Southwest just dropped 23 new nonstop routes for 2026, and this is the biggest single expansion in their history. Starting June 4, 2026, you can fly directly from Kansas City to Boston, Savannah to Nashville, or even grab a rare nonstop to St. Thomas. I’ve dug through the full schedule, tested the booking system, and pulled together the exact list plus the tricks to lock in the lowest fares before they surge.
Photo by Forsaken Films on Unsplash
Why This Matters Right Now
Southwest has been quietly building out its network, but this 23-route drop changes the game for summer and fall 2026 travel. Most of these routes launch on June 4, 2026, with a few rolling out later in July and August. If you’ve been stuck with connections through Denver or Dallas for years, this is your chance to skip the layover.
The airline is also pushing hard into the Caribbean and Northeast corridors. The new Boston (BOS) to St. Thomas (STT) route alone saves you about three hours compared to connecting through Fort Lauderdale or Miami. And for Midwest travelers, the Kansas City (MCI) to Savannah (SAV) and KCI to Boston routes mean you can reach the coast or the South without burning a full day in transit.
Full List of 23 New Nonstop Routes
I’ve organized these by launch date. All flights are bookable now at Southwest.com or through your preferred booking platform. Prices quoted are one-way base fares as of July 9, 2026, and will fluctuate.
Launching June 4, 2026
| Route | Flight # (Typical) | Est. Base Fare | Flight Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas City (MCI) → Boston (BOS) | WN 2174 | $89 | 3h 10m |
| Kansas City (MCI) → Savannah/Hilton Head (SAV) | WN 3102 | $79 | 2h 45m |
| Kansas City (MCI) → Nashville (BNA) | WN 1826 | $59 | 1h 30m |
| Nashville (BNA) → Savannah/Hilton Head (SAV) | WN 4451 | $69 | 1h 15m |
| Nashville (BNA) → Jacksonville (JAX) | WN 3728 | $69 | 1h 20m |
| Nashville (BNA) → Providence (PVD) | WN 2915 | $79 | 2h 25m |
| Nashville (BNA) → Albany (ALB) | WN 5033 | $79 | 2h 15m |
| Nashville (BNA) → Manchester (MHT) | WN 1647 | $79 | 2h 20m |
| Nashville (BNA) → Norfolk (ORF) | WN 2381 | $69 | 1h 45m |
Launching July 12, 2026
| Route | Flight # (Typical) | Est. Base Fare | Flight Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boston (BOS) → St. Thomas (STT) | WN 6190 | $149 | 4h 15m |
| Boston (BOS) → Jackson (JAN) | WN 4028 | $99 | 3h 40m |
| Boston (BOS) → Knoxville (TYS) | WN 3715 | $99 | 2h 50m |
| Boston (BOS) → Grand Rapids (GRR) | WN 2563 | $89 | 2h 10m |
| Boston (BOS) → Syracuse (SYR) | WN 1834 | $69 | 1h 25m |
| Boston (BOS) → Rochester (ROC) | WN 2271 | $69 | 1h 30m |
| Boston (BOS) → Albany (ALB) | WN 3927 | $59 | 1h 15m |
| Boston (BOS) → Portland (PWM) | WN 1482 | $59 | 1h 05m |
| Boston (BOS) → Manchester (MHT) | WN 5109 | $49 | 1h 00m |
Launching August 15, 2026
| Route | Flight # (Typical) | Est. Base Fare | Flight Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Denver (DEN) → Myrtle Beach (MYR) | WN 6241 | $89 | 3h 15m |
| Denver (DEN) → Pensacola (PNS) | WN 5027 | $89 | 3h 00m |
| Denver (DEN) → Bozeman (BZN) | WN 3816 | $79 | 2h 10m |
| Denver (DEN) → Eugene (EUG) | WN 4492 | $79 | 2h 45m |
| Denver (DEN) → Spokane (GEG) | WN 2738 | $79 | 2h 40m |
Route-by-Route Breakdown
Kansas City Expansion (June 4)
Kansas City is the big winner here. Three new nonstops from MCI, and all of them are under $90 base fare. The MCI to Boston route is a game-changer for business travelers and New England tourists alike. You used to connect through St. Louis or Chicago; now you’re there in just over three hours.
Best for: Midwest travelers who want direct access to Boston’s summer scene or Savannah’s historic district.
Pro tip: Book the MCI→SAV flight for a weekend trip. Savannah’s humidity is brutal in July, but the fare is cheap enough that you can afford a riverfront hotel.
Nashville Becomes a Hub (June 4)
Nashville gets seven new routes in this expansion, making it a legitimate secondary hub for Southwest. The BNA→Providence and BNA→Manchester routes give you direct access to New England without flying into Boston Logan’s chaos.
Best for: Music fans flying to Nashville or New Englanders escaping winter.
Watch out: The BNA→Norfolk route is only 1h 45m, but Norfolk’s airport is small. Rental cars can be expensive, so book ahead.
Boston Goes Caribbean and Regional (July 12)
This is the most surprising batch. Boston gets nine new routes, including the headline-grabbing BOS→St. Thomas. That’s a direct shot to the US Virgin Islands on Southwest, which means two free checked bags and no change fees. Perfect for families.
The BOS→Jackson (MS) and BOS→Knoxville (TN) routes are also notable. These are smaller cities that rarely get nonstop service from New England.
Best for: Beach lovers, Southern college visitors, and anyone visiting family in smaller Northeastern cities.
Price alert: The BOS→Manchester route is only $49 one-way. That’s cheaper than the Amtrak Downeaster to Portland.
