Southwest Airlines Flies to Virgin Islands from BWI Airport

New Caribbean Route Expands Southwest Airlines' Reach

LINTHICUM, MD — Get ready to pack your suitcase because Southwest Airlines has just introduced a new route that connects Maryland directly to the Caribbean. The budget airline recently announced its plans to start flying nonstop from Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) to St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The service is set to begin on February 7, 2026, and will operate as a peak-day flight. Just two days prior, on February 5, 2026, Southwest will also launch daily flights from Orlando to St. Thomas’ Cyril E. King International Airport (STT). This marks a significant step for the airline as it expands its presence in the region.

Enhancing Accessibility and Travel Opportunities

The introduction of these flights has been met with enthusiasm from local officials. Joseph Boschulte, Commissioner of the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism, expressed excitement about the new airlift, stating that it enhances accessibility and connectivity for travelers. He emphasized that the added travel options will allow more people to experience the natural beauty, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality of the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Governor Albert Bryan Jr. also welcomed the partnership, calling it an exciting milestone for the tourism industry. He highlighted the importance of welcoming new travelers to the islands and noted that the new route will help grow the local economy.

St. Thomas becomes the ninth island destination for Southwest Airlines in the Atlantic Basin. Other destinations include Aruba, The Bahamas, the Cayman Islands, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and the Turks and Caicos Islands. In addition, the airline offers international service to Belize, two cities in Costa Rica, and three towns in Mexico.

Future Expansion and Strategic Moves

Southwest Airlines has more plans in store for 2026. The airline is set to announce two additional new destinations this summer, with the next route expected to be revealed in August. The company is also strengthening its global network through partnerships with Icelandair and China Airlines, aiming to compete more effectively with other major carriers.

Changes in Policies and Operations

As part of its ongoing transformation, Southwest is making several changes to its policies and services. Starting January 27, 2026, all tickets purchased for travel will include assigned seating. Additionally, checked bags will no longer be free on the cheapest tickets, aligning the airline more closely with its competitors.

The airline is also updating its Rapid Rewards program, offering more points for higher-priced fares. Redemption rates will now depend on the demand for each flight. Flight credits will now have expiration dates, and a new Basic fare option will be introduced, providing the lowest pricing available.

These changes come alongside recent staff reductions at the BWI Airport hub. Although the exact number of affected workers was not disclosed, the layoffs followed a larger round of 1,750 corporate job cuts in February.

Leadership’s Vision for the Future

Bob Jordan, President, CEO, and Vice Chairman of Southwest Airlines, emphasized the company's commitment to listening to customer needs. He stated that the changes are aimed at making Southwest the “easy and obvious choice” for travelers. These updates represent a key step in the airline’s ongoing efforts to evolve and meet the demands of a changing market.

Additional Updates and Related News

Other recent developments include changes in airport security at BWI, the launch of new flights to Anguilla, and the end of Play Airlines’ flights to BWI this fall. Frontier Airlines is also introducing flights from BWI to Chicago O'Hare. Meanwhile, Southwest continues to adjust its operations, including the removal of free baggage and the reduction of jobs at its BWI hub.

As the airline moves forward with its strategic initiatives, it remains focused on expanding its reach and improving the customer experience. With new routes to the Caribbean and ongoing policy changes, Southwest is positioning itself for continued growth and success.