Southwest Airlines to Offer Overnight Flights for the First Time

Southwest Airlines is breaking from its previous policy and introducing overnight flights for the first time. The new itineraries will include popular destinations such as Baltimore, Denver, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Chicago Midway, and Oakland.

Starting from June 26, 2023, Southwest Airlines will launch these overnight flights as part of its summer schedule. While not direct redeye flights, they will involve overnight connections at the mentioned airports. Travelers will have the convenience of booking these flights as a single itinerary through Southwest’s website or app.

This new offering provides a fresh option for travelers who seek to save both time and money by flying during off-peak hours. Southwest Airlines promises that these overnight flights will be more affordable than daytime flights on the same routes, and they will also enable passengers to avoid airport traffic and crowds.

The introduction of overnight flights is a response to the increasing demand for air travel. Southwest Airlines plans to expand its network and capacity by operating 10% more flights this December compared to December 2022. Additionally, the airline aims to hire an additional 7,000 employees by the end of the year.

In a similar vein, American Airlines, Southwest’s main competitor, plans to offer its “largest-ever” winter schedule to Caribbean and Latin American destinations, with over 1,000 weekly flights to 74 destinations in 25 countries. Both airlines are tapping into the pent-up demand for leisure travel following the pandemic.

Known for its low fares, no change or cancel fees, and generous two free checked bags policy, Southwest Airlines currently operates over 4,000 daily flights to more than 100 destinations in the U.S., Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. By introducing overnight flights, Southwest Airlines aims to attract more customers and bolster its market share.