Southwest Airlines is a low-cost air carrier that majorly operates within the territories of the United States. While you must have flown with the airways within the US itself. But do you know Southwest even offers flights to international destinations like Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean? Wait, you didn’t? Take a chill pill and read this comprehension to understand Southwest’s international journey. Here, you will learn about the international Southwest Airlines vacation destinations and make a note of them for your acknowledgment. It goes as!
Some International Destinations Covered by Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines offers eminent flight services to passengers wishing to move out of the United States. You can read the following list for the most traveled route in the southwest Airlines. They are:
| Aruba (AUA) | Belize City, Belize (BZE) | Grand Cayman (GCM) |
| Havana, Cuba (HAV) | Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (PVR) | Nassau, Bahamas (NAS) |
| Montego Bay, Jamaica (MBJ) | Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (PUJ) | San José, Costa Rica (SJO) |
| Providenciales, Turks and Caicos (PLS) | San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU) | Liberia, Costa Rica (LIR to TPA) |
| Cancun, Mexico (CUN) | Cabo San Lucas/Los Cabos, Mexico (SJD) | ___ |
An Overview of Flying Internationally on Southwest Airlines
While you travel on an International Southwest flight, you will have the same experience as that on a domestic flight. You will notice the similar seating configuration and the unique boarding procedure. Additionally, you can check for the two bags for free without paying any additional cost. But, you can notice significant differences between domestic and international flights on Southwest Airways. They are:
- On an international flight, you must check in online while visiting the reservation counter to show your passport and obtain a boarding pass. You can then check- in at the counter at least 60 minutes before you schedule the departure time, or you might not be allowed on your flight. But when you travel to Aruba, you should check in 75 minutes at the airport before the flight departure, or you will not be allowed to board the plane.
- The passengers can secure their boarding position online, which is always the case. However, you can pay for an EarlyBird Check-in.
- Besides, no curbside check-in is available for international passenger itineraries.
A List of the Top International Southwest Airlines Destinations & Their Details
A quick breakdown of the best international destinations of Southwest Airlines for travelers with complete particulars. They are:
Aruba
One of the most considered vacation destinations for many passengers is Aruba. This beautiful place is located on the northern coast of South America, just 60 miles away. Inside the hurricane belt, this place is a little segment of the Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao. Thus, reaching there during the hurricane season is very convenient without any stress.
Airport Name: Queen Beatrix International Airport, Aruba (AUA)
Time of Arrival: 3 hours ahead of scheduled flight departure
Terminal and Gate: Everyday U.S. departure gate change
Priority Lane: Yes
Self-tagging: No
Nonstop Flights From:
- Baltimore (BWI)
- Orlando (MCO)
Bahamas
A nearby destination to the cities of the United States is the Bahamas. You can enjoy the sunny and beachy sand dunes to the fullest. It would surprise you that Bhamas is a small Caribbean country packed with over 700 islands. This magnificent place is only 50 Miles away from the coast of Florida.
Airport Name: Lynden Pindling International Airport, Bahamas (NAS)
Suggested Time of Arrival: 3 hours ahead of scheduled plane departures
Terminal Name: U.S. terminal
Gates: Gates C41 to C45
Priority Lane: Yes
Self-tagging: No
Nonstop Flights From:
- Baltimore (BWI)
- Ft. Lauderdale (FLL)
Belize
Do you know that Belize is among the list of Southwest airline destinations outside the United States? This Central American nation offers every single service that would make your vacation worth it, from scuba diving to Mayan. Additionally, this nationality is more into speaking English, making it convenient for travelers to navigate Belize.
Airport Name: Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport, Belize City (BZE)
Suggested Time of Arrival: 3 hours ahead of scheduled flight
Terminal Name: Terminal 1
Gate: Gate 2
Priority Lane: Yes
Self-tagging: No
Nonstop Flights From:
- Denver (DEN)
- Houston (HOU)
Cayman Island
Located near the Caribbean Sea, Cayman Island is in the British Overseas Territory. The airline operates its flights to Stingray City, one of the most famous tourist spots. Thus, the shallow sand dunes of this island are an immense attraction for the visitors who congregate with the stingrays.
Airport Name: Owen Roberts International Airport, Grand Cayman Islands (GCM)
Time of Arrival: 3 hours ahead of scheduled flight
Terminal Name: Main Terminal
Gate: Gate 8
Priority Lane: No
Self-tagging: Yes
Nonstop Flights From:
- Baltimore (BWI)
- Ft. Lauderdale (FLL)
Turks & Caicos
Like the Grand Cayman, you will find the Turks and Caicos within the British Overseas Territory. This place claims to have 350 days of sun every year. You can witness the most amazing beaches in the world; this island owns the third-largest barrier reef. For this reason, Turks and Caicos is the perfect spot for scuba diving lovers.
Airport Name: Providenciales International Airport; Turks and Caicos (PLS)
Time of Arrival: 3 hours ahead of scheduled flight
Terminal Name: Main Terminal
Gate: Gates 1 to 9
Priority Lane: Yes
Self-tagging: Yes
Nonstop Flights From:
- Baltimore (BWI)
- Ft. Lauderdale (FLL)
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Puerto Vallarta is the most popular vacation spot in Mexico, which is best known for its most lively area and magnificent beaches. Notably, Puerto Vallarta and Hawaii are positioned on the same latitude, so both regions have similar climates.
