process works:

1. Book the Same Fare Class: Both seats must be purchased at the same time and within the identical fare class (e.g., Choice, Choice Preferred, Choice Extra, or Basic).

2. Apply for a Post-Flight Refund: After you complete your journey, you have 90 days to submit a refund request to Southwest for the cost of the second seat.

3. The Flight-Status Caveat: You will only receive a refund for that advance seat purchase if the flight departed with at least one open seat available. 1 If the flight was 100% full, the cost of the second seat is non-refundable.

The Big Picture for Travelers

This policy adjustment is part of a turbulent era for Southwest as it navigates a total overhaul of its historic business model. Over the last year, the airline has phased out its iconic open-seating system, added premium extra-legroom rows, introduced overnight red-eye flights, and adjusted checked bag rules to increase profitability.

While the partial rollback on the "Customer of Size" policy removes the stress of a forced upfront charge, it does introduce a gamble for travelers who choose not to pay in advance, essentially putting them at risk of flying standby if a flight sells out.

Travelore News: Southwest Airlines Launches New International Routes

While Southwest Airlines is famous for its "bags fly free" domestic network, the carrier is making a massive play for the international market this year. As of May 2026, Southwest has rolled out a strategic expansion involving seven new international routes that connect major U.S. hubs to sun-drenched destinations in Mexico and the Caribbean.

Whether you're looking for a non-stop hop to the beaches of Punta Cana or a first-ever direct flight from the Las Vegas Strip to Cancun, here is the breakdown of Southwest’s newest international connections.

The New International Roster

Southwest’s Q3 2026 schedule highlights seven specific routes that are either entirely new or represent significant "year-over-year" additions to their network.

The New International Roster

Southwest’s Q3 2026 schedule highlights seven specific routes that are either entirely new or represent significant "year-over-year" additions to their network.

Departure City - DestinationLaunch/StatusNotable - Fact
Kansas City (MCI)Punta Cana (PUJ)Launched March 2026

The airline's longest flight ever from Kansas City.

Orlando (MCO)St. Maarten (SXM)Launched April 2026

Daily service to the "Plane Spotter's Paradise."Baltimore (BWI)
St. Maarten (SXM)Launched April 2026

First-ever nonstop service between these two cities.

San Diego (SAN)Puerto Vallarta (PVR)Launched March 2026A returning favorite not seen since 2020.

Las Vegas (LAS)Cancun (CUN)Starting June 4, 2026

First international nonstop for Southwest from Sin City.

Las Vegas (LAS)Los Cabos (SJD)Starting June 4, 2026 Directly competes with Alaska Airlines on this popular route.

Las Vegas (LAS)Puerto Vallarta (PVR)Starting June 6, 2026Expanding the "Leisure King" status of the Las Vegas hub.

Why These Routes Matter

This isn't just about more seats; it’s about Southwest evolving to compete with major legacy carriers on long-haul leisure routes.

1. Breaking Records in Kansas City

The Kansas City to Punta Cana route is a milestone for the airline. At 1,847 nautical miles, it is now the longest flight Southwest operates out of MCI. It also marks the first time any airline has offered nonstop service between these two cities, saving Midwestern travelers hours of connection time in Atlanta or Charlotte.

2. The Las Vegas International Pivot

Las Vegas is already one of Southwest’s largest domestic operations. By adding nonstop flights to Cancun, Los Cabos, and Puerto Vallarta this June, the airline is turning Vegas into a true international gateway for the West Coast.

3. Redeye Revolution

Tips for Booking

Check the Days: Many of these new routes, like the Baltimore to St. Maarten leg, operate on a weekly or twice-weekly basis rather than daily. Always check the Southwest Low Fare Calendar for the best availability.

Rapid Rewards: Since these are new routes, keep an eye out for "Double Point" promotions often used to celebrate inaugural flights.
Pack Heavy: Remember, Southwest’s policy of two free checked bags still applies to these international destinations, which is a massive win for those carrying snorkeling gear or bulky beach luggage.

