Seattle Joins Hawaii, Portland, Santa Barbara and More in Southwest Airlines’ Explosive Summer 2026 Nonstop Flight Expansion – Get Ready for the Ultimate Travel Shake-Up!

Published on November 26, 2025

Southwest Airlines has officially opened bookings for its massive flight schedule expansion for summer 2026. Travellers can now take advantage of new nonstop routes from California cities like San Diego, Long Beach, Burbank, and Ontario to popular destinations such as Seattle, Portland, Honolulu, and Santa Barbara. Starting in August 2026, this expansion brings unmatched convenience, more flexibility, and greater access to top leisure and business destinations across the United States and beyond.

New Nonstop Routes from San Diego to Seattle, Portland & Santa Barbara

The San Diego International Airport (SAN) will see a huge increase in Southwest flights starting in August 2026, with the airline offering more frequent service to key destinations like Seattle–Tacoma (SEA) and Portland International (PDX). Additionally, Southwest will introduce new nonstop flights to Santa Barbara (SBA), providing San Diegans with an easier way to travel to this stunning coastal destination. These moves are set to increase flight options and improve accessibility for both business and leisure travellers.

Long Beach to Portland & Seattle: More Choices for L.A.-Area Residents

Southwest is revamping its Long Beach Airport (LGB) service in a major way. From August 2026, Long Beach will have six flights a week to both Seattle and Portland, connecting Los Angeles-area residents to the Pacific Northwest in a quick and convenient manner. These new nonstop routes are expected to attract both business travellers and those seeking to explore the beautiful cities of Seattle and Portland, offering a more comfortable and accessible alternative to the busy LAX airport.

Ontario and Burbank Airports Gain New Hawaii Connections

For Southern Californians craving a Hawaiian getaway, Southwest is making it easier than ever to travel to the islands. Beginning June 2026, Southwest will begin daily flights from Ontario International Airport (ONT) to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) in Honolulu. Burbank will also see new nonstop flights to Honolulu starting in August 2026, catering to both tourists and residents of the Greater Los Angeles area who are looking for a tropical escape. These additions further solidify Southwest’s commitment to offering reliable, affordable connections to Hawaii.

2026 Schedule Now Open for Booking: Early Travelers Get the Best Seats and Deals!

The new Southwest routes for summer 2026 are now available for booking through September 2026. This extended booking window gives travellers plenty of time to secure the best prices and plan their trips well in advance. Southwest is known for offering low-cost fares, so booking early could also mean locking in affordable prices for peak travel periods. Whether it’s a last-minute summer vacation or a well-planned holiday, Southwest’s early booking options make it easier to travel on your terms.

What’s New on Board? Upgraded Flights to Make Your Journey Even Better

To enhance the overall travel experience, Southwest Airlines is rolling out several upgrades across its fleet in 2026. This includes the introduction of assigned and premium seating, free Wi-Fi for loyalty members, and in-seat power for longer flights on its Boeing 737-8 aircraft. These improvements are designed to make flights more comfortable and convenient, especially for those flying to distant locations like Hawaii, Seattle, or Portland.

Unlocking More Flexibility: More Routes, More Options, More Value for California Flyers

This massive expansion is a game-changer for California residents who rely on Southwest for affordable and flexible travel options. Whether you’re flying for business, leisure, or family reasons, this new schedule provides more choices than ever before. In addition to increased frequency on popular routes, travellers now have direct connections to places like Seattle, Portland, Honolulu, and Santa Barbara.

Moreover, these new routes will likely stimulate competition on these high-demand corridors, potentially driving down airfare prices and increasing options for travellers looking for alternatives to major airports like LAX or SFO.

Why Southwest’s 2026 Expansion Is Perfect for Your Summer Plans

The summer 2026 schedule expansion from Southwest Airlines is perfect for anyone planning to travel across California, to the Pacific Northwest, or to Hawaii. This expansion makes it easier to get from one point to another without the hassle of multiple layovers or lengthy connections. Whether you’re planning a weekend trip to Santa Barbara, a vacation to Honolulu, or a business trip to Portland, Southwest’s added routes make your travel plans far more manageable.

More Routes, More Travel Opportunities: A Growing Network from California

This extensive network growth is part of Southwest Airlines’ strategy to continue its dominance in the U.S. domestic travel market while expanding its presence in key leisure destinations. By strengthening its route offerings from major California airports to popular destinations, Southwest is aiming to capture a larger share of both business and leisure traffic in the coming years.

The added connections to Hawaii, the Pacific Northwest, and Santa Barbara ensure that Southwest maintains a robust presence in these regions. These routes also allow customers to explore new destinations with ease, while also giving them more options for getting around during peak travel seasons.

Plan Ahead: How to Maximize Your Summer 2026 Travel with Southwest

To get the most out of your summer 2026 travels, it’s crucial to book your flights early. With Southwest’s flexible cancellation policies and affordable fares, booking now ensures that you get the best seats and prices for your trip. With new routes and added services, travellers are encouraged to take advantage of the early booking window and lock in their travel plans before the summer rush.

Southwest Airlines’ Strategic Growth: What’s Next for U.S. Travel in 2026?

Southwest’s focus on expanding key routes in California and beyond signals its ongoing commitment to growth and customer satisfaction. With more destinations, improved in-flight services, and competitive pricing, Southwest is well-positioned to become the go-to airline for domestic travel in the summer of 2026 and beyond. Whether you’re flying across the state or halfway across the country, Southwest’s expanded flight schedule offers a level of convenience and reliability that is hard to beat.

Image: Southwest Airlines