Southwest Airlines is making some more notable tweaks to its network.
This time, the Dallas-based airline is adding four routes to its winter schedule. Announced Although these flights are described as “new routes,” they have all been launched in recent years, according to TPG’s analysis of Cirium schedules, so are not technically new.
Southwest Airlines’ additional routes include:
- Miami to Columbus, Ohio (final flight in January 2022)
- Miami to Pittsburgh (final flight in April 2022)
- Chicago (specifically Midway International Airport (MDW)) to Palm Springs, California (final flight in January 2022)
- West Palm Beach, Florida to Providence (final run April 2023)
The four new routes will begin operating on January 7, 2025, and are clearly intended to transport travelers from cold cities to warm pastures during the peak winter months. The new flights are already available for booking.
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During the COVID-19 pandemic and just after its peak, this proven strategy Carrying winter-weary leisure travelers Routes to California and Florida were very popular among U.S. airlines.
That said, many of these popular leisure destinations have seen some softening in revenue and bookings in recent months. Due to oversupplySo it will be interesting to see how Southwest performs in these markets during the upcoming winter season.
But it’s not all good news for Southwest’s network or the airline’s passengers: Over the weekend, the airline filed plans to cancel 11 routes for the winter, a move first spotted by TPG on Cirium schedules and later confirmed by an airline spokesperson.
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The full list of affected routes is below, many of which previously operated once a week.
- Atlanta to San Diego
- Chicago to Rochester, New York
- Dallas to Philadelphia
- Fort Lauderdale to Montego Bay, Jamaica
- Long Beach, CA to Colorado Springs, CO
- Miami to New Orleans
- Nashville to Oakland, California
- Nashville to San Jose, California
- Auckland to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
- Orlando to Chicago
- Orlando to El Paso, Texas
Southwest told TPG that these are “seasonal suspensions” and that it plans to resume service at some point in the future, but the company hasn’t announced a return date, so it will be interesting to see if the airline follows through on its promise.
“We are constantly monitoring travel trends and adjusting our schedules to support our customers, employees and operations,” Southwest said in a statement about the suspension.
Over the past few months, Southwest has made a series of changes to its network with a focus on improving profitability. A total of four citiesThese are: Bellingham, Washington; Cozumel, Mexico; Syracuse, New York; and Houston, specifically George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). The other six routes.
Earlier this year, Southwest Airlines dropped its popular Hawaii route. Los Angeles to Maui.
On the positive side, these cuts have allowed Southwest to find sources of demand in other markets. The airline added: 11 new routes in April and Mayand it announced a long roster One-off flight for upcoming NFL season.
These network adjustments come as airlines make monumental changes to the passenger experience. Earlier this month, Southwest Airlines Abandon the open seating policy I support the introduction of reserved seating in the coming months.
Southwest Airlines also introduced premium extra legroom seats. Late Night Flight next year.
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