With Anchorage service also debuting this month, Southwest is proving that 2026 is the year they truly "spread their wings" beyond the continental U.S.In a historic shift for the company, Southwest is using this expansion to launch its first international redeye flight. The new service from Las Vegas to San Jose, Costa Rica, will depart late at night and land the following morning—a move enabled by the airline's recent transition to assigned seating.

Travelore News: Southwest Looks At Setting Up Its Own Airport Lounge Network

The carrier has already won approval for a lounge at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu.

In yet another break from Southwest’s former no-frills, low-cost business model, the airline’s CEO said Wednesday that a network of airport lounges is in the works.

The Dallas-based carrier is “actively pursuing” the idea of a lounge network and discussing potential airport leases, Bob Jordan told CNBC in an interview. Southwest’s credit card partner, Chase, is also involved in the talks, he added.

“I think lounges would be a huge next benefit for our customers,” Jordan told the business news channel. “And you [would] have a lounge network that allows you to offer that premium credit card that provides lounge access.”

The CEO did not provide a timeline for the potential network’s debut.

Southwest in October won approval to develop and open its first lounge at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu. Company officials have not announced or confirmed the project, and it is not clear when it will open to eligible customers.

Southwest does not currently operate lounges like its major U.S. competitors, reflecting its longstanding low-cost model. Since 2024, however, the airline has moved away from that strategy in an effort to open up new revenue streams and capture a larger share of luxury travelers, who are increasingly driving growth for carriers across the world.

Earlier this year, Southwest ended its famous “two bags fly free” policy and started charging for checked bags. It will transition to assigned seating on its flights in January 2026.

In a separate interview with CNBC’s “Squawk on the Street,” Jordan said Southwest is retaining its advantages – including strong brand loyalty, low operating costs, and standout hospitality – while undergoing what host Carl Quintanilla termed “premiumization.”

https://airlinegeeks.com/author/zachvasile/

Southwest Is Adding Anchorage, Alaska, To Its Network In 2026

Southwest Airlines is keeping the sun up all night on its network expansion party with the intention to begin service at Anchorage, Alaska’s Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport in the first half of 2026. Southwest Airlines® is scheduled to make flights available for purchase as part of its next schedule extension coming this month.

“We’re adding destinations that once seemed inconceivable for Southwest in order to build a route network that creates new experiences and more possibilities than ever before,” said Andrew Watterson, Chief Operating Officer at Southwest Airlines. “We look forward to connecting our Customers to the rich history and culture of Anchorage and connecting the 49th state to our vast domestic network.”

Anchorage marks the fifth new destination Southwest® has announced thus far in 2025 and will expand its network to 122 airports1 when service launches next year. Already the airline flying more Customers nonstop within the United States2, Alaska will become the 43rd state in Southwest’s domestic network.

“Air travel is a lifeline in Alaska, and Southwest’s arrival in Anchorage is a major win for our communities,” said Ryan Anderson, Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities. “This service will provide more affordable, reliable connections for Alaskans and help share our great state with more visitors than ever before.”

“This will be a big economic boost for Anchorage and all of southcentral Alaska," said Suzanne LaFrance, Mayor of Anchorage. "We are excited to share our rich cultural heritage, magnificent landscapes, and diverse community with a larger group of travelers.”Accompanying its recent new destination announcements, Southwest is redesigning its cabin experience to meet the needs of the modern traveler. Enhancements include selling assigned and premium seating for flights, launching free Wi-Fi for all Rapid Rewards® Members, thanks to T-Mobile®, and adding in-seat power to all of its Boeing 737-8 aircraft as the airline works toward in-seat power across its full fleet.

Rapid Rewards Members earn points by flying or spending with partners. Members can purchase points to earn a reward to book their favorite destination or a new Southwest route. Plus, Members are eligible for free Wi-Fi, thanks to T-Mobile, and tier benefits make every journey more enjoyable.

