Southwest Airlines to End Nonstop Tulsa–St. Louis Service

(TULSA) Southwest Airlines is ending its nonstop flights between Tulsa (TUL) and St. Louis (STL), with the last day of service set for March 6, 2025. The airline publicly confirmed the decision on August 16, 2025, calling it part of a national network restructuring that adjusts routes and flight frequencies across the United States 🇺🇸.

Until the cut, the route runs two nonstop flights most days, a schedule many business and family travelers rely on for quick trips between the two cities. After the final departure, anyone booking the Tulsa to St. Louis trip on Southwest Airlines will need to connect through another city.

What Southwest is offering instead

Southwest says passengers will find standard one-stop itineraries through hubs such as Dallas, Houston, or Denver. At the same time, the carrier will increase nonstop flights from Tulsa to Chicago and Nashville, shifting capacity to markets it views as stronger for the months ahead.

• No timeline has been offered for any possible return of the Tulsa–St. Louis nonstop.
• Industry observers do not expect the nonstop to return in the near term.

Practical effect: a trip that once took about an hour will now include a layover and likely add time and uncertainty to the journey.

This will affect families, business travelers, health workers, students, and anyone relying on same-day turns. Tulsa International Airport loses a direct route but gains more service to other major cities, which may offset some of the lost convenience.

Why airlines make changes like this

Aviation watchers point to several common drivers for route changes:

• Demand and profitability
• Fuel costs
• Aircraft availability
• Network balance and schedule efficiency

As noted by industry analysis, including VisaVerge.com, route shifts are often aimed at improving profitability and making the carrier’s overall schedule work better for the largest number of travelers. In this case, Southwest is reallocating aircraft time to higher-priority markets while maintaining connecting options for Tulsa–St. Louis passengers.

Schedule change and travel options

The airline’s plan is straightforward: the final Tulsa–St. Louis nonstop flight operates on March 6, 2025. Starting March 7, travelers will see only one-stop choices on Southwest’s website and app.

If you’re booking for trips after that date:

1. Search Tulsa to St. Louis and pick an itinerary with a single stop, most often via Dallas, Houston, or Denver.
2. Compare layover lengths and total travel times. Short connections can be faster but riskier if weather slows things down.
3. If timing is tight, consider earlier departures or longer layovers to reduce stress.

If you’re open to other airlines, check for direct options or compare connection times and fares across carriers. Prices and schedules change often, especially after a route cut.

For real-time changes, use Southwest’s flight status tool at https://www.southwest.com/air/flight-status and double-check gate and connection details on travel day.

Airports are also updating schedules. Tulsa International Airport (https://flytulsa.com) and St. Louis Lambert International Airport (https://flystl.com) list expected departures and arrivals and can point you to airline counters if you need in-person help. Phone contacts provided by the airports remain available for general questions.

Local impact and planning tips

The loss of a direct route affects both cities in practical ways:

• Tulsa businesses that relied on the quick hop to St. Louis may shift meetings online or add hotel nights.
• St. Louis travelers visiting Tulsa for energy, aerospace, and tech work will likely do the same.
• Community groups organizing weekend events across the two metros may change start times or carpool from other airports.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the loss of direct flights can reduce regional connectivity and may affect local economies—especially where company travel and family visits overlap.

For families and travelers with special needs:

• Pack essentials in your carry-on and keep proof of bookings handy.
• Watch for gate changes pushed through the airline app.
• Consider earlier departures or longer layovers to avoid missed connections.
• If moving between cities for school terms or seasonal jobs, compare one-stop routes with the added nonstop service to Chicago and Nashville; sometimes driving the last leg can be cheaper or more reliable depending on schedules and weather.

Key facts (at-a-glance)

Southwest Airlines has not provided quotes beyond stating this is part of a broader network plan. Tulsa International Airport and St. Louis Lambert International Airport have not issued new public statements, though schedule trackers at both airports reflect the change. Passengers have voiced disappointment about longer trips and fewer simple day-return choices, while business groups are concerned about added time and costs.

If your itinerary is affected

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Aviation Consumer Protection page offers official guidance for travelers on airline responsibilities and customer options: https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer. Use this resource when comparing new itineraries or asking airlines about rebooking choices.

Practical booking steps after March 6, 2025:

1. Search Tulsa to St. Louis on Southwest and select a one-stop itinerary.
2. Aim for at least 45–60 minutes for domestic connections when possible.
3. Check both the airline app and airport screens for real-time updates.
4. If your plans are tight, pick an earlier departure to build a buffer.
5. Compare total travel time and fare across alternate connection cities.

Useful contacts & day-of-travel checks

• Southwest Airlines: https://www.southwest.com (Customer service: 1-800-I-FLY-SWA)
• Flight status: https://www.southwest.com/air/flight-status
• Tulsa International Airport: https://flytulsa.com (General inquiries: 918-838-5000)
• St. Louis Lambert International Airport: https://flystl.com (General inquiries: 314-890-1333)

Nationwide, airlines continue to recalibrate schedules in response to shifting demand and costs. The Tulsa to St. Louis change fits that pattern: travelers who once chose this short hop will trade speed for connection options through Dallas, Houston, or Denver, while some may benefit from the added nonstop flights to Chicago and Nashville.