New flights are coming to Orlando International Airport soon!
On the heels of Southwest Airlines announcing its newest fall promotion for cheap flights, they’ve got other exciting news to share. While Orlando Airport (MCO) continues to grow to accommodate more travelers and keep up with demand, Southwest has just announced that new flight routes will be coming to Orlando soon to get you to even more cities.
There’s no denying that flying into MCO could feel like you’ve stepped into a small city of its own. Orlando International Airport is known to be a thoroughfare for travelers connecting through Orlando and even a hub for international travelers. And there seems to be no end in sight for its plans for more growth.
While MCO is known to continue to update its processes and add new flights throughout the year, we’ve just spotted where one popular airline company will have several returning flights debut once again in Orlando in just a few short weeks.
Southwest Airlines has just revealed plans to have several former nonstop routes return to Orlando International Airport beginning next month. Between October 2nd and 4th, you’ll find nonstop routes from MCO to even more cities like Albuquerque, Cincinnati, Detroit, El Paso, Grand Rapids, Jackson, and Tulsa.
Great news! Next month, our friends @SouthwestAir will be resuming nonstop flights to these LUVly destinations:
?Albuquerque, NM – Oct 4
❤️Cincinnati, OH – Oct 2
?Detroit, MI – Oct 2
?El Paso, TX – Oct 4
❤️Grand Rapids, MI – Oct 2
?Jackson, MS – Oct 4
?Tulsa, OK – Oct 2 pic.twitter.com/HxVOMbXHLe— Orlando International Airport (@MCO) September 23, 2025
While we know when these new flights will begin at MCO, Southwest does not list an ending date yet for these additional routes, so we’re hoping they will stick around for a while. If you’re going to be traveling soon and live nearby or would have easier travels through one of these cities, it may be worth looking into as you’re pinning down your plans before your next trip.
That’s not the only change you can expect to find recently or on the horizon for Southwest! Just earlier this year, the popular airline company announced a divisive change to its former baggage policy. Before May 28th, many fare types with Southwest flights included two free checked bags by default. Many noted the perk as a unique way Southwest Airlines stood out from its other competitors. Now, their free bag policy has changed to a tiered fare status where your fare might include a free bag benefit based on status for folks that fall under Rapid Rewards A-List members, Business Select, regular A-List members, Rapid Reward credit card members, and other select passengers.
Next year, we’re also expecting big changes to come to Southwest Airlines’ seating policy, too. If you’re flying Southwest after January 27th, 2026, you’ll need to select your seat at booking (depending on fare and status), rather than grabbing whatever’s left when you board. This is a HUGE change for the company that currently operates with boarding groups and no assigned seating.
When you go to select your assigned seating, your options to choose from will include: Extra Legroom Seats (which provide a “roomier experience with more legroom to stretch out, at the front of the cabin and near the exit rows, with up to five additional inches of extra legroom compared to Standard and Preferred seats), Preferred Seats (which offer standard legroom seats near the front of the cabin), and Standard Seats (which offer standard legroom seats located in the back of the cabin). Choosing an Extra Legroom Seat will also afford you a few more perks like earlier access to bin space, enhanced snacks, and complimentary premium beverages.
We’re always bringing you the latest in travel news, so be sure to check back in with us at AllEars for more soon!
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Do you choose to fly with Southwest Airlines when you travel? Tell us why or why not in the comments.
Southwest is my go to airline If they fly to my destination. Service from the planes crew and safety of their planes. Price is also usually more reasonable than other airlines Am definitely thrilled that from Richmond VA TO Orlando FL I CAN GET NONSTOP flights going to and from Less time flying. More time enjoying my trip