Travelore News: Southwest Is Adding Nonstop Flights To St. Maarten

Southwest Airlines has extended its flight schedule with more routes to new places offering inspiration to book travel through June 3, 2026. It also introduced a new international partnership with EVA Air that’s on sale now and shared a third new destination for 2026, St. Maarten in the Caribbean.

Southwest® will bring new international service* to Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) beginning April 7, 2026, adding the island of St. Maarten to the map of tropical destinations it serves across the Caribbean.

This is Southwest’s first new international destination since 2021. St. Maarten is comprised of two parts, the Netherlands’ constituent country of Sint Maarten, alongside the French overseas collectivity of Saint-Martin.Southwest will fly roundtrip once daily between St. Maarten (SXM) and Orlando (MCO) starting April 7, with an expanded schedule two days later that includes peak-schedule service on Saturdays and Sundays between St. Maarten and Baltimore/Washington (BWI). These nonstop routes allow roundtrip connections with more than 45 airports across the U.S. Check Southwest.com for available fares and schedules.

*subject to requisite approvals

How Southwest Airlines’ New Policy Will Affect Plus-Size Travelers

Southwest Airlines will soon require travelers who don’t fit within the armrests of their seat to pay for an extra one in advance, part of a string of recent changes the carrier is making.

A Southwest Airlines plane pull into a gate at Pittsburgh International Airport in Imperial, Pa., Thursday, March 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)

The new rule goes into effect Jan. 27, the same day Southwest starts assigning seats.

Currently, plus-size passengers can either pay for an extra seat in advance with the option of getting that money back later, or they can request a free extra seat at the airport. Under the carrier’s new policy, a refund is still possible but no longer guaranteed.

In a statement Monday, Southwest said it is updating some of its policies as it prepares for assigned seating next year.

“To ensure space, we are communicating to Customers who have previously used the extra seat policy that they should purchase it at booking,” the statement said.

It marks the latest change at Southwest, which had long been known for letting its passengers pick their own seats after boarding the plane, and for letting their bags fly for free, which ended in May. Those perks were key to differentiating the budget carrier from its rivals.

Southwest says it will still refund a second ticket under its new policy for extra seating if the flight isn’t fully booked at the time of departure, and if both of the passenger’s tickets were purchased in the same booking class. The passenger also needs to request the refund within 90 days of the flight.

If a passenger who needs an extra seat doesn’t purchase one ahead of time, they will be required to buy one at the airport, according to the new policy. If the flight is full, the passenger will be rebooked onto a new flight.

Jason Vaughn, an Orlando-based travel agent who posts theme park reviews and travel tips for plus-size people on social media and his website, Fat Travel Tested, said the change will likely impact travelers of all sizes. Southwest’s current policy helped create a more comfortable flying experience for plus-size travelers, he said, while also ensuring all passengers have adequate space in their seats.

“I think it’s going to make the flying experience worse for everybody,” he said of the new rule.

Vaughn described the change as yet another letdown for Southwest loyalists like himself, likening it to Cracker Barrel’s recent logo change that has angered some of the restaurant’s fans.

“They have no idea anymore who their customer is,” he said of the airline. “They have no identity left.”

The airline has struggled recently and is under pressure from activist investors to boost profits and revenue. It also said last year that it would charge customers extra for more legroom and offer red-eye flights.

https://apnews.com/author/rio-yamat

Southwest Airlines Is Getting Rid Of Another Perk For Passengers

The same day that Southwest Airlines' new policy ends the Dallas carrier's practice of providing two free checked bags, another beloved perk is going away.

Employees of Southwest Airlines check passengers in at Philadelphia International Airport September 2, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Alex Wong/Getty Images

Starting next month, flight credits, the travel funds customers receive when a flight is canceled or a fare is downgraded, will now have expiration dates. Previously, Southwest fliers didn't have a rush to use flight credits, but now that the airline is adopting policies similar to competitors, travelers will need to use up the credit in one year or less, depending on the fare purchased.

