Southwest is facing struggles that have left the airline grounded in some cities rather than flying to earnings success.
The airline’s financial struggles have caused it to make changes like cutting back on routes or completely dropping some airports in August. Will you still be able to save money traveling with Southwest?
Check out these cities to see if you’ll need to find a new carrier and find out what other cities could be affected by cutbacks.
If you’re over 50, take advantage of massive travel discounts and trip-planning resources
Over 50 and love traveling? Join AARP today — because if you’re not a member, you could be missing out on huge travel perks. When you start your membership today, you can get discounts on hotels and resorts, airfare, cruises, car rentals, and more.
How to become a member today:
- Go here, select your free gift, and click “Join Today”
- Create your account (important!) by answering a few simple questions
- Start enjoying your discounts and perks!
An AARP membership not only unlocks discounts that could save you hundreds on your next trip, but you’ll also have access to deals on vacation packages, guided tours, and exclusive content to help plan your next getaway.
Important: Start your membership by creating an account here and filling in all of the information (do not skip this step!). Doing so will allow you to take up to 25% off your AARP membership, making it just $12 per year with auto-renewal.
Cozumel, Mexico
Southwest dropped its flights to Cozumel, but there is a close option for flyers.
The company will still fly into nearby Cancun so you can get to the Yucatan Peninsula with the airline. You may have to plan ahead though as it takes about an hour and a half to drive from the Cancun area to Cozumel, or you can take another flight not operated by Southwest, which takes about 20 minutes.
Syracuse, New York
Syracuse will no longer have Southwest airplanes flying into its gates after the company cuts ties in August.
Instead, you can try flying into Rochester, New York, and drive about an hour and a half to get to Syracuse. Buffalo could also be an option, but a drive from there to Syracuse is about two and a half hours.
Bellingham, Washington
Northern Washington State is home to Bellingham, a great option if you’re trying to get to nearby Vancouver, British Columbia in Canada.
You can fly directly into Vancouver instead of on another airline, but be aware that crossing into Canada via an airport instead of driving through the border may be a different experience when dealing with customs and documents.
Earn a $250 travel bonus with this incredible card
There's a credit card that's making waves with its amazing bonus and benefits. The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card has no annual fee and you can earn 25,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
You can earn additional points just by using this card for your everyday purchases — unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases. The 25,000 bonus points can be redeemed for a $250 statement credit toward travel or dining purchases.
If you want to travel and dine out more, the Travel Rewards card can help you get where you want to go.
The best part? There's no annual fee.
Houston
Southwest stopped all its flights into George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston in August as it made cuts to its services.
The airline is still flyin into Houston, but you’ll have to fly into the smaller Hobby Airport than the Bush Airport.
Atlanta (limited service)
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport was the busiest airport in the world based on the number of passengers at the airport in 2023. However, Southwest’s passenger numbers are likely to go down this year.
Southwest said it might be cutting half its flights in Atlanta as part of its cost-cutting moves this year. So far they've already reduced their flights to 94 on weekdays, rather than the previous 119.
You may still find flights in and out of Atlanta on the airline, but plan for a limited number of flights compared to what you book now.
Trending Stories
Chicago O’Hare (limited service)
Southwest also announced it will cut about one-third of its flights to and from O’Hare International Airport in Chicago.
The company will still operate flights out of Chicago’s Midway Airport, so customers in the Windy City will still have some Southwest flight options.
Southwest flies into financial challenges
Southwest announced in April that it was having financial struggles, causing it to make some changes.
The company said it lost $231 million in the first quarter of the year and would be making cuts to address its financial underperformance, according to Southwest CEO Robert Jordan.
In addition to cutting airports from its roster, Southwest is also limiting the hiring of new employees in some positions and asking workers to take unpaid time off.
Boeing’s troubles spill over
Southwest also said it had to cut and limit some routes to smaller planes due to issues that Boeing is facing. The airline will limit retiring some of its planes as it expects to receive fewer planes from Boeing this year.
Boeing ran into production delays after an airplane malfunction on an Alaskan Airlines flight in January.
Compare prices to get affordable tickets
There are still ways for you to save money on flights, whether you use Southwest or not.
Check online sites that compare prices to see if you can find different airline options at various price points and flight times.
Also, consider expanding your search to different airports and destinations so you discover more options for a getaway.
Unlock exclusive entertainment deals and VIP perks (without a credit card)
Ready to take your entertainment and travels to the next level? Experience the finer things in life with the SELECT card.
No, it's not a credit card, it’s an exclusive membership — and your passport to a world of elite benefits and unforgettable moments.
Imagine sipping complimentary cocktails in downtown Manhattan at KYU NYC or saving 20% on the best sushi in Hollywood Hills at Yamashiro.
Like to shop? Members receive VIP discounts like 15% off at Brooks Brothers, and up to 60% off at Tumi.
Enjoy special offers at luxury hotels like the Four Seasons and Omni Select. For example, you get 15% off at Hyatt Hotels worldwide.
But it’s not just about the hundreds (or thousands) you could save. There are so many features that make you feel like a VIP every day. Like SELECT’s white-glove concierge that assists with bookings, recommendations, or anything you need. And priority access to reservations to some of the year’s hottest events (many not open to the public).
Consider frequent flyer options
You may have a favorite airline or one that has more options than other airlines at your local airport.
Consider signing up as a frequent flyer to earn miles that you can use later for seat upgrades or to get tickets for your next flight using miles.
Check other retailers
You may be surprised to find that you can buy plane tickets from places you may not expect.
Savvy shoppers, for example, may book their flights, hotels, and car rentals through Costco Travel with their Costco membership to save money.
Some all-inclusive resorts or cruise lines may also get you a good deal on flights if you book your vacation through them.
Bottom line
Southwest may be making some changes, but there are still ways for you to save money without having airline issues bust your wallet.
Make sure you have the top travel credit cards in your wallet to earn extra perks and points when you travel. It’s also a good idea to check on what you have earned so far to help yourself financially by using your points instead of cash for hotels, flights, and more.
Easy-to-Earn Unlimited Rewards
Benefits
Card Details
- $0 annual fee
- Simple, flat-rate rewards
- Flexible redemption options
- Up to 75% preferred Rewards bonus potential
- Apply Now
- Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
- 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
- Use your card to book your trip how and where you want - you're not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
- Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
- 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.74% - 28.74% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
- If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means instead of earning an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1, you could earn 1.87-2.62 points for every $1 you spend on purchases.
- Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
- This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
on Bank of America’s secure website
Read Card ReviewIntro Offer
Earn 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases
Annual Fee
$0
Why we like it
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card is great for individuals who enjoy earning rewards and traveling.
Cardholders will enjoy the flexibility to redeem points with no blackout dates and receive a statement credit to pay for travel and dining purchases.
Earn 1.5X points on all purchases everywhere, every time.
- Apply Now
Subscribe Today
Want extra-cash moves to come right to you?
Stop browsing endlessly. Get proven ways to earn pocket money, help cover rent, and crush your debt — sent to your inbox daily.