Southwest Airlines to Launch New Nonstop Flights to St. Thomas in 2026

Key Takeaways

• Southwest Airlines will launch nonstop flights to St. Thomas in early 2026, pending government approval.
• U.S. citizens can visit St. Thomas without a passport, making travel easier and more accessible.
• New baggage fees start May 28, 2025: $35 for first checked bag, $45 for the second.

Southwest Airlines announced on July 14, 2025, that it will launch new nonstop flights to St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, marking its first new destination in four years. The airline’s move is set to make travel between the U.S. mainland and the Caribbean easier, cheaper, and more accessible for thousands of travelers, especially those who do not have a passport.

Southwest Airlines Expands to St. Thomas: What Travelers Need to Know

Southwest Airlines, one of the largest low-cost carriers in the United States 🇺🇸, is making a major move by adding St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands to its growing list of Caribbean destinations. The new service is expected to begin in early 2026, pending final government approvals. While ticket sales are not open yet, the announcement has already generated excitement among travelers, tourism officials, and local businesses.

Why This Matters: No Passport Needed for U.S. Citizens

One of the biggest draws for travelers is that St. Thomas is part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, a territory of the United States 🇺🇸. This means U.S. citizens do not need a passport to visit. For families, students, and anyone without a passport, this opens up a tropical getaway without the paperwork and costs that come with international travel. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, this policy has made the U.S. Virgin Islands a top choice for Americans seeking a Caribbean vacation with less hassle.

Key Details at a Glance

• Announcement Date: July 14, 2025
• Service Launch: Early 2026 (exact date to be announced)
• Destination Airport: Cyril E. King International Airport (STT), St. Thomas
• Ticket Sales: Not yet available, but expected to open soon
• Departure Cities: Not yet announced; industry experts expect major East Coast hubs to be included

Stakeholder Reactions and Statements

The announcement has been met with enthusiasm from both Southwest Airlines and officials in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Bob Jordan, President and CEO of Southwest Airlines, said, “We are listening closely to what our Customers want—from new products and loyalty benefits to new destinations. We want to make Southwest Airlines the easy and obvious choice every time, and this is another meaningful step in our ongoing transformation.”

Joseph Boschulte, Commissioner of the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism, highlighted the benefits for the local community: “This expands our accessibility and connectivity to travelers, allowing for seamless and expanded travel opportunities to experience the natural beauty, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality that define the U.S. Virgin Islands.”

Governor Albert Bryan Jr. added, “We are proud to welcome this new partnership with Southwest Airlines and look forward to greeting new travelers to our beautiful island home.”

How the New Route Will Work

While Southwest Airlines has not yet revealed which U.S. cities will offer nonstop flights to St. Thomas, industry watchers believe that major East Coast airports like Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) and Nashville (BNA) are likely candidates. The airline is keeping this information under wraps for now, possibly to avoid giving competitors a head start before ticket sales begin.

The flights will land at Cyril E. King International Airport (STT), the main airport serving St. Thomas and the surrounding islands. This airport is already a key gateway for travelers heading to the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the addition of Southwest Airlines is expected to increase both the number of flights and the overall competition, which could help lower fares.

What’s Changing for Southwest Airlines Travelers?

The launch of the St. Thomas route comes as Southwest Airlines rolls out several major changes to its service and policies:

• Assigned and Premium Seating: Starting in the third quarter of 2025, Southwest will move away from its traditional open-seating policy. Passengers will be able to choose assigned seats, including premium options with extra legroom.
• Fleet Upgrades: In early 2026, Southwest will introduce aircraft with more legroom, new fare bundles, and upgraded seating choices. These changes are designed to make flights more comfortable and give travelers more options.
• Baggage Policy Changes: For flights booked on or after May 28, 2025, the airline’s long-standing policy of two free checked bags will end. The first checked bag will cost $35, and the second will cost $45. However, elite status members, Business Select passengers, and Rapid Rewards credit cardholders will still get at least one free checked bag.
• New Basic Fare: Southwest will introduce a new Basic fare that comes with fewer Rapid Rewards points and dynamic award pricing. This fare is expected to appeal to budget-conscious travelers who are willing to give up some perks in exchange for lower prices.

Why St. Thomas? The Appeal of the U.S. Virgin Islands

St. Thomas is known for its white sand beaches, clear blue waters, and vibrant local culture. As part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, it offers a unique blend of Caribbean charm and American convenience. The island is a popular destination for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.

For U.S. citizens, the biggest advantage is the ability to travel without a passport. This makes St. Thomas an easy choice for last-minute trips, group vacations, and anyone who wants to avoid the time and expense of getting a passport.

Economic and Tourism Impact

The addition of Southwest Airlines flights is expected to boost tourism and support the local economy in the U.S. Virgin Islands. More flights mean more visitors, which can lead to increased business for hotels, restaurants, tour operators, and local shops.

Joseph Boschulte, Commissioner of the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism, emphasized the importance of this new route: “This expands our accessibility and connectivity to travelers, allowing for seamless and expanded travel opportunities to experience the natural beauty, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality that define the U.S. Virgin Islands.”

