San Diego, February 2, 2026
Southwest Airlines has announced significant expansion plans for its route network, focusing on new domestic and international destinations in California. Travelers in San Diego will benefit from new flights to various locations, including Santa Barbara and international routes to St. Thomas and St. Maarten. This expansion aims to enhance travel options and stimulate local economic growth by improving connectivity for both residents and tourists.
Southwest Airlines Expands Its California Routes in 2026
New Destinations and Service Enhancements Promised for Travelers
San Diego is set to experience an exciting development in the airline industry as Southwest Airlines announces plans to expand its network significantly in 2026. This expansion includes new domestic and international routes, which will not only provide travelers with broader options but also highlight the ongoing resilience of the aviation sector in the face of challenges. Given Southwest’s reputation for affordability and customer service, this move is expected to positively impact both local residency and tourism.
As American entrepreneurs push toward innovation in travel, the airline industry remains a key player in driving local economic growth. By fostering increased competition and providing more options for consumers, companies like Southwest Airlines may help stimulate job creation and economic activity in and around San Diego.
New Domestic Routes
Knoxville, Tennessee
Starting March 5, 2026, Southwest will launch service at McGhee Tyson Airport, introducing five daily round-trip flights connecting Knoxville with major cities including Nashville, Baltimore, Dallas, and Orlando.
San Diego, California
In a boost for local travelers, Southwest will commence new services from San Diego on August 4, 2026. The airline is set to offer daily flights to Santa Barbara, alongside double daily flights to Portland, Salt Lake City, and Seattle, thereby expanding the city’s connectivity significantly.
New International Routes
St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
For those looking beyond domestic travel, Southwest will initiate flights to St. Thomas from Baltimore/Washington on February 7, 2026, and from Orlando starting February 5, 2026.
St. Maarten
The airline will also begin nonstop flights to Princess Juliana International Airport in St. Maarten starting April 7, 2026, from select cities across the U.S.
Anchorage, Alaska
Further expanding its reach, Southwest Airlines will introduce daily service from Denver and Las Vegas to Anchorage beginning May 15, 2026.
Partnerships and Alliances
In addition to expanding its own routes, Southwest Airlines is enhancing travel options through partnerships. Notably, a collaboration with Condor Airlines will offer new transatlantic travel options starting January 19, 2026. Furthermore, beginning in January 2026, passengers will also have the opportunity to book flights to over 350 destinations across 132 countries through a new partnership with Turkish Airlines.
Service Enhancements
Assigned Seating
In an effort to further improve the customer experience, Southwest Airlines will implement assigned seating starting January 27, 2026. This significant shift from the traditional open-seating policy will allow passengers to choose their seats in advance, resulting in a more organized boarding process.
Baggage Policy Changes
Meanwhile, the airline is set to adjust its baggage policy; starting May 2025, passengers will face fees for checked luggage, replacing the long-standing ‘bags fly free’ initiative. This change reflects the evolving dynamics of the airline industry, as companies navigate economic considerations while striving to deliver value to customers.
Conclusion
Southwest Airlines’ expansion plans for 2026 are a clear indication of its commitment to enhancing travel options and services for consumers. With the introduction of new domestic and international routes coupled with innovative partnerships and service upgrades, the airline is poised to offer a more robust travel experience. San Diegans and visitors alike can look forward to increased connectivity and convenience. As the local economy continues to evolve, supporting initiatives like these is crucial in maintaining San Diego’s competitive edge in the tourism and business sectors.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Southwest Airlines begin service at Knoxville’s McGhee Tyson Airport?
Southwest Airlines will begin service at Knoxville’s McGhee Tyson Airport on March 5, 2026, with five daily round-trips including routes to Nashville, Baltimore, Dallas, and Orlando.
What new routes is Southwest Airlines adding from San Diego in 2026?
Southwest is adding daily year-round service from San Diego to five destinations: Santa Barbara, Portland, Salt Lake City, and Seattle, plus double daily service to these locations, starting August 4, 2026.
When does Southwest Airlines begin service to St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands?
Service from Baltimore/Washington to St. Thomas begins on February 7, 2026, and from Orlando on February 5, 2026.
What is Southwest Airlines’ new partnership with Condor Airlines?
Southwest has partnered with Condor to offer additional travel options across the Atlantic, with new transatlantic travel options beginning January 19, 2026.
When does Southwest Airlines implement assigned seating?
Beginning January 27, 2026, Southwest transitions from its open-seating policy to assigned seating, allowing passengers to select their seats in advance.
Key Features of the Southwest Airlines Expansion
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| New Domestic Routes | Knoxville, Tennessee service begins March 5, 2026, with routes to Nashville, Baltimore, Dallas, and Orlando. |
| New Domestic Routes | San Diego, California service begins August 4, 2026, with destinations including Santa Barbara, Portland, Salt Lake City, and Seattle. |
| New International Routes | St. Thomas service from Baltimore/Washington and Orlando starts February 5-7, 2026. |
| New International Routes | St. Maarten service from select U.S. cities starts April 7, 2026. |
| New International Routes | Anchorage, Alaska service from Denver and Las Vegas starts May 15, 2026. |
| Partnerships | Condor Airlines partnership starting January 19, 2026 for transatlantic travel options. |
| Partnerships | Turkish Airlines partnership with over 350 destinations in 132 countries available starting January 2026. |
| Service Enhancements | Assigned seating implementation on January 27, 2026. |
| Service Enhancements | Baggage fees replacing ‘bags fly free’ policy in May 2025. |
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Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.