Southwest Airlines Boosts Florida Flights, Becomes Only Airline on Some Routes

Southwest Airlines is making it easier to hop around the Sunshine State, especially for families heading to Disney and Universal Studios.

The low-cost carrier has added 4 new routes within Florida, starting in August 2025 and operating twice daily. Here’s a closer look at these new Southwest routes.

Southwest Airlines’ New Routes in Florida

Southwest Airlines is adding 4 new routes within Florida to its 2025 schedule, as first reported by Ishiron Aviation. All flights will operate twice daily, starting in August 2025.

Southwest will operate flights between Orlando International Airport (MCO) and the following airports:

• Miami International Airport (MIA)
• Palm Beach International Airport (PBI)
• Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ)
• Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) near Fort Myers

These additions join Southwest’s existing flight between Orlando and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.

Southwest’s addition of these routes will provide stiff competition to other airlines offering connections between Orlando and southeastern Florida, including American Airlines, and Delta Air Lines. However, Southwest will be the only airline to offer nonstop service to Fort Myers, Palm Beach, and Sarasota from Orlando.

Southwest isn’t the only airline making changes on these routes, though. South American giant LATAM will start flying between Orlando and Miami in June 2025, carrying onward to its main hubs south of the equator. Spirit Airlines, conversely, is exiting the Orlando-Fort Lauderdale route in May 2025.

Orlando is an increasingly popular destination, given the presence of the Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort theme parks. Southwest is hoping it can carry passengers to this destination, choosing it over rivals — or even choosing to fly instead of taking a train with Brightline.

Other Changes for Southwest Airlines in 2025

Flight schedules aren’t the only changes coming to Southwest Airlines next year. The airline revealed huge changes by way of assigned seats, premium seating, a new partner in Icelandair — all things that Southwest has never done before. There’s a lot happening next year with this airline, and continued route adjustments should be expected among other changes.

Final Thoughts

Southwest Airlines is bolstering its offerings within Florida, adding 4 nonstop routes to its network starting in August 2025. Once these routes are live, Southwest will have flights between Orlando and Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Miami, Palm Beach, and Sarasota, with each of these flights taking under 90 minutes.