Southwest Adds St. Thomas to Its Network and Strengthens Baltimore and Orlando Gateways

(IN SHORT) Southwest Airlines has resumed network growth for the first time since November 2021 with the launch of its inaugural Orlando–St. Thomas service, celebrating the new route with U.S. Virgin Islands-themed events before, during, and after the flight. The airline will also begin peak-day Baltimore–St. Thomas service from 7 February, operating daily throughout March, making St. Thomas the ninth island in Southwest’s Atlantic Basin network and bringing its total to 118 airports served across two U.S. territories, 42 states, and 11 countries, while aligning with its recent shift to assigned and premium seating and its continued offer of free Wi-Fi for Rapid Rewards Members.

(PRESS RELEASE) DALLAS, TX, 2026-Feb-6 — /Travel PR News/ — Southwest Airlines has resumed network expansion for the first time since November 2021 with the launch of its new service between Orlando and St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The inaugural flight took off on Thursday, 5 February, marking the carrier’s return to growth and its latest addition to its Caribbean footprint. Customers departing Orlando were welcomed with a celebration inspired by U.S. Virgin Islands culture, which continued on board and upon arrival at Cyril E. King Airport in St. Thomas.

The new route represents a significant milestone for Southwest as it broadens its international leisure offerings following recent changes to its product and seating model. Adam Decaire, Senior Vice President for Network Planning and Network Operations Control, said the expansion reflects the airline’s confidence in its evolving business strategy and the strong appeal of St. Thomas as a key destination in the Caribbean.

In addition to the daily Orlando–St. Thomas service, Southwest will begin peak-day flights between Baltimore and St. Thomas on Saturday, 7 February. To meet anticipated demand, the Baltimore–St. Thomas route will operate daily throughout March before transitioning to its planned schedule. The dual-gateway approach reinforces Southwest’s established strategy of linking its Caribbean destinations through its major East Coast bases.

With the inclusion of St. Thomas, Southwest now serves 118 airports across two U.S. territories, 42 U.S. states, and 11 countries. St. Thomas becomes the airline’s ninth island destination in the Atlantic Basin, joining Aruba, The Bahamas, the Cayman Islands, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and Turks and Caicos. Except for Cuba, which is served exclusively from Tampa, all of these island destinations are connected via both Baltimore and Orlando.

Beyond the Caribbean, Southwest’s international network to Belize, Costa Rica, and Mexico is also accessible through both the Baltimore and Orlando gateways, further strengthening its connectivity for leisure travellers.

The launch follows Southwest’s introduction of assigned and premium seating on 27 January 2026, including Extra Legroom options, a significant shift in its traditional open-seating model. The airline also continues to offer free in-flight Wi-Fi for Rapid Rewards Members through its partnership with T-Mobile, enhancing the overall customer experience as it expands into new markets.

1. Based on U.S. Dept. of Transportation quarterly Airline Origin & Destination Survey as of Q1 2025
2. Fulltime-equivalent active Employees as of Sept. 30, 2025

Media contact:
swamedia@wnco.com

SOURCE: Southwest Airlines Co.