Big news coming from Southwest Airlines!
Southwest!
Southwest Airlines has finally added a new destination for the first time in forever. Well, maybe not forever, but the first time since 2021! Let’s take a look at the news in detail.
Southwest Airlines is looking to grow its network in the upcoming year. In 2026, the airline will be getting new service at Cyril E. King International Airport (STT) on St. Thomas. That means the U.S. Virgin Islands will be added to the carrier’s tropical destinations in the Caribbean.
Southwest Planes
Bob Jordan, the President, Chief Executive Officer, and Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors at Southwest Airlines, stated, “We are listening closely to what our Customers want—from new products and loyalty benefits to new destinations.” He continued on saying, “We want to make Southwest Airlines the easy and obvious choice every time, and this is another meaningful step in our ongoing transformation.”
Southwest at MCO
Southwest Airlines isn’t stopping there, as St. Thomas is the first of THREE new destinations planned for 2026! The airline is planning on making more announcements this summer.
©Southwest Airlines
It will be the ninth island destination in the Atlantic Basin offered by the airline. The list includes Aruba, the Bahamas, the Cayman Islands, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and the Turks and Caicos Islands. On top of that, Southwest also delivers on international service for passengers travelling to Belize, two destinations in Costa Rica, and three destinations in Mexico.
Premium Seating on ©Southwest Airlines
Commissioner Joseph Boschulte of the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism is thrilled about the changes coming! “We are excited at the announcement of new airlift into St. Thomas with Southwest Airlines.” He continued, “As a destination, this expands our accessibility and connectivity to travelers, allowing for seamless and expanded travel opportunities to experience the natural beauty, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality that define the U.S. Virgin Islands.”
©Southwest Airlines
“Today marks an exciting milestone for the U.S. Virgin Islands and our growing tourism industry,” said the Governor, Albert Bryan Jr. “We are proud to welcome this new partnership with Southwest Airlines and look forward to greeting new travelers to our beautiful island home.”
Southwest Airlines
On top of the new destination, the airline is also set to begin selling assigned and premium seating in the third quarter of 2025. Following that, they plan to operate with their “new fare bundles” and a “reconfigured fleet”, which will include more comfort with extra legroom seating. This is planned for the first quarter of 2026.
Southwest plane
Service for the brand-new destination is expected to begin in the early part of 2026, but will be available for passengers to purchase soon. We’ll be keeping an eye out for more news and updates regarding the airline. Make sure to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog!
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I DID like flying Southwest for the convenience of the free checked bags and the first come-first serve seating. But now those are both going away so I’m not sure I’ll be flying them anymore. There making the same mistake as Sears if you ask me. If you operate just like everyone else, what’s to set you apart?