The policy switch is slated to go into effect for flight credits created from reservations booked or changed on or after May 28. But if you manage to secure flight credits by the day before, on May 27, Southwest will honor the former policy of never having those expire, according to the airline's help center.

And don’t expect to find a sneaky way around the new policy for yourself or a friend. Southwest notes that if you apply the flight credit toward a new reservation booked and ticketed or changed on or after May 28 and later cancel the reservation, any flight credit or transferable flight credit will have a specified expiration date.

When first announcing the move to expire flight credits, along with other changes, Southwest CEO Bob Jordan said, "We have tremendous opportunity to meet current and future customer needs, attract new customer segments we don’t compete for today, and return to the levels of profitability that both we and our shareholders expect."

Still, some of Southwest's adjustments have been met with criticism that the airline is dropping policies that once made it stand out. Along with the more noticeable changes to baggage and flight credits, other alterations affecting smaller sectors of customers have been made. The latest involved the carrier’s loyalty program, known as Southwest Rapid Rewards, which introduced variable redemption rates last month. Under those rates, Southwest says flights with lower demand will have lower redemption rates than they did while flights with high peak demand may have higher redemption rates than they formerly did.

Of course, the biggest change for many happened last summer, when Southwest said it would end its open seating policy. At the time, Southwest cited a change in consumer preferences as its motive for the change, yet some loyalists signed petitions begging for open seating to remain. Still, Southwest is pushing ahead on it, with plans to begin offering booking for assigned and premium seating in the second half of this year and operating with assigned seating in 2026.

https://www.chron.com/author/andrea-guzman/

Southwest Ditches Free Checked Bag Policy In End Of Era For Airline With Fees Starting May 28th

Southwest Airlines Co. will begin charging passengers for some checked luggage, ending a free-bag policy that has been a hallmark of the carrier since its founding more than five decades ago.

Customers will be charged for their first and second checked bags unless they hold top-tier loyalty status or are traveling on a business fare. The changes apply to flights booked on or after May 28, the airline said Tuesday.

Scrapping the “bags fly free” perk is the latest seismic shift for Southwest in the wake of a pressure campaign by activist Elliott Investment Management, now one of its biggest shareholders. The airline has been moving away from its historic one-size-fits-all business model, revealing plans last year to ditch its open seating policy, while also announcing a new premium class section and red-eye flights.

The overhaul has been part of a larger effort to revamp operations, improve financial results and galvanize the stock, which had fallen about 18% over the past year while the broader market has gained. Southwest said last month it would cut 15% of its corporate positions, or about 1,750 jobs, in its first-ever involuntary layoffs.

The airline has slowed its growth plans over the next three years as it works to carve $500 million out of spending — a target it roughly doubled to a little over $1 billion on Tuesday. It’s also monetizing its fleet of aircraft and orders, taking advantage of high demand for Boeing Co. and Airbus SE planes as production challenges limit supply.

Southwest on Tuesday also revised its financial outlook in part to reflect “softness in bookings and demand trends as the macro environment has weakened,” echoing comments a day earlier from Delta. Southwest now sees unit revenue up 2% to 4% this quarter, down from a prior expectation of as much as 7%.

The Dallas-based carrier now says non-fuel costs on a seat-mile basis will rise 6% from a year ago compared with its earlier outlook for up to a 9% increase. Southwest will also accelerate to July 2025 the completion of a $2.5 billion share repurchase program.

The company had long stood by its free-luggage policy, which executives have said differentiates it from competitors — it has been the only major US airline to allow passengers to check two bags at no cost. Chief Executive Officer Bob Jordan emphasized the importance of the feature on an earnings call last April, saying that “people choose Southwest Airlines because we don’t have bag fees.”

As recently as its September investor day, Southwest lauded the two free bags policy as “far and away the top feature” distinguishing the airline. Eliminating it would risk a loss of customers that would overwhelm incremental revenue from the fees, cutting $300 million from sales.

Bloomberg reported in August that the company had quietly started sureeying some customers about imposing bag fees for certain fares, suggesting it was considering a change at least since then.

