March 09, 2023
•
2 min read
Southwest Airlines adds 4 new routes as it extends booking schedule into November
Southwest Airlines will add four new weekend-only routes as it extends its booking schedule into November.
The new fall schedule will see Southwest grow in Kansas City, Missouri, with two new international routes and in Long Beach, California, where the carrier will add service to the Pacific Northwest.
Southwest also will expand its schedule at Denver International Airport (DEN) — already the busiest airport in its network. It will not add any new destinations, but in October, Southwest’s schedule will increase to 310 departures each weekday – up by seven daily departures from its current schedule.
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As for the new routes, Kansas City International Airport (MCI) is getting nonstop service to both Montego Bay, Jamaica, and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Service on both routes will be seasonal, beginning Oct. 7 and with one round-trip flight each Saturday.
Southwest notes that its new Kansas City routes come “on the heels of [the airport] opening its new state-of-the-art terminal last week.”
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Complete tour: The new Kansas City airport terminal brings major upgrades
1st look: Inside Delta’s stunning new Sky Club in Kansas City
To the west, Southwest will add new destinations to its operation at Long Beach Airport (LGB). Service to Boise and Portland, Oregon, will begin Oct. 7, with flights on both routes operating on Saturdays and Sundays.
The route map changes come as Southwest extended its booking schedule through Nov. 4. While most big U.S. airlines publish schedules about 11 months in advance, Southwest’s booking schedule goes about seven months, with the carrier extending that window each month.
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Featured image by JUSTIN SULLIVAN/GETTY IMAGES
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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Intro Offer
Earn 80,000 Points
-
Annual Fee
$695
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Recommended Credit
670-850
Excellent/Good
Why We Chose It
Sometimes it’s worth a large investment to reap the benefits of a great credit card. That’s exactly the case with the Amex Platinum card. In exchange for the annual fee, you’ll unlock access to the Amex Membership Rewards program that let you access airline and hotel transfer partners, along with new lifestyle and travel credits. This card is also incredibly rewarding for travel purchases, helping you rack up a ton of Membership Rewards points for your next award trip.
Pros
- The current welcome offer on this card is quite lucrative. TPG values it at $1,600.
- This card comes with a long list of benefits, including access to Centurion Lounges, complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott, at least $500 in assorted annual statement credits and so much more. (Enrollment required for select benefits.)
- The Amex Platinum comes with access to a premium concierge service that can help you with everything from booking hard-to-get reservations to finding destination guides to help you plan out your next getaway.
Cons
- The high annual fee is only worth it if you’re taking full advantage of the card’s benefits. Seldom travelers may not get enough value to warrant the cost.
- Outside of the current welcome bonus, you’re only earning higher rewards on specific airfare and hotel purchases, so it’s not a great card for other spending categories.
- The annual airline fee statement credit can be complicated to take advantage of compared to the broader travel credits offered by competing premium cards.
- Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card®, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
- Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
- Get $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings, which requires a minimum two-night stay, through American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®.
- $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Audible, Disney+, The Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, Peacock, SiriusXM, and The New York Times. Enrollment required.
- $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups are excluded.
- American Express has expanded The Centurion® Network to include 40+ Centurion Lounge and Studio locations worldwide. There are even more places your Platinum Card® can get you complimentary entry and exclusive perks.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one select qualifying airline.
- $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only.
- Get up to $300 back per calendar year on the Equinox+ digital fitness app, or eligible Equinox club memberships when you pay with your Platinum Card. Enrollment required. Learn more.
- Breeze through security with CLEAR® lanes available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your membership when you use your Card. Learn more.
- $695 annual fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
