Southwest Airlines to Expand Network with Santa Rosa Launch
Southwest Airlines (WN) has announced plans to include Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport (STS) in Santa Rosa, California, into its routes starting April 7, 2026. Tickets for the inaugural flights will be available from tomorrow through Southwest.com. This addition aims to connect Santa Rosa with various cities, underscoring Southwest Airlines’ long-standing commitment to California and enhancing travel options to the famous Wine Country region.
New Nonstop Flights from Santa Rosa
The carrier will introduce nonstop flights from Santa Rosa (STS) to four destinations:
- San Diego (SAN)
- Las Vegas (LAS)
- Denver (DEN)
- Burbank (BUR)
Services to San Diego and Las Vegas will operate daily, with two round-trips to San Diego on peak days. Burbank flights are scheduled five times a week, while Denver will have a weekly service on Saturdays. This expansion makes STS the 14th airport in Southwest’s California portfolio. Southwest leads intra-California travel with its independent operations, highest seating capacity, and maximum daily departures within the state.
Broader Network Strategy
This expansion in Santa Rosa is part of Southwest’s larger network strategy. Previously announced routes for 2026 include new services to:
- St. Thomas (STT) in the U.S. Virgin Islands
- Knoxville (TYS) in Tennessee
- St. Maarten (SXM)
Southwest plans to unveil yet another new destination soon, further diversifying its schedule. The new flights from Santa Rosa will give travelers direct access to major airports undergoing upgrades. Notably, these include San Diego’s upcoming Terminal 1 and the reimagined Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR). This highlights the airline’s effort to link secondary airports with high-demand destinations.
Loyalty and Promotions
Southwest Airlines is actively promoting its Rapid Rewards program, encouraging members to earn points on flights and through spendings with partners. Current promotions feature up to 100,000 bonus points for new Rapid Rewards Credit Card holders meeting minimum spending requirements, adding extra value for frequent flyers.
Operating from its headquarters in Dallas, Southwest Airlines Co. services 117 airports across 11 countries. Established in 1971, the airline is renowned for its low-cost fares, dependable service, and hospitality. In 2024, it transported over 140 million passengers with a workforce exceeding 72,000 employees. Southwest remains the largest U.S. airline for domestic nonstop travel, focusing on connecting communities and offering affordable air services.
