southwest airlines new routes are about to change your travel game: Here are 5 things you need to know before you book
- Major new destinations unlocked: Southwest is expanding into previously underserved regions, including fresh beach getaways and mountain escapes that were hard to reach without pricey connections before.
- Fare sale starting at $49: To kick off the launch, select one-way flights on these new routes are dropping as low as $49, but these prices vanish fast and are only valid for travel through early May.
- Two free checked bags still included: Unlike competitors, Southwest isn't backing down from its policy—your bags fly free on all new routes, saving you up to $120 roundtrip.
- No change fees + same-day standby: If your plans shift, you can swap to another flight on the same day without penalty, a game-changer for spontaneous travelers eyeing these new destinations.
- Booking window opens Tuesday: The new routes go on sale March 11 at 6 a.m. CT, and early birds snag the lowest fares before surge pricing kicks in.