Southwest Airlines announced on August 4, 2026, an expanded flight schedule and new temporary routes for the college football season starting later this month. The added capacity includes more flights on existing routes and new city pairs operating around game days to meet increased travel demand.
New Temporary Routes and Additional Flights for NFL and Special Events
The airline will serve approximately 19 NFL matchups during the 2026 season, featuring non-regular city pairs such as Minneapolis/St. Paul to New Orleans, Kansas City to Seattle, Miami to Boston, Cleveland to New Orleans, and Milwaukee to Boston. Temporary flights will also support volleyball games in Omaha, Nebraska, occurring in late August and early
September.
Southwest is adding flights for two music festivals scheduled for the weekend of September 19, 2026, in Columbus and Las Vegas. In October, the airline will operate temporary routes for the hot air balloon festival in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the Austin City Limits Music Festival, and a half-marathon event in Orlando, Florida.
Ticket Availability and Traveler Benefits
Tickets for these special event flights are currently available for purchase. The expanded schedule provides travelers with more route options and flight frequencies around college football games and various autumn events, facilitating access to popular destinations during peak travel periods.
