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United States Welcomes Expanded Southwest Airlines Service with New Routes to Knoxville and Beyond


Published on
August 15, 2025

The United States is set to welcome an expanded Southwest Airlines service, with the introduction of new routes to Knoxville, Tennessee, and beyond. Starting in March 2026, Southwest will launch direct flights connecting Knoxville to major cities like Nashville, Baltimore, Dallas, and Orlando. This expansion is part of the airline’s broader initiative to enhance its network, offering passengers more travel options and greater convenience. By adding Knoxville to its roster of destinations, Southwest is not only improving access to this vibrant city but also reinforcing its commitment to increasing connectivity across the country. With new routes from San Diego, Chicago, and other hubs, travelers can expect more flexibility and increased service options, making Southwest Airlines a stronger choice for affordable and efficient travel.

The expansion reflects Southwest’s ongoing commitment to enhancing its service offerings, allowing customers to access more destinations while maintaining the low-cost, high-quality service the airline is known for. Knoxville, a charming college town nestled in the scenic beauty of Tennessee, will now be more accessible to travelers from multiple cities across the United States. Southwest’s decision to include Knoxville in its network is a significant development for both the airline and the region, as it opens up new tourism and business opportunities for the area.

In addition to the Knoxville expansion, Southwest Airlines has also extended its booking schedule, allowing customers to book flights through April 6, 2026. One of the key changes that will enhance the overall travel experience for passengers is the introduction of assigned seating, which will take effect on January 27, 2026. This move aims to streamline the boarding process and improve customer satisfaction by offering a more predictable and comfortable seating experience on every flight.

Southwest is also set to introduce several new routes from San Diego, California, further strengthening its presence on the West Coast. These routes include daily, year-round flights connecting San Diego to Eugene, Oregon; Maui, Hawaii; Portland, Oregon; Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; and Seattle. These new connections will provide passengers with more travel options to popular destinations, making Southwest a competitive choice for those traveling from the San Diego area.

In addition to the new year-round services, Southwest will also offer Saturday-only flights between San Diego and two other exciting destinations: Bozeman, Montana, and Spokane, Washington. These seasonal flights, which will begin on March 7, 2026, are expected to be especially popular with skiers, outdoor enthusiasts, and tourists looking to explore these beautiful areas during the winter months.

Southwest’s expansion plans also include an increase in services between some of its major hubs. Starting on March 5, 2026, passengers will be able to enjoy twice-daily flights between Chicago (Midway) and Milwaukee, Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona, and Little Rock, Arkansas. The airline will also reintroduce twice-daily service between Chicago (Midway) and Des Moines, Iowa; Tulsa, Oklahoma; and Wichita, Kansas. These changes will improve connectivity and provide travelers with more options for reaching a variety of destinations across the United States.

The airline’s growth is not limited to its Midwest and West Coast operations. Dallas will also see twice-daily flights to Oklahoma City, which will provide more options for travelers in and out of these two major hubs. These expanded services are designed to meet the increasing demand for direct flights between key U.S. cities, making it easier for passengers to travel without unnecessary layovers.

Knoxville’s addition to Southwest’s route network is just one of several new destinations the airline is planning to introduce in the coming months. Along with Knoxville, Southwest has already confirmed St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands as one of its new locations. The airline has promised to announce a third new destination by the end of August, further demonstrating its commitment to expanding its reach and providing customers with even more options for travel.

The expansion of Southwest Airlines demonstrates the company’s continuous initiatives to enhance customer service as well as address the increasing need for both international and domestic flights. By increasing the number of flights and their corresponding schedules, Southwest hopes to enhance travel flexibility and convenience for its users, thus, reinforcing its position as a leading low-cost carrier of the United States. As a result of prioritizing exceptional customer service, Southwest’s expansion will surely enhance the experience of both new and existing travelers seeking budget-friendly options throughout the continental U.S. and even beyond.