Southwest Expands to St. Thomas: Flights Begin Early 2026

Southwest Airlines is expanding its Caribbean reach by adding flights to St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, starting in early 2026. This marks Southwest's ninth island destination in the Atlantic Basin, joining Aruba, The Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and Turks and Caicos Islands. The addition of St. Thomas is part of a larger expansion plan, with two more destinations expected to be announced this summer. This new route is welcomed by the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism and Governor Albert Bryan Jr., who view it as a significant boost for the local tourism industry, increasing accessibility and connectivity for travelers. The expansion comes at a time when Southwest is facing criticism for recent changes to its business model, including charging for checked bags and assigned seating, and potential alterations to its loyalty program. While these business model changes have generated negative press, the airline continues to invest in its network growth. The new St. Thomas flights are expected to be available for purchase soon, offering travelers another option for reaching this popular Caribbean destination. The move signifies Southwest's commitment to expanding its presence in the Caribbean, offering increased competition and potentially lower fares for travelers heading to the US Virgin Islands. The positive reaction from the USVI government underscores the importance of increased airlift to the island's economy and tourism sector. This new route will undoubtedly attract more visitors to St. Thomas, bolstering the local economy and supporting related businesses.

(Source: https://dannydealguru.com/southwest-adding-flights-to-st-thomas-u-s-virgin-islands/)