New Customers

Elliott has largely avoided calling for specific policy changes, but has criticized Southwest for failing to take advantage of potential revenue sources. Southwest didn’t specify in Tuesday’s statement whether Elliott had played a role in the policy change.

Rival airlines view the move as a potential opportunity to win over Southwest customers unhappy with the changes.

“It’s the slaying of a sacred cow,” United Airlines Holdings Inc. Chief Executive Officer Scott Kirby said at an industry conference Tuesday. “I view it as a big deal.”

Delta Air Lines Inc. President Glen Hauenstein predicted that travelers upset with Southwest “are up for grabs.”

Jordan said that the moves are designed to boost the airline’s sagging profits and win new customers it doesn’t currently compete for. The airline didn’t specify how much it would charge for each bag.

Southwest’s A-list Preferred Members and those who purchase “Business Select” fares will continue to get two free checked bags, while A-list Members and “other select customers” will receive one free checked bag, the carrier said. Holders of the airline’s Rapid Rewards credit card also will get one free checked bag.

In addition to the bag fees, Southwest also said it will introduce a new “basic” fare on its lowest-priced tickets starting May 28. The offering is similar to rock-bottom fares with certain limitations that have been adopted by larger rivals like American Airlines Group Inc. and United Airlines Holdings Inc. to lure the most price-conscious customers away from ultra-discount carriers.

Additionally, Southwest flight credits issued from either a canceled flight or a downgrade will now expire in one year or less, depending on the fare type, the airline said Tuesday.

https://www.bloomberg.com/authors/ABoOYuHQogU/mary-schlangenstein

Southwest Plans To Cut Flights In Atlanta While Adding Them Elsewhere. Its Unions Are Unhappy

Southwest Airlines plans to eliminate about one-third of its flights to Atlanta next year to save money as it comes under pressure from a hedge fund to increase profits and boost the airline’s stock price.

The retreat in Atlanta, where Southwest is far smaller than Delta Air Lines, will eliminate more than 300 jobs for pilots and flight attendants, although they will have a chance to relocate, according to the company.

A Southwest official said Wednesday the airline needs to cut unprofitable routes, and “demand for Atlanta doesn’t support our level of flying.”

While the airline’s planners “try everything they can before making hard decisions like this one, we have to make this change to help drive us back to profitability,” the Atlanta-based official, Tiffany Laurent, said in a memo to employees.

Southwest executives are expected to detail other changes that it plans to make when it holds an investor meeting Thursday. The session is in response to Elliott Investment Management’s campaign to shake up Southwest’s leadership and reverse a decline in profits over the past three years.

Southwest will cut 58 flights per day and reduce its presence at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport from 18 to 11 gates, according to the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association, which says the news is painful for Atlanta-based employees.

“It is simply amazing that the airline with the strongest network in the history of our industry is now retreating in a major market because this management group has failed to evolve and innovate,” the union said in a memo to pilots.

Bill Bernal, president of the Transport Workers Union local representing Southwest flight attendants, said his union is outraged by the reduction of Atlanta jobs. He said Southwest assured the union that it would grow in Atlanta.

“This is gaslighting at its finest,” Bernal said in a memo to union members. “Yet again, flight attendants are paying the price for poor management decisions.”

A Southwest spokesperson responded, “Decisions like these are difficult for our company because of the effects on our people, but we have a history of more than 53 years of ensuring they are taken care of.”

While retreating in Atlanta, Southwest published its schedule through next June on Wednesday, and it includes new routes between Nashville and six other cities along with five new red-eye flights from Hawaii to Las Vegas and Phoenix. Those additions start in April.

Earlier this year, Southwest pulled out of four smaller markets and announced it would limit hiring in response to weakening financial results and delays in getting new planes from Boeing.

More notably, CEO Robert Jordan said in July that Southwest will begin assigning passengers to seats and set aside nearly one-third of its seats for premium service with more legroom.

