Southwest Airlines
A major U.S. low-cost airline operating an extensive point-to-point network with an all-Boeing 737 fleet and a distinctive no-change-fee model.
About Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines traces its origins to 1967, when it was incorporated as Air Southwest, and began flying in 1971. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, it is a publicly traded U.S. carrier known for applying the low-cost model at a large scale. Its corporate identity has long emphasized operational simplicity, frequent service and direct sales through its own channels.
Southwest does not organize its network around a single traditional hub. It instead operates a broad point-to-point system with important departure bases in Chicago, Denver, Las Vegas, Baltimore and Phoenix. The airline serves 73 destinations across one country on 976 routes, including links involving Los Angeles, Houston, St Louis, Orlando, Tampa, Nashville and Kansas City.
The airline is closely associated with the Boeing 737 and has historically avoided the complexity of operating multiple aircraft families. Aircraft types connected with its operations include the Boeing 737-300, 737-500, 737-700 and winglet-equipped 737-700 and 737-800 variants, although the older -300 and -500 models have been retired. Service is designed primarily for economy travel, with product and seating options varying by fare and aircraft configuration.
Southwest Airlines is not a member of Star Alliance, SkyTeam or Oneworld. Its loyalty programme is Rapid Rewards, through which members earn points from qualifying flights and partners and can redeem them for Southwest travel. The programme also offers tier benefits and the Companion Pass, subject to earning requirements, availability rules and current programme terms.
A major strength is the breadth of nonstop options between large U.S. markets without requiring every journey to connect through one central hub. Its flexible ticket policies can also be useful when plans change. The trade-off is that travellers seeking traditional premium cabins, global alliance recognition or extensive intercontinental service will find fewer options than they would with a full-service network carrier.
Good to know
Flying with Southwest Airlines — what to expect
No Traditional Hub
Southwest uses a point-to-point network rather than relying on one primary connecting hub. Chicago, Denver, Las Vegas, Baltimore and Phoenix are among its busiest departure points.
Check Baggage Terms
Baggage benefits can depend on the fare, booking date and current policy. Review the allowance shown with your reservation before travelling, especially because policies can change.
Boeing 737 Fleet
Southwest operates Boeing 737 aircraft, which helps keep its fleet and onboard experience relatively consistent. Seat features and legroom can still vary by aircraft and selected product.
Boarding Procedures
Check your reservation for the boarding and seat-assignment process applying to your flight. Southwest has changed elements of its long-standing boarding model, so older guidance may no longer apply.
Connection Planning
Some itineraries involve connections even though Southwest emphasizes nonstop, point-to-point flying. Leave adequate time when changing aircraft at busy stations such as Denver, Las Vegas or Chicago.
Rapid Rewards
Rapid Rewards points are generally tied to qualifying travel and partner activity rather than flown distance alone. Redemption requirements vary with the fare, route and travel date.
Network overview
Where Southwest Airlines flies
Southwest Airlines operates 976 routes to 73 destinations across 1 countries, its longest sector reaching Las Vegas to Providence (3,793 km nonstop).
Destinations served
Cities Southwest Airlines flies to, most-served first.
Main hubs
Busiest departure bases, by route count.
Fleet
Aircraft types on record for these routes.
Longest nonstop route
Las Vegas → Providence
3,793 km · LAS → PVD
The longest sector in the Southwest Airlines network, measured as the great-circle distance between the two airports.
Route data · TravelPayouts route data · updated 2026-07
Route network
Popular routes operated by Southwest Airlines
LAS - LAXLas Vegas → Los Angeles0h 56m381 kmLAX - SFOLos Angeles → San Francisco1h 8m544 kmLAX - LASLos Angeles → Las Vegas0h 56m381 kmSFO - LAXSan Francisco → Los Angeles1h 8m544 kmDEN - LAXDenver → Los Angeles2h 6m1,385 kmLAX - DENLos Angeles → Denver2h 6m1,385 kmSLC - LAXSalt Lake City → Los Angeles1h 36m950 kmLAS - DENLas Vegas → Denver1h 40m1,008 kmMore from United States
Other airlines based in United States
FAQ
Southwest Airlines — frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the details travellers usually check first, from codes and locations to the practical basics that help with planning.
8 common questions
- Prices are often lower when booked outside major holidays and peak weekend periods, but there is no guaranteed cheapest day. Compare nearby dates and airports, and check the fare conditions before purchasing.
- Southwest generally permits a carry-on bag plus a smaller personal item, subject to its current size and safety rules. Check Southwest's official baggage page before departure rather than relying on older dimensions.
- Originfacts compares live fares from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies via its partner Travelpayouts. Originfacts never adds a fee.
- Southwest Airlines does not use a single traditional hub, instead operating a point-to-point network. Chicago is its busiest listed departure base by route count, followed by Denver, Las Vegas, Baltimore and Phoenix.
- Its busiest departure markets by route count are Chicago, Denver, Las Vegas, Baltimore and Phoenix. Southwest may use more than one airport in some metropolitan areas, so passengers should verify the airport code on their ticket.
- Southwest Airlines flies to exactly 73 destinations across 1 country, operating 976 routes.
- Southwest Airlines's longest route is Las Vegas to Providence, covering about 3,793 km nonstop.
- Southwest Airlines serves a broad U.S. network that includes Chicago, Denver, Las Vegas, Baltimore, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Houston, St Louis, Orlando, Tampa, Nashville and Kansas City.