SouthWest Airlines will launch its first-ever flights to St. Thomas in early 2026, adding the U.S. Virgin Islands to a rapidly growing Caribbean map that already spans eight island nations. The new service at Cyril E. King International Airport (STT) reflects the carrier's bid to keep leisure travelers within its network even as it drops free checked bags, introduces assigned seating, and rolls out new fare bundles. Local officials hailed the route as a boost to tourism, accessibility, and year-round demand. Additional 2026 destinations will be announced later this summer.
Key Points
- New nonstop Southwest service to St. Thomas begins in early 2026.
- STT becomes the airline's ninth Caribbean island gateway.
- More 2026 route announcements expected this summer.
- Why it matters: Expands low-cost access to the U.S. Virgin Islands, supporting tourism growth.
Snapshot
Southwest will base the St. Thomas operation at Cyril E. King International Airport, roughly two miles west of Charlotte Amalie. Although schedules and mainland gateways will publish later this year, flights are expected to run daily with Boeing 737-8 aircraft seating 175 travelers. Introductory fares will likely debut under the carrier's new "Flex Plus" bundle, which pairs one checked bag with free seat selection and early boarding.
Background
Since entering the Caribbean with Nassau, Bahamas, in 2014, Southwest has built a robust island portfolio without charging change fees or resorting to seasonal cuts. Competitive pressure from ultra-low-cost carriers and legacy airlines, however, spurred a strategic overhaul in 2024 that replaced open seating with assigned rows and phased out two free checked bags. The pivot aims to lift ancillary revenue while preserving the brand's friendliness. Adding U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico and now the U.S. Virgin Islands fits that strategy, letting the airline grow internationally without foreign-carrier paperwork.
Latest Developments
Southwest President and CEO Bob Jordan framed the route as proof that customer feedback drives every network decision. "We want to make Southwest the easy, obvious choice every time," he said, noting that many Rapid Rewards members ranked the Virgin Islands atop their wish lists.
Fleet and Product Updates
- Cabin overhaul: All main-line jets will finish retrofits by Q4 2025, adding slimline seats, larger bins, and USB-C power ports.
- Fare families: "Flex Plus" and "Flex Basic" join the existing Wanna Get Away and Business Select tiers, bundling seat selection, bags, and same-day changes.
- Lounges: The carrier is scouting club space at Dallas Love Field, Phoenix Sky Harbor, and Chicago Midway, targeting a 2027 opening.
Possible European Expansion
Executives confirmed feasibility studies for narrow-body transatlantic flights to Ireland, Iceland, and Portugal using 737-MAX-10 aircraft. Certification timelines will dictate a final decision by mid-2026.
Local Reaction
Governor Albert Bryan Jr. called the announcement "an exciting milestone for our growing tourism industry," while Tourism Commissioner Joseph Boschulte highlighted the added connectivity for stateside friends and family. Hoteliers on St. Thomas expect load factors to remain high beyond winter peaks because U.S. citizens can visit without passports.
Analysis
For travelers, the biggest win is simplified, passport-free access to a Caribbean favorite known for white-sand beaches, scuba sites, and duty-free shopping. New nonstop options reduce total travel time compared with hub-and-spoke itineraries that often require Miami or San Juan connections. Price-sensitive flyers should still factor in checked-bag fees under Southwest's new structure, though bundled fares may offset the cost for families. Competing carriers will likely match introductory pricing, creating a near-term fare War that benefits leisure demand but pressures airline yields. Hotels and excursion operators should prepare marketing campaigns around the schedule release this fall, focusing on shoulder-season value.
Final Thoughts
Southwest's move into St. Thomas signals a broader shift toward premium-lite products paired with strategic leisure growth. If Europe follows, the Dallas-based giant could transform from a domestic heavyweight into a transatlantic challenger, all while strengthening its Caribbean beachhead. Travelers eyeing the U.S. Virgin Islands should monitor fare sales once the timetable drops and book early for peak dates to secure the best seats-and the best deals on Southwest Airlines' new St. Thomas flights.