AP

Southwest Airlines Offering Rapid Rewards Members A Limited-Time Promotion To Accelerate To A-List Or A-List Preferred Tier Status

Southwest Airlines Co. announces the return of its limited-time tier acceleration promotion, making it easier for Southwest Rapid Rewards® Members to earn tier status through 2025. Starting today, Rapid Rewards®1 Members have four opportunities to accelerate their way to the highly coveted A-List or A-List Preferred tier status: qualifying flight purchases, qualifying flight purchases with Rapid Rewards points, Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards from Chase purchases, and Rapid Rewards partner spend. Visit Southwest.com® for the full list of terms and conditions.

"We're bringing back this popular promotion to give our Rapid Rewards Members an extra boost to reach our coveted A-List and A-List Preferred tier status faster, so they can take advantage of all the benefits that our Rapid Rewards program has to offer, such as earlier boarding, boosted points, free same-day standby, and same-day change," said Jonathan Clarkson, Vice President & Chief Product Officer at Southwest Airlines. "A-List Preferred Members can enjoy all the same benefits plus free WiFi, and premium drinks."

Earn Double Tier Qualifying Points on Flights

Southwest Rapid Rewards Members who register for this promotion, purchase Southwest® qualifying flights, and travel through Nov. 30, 2024, can earn double tier qualifying points that count toward A-List or A-List Preferred tier status for the remainder of 2024 and through Dec. 31, 2025.6 Southwest Business travelers also benefit by booking through Southwest Business channels (SWABIZ.com, GDS, or SPS) for the individual traveler to earn three times the tier qualifying points per flight for travel through Nov. 30, 2024.

Reward Travel Counts

Southwest Airlines® makes travel even more rewarding by applying reward travel toward tier status segment requirements. Every one-way qualifying flight segment purchased and traveled using Rapid Rewards® points or Rapid Rewards Business points counts as one tier qualifying flight segment when Customers register for this promotion, purchase Southwest qualifying flights, and travel through Nov. 30, 2024.

Earn with Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards from Chase

Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers who register for this promotion can earn their way to tier status faster with credit card spending. From Sept. 1, 2024, through Nov. 30, 2024, Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers can earn 2,000 tier qualifying points for every $5,000 in purchases made with their Rapid Rewards Priority, Premier, and Plus Consumer Credit Cards, as well as Premier, Plus, and Performance Business Credit Cards from Chase. These tier qualifying points are in addition to current tier qualifying points that Cardmembers already earn.

New! Earn with Rapid Rewards Partners

For the first time, Members can earn their way to tier status with qualifying purchases made with Rapid Rewards car rentals, hotel bookings, and other select Rapid Rewards partners. Every base point earned on qualifying purchases made with select Rapid Rewards partners between now and Nov. 30, 2024, counts as one tier qualifying point, up to a maximum of 5,000 total tier qualifying points.

Join Rapid Rewards

The Southwest Rapid Rewards program is designed around a simple concept—to make earning reward flights faster and easier. With Rapid Rewards, every seat is a reward seat, there are no blackout dates, and points don't expire.1 Customers can create an account to become a Rapid Rewards Member at Southwest.com to take advantage of Southwest's award-winning loyalty program benefits.

Southwest Adds More Flights For Popular Events; Publishes Initial Redeye Service And New Routes Spanning The Country

Southwest Airlines Co. has new flights available for booking today as the carrier continues responding to Customer demand and preferences with additional service around popular events in Southwest® destinations, as well as redeye operations for the first time.

Flexibility for Football

After expanding our college football and professional football playbooks, Southwest Airlines®—the Official Airline of the Southeastern Conference—is kicking off additional round trip service for gridiron fans.

