Southwest Airlines Adds NEW International Destination from Orlando Airport

Who’s ready for a big vacation?

Let’s fly!

A major change is coming to Southwest Airlines! Southwest is getting its first new international destination since 2021, and it’s flying out of Orlando, Florida. Let’s take a look at all the details!

As if the Orlando airport wasn’t busy enough, it’s about to get a whole lot busier. Southwest is adding a new destination, the island of St. Maarten, with daily flights to and from Orlando starting in April 2026, according to Florida Today.

Orlando International Airport

St. Maarten is a gorgeous destination, and now we have all the more reason to book a vacation and visit the island. This Caribbean Island is sure to be a very popular spot once Southwest adds it to its flight offers come 2026.

Southwest Planes

This announcement is coming a few days after Southwest Airlines announced the upcoming change of yet another long-standing policy. Southwest seems to keep changing its long-standing policies. Starting on January 27th, 2026, “the airline will require passengers who ‘encroach upon the neighboring seat’ to proactively purchase an additional ticket, which might not be refunded.”

©Southwest Airlines

Southwest’s policy used to have passengers pay the cost of an extra seat ahead of time, but later receive a refund, or they could show up at the airport and request an extra seat at no charge. These inclusive policies made the airline the preferred airline for many plus-size passengers. However, the new change will now restrict passengers from getting that second seat refunded “unless the flight departs with at least one open seat and both seats are purchased within the same fare class.”

Southwest

On top of that, Passengers will be required to purchase this other seat in advance of their trip. This means you will no longer be able to show up at the airport requesting an additional seat.

Southwest Airlines

Lots is going on with the Airline come 2026! We’re excited for the new destination addition, and we’ll definitely have to take advantage of that come April of next year. For more travel news and updates, be sure to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog.

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What do you think about the new destination added? Let us know in the comments!