Southwest Apr 2026

: In May 2026, Southwest will launch its first-ever flights to Anchorage, Alaska from Denver and Las Vegas. Special Edition Fleet: "Independence One"

Southwest Airlines is currently implementing its most significant operational shifts in its 54-year history. Traditionally known for "bags fly free," open seating, and point-to-point short-haul routes, the airline is pivoting toward a more traditional carrier model to boost revenue and efficiency.

: Beginning in May 2025 , the airline ended its long-standing "bags fly free" policy for its lowest fare tiers, charging $35 for the first bag and $45 for the second . southwest

: Scheduled for April 29, 2026 , from Dallas to Philadelphia. Fare Information and Rules - Southwest Airlines

: Some of its longest-duration flights connect the West Coast to Hawaii, such as San Jose (SJC) to Honolulu (HNL) at roughly 2,417 miles. : In May 2026, Southwest will launch its

: The classic fare types (e.g., "Wanna Get Away") have been rebranded as "Basic," "Choice," "Choice Preferred," and "Choice Extra" .

: This is currently the airline's longest nonstop service within the Lower 48 states, covering 2,092 nautical miles (approximately 5–6 hours). : Beginning in May 2025 , the airline

: Southwest is moving away from purely point-to-point flying toward a hub-and-spoke model and is cutting roughly 30 underperforming routes in early 2026. Record-Long Flights