More Flights for College Football

Game Location and Date: Las Vegas; Sept. 1, 2024

Dallas (Love Field) and Las Vegas

Houston (Hobby) and Las Vegas

Game Location and Date: Ann Arbor, Mich.; Sept. 7, 2024

Dallas (Love Field) and Detroit

Game Location and Date: Norman, Okla.; Sept. 21, 2024

Nashville and Oklahoma City

More Flights for Professional Football

Game Location and Date: Atlanta; Sept. 22, 2024

Kansas City and Atlanta
Game Location and Date: Las Vegas; Sept. 29, 2024

Columbus and Las Vegas From the Cold to the Coast

For Customers wishing to visit a sunnier locale during the winter months, Southwest has added more flights effective Jan. 7, 2025, connecting traditionally cold-weather cities to the Florida and California coasts, including service between:

Columbus and Miami

Chicago (Midway) and Palm Springs

Pittsburgh and Miami

Providence and West Palm Beach

Readying for Redeyes

As we announced July 25, the airline's first redeye operations1 are scheduled to launch Feb. 13, 2025, and land on Valentine's Day 2025. Flights are initially available between the following Southwest cornerstone markets:

Las Vegas and Baltimore/Washington

Las Vegas and Orlando

Los Angeles and Baltimore/Washington

Los Angeles and Nashville

Phoenix and Baltimore/Washington

These flights, and the carrier's full schedule, are available for purchase today at Southwest.com.

Travelore News: Southwest Breaks With 50-Year Tradition And Will Assign Seats

Southwest Airlines plans to drop its tradition of more than 50 years and start assigning seats and selling premium seating for customers who want more legroom.

The airline said Thursday that it has been studying seating options and is making the changes because passenger preferences have shifted. The moves could also generate revenue and boost financial performance.

Southwest made the announcement on the same day that both it and American Airlines reported a steep drop in second-quarter profit despite higher revenue.

Airlines are struggling with higher costs and reduced pricing power, especially on flights within the United States, as the industry adds flights faster than the growth in travel demand.

Southwest, based in Dallas, said its second-quarter profit fell 46% from a year earlier, to $367 million, as higher costs for labor, fuel and other expenses outstripped an increase in revenue. The results met Wall Street expectations.

American Airlines also reported a 46% drop in profit, to $717 million, and said it would break even in the third quarter — well below Wall Street expectations of 48 cents per share profit in the July-through-September period.

American “did not perform to our initial expectations” because of a since-abandoned sales strategy and an oversupply of domestic flights, CEO Robert Isom said. He said the airline was responding with a strategy that boosts profits and “makes it easy for customers to do business with American.”

Southwest’s unusual boarding process started decades ago as a way for the airline to save money by reducing the amount of time it took for a plane to land, load new passengers, and take off again — turn time, as it is called in the business.

Most airlines assign each passenger to a seat when they buy a ticket. Southwest requires customers to check in exactly 24 hours before departure unless they pay extra to guarantee a better place in the boarding line. Those who hate it call it a “cattle call” but many Southwest loyalists love it.

However, as flights have become more full it has gotten harder to score a window or aisle seat without paying extra. Also, some passengers appear to game the system: They use a wheelchair to get to the gate, where they are given priority in boarding, then miraculously walk off the plane without assistance after the flight.

The airline said in surveys 80% of its customers — and 86% of “potential” customers — want an assigned seat. It said open seating is the top reason that travelers stop flying Southwest and choose another airline.

Southwest also said it will offer redeye flights for the first time.

Southwest said that its first overnight, redeye flights will land on Feb. 14, 2025, on nonstop routes including Las Vegas to Baltimore and Orlando; Los Angeles to Baltimore and Nashville; and Phoenix to Baltimore. It plans to add more redeyes over time.

The changes in seating policy and redeye flights come as Southwest is under pressure from Elliott Investment Management. The hedge fund argues that the airline lags rivals in financial performance and has failed to change with the times. It wants to replace CEO Robert Jordan and Chairman Gary Kelly.

The airline said it will provide more details about its upcoming changes at an investor day in September.

Shares of all major airlines dipped before the opening bell Thursday. Southwest Airlines Co. fell 6% and American Airlines Group Inc. fell 7%. Delta, JetBlue and United slipped more than 1%.

