Air travelers from the West Coast of the United States will get more diversified travel options starting in the summer of 2026. Southwest Airlines has announced it will launch multiple nonstop flights from California. The newly added route also includes a daily flight from Ontario to Honolulu. The new routes will offer suitable options for passengers residing on the Western Coast. The new route expansion has also given a significant focus to Hawaii, one of the most popular tourist destinations. You should read this blog for detailed information on the newly added journey routes to plan your next vacation successfully.
Southwest Airlines to Expand its West Coast Travel Network
Southwest Airlines is all set to begin all-new routes between California and Hawaii. This latest route addition increases the comfort of passengers looking to explore the island state from Southern California. Passengers will enjoy nonstop flight service between the Southern Californian city of Ontario and the capital of Hawaii, Honolulu. The Dallas-based Southwest Airlines announced this route expansion just before Thanksgiving. The Airline has also added another route to Hawaii. Other expansions include flights to the Pacific Northwest, in addition to other departures to the western US.
What are the newly proposed routes by Southwest Airlines on the West Coast?
Southwest Airlines’ new West Coast expansion plan includes five routes. It includes two all-new Hawaii routes and other nonstop services. We have shared the route details below.
- Between Ontario and Honolulu
- From/ To Burbank to/ from Honolulu
- Between Long Beach and Portland
- From/ To Long Beach to/ from Seattle
- Between San Diego and Santa Barbara
As you can see in the above list, all the flights are originating from Southern California.
Tours n Travelpro Tip: Travelers should book their West Coast vacation flights soon due to high demand for air tickets. You can make your flight booking process a cakewalk by calling the expert customer support team of ToursNTravelPro at Call Us : +1-866-679-5070.
When will Southwest Airlines begin flights on the new West Coast routes?
The new flight between Ontario and Honolulu will begin on June 04, 2026. The proposed schedule says that the flight will depart from Ontario in the morning. The flight will return on the same evening from Honolulu. The Airline has begun ticket sales for this Hawaii route. The Southwest Airlines flights on other routes will become active on the following dates:
| Flight Route | Flight Service Begins on | Frequency of the journey |
| Burbank (BUR) to Honolulu (HNL) | August 04, 2026 | Will run on peak travel days |
| Long Beach (LGB) to Portland (PDX) | August 04, 2026 | Will operate six days a week |
| Long Beach (LGB) to Seattle (SEA) | August 04, 2026 | Will run on six days a week |
| San Diego (SAN) to Santa Barbara (SBA) | August 04, 2026 | Nonstop service (daily) |
Apart from these new introductions, Southwest Airlines has confirmed that it will double the number of round-trip flights from San Diego to Seattle/ Portland/ Salt Lake City. These air services will expand the reach of Southwest Airlines in one of the most famous travel passages.
New Flight Details for the Ontario-Honolulu Travel Route
Southwest Airlines will use its Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets on the Ontario-Honolulu route. Passengers will have more seating options, as the flight offers 175 seats. These jets feature modern amenities, including in-seat power/ free Wi-Fi (for Rapid Rewards members). The Airline will also offer assigned seating options. This service will begin on January 27, 2026. You can choose from standard/ preferred/ expanded legroom choices.
Why is Southwest Airlines increasing connectivity between California and Hawaii?
Southwest Airlines plans to enhance its US West Coast presence. It has added new travel routes in California for this reason. The Airline is doing it as a strategic move to grow its market share in California. It will help the Airline to expand its service to a popular leisure destination. The new route is planned to meet the growing demand. The aviation industry saw a growing demand for travel between California and Hawaii. An increase in leisure/ business travel post-pandemic has boosted flight demand. The Airline will be able to leverage new facilities in Southern California (particularly in the Los Angeles area). The Hawaii route addition will offer more choices to both mainland and inter-island passengers.
How is Southwest Airlines growing its West Coast Presence through Ontario International Airport?
Southwest Airlines is adding new routes apart from increasing its flight frequency on the West Coast. This has been possible because Southwest has become the largest carrier at Ontario International Airport (ONT). It is the second-most-popular mid-sized Airport (in Southern California). Southwest carried approximately 36% of ONT’s passengers in 2024. The Airline will complete its 40-year partnership with the Airport in 2025. Nonstop service to Honolulu by the Airline has been a milestone achievement. The new route cements Southwest’s partnership with ONT. Ontario International will mark the 10-year anniversary of local ownership soon.
