Southwest Airlines announced new flights and temporary routes for the 2026 college football season and other events beginning in late August 2026. The expanded schedule covers college football travel starting in late August and includes additional flights surrounding game days.
For the 2026 NFL season, Southwest will serve around 19 football matchups. The airline will operate temporary city pairs not normally on its schedule. These include Minneapolis/St. Paul to New Orleans, Kansas City to Seattle, Miami to Boston, Cleveland to New Orleans, and Milwaukee to Boston.
Beyond football, Southwest is adding flights for other special events in autumn 2026. These
include volleyball games in Omaha, Nebraska in late August and early September. Music festivals in Columbus, Ohio and Las Vegas, Nevada around the weekend of September 19. A hot air balloon festival in Albuquerque, New Mexico in October. The Austin City Limits Music Festival also in October. Finally, a half-marathon event in Orlando, Florida scheduled for October 2026.
Tickets for all these special event flights are now available for purchase. These additions address the expected increase in passenger demand during the 2026 sports and event seasons, providing travelers with more options for their trips.
