Southwest Airlines Introduces Direct Spring Break Flights From Austin To Fort Myers, Boosting Travel Opportunities To One Of Florida’s Most Popular Vacation Destinations

Published on December 8, 2025

Southwest Airlines is making spring travel even more exciting by launching seasonal nonstop flights from Austin to Fort Myers, connecting travelers to one of Florida’s most popular vacation spots. This new route, set to begin on March 7, 2026, will offer easy access to Southwest Florida’s beautiful beaches, vibrant islands, and breathtaking Gulf Coast sunsets. With the growing demand for vacation options during the Spring Break season, Southwest’s direct flights provide a much-needed solution for those looking to escape to the sun-soaked Gulf Coast without the hassle of connecting flights.

Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is rapidly becoming a hub for new and exciting flight routes, with several recently announced additions that will boost connectivity to some of the region’s most popular vacation destinations. These new services come on the heels of previous announcements and demonstrate the airport’s growing importance in both domestic and seasonal travel markets.

One of the most anticipated routes set to launch next spring is Southwest Airlines’ new seasonal nonstop service from Austin, Texas to Fort Myers. This addition is particularly noteworthy given the increasing popularity of Southwest Florida as a spring vacation destination. Known for its warm weather, beautiful beaches, and vibrant Gulf Coast atmosphere, Fort Myers and the surrounding areas draw thousands of vacationers each year, particularly during the spring season.

Southwest Airlines plans to start the Saturday-only service from Austin to Fort Myers on March 7, 2026, just in time for the Spring Break rush. The airline’s new route aims to offer travelers easy access to the region’s idyllic beaches, scenic islands, and breathtaking Gulf Coast sunsets. This new connection will also bring more visitors to Fort Myers, providing a much-needed boost to the local tourism industry. Southwest is well-known for offering low-cost, direct routes, which will make it even easier for those traveling from Austin and surrounding areas to enjoy all that Southwest Florida has to offer.

Currently, no other airline offers nonstop service from Austin to Fort Myers. Previously, another major airline had discontinued its service to both Fort Myers and Palm Springs in 2024, leaving a gap in direct flights to these destinations. This new Southwest route will fill that void, giving travelers in Austin a more convenient option for reaching one of Florida’s most beloved vacation spots. With both Fort Myers and Austin known for their lively cultural scenes and outdoor attractions, this connection is likely to be highly popular among tourists.

In addition to Southwest’s new service, two other major carriers have announced new seasonal routes to Southwest Florida International Airport. One of these carriers will launch a service connecting RSW with Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP) in Islip, New York. The three-times-weekly flights will operate from December 18, 2025, to April 28, 2026, and are expected to cater to vacationers seeking a quick getaway to the Florida Gulf Coast. Long Island, known for its bustling beaches and vibrant communities, will be directly connected to Fort Myers, making it easier for residents of the area to visit.

Similarly, the airport will see another seasonal route starting in March 2026, with three weekly flights between RSW and Buffalo, New York. This route, starting on March 26, 2026, will provide a convenient travel option for visitors from upstate New York to reach Southwest Florida. Buffalo’s cold winters often drive residents to warmer destinations, and this new route will be a popular choice for those looking to escape the snow and enjoy the sun and sand of Florida’s west coast.

Adding to the excitement, another carrier has also announced a new nonstop route connecting RSW with Indianapolis International Airport (IND). Set to begin on March 27, 2026, just in time for the spring break season, this new route will provide nonstop access from Indianapolis to one of Florida’s top vacation destinations. Spring break travel is always in high demand, and this new service will offer a direct and convenient option for those traveling from the Midwest to enjoy Florida’s beautiful beaches and attractions.

These new routes reflect a broader trend of increasing travel options to Southwest Florida, particularly during the busy spring and holiday seasons. Fort Myers and the surrounding areas continue to grow as a popular destination for both domestic and international visitors, offering everything from outdoor adventures to cultural experiences and world-class beaches. The addition of nonstop flights from key cities like Austin, Long Island, Buffalo, and Indianapolis will only enhance the region’s appeal, making it even more accessible to travelers from across the United States.

Southwest Florida International Airport’s expanding flight offerings are also a testament to the region’s growing importance as a travel hub. As the airport welcomes new routes and airlines, the influx of tourists will likely bring significant economic benefits to local businesses, hotels, restaurants, and attractions. With a steady increase in both seasonal and year-round routes, RSW is positioning itself as a key gateway for travelers looking to experience all that Southwest Florida has to offer.

Southwest Airlines is enhancing spring travel by launching nonstop flights from Austin to Fort Myers, providing a direct route to one of Florida’s top vacation destinations. This seasonal service will offer easy access to Southwest Florida’s beaches and Gulf Coast sunsets during the busy Spring Break season.

These new routes provide a clear indication that the travel demand to Southwest Florida is only going to continue to grow, especially with the added convenience of nonstop flights to and from some of the country’s most popular vacation hubs. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a week-long vacation, travelers will now have even more options to fly directly into one of Florida’s most beloved coastal destinations. As these flights begin, travelers can look forward to easier access, greater convenience, and, most importantly, more time to enjoy the beauty and relaxation of Southwest Florida.