Southwest Airlines Schedule Extended Into Early 2026

Updated: March 28, 2025, 5:11pm CDT

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Southwest Airlines Released Schedule Through January, 2026
When Will the Southwest Schedule Be Extended?
Final Thoughts

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Southwest Airlines has extended its flight schedule, and you can now book Southwest flights for travel through January 5, 2026.

Here are the details you’ll need to book those remaining flights you’ve considered for 2025 or the first week of 2026..

Southwest Airlines Released Schedule Through January, 2026

Southwest Airlines has released its schedule through January 5, 2026, so it’s time to book that fall or winter getaway you’ve been eyeing. If you’re unsure yet where to travel, don’t forget that Southwest flies to many vacation spots like Hawaii and international destinations, such as Costa Rica and the Caribbean.

Unlike other airlines, which release schedules about 11 months in advance, Southwest releases its schedule in smaller chunks — usually about 6 to 8 months in advance.

Southwest schedule January 5 2026 — Southwest has released its flight schedule through January 6, 2026. Image Credit: Southwest Airlines

Why is this so important, you might ask? Flights tend to increase in price as you get closer to your desired travel dates, so you can often save money by booking flights as soon as they’re released. Since Southwest doesn’t charge change or cancellation fees, there’s no downside to booking early.

If you book your flight with Rapid Rewards points and the price drops, you can change your flight to the lower-priced option and get a points refund. Southwest offers a few different fare classes. For instance, if you booked a Wanna Get Away or Wanna Get Away Plus fare with money, you can get a flight credit for the price difference.

If you book an Anytime or Business Select ticket, your fare is fully refundable, whether you paid with points or cash.

Hot Tip:

You can also book Southwest flights through Chase Travel or by calling the number on the back of your credit card. This may make more sense for Chase Sapphire Reserve^® cardholders, as they can redeem at 1.5 cents per point towards paid flights. Further, you’ll actually earn Rapid Rewards on flights booked through this portal.

When Will the Southwest Schedule Be Extended?

Southwest Airlines releases its flight schedule in small chunks throughout the year. Currently, flights through January 5, 2026, are available to book.

We should see the next extension on May 8, 2025, taking the schedule through the end of January 2026.

Speaking of May, numerous changes at Southwest Airlines will go into effect in late May. Booking now, before those changes, may be advantageous if you want to enjoy the current earning rates on flights and current baggage policies.

Final Thoughts

Southwest Airlines doesn’t release a flight schedule in the same manner as other airlines; instead, it opts for small chunks of flights released throughout the year.

If you’ve been eyeing a Southwest flight to a fun fall or winter destination, you can now book it through January 5, 2026, thanks to the airline extending its schedule.