Airport Name: Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport; Puerto Vallarta (PVR)
Time of Arrival: 3 hours ahead of scheduled flight
Terminal Name: Terminal B
Gates: Gates changes every day
Priority Lane: Yes
Self-tagging: Yes
Nonstop Flights From:
- Denver (DEN)
- Austin (AUS)
- Houston (HOU)
- Phoenix (PHX)
- Orange County (SNA)
Cancún, Mexico
Cancun is on the hit list of Southwest Airlines’ international spots. It is likely a party town with chilling vibes, yet it can also be a pre-eminent spot for families. Passengers can easily navigate through Cancun as it is an excellent destination for an immediate gateway with a long list of accommodation options near the airport.
Airport: Cancún International Airport; Cancún (CUN)
Time of Arrival: 3 hours ahead of scheduled flight
Terminal Name: Terminal 4
Gate: Gates change daily
Priority and Express Lane: Yes
Self-tagging: Yes
Nonstop Flights From:
- Austin (AUS)
- Baltimore (BWI)
- Chicago (MDW)
- Chicago (ORD)
- Columbus (CMH)
- Denver (DEN)
- Ft. Lauderdale (FLL)
- Houston (HOU)
- Indianapolis (IND)
- Kansas City (MCI)
- Milwaukee (MKE)
- Nashville (BNA)
- New Orleans (MSY)
- Phoenix (PHX)
- Pittsburgh (PIT)
- San Antonio (SAT)
- St. Louis (STL)
Jamaica
Jamaica is very preferred for families, especially as this place gives laid-back Caribbean vibes. You will find beaches and clear blue water that make it enjoyable for travelers.
Airport Name: Sangster International Airport; Montego Bay (MBJ)
Time of Arrival: 3 hours ahead of scheduled flight
Terminal Name: Main Terminal
Gate: Gates change daily
Priority Lane: Yes
Self-tagging: Yes
Nonstop Flights From:
- Baltimore (BWI)
- Chicago (MDW)
- Ft. Lauderdale (FLL)
- Houston (HOU)
- Orlando (MCO)
- St. Louis (STL)
Dominican Republic
You can fly off to Punta Cana, located in the Dominican Republic. This Southwest Airlines destination is best known for the white sand beaches that have clear and lukewarm water. Additionally, you need to worry about your accommodation, and there are plenty of resorts and hotels to choose from. You get assured of embarking on a comfortable and alluring vacation with your family and loved ones in this town of the Dominican Republic.
Airport Name: Punta Cana International Airport; Punta Cana (PUJ)
Time of Arrival: 3 hours ahead of scheduled flight
Terminal Name: International terminal
Gate: Gates change daily
Priority and Express Lane: Yes
Self-tagging: Yes
Nonstop Flights From:
- Baltimore (BWI)
- Chicago (MDW)
- Ft. Lauderdale (FLL)
- St. Louis (STL)
Cuba
Since 2016, planning a trip to Cuba has become effortless, yet things are sometimes complicated. However, Southwest Airlines currently serves the 12 travel divisions that permit US citizens entry to Cuba. These categories include journalism, support for the Cuban people, athletic competitions, and family visits. But yes, recall that Cuba still bans the pure travel activities on its land.
Airport Name: José Martí International Airport; Havana (HAV)
Time of Arrival: 3 hours ahead of scheduled flight
Terminal Name: Terminal 2
Priority Lane: Yes
Self-tagging: No
Nonstop Flights From:
- Ft. Lauderdale (FLL)
- Tampa (TPA)
Final Words
We hope that you have got over your thoughts about whether Southwest flies to international destinations. The airline is not just for domestic flights but serves many continental places like the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America. In fact, by trusting Southwest Airlines for your journey, you are ensured to embark on a hassle-free trip. Because the airline offers the best travel services, like charge-free reservations and flight changes, open seat configurations, two-checked bags, and excellent support to passengers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Southwest Airlines flies from United States cities: Honolulu on Oahu, Kahului on Maui, Kona and Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii, and Lihue on Kauai.
Yes, Southwest Airlines has various low-fare flights for the low fares and international beach destinations like Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.
Yes, Southwest Airlines flies to Punta Cana at an affordable flight fare with excellent facilities and amenities.
If you can’t check into international flight Southwest, the best thing to do is reach the check-in counter or self-kiosk at the airport.
The Southwest flights fly directly to Montego Bay, Jamaica, San José del Cabo, Mexico, and Enhances Cancun from Kanas City International Airport.
Southwest Airlines will operate flights to Europe with a partnership with Icelandair by 2025. With this, travelers could move between the United States and Europe flexibly.
Southwest Airlines flies to LaGuardia Airport at affordable prices and convenient check-in procedures.
Yes, the Southwest Airways Corporation manages its most admired and awarded airlines while offering one kind of value and hospitality for about 11 countries with 117 airports.
