Southwest Airlines: Your Guide to Every Airport They Fly From

Southwest Airlines, the airline known for its quirky boarding procedures, no-frills service, and (mostly) on-time performance, boasts an impressive network across the United States and beyond. Southwest doesn’t operate on the traditional “hub and spoke” model that some other airlines do. Instead, they use a point-to-point system, creating a vast web of routes. So, where exactly does Southwest fly? Southwest Airlines flies out of more than 120 airports across the United States, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. This comprehensive network makes it a popular choice for both business and leisure travelers.

Southwest’s Extensive Airport Network

Southwest’s widespread presence offers passengers a significant degree of flexibility and choice. Because they use a point-to-point system, you may be able to get to your destination using Southwest even if a direct flight isn’t available.

Domestic US Airports

Southwest’s bread and butter lies in its extensive network of domestic US airports. They serve major metropolitan areas as well as smaller regional destinations. This includes:

• Major Hubs: Although not officially “hubs” in the traditional sense, some airports see a higher volume of Southwest flights than others. These include Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW), Dallas Love Field (DAL), Denver International Airport (DEN), Houston Hobby Airport (HOU), Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Oakland International Airport (OAK), Orlando International Airport (MCO), Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), and San Diego International Airport (SAN).
• Secondary Cities: Southwest doesn’t just focus on the big cities. They also serve a variety of smaller and mid-sized markets, offering convenient connections and affordable fares. These locations provide a great gateway to smaller communities within the United States.

International Destinations

While primarily a domestic carrier, Southwest has expanded its reach to include several international destinations in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. This allows passengers to conveniently travel to vacation hot-spots from many US cities.

• Mexico: Southwest flies to popular Mexican destinations like Cancun (CUN), Cabo San Lucas (SJD), Puerto Vallarta (PVR), and Cozumel (CZM), among others.
• Central America: Belize City, Belize (BZE) is served by Southwest.
• The Caribbean: Southwest operates flights to various Caribbean islands, including Montego Bay (MBJ) in Jamaica, Punta Cana (PUJ) in the Dominican Republic, Aruba (AUA), and San Juan (SJU) in Puerto Rico.

Key Factors Influencing Southwest’s Airport Choices

Several factors go into Southwest’s decision to serve a particular airport. These include:

• Market Demand: Southwest carefully analyzes passenger traffic and demand for air travel between various cities.
• Airport Capacity and Infrastructure: The airport must be able to accommodate Southwest’s fleet and operational requirements.
• Cost Considerations: Southwest’s low-fare model requires them to operate efficiently and keep costs down.
• Competition: The presence and strength of other airlines on particular routes play a role.
• Strategic Alignment: Southwest’s network planning team considers how new routes and destinations fit into their overall strategy.

FAQs About Southwest Airlines Airports

Here are some frequently asked questions to help you better understand Southwest’s airport network and operations:

1. Does Southwest fly to every state in the United States?

Almost. Southwest flies to almost every state in the United States. While their network is extensive, some states might not have an airport served by Southwest. Check their official route map on Southwest.com for the most up-to-date information.

2. How can I find out if Southwest flies to my local airport?

The easiest way is to visit Southwest’s website, Southwest.com. You can use their flight search tool to enter your origin and destination to see if Southwest offers service between those locations. You can also view their route map for a visual representation of their network.

3. Does Southwest fly to international airports outside of Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean?

Currently, Southwest’s international destinations are limited to Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. They do not fly to destinations in Europe, Asia, South America, or other continents.

4. Are there any airports that Southwest used to fly to but no longer serves?

Yes, over time, Southwest has adjusted its network and discontinued service to some airports. These changes occur for various reasons, including low demand or changes in operational strategy. For example, Southwest previously flew to Long Beach Airport (LGB) but no longer offers service there.

5. Does Southwest use the same terminal at every airport?

No, Southwest doesn’t have dedicated terminals at every airport they serve. The terminal assignment can vary depending on the airport’s layout and available gates. Check your boarding pass or the airport’s information screens for the correct terminal and gate information.

6. How does Southwest decide which new airports to add to its network?

Southwest uses a data-driven approach to determine which new airports to add. They consider factors such as market demand, airport capacity, cost-effectiveness, and the competitive landscape. They are constantly evaluating potential new destinations and routes.

7. Does Southwest offer connecting flights at all of its airports?

While Southwest operates a point-to-point network, connecting flights are often necessary to reach certain destinations. Many of their larger airports, such as BWI, MDW, DAL, DEN, and HOU, act as de facto connection points. When booking your flight, Southwest will show you any available connecting options.

8. How can I find the cheapest Southwest flights from my preferred airport?

Use Southwest’s Low Fare Calendar on their website. This tool allows you to see the lowest fares available for a specific route over a range of dates. Flexibility with your travel dates can often help you find the best deals.

9. Can I use my Southwest Rapid Rewards points to fly to any airport in their network?

Yes, you can redeem your Rapid Rewards points for flights to any destination that Southwest serves, subject to availability. The number of points required will vary depending on the fare and distance of the flight.

10. Does Southwest ever offer special promotions or discounts for flights to new airports?

Yes, Southwest often runs promotional fares and discounts when they launch service to a new airport or begin a new route. Keep an eye on their website and social media channels for announcements of these special offers.

11. Does Southwest codeshare with any other airlines to expand its airport network?

No, Southwest does not currently codeshare with any other airlines. They operate solely under their own brand and flight numbers. They rely on their robust point-to-point network to connect passengers to their destinations.

12. What is Southwest’s baggage policy for flights to international destinations?

Southwest’s generous baggage policy applies to all destinations, including international ones. Every passenger can bring up to two checked bags free of charge (size and weight restrictions apply). This is a significant advantage compared to many other airlines that charge fees for checked baggage, especially on international flights.

Conclusion

Southwest Airlines has strategically built a vast network of airports, providing affordable and convenient travel options for millions of passengers. Whether you’re planning a domestic getaway or an international vacation to Mexico, Central America, or the Caribbean, chances are Southwest can get you there. By understanding their extensive airport network and utilizing their resources like the Low Fare Calendar, you can maximize your travel experience with Southwest Airlines. Safe travels!