AP

End Of An Era: How Southwest Airlines Plans To Handle Redeyes, Assigned Seats, Extra Legroom And Basic Economy

Revenue problems at Southwest Airlines were revealed this week to be even worse than we thought as the carrier faces a campaign by an activist investor to oust current management and force the airline to shift its business model to become more like American Airlines, Delta, and United.

Before Elliott Capital’s near-$2 billion investment, Southwest was already talking up changes to offer more premium products that customers would pay more for. There’s been a trend towards premium, and also long haul international, both of which the airline has been unable to take advantage of. Their product and route network haven’t aligned with what customers have most wanted to buy.

There are unconfirmed reports that seem to suggest how Southwest Airlines intends to handle redeye flying, assigned seats, and a new extra legroom section of their aircraft.

The airline would certainly issue a denial because these plans aren’t finalized in the sense that they could change, timelines could shift, and they have not been announced yet. Announcements are expected at the airline’s fall Investor Day. Consider this a work in progress, though it’s expected that the final version will fall along these lines.

Love Cabin would be extra legroom seats at the front of the aircraft. This will entail taking planes out of service to accommodate reconfiguring cabins. It’s possible that adding extra legroom seats wouldn’t reduce the number of seats per aircraft. Currently Southwest offers more legroom than standard economy compared to Delta, American or United. They do not advertise their legroom advantage versus competitors. Regular coach seating could get tighter.

Blocked middle seats? Southwest could offer blocked middle seats for sale in Love Cabin, along the lines of Frontier, where the airline sells a seat block to both the aisle and middle seat passenger as an option. That gives them not just extra legroom but extra width as well. And the opportunity to sell that middle seat block twice, combined with Southwest’s lower than industry average load factors, could mean a boost to revenue compared to trying to sell that seat. It is not clear how firm this is in the airline’s plan.

Redeye training for crews by end of summer to allow for limited redeye flying over the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. New union contracts now provide for redeye operations, though there are also technical system issues that need updating and validating. Southwest, in the past, has had to reset their systems each night in the middle of the night. Also, reportedly “there is a crew software system that also needs to be upgraded first.”

Basic economy I’ve heard several reports that the airline is working on a replacement for their cheapest Wanna Get Away fare. Presumably these passengers would board last and have last choice of seats. In Enilria‘s version, they’d get access to seat assignments (if assigned seats are offered throughout the cabin, not just the Love Cabin) or boarding order only an hour prior to departure. Two free checked bags are so baked into Southwest’s value proposition that this could remain, although I’ve heard it both ways. There could be change restrictions introduced.

Enilria also reports that Southwest has updated its revenue management system “in recent days.” They’ve talked about an upgrade for months, and I assumed it was already in place, but they blamed their dismal second quarter revenue guidance update on their inability to adjust revenue to the current demand environment. The new system prices based on origin and destination city, rather than based on availability for each leg of a trip. This will take time to tune.

I think that basic economy is a mistake for Southwest. Their entire brand – which has tremendous value – is predicated on its democratic experience. Southwest’s stock is still heavily priced by the market, trading at outsized multiples compared to other airlines even with its current challenges. Making Southwest more like the rest of the industry, which trades around six times earnings, doesn’t seem like a path towards turning around investor returns.

However offering premium products and partnering with international airlines both seem like strong opportunities for the airline, and keeping planes in the air longer does as well. Their costs have grown substantially, and they have a revenue problem, so eking out incremental revenue against which to spread fixed costs makes sense. So does giving consumers options to buy things that they want.

As much as I’d hate to see Southwest’s generous seat pitch go, it’s not something that they advertise or that most customers realize. They haven’t been leveraging this costly arrangement to their benefit, although customers will certainly notice the difference once it’s gone. I will lament the change but it makes sense for the airline to monetize their seats rather than ‘giving away’ the extra benefit that not every customer values in terms of higher cost. The airline is likely leaving money on the table with its current generosity.

https://viewfromthewing.com/author/viewfromthewing/