Who is the major competitor of Southwest Airlines on the West Coast?
Southwest Airlines faces major competition from Alaska Airlines. Alaska Airlines is already operating various flights on the West Coast, including the Hawaii route. The new addition from Southwest Airlines meets the growing demand from Hawaiian travelers in Alaska Airlines’ turf. United/ Delta/ American Airlines also give tough competition due to a significant presence in the region.
TNT Tip: With many options, flyers may not be able to get the Southwest Airlines Seat Upgrade without proper knowledge. Give a call to the seasoned travel experts of ToursNTravelPro at Call Us : +1-866-679-5070 to enjoy a smooth flight booking experience.
How will the Southwest Expansion on the West Coast help Travelers?
Passengers will benefit from more convenient/ frequent flight service. The route expansion will expand flying options for Southern California/ the Pacific Northwest/ Hawaii travelers. Southwest continues to improve the travel connectivity of Southern California residents. The new Honolulu route offers more convenience and comfort. This service further fortifies Southwest’s longtime relationship with ONT. ONT is the alternative to the larger, busier LAX and is located 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles. It is more accessible as well as less crowded for travelers. The Honolulu route further expands the travel options to Hawaii for Southern Californians.
How to Book a Southwest Airlines Flight?
Passengers can book a Southwest Airlines flight online on its official website/ through its mobile app. You will have to enter your origin/ destination/ travel dates to view available flights. The Southwest mobile app/ website will also show you the applicable fares. You can book for up to nine passengers in a single go. The Southwest Airlines reservation prompt will prompt you to add passenger information (after selecting your desired flight). You will have to pay the required charges in the last step to get ticket details in your email inbox.
Southwest Airlines also allows offline flight bookings. You will have to call their customer service center to book your flight. The airline representative will complete all the booking details. You will just have to pay the required charges. The other offline method is to visit the airport ticket counter. Passengers may also contact third-party travel agencies to book their Southwest Airlines flights.
Tips for an Effortless Journey with Southwest Airlines
Passengers can ensure a seamless Southwest flight experience by complying with its travel policies. We have shared some smart air travel tips below.
- Reach the Airport early.
- Passengers should pack lightly.
- You must take a valid government ID.
- Follow the airport security instructions.
- Flyers should know all the conditions of their purchased fare.
- Make your check-in 24 hours before.
- You need to pack your prescription medicines/ liquids in the carry-on bags.
- Travelers need to keep the location of the nearest exits in mind.
Related Post – How Can I Change My Southwest Airlines Flight?
In a nutshell
The expansion of Southwest Airlines on the West Coast will enhance the travel opportunities for both business and holiday passengers. The new flight between Ontario and Honolulu is a step toward improving travel demand on the California-Hawaii route. The flight will run on all days from June 2026. Passengers will get a serene escape to the Hawaiian beaches using the direct flight service from Southwest Airlines. Southwest Airlines offers both online and offline booking options. You can make your Hawaiian travel effortless by following smart travel strategies.
Call www.toursntravelpro.com customer support agents at Call Us : +1-866-679-5070 for extra information on flight-related issues. Our expert travel agents will help you with flight bookings/ Southwest Flight Cancellation/ refunds/ changes. You can contact our seasoned experts 24/7 on the given helpline number.
Frequently Asked Questions
The nonstop Southwest flight on this route will begin its operation on June 04, 2026.
Southwest Airlines has confirmed daily service between Ontario and Honolulu. The flight will depart from Ontario in the morning and return from Honolulu the same evening.
Southwest will introduce other new flights from Long Beach to Portland and Seattle/ Burbank to Honolulu/ San Diego to Santa Barbara. All these routes will start in August 2026. Additionally, the Airline is increasing daily flights from San Diego to Portland/ Seattle. The Airline also adds new daily service from San Diego to Salt Lake City.
Southwest Airlines will operate flights on the new West Coast travel network throughout the year. Only the flight between Burbank and Honolulu will run during peak travel days.
While Hawaii is separated from the mainland US, it is still a US state. US travelers do not need a passport for travel to Hawaii. Any government-issued ID is enough to board a Southwest flight on this route.
USA +1-866-679-5070
