Southwest Airlines recently expanded its network by adding eight new routes, thereby enhancing its service across the continental United States. Among these, one route stands out as the longest within the lower 48 states. Although this new addition is impressive, it will still be overshadowed by the airline’s routes to Hawaii.

The new service from Colorado Springs to Cancun marks a significant milestone. Specifically, this route will be Colorado Springs’ first international passenger service and will operate on Saturdays starting in June. Furthermore, at 1,407 nautical miles (2,606 kilometers), it sets a record as the longest scheduled passenger service for the airport.

Additionally, Southwest Airlines introduced seven overnight transcontinental flights from Baltimore to various destinations on the West Coast. Consequently, these flights connect Baltimore with previously underserved airports like Long Beach and Ontario while also re-establishing service to San Francisco and San Jose. Moreover, Houston Hobby will also see flights to Seattle, and Nashville is now linked with San Francisco. These routes will primarily operate overnight, thus marking a new chapter for the airline.

The first overnight flights will launch in February, while the routes discussed will begin in June. Interestingly, the new Baltimore–San Francisco route will become the airline’s longest non-stop service within the lower 48 states, with a distance of 2,135 nautical miles (3,954 kilometers).

Despite the excitement, Southwest Airlines’ new route only ranks as the 28th longest in the continental U.S. when considering all airlines. The top positions include routes served by other carriers, highlighting the competitive landscape of air travel.

As Southwest Airlines continues to evolve, these new offerings reflect the airline’s commitment to connecting more destinations efficiently. Therefore, travelers can look forward to these exciting changes as they plan their future journeys.

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