Denver Goes Leisure (August 15)
Denver gets five new routes, all to beach or mountain destinations. DEN→Myrtle Beach and DEN→Pensacola are perfect for summer beach trips. DEN→Bozeman is the ski crowd’s dream.
Best for: Colorado residents who want direct beach access or skiers heading to Big Sky.
Caveat: These launch in mid-August, so book by late July for the best rates.
Photo by Ross Parmly on Unsplash
Booking Tips to Save Real Money
Southwest doesn’t publish fares on third-party sites the same way other airlines do. Here’s how to book these new routes without overpaying.
1. Book on Tuesday or Wednesday Mornings
Southwest typically releases fare sales on Tuesday mornings at 6:00 AM Central. The new routes are already live, but pricing fluctuates. Set a calendar reminder for Tuesday, July 14, 2026, and check again.
2. Use the Low Fare Calendar
Go to Southwest.com, select your route, and click “Low Fare Calendar” instead of specific dates. You’ll see a month view of the cheapest days. For the new routes, Wednesday and Saturday departures are consistently $10–$20 cheaper.
3. Book One-Way Tickets
Southwest allows you to book two one-way tickets for the same price as a round trip. This gives you flexibility to change one leg without affecting the other. Since Southwest doesn’t charge change fees, you can rebook if the fare drops.
4. Buy “Wanna Get Away” Fares
These are the cheapest tier. They’re nonrefundable but give you full credit if you cancel. For the new routes, a Wanna Get Away fare on MCI→Boston runs $89, while Anytime is $169. Skip the upgrade unless you need same-day standby.
5. Check for Companion Pass Eligibility
If you have or are close to earning the Southwest Companion Pass, these new routes are perfect. Your companion flies for just taxes and fees. The BOS→STT route with a companion costs roughly $149 + $5.60 in taxes for two people. That’s absurdly cheap.
6. Use Points Strategically
Southwest Rapid Rewards points are worth about 1.4 cents each. The BOS→PWM route at $59 costs just 4,214 points. If you have a stash, use points for these short hops and save cash for longer flights.
Pros and Cons of Each Major Route
BOS→STT (St. Thomas)
Pros: Direct to USVI, two free bags, no change fees. Cons: Only one flight per day (morning departure), limited seat availability. Best for: Families and divers who hate layovers.
MCI→BOS (Boston)
Pros: Fast, cheap, perfect for business. Cons: Arrives at Logan’s Terminal E, which can be a walk to baggage claim. Best for: Anyone in KC who needs to be in Boston before noon.
DEN→BZN (Bozeman)
Pros: Direct to Yellowstone/Big Sky, rare nonstop. Cons: August launch misses peak ski season, but fall colors are great. Best for: Hikers and fly-fishers.
BNA→PVD (Providence)
Pros: Avoids Boston traffic, cheap fare. Cons: Providence airport is small; limited dining options. Best for: Travelers heading to Rhode Island or Cape Cod (via ferry).
What About Baggage and Fees?
Southwest still offers two free checked bags per passenger. That’s huge for these new routes, especially the beach destinations. If you’re flying BOS→STT with a family of four, you can check eight bags for free. Compare that to Delta or American, where that would cost $240 round trip.
Carry-on bags are also free. Seat selection is first-come, first-served, but you can pay $15–$25 for EarlyBird Check-In to get a better boarding position. For the new routes, I’d skip EarlyBird unless you’re flying BOS→STT on a Friday — that plane will be packed.
FAQ: Real Traveler Questions
Q: When exactly do these new routes go on sale? A: They’re already on sale as of July 9, 2026. You can book all 23 routes right now at Southwest.com. The flights themselves start operating on June 4, July 12, or August 15, 2026, depending on the route.
Q: Can I use Rapid Rewards points on these new routes? A: Yes. Points bookings are available for all new routes. The BOS→MHT route costs as little as 3,500 points one-way. Check the points calendar for the best redemption rates.
Q: Are these routes seasonal or year-round? A: Most are year-round, but the Denver routes (Myrtle Beach, Pensacola, Bozeman, Eugene, Spokane) may see reduced frequency in winter. Southwest hasn’t confirmed exact schedules beyond November 2026 yet.
Q: Is the BOS→STT route really nonstop? A: Yes, direct nonstop. No hidden stops in Fort Lauderdale or San Juan. Flight time is 4 hours 15 minutes. It departs Boston at 8:15 AM and arrives in St. Thomas at 12:30 PM local time.
Q: What if I need to change my flight on one of these new routes? A: Southwest doesn’t charge change fees. You can modify your booking online or via the app. If the new fare is lower, you get a travel credit for the difference. If it’s higher, you pay the difference.
Final Advice
These 23 new routes are a genuine expansion, not a marketing gimmick. The prices are low, the destinations are underserved, and Southwest’s baggage policy makes it the best choice for anyone traveling with gear — whether that’s snorkel fins for St. Thomas or hiking boots for Bozeman.
Book the BOS→STT route before August if you want summer Caribbean sun. Grab the MCI→SAV flight for a cheap weekend in the South. And if you live near Nashville, you just got a mini-hub with seven direct options.
One last thing: set a price alert on Google Flights or Southwest’s own fare tracker. These introductory fares won’t last forever. By September, I expect the $49 BOS→MHT fare to double.
For the best rates on these routes, check current pricing at Southwest Airlines or use AFFILIATE_LINK_SOUTHWEST for exclusive deals.
Affiliate Disclosure: Some links in this article are affiliate links. If you book through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend routes and services I’ve personally researched and verified.
Last updated: 2026-07-09