Southwest Flight International: Travel Farther for Less
Southwest Flight International is not a joke; it's reality. Southwest Airlines is turning heads—what started as a beloved domestic airline is now your ticket to exciting destinations beyond U.S. borders. If you're a frequent traveller or planning your next getaway, you might wonder, "What countries can I fly to with Southwest Airlines?"; "What is the baggage policy of Southwest Airlines?" or "Does Southwest Airlines offer a reward program?" Good news—you're about to get the answers to all these questions and more. Ready to get the full scoop? Let's break it all down together.
Does Southwest fly international routes? Exploring Their Global Reach
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Many travellers associate Southwest Airlines with U.S. routes, but its international services have expanded over the years. While it doesn't cover as many global destinations as some legacy carriers, it does offer a selection of fantastic variants.
So, Is Southwest International? Absolutely! Whether you dream of white-sand beaches, vibrant cities, or cultural escapes, Southwest can take you there without breaking the bank. Think tropical getaways like Mexico, the Caribbean, and even further south to Central America.
Top Southwest Airlines International Destinations
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If you're considering Southwest flight international, here are some must-visit spots you can explore:
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Mexico: Cancún, Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos;
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The Caribbean: Aruba, Jamaica (Montego Bay), Bahamas (Nassau), Dominican Republic (Punta Cana), Grand Cayman, Havana (Cuba), Turks and Caicos, San Juan (Puerto Rico);
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Central America: Belize, Costa Rica (Liberia), San Jose (Costa Rica).
These destinations are perfect for sun-seekers, adventurers, and culture lovers alike. And since Southwest is known for its no-hidden-fees policy, you can enjoy affordable Southwest international travel without surprise costs.
Unlock the Full Potential of Your Southwest International Travel
Flying internationally with Southwest is rewarding! Their Rapid Rewards program is your golden ticket to stretching your travel budget further. Here's how to squeeze every last drop of value from your points when jetting off to sunny beaches or vibrant cities abroad.
How Points Work for Southwest Airlines International Destinations
https://www.southwest.com/special-offers/flight-deals/?clk=%20GSUBNAV-OFFERS-AIR
Your earnings aren't just random—they're based on:
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What you spend (the more your ticket costs, the more points you rack up)
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Your fare type (Business Select? More points. Wanna Go? Fewer.)
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Your loyalty status (A-Listers get bonus love)
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How you pay (Some credit cards turbocharge your earnings)
Pro Tips to Rack Up Points Faster
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Stack Them Up: Southwest partners with hotels, rental cars, and even restaurants—so every dollar you spend can turn into points.
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No Blackout Dates: Unlike other airlines, Southwest doesn't lock you out of peak travel days when booking with points. Want a holiday flight to Mexico? Go for it!
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Mix & Match: Short on points? Use Points + Cash to book now and save for later.
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Bring a Buddy for (Almost) Free: Score the Companion Pass, and your favourite travel partner flies with you—only paying taxes and fees—on every flight, domestic or international!
Big Changes Coming in 2025
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Starting May 28, 2025, Southwest's loyalty program is getting a shake-up:
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More Points for Business Select – High-tier fares will earn you bigger rewards.
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Fewer Points for Budget Fares – Wanna Go and other low-cost tickets will give you less.
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New Basic Fare – Super cheap, but no frills (and fewer points).
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Assigned Seating & Extra Legroom – Finally! More comfort options are coming.
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Flights on Expedia – Easier to book, but watch out: Flight credits will expire in 1 year or less—so use 'em or lose 'em!
If you're planning Southwest international travel, now's the time to strategize. Earn smarter, book wiser, and take full advantage of every perk—before the rules change!
Tips for Booking Southwest Flight International
https://www.southwest.com/air/booking/?clk=GSUBNAV-AIR-BOOK
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Check for Seasonal Routes – Some Southwest Airlines international destinations are seasonal, so plan accordingly.
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Use Points Wisely – Southwest's Rapid Rewards program lets you redeem points for international flights at great value.
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Pack Smart – Remember, two checked bags fly free, even on Southwest Airlines international routes!
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Book Early for Best Point Redemptions – International flights require more points, so booking in advance often yields better deals.
Southwest's Big Baggage Change: What It Means for Your 2025 International Trips
Hold onto your suitcases! Southwest's beloved "Bags Fly Free" policy is getting a makeover starting May 28, 2025. If you're planning to choose one of Southwest Airlines' international destinations or domestic flights, you'll want to know exactly how this affects your packing strategy—and your wallet.
Who Still Gets Free Bags?
The good news? Some lucky flyers will keep their free checked bags:
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Top-tier travellers: A-List Preferred members and Business Select ticket holders still get two free checked bags (under 50 lbs and 62 inches total)
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Frequent flyers: Regular A-List members qualify for one free bag
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Cardholders: Rapid Rewards credit card users get a credit for their first checked bag
The New Reality for Most Travellers
https://www.southwest.com/rapid-rewards/partners/credit-cards/consumer-cards/
Here's the change that's got everyone talking: most passengers will now pay for every checked bag. That's right – the free checked luggage era is ending. But before you stress, let me share some smart workarounds to keep your costs down.
3 Ways to Beat the New Bag Fees
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Get the right credit card: A Southwest Rapid Rewards card gives your first checked bag free (plus extends the benefit to 8 travel companions!). Frequent flyers should consider the Priority Credit Card for maximum perks.
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Pack smart: Southwest still allows one carry-on plus a personal item. With some clever packing (hello, rolling clothes!), you might avoid checking bags altogether.
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Time it right: Check bags between 4 hours and 45 minutes before departure – any earlier or later risks fees or delayed luggage.
Important Baggage Details
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Check-in options: Online, at kiosks (where available), or with agents
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Restricted items: Remember, flammables, certain batteries, and weapons must go in checked bags or stay home
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Overweight bags: Will cost you extra, except for active military and media professionals with camera gear
Southwest's baggage policy is changing, but with the right approach, you can still travel smart. Whether snagging the perfect credit card, mastering carry-on packing, or timing your bag drop perfectly, a little preparation means you can keep flying Southwest internationally without breaking the bank.
Is Southwest Your Best Bet for International Travel?
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If you're looking for a budget-friendly way to explore nearby international hotspots, Southwest Airlines is a fantastic option. While they don't fly to Europe or Asia, their Caribbean and Latin American routes offer plenty of adventure. And with the ability to use points for flights, your vacation budget can stretch even further.
Despite all the changes, you can still count on Southwest Airlines reliability.
Book Your Stay with Hotelin.com
After securing your Southwest Airlines international flight, the next step is finding the perfect accommodation. That's where Hotelin.com comes in! As one of the best hotel price aggregators, it lets you compare prices across multiple platforms, ensuring you get the best deal for any budget.
So, what are you waiting for? Start earning those Rapid Rewards points, book your Southwest international travel today, and start exploring the world without overspending! Happy travels!