Southwest Airlines Announces New Route to Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport

In a move that is sure to excite travelers and wine enthusiasts alike, Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) has announced that it will begin service to Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport (STS) in Santa Rosa, California, starting April 7, 2026. This announcement, made on September 10, 2025, highlights the airline's ongoing commitment to expanding its route offerings in California, a state where it has already established a significant presence.

Passengers will have access to nonstop flights connecting STS to popular destinations, including San Diego, Las Vegas, Denver, and Burbank, California. The flights to San Diego and Las Vegas will be available daily, with San Diego featuring two roundtrips on peak days. The Burbank route will initially operate five days per week, and flights to Denver will be available on Saturdays only.

This new route adds to Southwest's robust network, allowing customers to easily access California's renowned Wine Country and the scenic beauty of Northern California. Andrew Watterson, Chief Operating Officer at Southwest Airlines, stated, "We aren't slowing down in our pursuit to provide Customers with more options than ever before. Adding Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport to our route map provides more access to California's famed Wine Country for our Customers and further solidifies our yearslong commitment to California."

Southwest Airlines has long been a leader in intra-California travel, boasting more available seats, daily departures, and the highest passenger volume in the Golden State. With the addition of STS, which becomes the 14th airport in the airline's California catalog, Southwest continues to enhance connectivity in the region. The new route will connect Wine Country travelers to the soon-to-open new Terminal 1 in San Diego as well as the updated Hollywood Burbank Airport.

In addition to the new service, Southwest Airlines is also enhancing its loyalty program, Rapid Rewards. Members can earn points by flying or spending with partners, and a recent promotion allows new credit cardholders to earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first five months. This is the most generous offer the airline has provided this year, making travel even more rewarding for its loyal customer base.

Southwest Airlines has previously announced new service to destinations such as St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Knoxville, Tennessee, and St. Maarten, all scheduled to begin in the first half of 2026. The airline is poised to add even more destinations to its route map, promising to keep travelers excited about upcoming travel options.

With its commitment to expanding routes and enhancing customer experiences, Southwest Airlines continues to solidify its position as a leader in the airline industry. The new service to Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport is just one of many steps the airline is taking to ensure that travelers have more choices and access to some of the most desirable destinations in California and beyond. As the airline prepares for its April 2026 launch, customers can start planning their trips and look forward to discovering the beauty of California's Wine Country.