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Some would say Southwest is still in recovery mode from its massive cancellations nightmare during the most recent holiday season. With spring just around the corner, Southwest is trying to put the past in the past by continuing its growth and hoping customers will give them a second chance.
While many airlines allow bookings up to 11 months in advance, Southwest offers a shorter window. Earlier this week, Southwest extended its schedule into the Fall and announced the launch of 4 new routes, including the popular vacation hotspots of Cabo and Montego Bay.
New Routes From Kansas City
There is exciting news from Kansas City for travelers! No, it's not the amazing BBQ or the Chiefs winning the Super Bowl. With the recent opening of the modern, new airport terminal, more airlines are filling up the flight board. Southwest will offer two new direct international routes to these gorgeous vacation getaways:
- Montego Bay, JM
- Los Cabos, MX
Beginning October 7, 2023, seasonal flights on Saturdays will launch from Kansas City.
It is important to note, despite the announcement from Southwest, it is still pending government approval from both Jamaica and Mexico.
This isn’t the only International route offered by Southwest from Kansas City, as the airline had already announced plans to fly to Cancun seasonally. Seasonal service will transition to daily service starting on October 5, 2023.
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New Routes From Long Beach
Southern California travelers will now have more options to explore the Pacific Northwest and more! Earlier this year, Southwest was already expanding its service from this relatively small airport located in Los Angeles County.
But there is a lot to offer here on its own. Given its close proximity, the expansion of flights from this airport also provides a convenient secondary option to avoid the hassle of LAX.
Beginning October 7, 2023, two nonstop flights will be offered on weekends to these fun, foodie destinations in the Pacific Northwest:
- Boise, ID
- Portland, OR
The carrier where bags fly free also recently launched a nonstop service between Long Beach and Kansas City earlier this week.
Southwest will also follow through with previously announced plans out of Long Beach. To top off their expansion here, these other two daily routes will soon go into effect on July 11, 2023:
- Long Beach to Colorado Springs, CO
- Long Beach to El Paso, TX
Additionally, SoCal travelers will also have seasonal options to Disney World and Florida beaches beginning July 15, 2023:
- Long Beach to Orlando, FL
Lastly, Southwest will also offer daily service to the biggest city of New Mexico on September 5, 2023:
- Long Beach to Albuquerque, NM
What Else Is New With Southwest
Although Southwest is based in Dallas, its busiest airport is Denver. With no plans to slow down, there will be 7 new flights out of Denver International Airport. This will give wanna-get-away-ers over 300 options from this hub as of October 5, 2023. Perhaps the most exciting route of all is the new nonstop service to San Jose, Costa Rica!
Unrelated to their route expansion, as part of a $2 billion revamp, Southwest will begin implementing more reliable, faster wi-fi on newer planes this month. Their past partnership with Anvuu will end, and a new deal with Viasat will take over in hopes of providing better connections for its passengers.
Once new Viasat satellites are up and running, wi-fi users should expect a reliable connection with up to 600% better performance!
To the dismay of Southwest loyalists, the cost of their new wifi will be $8 from gate to gate, rather than the previous plan of single-day passes.
In addition to their upgrades, Southwest is also implementing:
- More spacious overhead bins
- New fare categories
- Power outlets at each seat
Time will tell if the new upgrades and additional flight options will keep customers coming back or if their reputation has taken on too big of a hit. For more information on flight routes, scheduling, and airfare, those interested should visit their official website or app.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
Louis Robles
Friday 17th of March 2023
This writer needs to consult a map. Long Beach ( LGB ) is located in Los Angeles County.