Southwest Airlines Expands Service to Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport in 2026

Southwest Airlines Expands Service to Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport

In a significant development for air travel, Southwest Airlines Co. has revealed plans to start service to Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport in Santa Rosa, California, beginning on April 7, 2026. This announcement came as a delightful surprise in September 2025, with tickets for initial flights available for purchase starting from the following morning via the Southwest Airlines website.

According to Andrew Watterson, Chief Operating Officer at Southwest Airlines, the addition of the Sonoma County Airport to their network is part of the airline's ongoing commitment to provide customers with a wider array of travel options. He emphasized that offering direct access to California's renowned Wine Country is a move that strengthens their long-standing dedication to serving this vibrant state. Watterson stated, "We aren't slowing down in our pursuit to provide Customers with more options than ever before."

The inaugural flight service will include non-stop routes to San Diego, Las Vegas, Denver, and Burbank. Travelers can look forward to daily flights to San Diego and Las Vegas, with peak days featuring two roundtrips to San Diego. The Burbank route will run five times a week, while flights to Denver will be scheduled exclusively on Saturdays.

This new addition brings the number of airports in Southern California served by Southwest to 14, positioning the airline as the leader in intra-California service. Notably, Southwest Airlines boasts the greatest number of available seats and daily departures within the state, further enhancing its reputation as a key player in the Californian airline market.

In addition to this new service, Southwest has also announced new routes to St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Knoxville in Tennessee, and St. Maarten, all set to launch in the first half of 2026. The airline's service expansion demonstrates its commitment to offering even more destinations for its customers.

A highlight of the Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport is its charming decor featuring beloved cartoon characters, making it an appealing gateway to the stunning landscapes and world-class wineries of Sonoma County. The new service will connect travelers to the upcoming new Terminal 1 in San Diego and the revamped Hollywood Burbank Airport, enhancing travel convenience.

For frequent flyers, Southwest Airlines offers the Rapid Rewards program, enabling members to earn points while flying or shopping with partners. Members can also purchase points, allowing them to redeem rewards for travel to their preferred destinations. Recently revamped, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards from Chase have introduced an exciting incentive. New cardmembers can earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 within the first five months of account opening, marking one of the most generous offers this year.

About Southwest Airlines Co.
Founded in 1971, Southwest Airlines is known for its commitment to affordable and reliable air travel, having earned numerous awards and accolades. The airline currently operates across 117 airports in 11 countries and serves more people flying non-stop within the U.S. than any other airline. With a dedicated team of over 72,000 employees, Southwest Airlines aims to deliver exceptional service to its customers while fostering a strong community presence.

As travel enthusiasts look ahead to 2026, the announcement of new routes into the heart of California's wine region holds great promise for enhancing both leisure and business travel experiences, reinforcing Southwest Airlines’ role in revolutionizing air travel accessibility across the state.