Governor Albert Bryan Jr. echoed this sentiment, saying, “We are proud to welcome this new partnership with Southwest Airlines and look forward to greeting new travelers to our beautiful island home.”

Background: Southwest Airlines’ Caribbean Expansion

This is the first new destination Southwest Airlines has added since 2021, when it launched service to Syracuse, New York. In recent years, the airline had reduced its route map, cutting some less profitable routes. Now, with strong demand for Caribbean travel, Southwest is reversing course and expanding its network in the region.

St. Thomas will become the ninth island destination in the Atlantic Basin served by Southwest Airlines, joining Aruba, The Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and Turks and Caicos. This expansion is part of a broader strategy to capture more of the growing Caribbean travel market.

What Travelers Should Watch For

• Ticket Sales: Southwest Airlines has not yet opened ticket sales for the new St. Thomas route. Travelers should keep an eye on the airline’s official website, www.southwest.com, for updates and announcements.
• Departure Cities: The airline has not yet announced which U.S. cities will offer nonstop service to St. Thomas. Industry experts expect major East Coast cities to be included, but travelers should wait for official confirmation.
• Baggage Fees: The new baggage policy takes effect for flights booked on or after May 28, 2025. Travelers should factor these fees into their travel budgets.
• Seating and Fare Options: With the introduction of assigned seating and new fare bundles, travelers will have more choices but should review the options carefully to find the best fit for their needs.

How This Affects Different Groups

• Families and Leisure Travelers: The ability to travel to St. Thomas without a passport makes it easier for families, especially those with children, to plan a Caribbean vacation. The new nonstop flights will also reduce travel time and make trips more convenient.
• Business Travelers: While St. Thomas is primarily a leisure destination, the new route could also benefit business travelers who need to visit the U.S. Virgin Islands for work.
• Local Businesses: Increased tourism is likely to boost sales for hotels, restaurants, and tour operators in St. Thomas and the surrounding islands.
• Immigrants and U.S. Residents Without Passports: For immigrants living in the United States 🇺🇸 who do not yet have a U.S. passport, the new route offers a rare chance to visit a Caribbean island without the need for extra documents.

Industry Analysis and Competitive Impact

Travel industry experts see Southwest Airlines’ move as a win for both the airline and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The new route is expected to increase competition among airlines serving the Caribbean, which could lead to lower fares and more choices for travelers.

The decision to keep departure cities secret until ticket sales open is seen as a smart move to avoid tipping off competitors. By waiting to announce the details, Southwest Airlines can secure its position in the market and attract travelers looking for new options.

Looking Ahead: More Destinations on the Horizon

St. Thomas is just the beginning of Southwest Airlines’ 2026 expansion. The airline has announced plans to add two more new cities next year, although the names of these destinations have not yet been revealed. This signals a renewed focus on growth and a commitment to serving more travelers in the coming years.

Practical Steps for Travelers

• Monitor Official Channels: For the latest updates on ticket sales, schedules, and route details, travelers should regularly check Southwest Airlines’ official website and press releases.
• Plan for Baggage Fees: With the end of the two free checked bags policy, travelers should budget for baggage fees or consider packing lighter.
• Review Fare Options: With new fare bundles and seating choices, travelers should compare options to find the best value for their needs.
• Check Entry Requirements: U.S. citizens do not need a passport to visit St. Thomas, but travelers should carry a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, for airport security and identification purposes. For more information on travel requirements to U.S. territories, visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection official page.

Contact Information and Resources

• Southwest Airlines: www.southwest.com | 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792)
• U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism: www.visitusvi.com

Summary Table: Key Facts

Conclusion: What This Means for Travelers and the U.S. Virgin Islands

Southwest Airlines’ new nonstop flights to St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands represent a major step forward for both the airline and the region. The move will make it easier for U.S. citizens to visit a beautiful Caribbean island without a passport, increase competition among airlines, and support local tourism and economic growth.

Travelers should stay alert for updates on ticket sales and route details, review the new baggage and fare policies, and take advantage of the opportunity to explore St. Thomas with fewer travel barriers. As reported by VisaVerge.com, this expansion is expected to benefit a wide range of travelers, from families and students to business travelers and immigrants without passports.

For the most current information, always check Southwest Airlines’ official website and the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism. With more destinations on the horizon, Southwest Airlines is set to play a bigger role in connecting the United States 🇺🇸 to the Caribbean in the years ahead.

Learn Today

Nonstop Flights → Direct flights between two destinations without any layovers or stops in between.
U.S. Virgin Islands → A group of Caribbean islands that are a U.S. territory, allowing travel without passports for citizens.
Baggage Fees → Charges applied by airlines for checked luggage beyond free allowance; Southwest’s fees start May 28, 2025.
Assigned Seating → A seating policy where passengers choose specific seats rather than open seating on the plane.
Cyril E. King International Airport → The main airport serving St. Thomas and a key gateway to the U.S. Virgin Islands.

This Article in a Nutshell

Southwest Airlines announced new nonstop flights to St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, in early 2026. This route offers U.S. citizens passport-free Caribbean travel with updated baggage fees, new seating policies, and fleet upgrades, boosting tourism and supporting local businesses while enhancing accessible island vacations and travel options.
— By VisaVerge.com