Southwest Airlines Soars with New Caribbean Routes, Companion Pass Perks, and Policy Shifts
Southwest Airlines is making significant moves, announcing new international service to St. Maarten, a limited-time promotional Companion Pass, and updates to its customer-of-size policy. These changes, alongside adjustments to Rapid Rewards earnings and the introduction of red-eye flights, signal a strategic evolution for the carrier.
What You Need To Know:
- Southwest is expanding its international reach with new service to St. Maarten.
- A limited-time promotion offers a two-month Companion Pass for booking a round-trip flight.
- The customer-of-size policy is changing to require advance purchase of extra seats.
- Rapid Rewards earning rates have been adjusted, with reductions for lower fare classes and increases for higher ones.
- The airline has introduced its first red-eye flights to better utilize its fleet.
New Caribbean Destination: St. Maarten
Southwest Airlines is expanding its tropical footprint by launching nonstop service to St. Maarten, its latest Caribbean destination. Flights from Orlando International Airport (MCO) are set to begin on April 7, 2026, with additional weekend service from Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) starting two days later during peak travel weeks. This marks Southwest’s first international route since adding flights to Cozumel, Mexico, earlier this decade.
Promotional Companion Pass Opportunity
For a limited time, Rapid Rewards members have the chance to earn a two-month Companion Pass by booking a round-trip flight or two one-way flights by August 28. The qualifying travel must be completed by November 15. Those who earn this promotional pass can use it from January 6 to March 6, 2026, allowing a companion to fly with them for the cost of taxes and fees. This offer excludes the new Basic fares.
Updates to Customer of Size Policy
Beginning January 27, 2026, coinciding with the implementation of assigned seating, Southwest’s policy for customers requiring an extra seat will change. Passengers needing additional space will be required to purchase an extra seat in advance. Complimentary extra seats at the gate will no longer be available. Refunds for the second seat will still be offered under specific conditions, including the flight having an open seat and both seats being purchased in the same fare class, with refund requests needing to be filed within 90 days of travel.
Rapid Rewards Earnings Adjustments
Southwest has recently modified its Rapid Rewards earnings structure. Flyers purchasing “Wanna Get Away” fares will now earn 2 points per dollar, a decrease from the previous 6 points per dollar. “Wanna Get Away Plus” fares will earn 6 points per dollar, down from 10. “Anytime” fares remain unchanged at 10 points per dollar, while “Business Select” tickets will now earn 14 points per dollar, up from 12. These changes were implemented without prior customer notification.
Launch of Red-Eye Flights
Southwest Airlines has officially launched its first red-eye flights, a significant departure from its historical operational model. These overnight services aim to maximize aircraft utilization and improve financial results. The initial red-eye routes include departures from Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Phoenix to destinations like Baltimore/Washington and Orlando. The airline plans to expand its red-eye schedule significantly by summer, including routes from Hawaii.
