Southwest Airlines announced new flights and temporary routes for the autumn 2026 college and professional football seasons. These additions aim to accommodate passenger demand during this period.
The airline released its full, expanded schedule for the 2026 college football season starting in late August 2026. Additional flights and temporary connections will operate on days before and after college football games to support increased passenger volume.
For the 2026 NFL season, Southwest will serve approximately 19 matchups and operate temporary routes not on its regular schedule. These city pairs include Minneapolis/St. Paul to New Orleans; Kansas City to Seattle; Miami to
Boston; Cleveland to New Orleans; and Milwaukee to Boston.
Southwest Airlines will add flights for volleyball games in Omaha, Nebraska in late August and early September 2026. Additional flights will support music festivals in Columbus and Las Vegas on the weekend of September 19, 2026. In October 2026, Southwest will add flights for a hot air balloon festival in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the Austin City Limits Music Festival, and a half-marathon event in Orlando, Florida.
Tickets for these special event flights are currently available for purchase.
