Southwest Airlines just announced seven new routes launching this October, and three of them originate from Austin—reinforcing the airline's dominance in the Texas capital. But beyond the route map expansion, these new flights present fresh opportunities for Rapid Rewards members to maximize their points, especially if you're working toward or already have the coveted [Companion Pass](internal-link: companion-pass-guide).

Here's everything you need to know about Southwest's latest expansion, including which routes offer the best value, how to [book strategically with points](internal-link: maximize-southwest-points), and whether these destinations fit into your 2026 travel plans.

Key Points:

• Southwest is launching seven new routes in October 2026, including three from Austin and the airline's first-ever international red-eye flight to Costa Rica.
• The new Costa Rica route from Las Vegas and Austin's Wine Country connection offer strong redemption value for Rapid Rewards points, especially with a Companion Pass.
• Book early for seasonal routes and use fare alerts to snag Wanna Get Away fares, which start around 7,500 points one-way on shorter domestic routes.

What Southwest Just Announced

Southwest extended its booking schedule through October 2026 and revealed seven new or returning routes across its network. The announcement emphasizes growth in four key markets: Austin (AUS), Las Vegas (LAS), Nashville (BNA), and San Diego (SAN).

Here's the complete list of new routes starting in October:

New Routes from Austin

• Austin to Sonoma County (STS): Saturday-only seasonal service to California Wine Country (new route)
• Austin to Knoxville (TYS): Saturday-only seasonal service to Tennessee (new route)
• Austin to Memphis (MEM): Year-round service returning after previous suspension

Other Notable Additions

• Las Vegas to San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO): Daily year-round service—Southwest's first international red-eye flight (new route)
• Nashville to Reno (RNO): Year-round service (new route)
• Nashville to El Paso (ELP): Year-round service returning
• Nashville to Manchester-Boston Regional (MHT): Year-round service returning

The Costa Rica route stands out because it's Southwest's first overnight international flight, departing Las Vegas late at night and arriving in San Jose the next morning. This follows the airline's [domestic red-eye expansion](internal-link: southwest-redeye-flights) that began just a year ago.

Why These Routes Matter for Points Enthusiasts

Southwest's route expansions typically mean two things: initial lower fares to fill seats and opportunities to use points efficiently on routes with less competition.

Austin's Wine Country Connection

The new Saturday-only service to Sonoma County opens up affordable access to Napa and Sonoma wine regions without the hefty San Francisco airport premiums. Sonoma County Airport (STS) sits just 15 minutes from downtown Santa Rosa and an hour from Napa Valley, making it more convenient than SFO for wine country visits.

Southwest doesn't have direct Austin-to-SFO competition on this exact route, which often means they'll price competitively to build the market. Expect Wanna Get Away fares in the 9,000-13,000 point range one-way during the initial months.

First International Red-Eye to Costa Rica

The Las Vegas to San Jose route represents a strategic move into overnight international service. For West Coast travelers, this eliminates the need to burn a vacation day on travel—you can leave Las Vegas after work on Friday and wake up in Costa Rica Saturday morning.

From a points perspective, Southwest's Costa Rica routes have historically offered solid value. Similar distance routes (like LAX-SJO) typically run 15,000-25,000 points one-way depending on demand. The red-eye timing may actually work in your favor with slightly lower redemption rates since overnight flights tend to be less popular.

Nashville Expansion Continues

Southwest keeps pushing into Nashville, now its fourth-largest operation. The three returning/new routes from BNA strengthen connections to secondary markets like El Paso and Manchester (serving Boston's northern suburbs), plus the new Reno link.

These routes typically offer good point value because they serve markets without much low-cost competition. Nashville to Reno, for instance, has limited direct options—expect 11,000-16,000 points one-way during non-peak periods.

How to Book These Routes with Southwest Rapid Rewards Points

Southwest's [revenue-based program](internal-link: southwest-rapid-rewards-guide) means you'll get the most value by booking Wanna Get Away fares with points. Here's the strategic approach:

Set Up Fare Alerts Immediately

Since Southwest only opened October bookings, fares will fluctuate as the airline adjusts pricing based on demand. Use Southwest's price alert feature or third-party tools to monitor these specific routes.

The sweet spot for booking is typically 3-4 months out when Southwest releases lower-priced inventory but before peak travel dates get fully booked. For these October routes, that means watching fares in June and July 2026.

Calculate Your Point Value

Southwest points are worth approximately 1.3-1.5 cents each when redeemed for Wanna Get Away fares. To calculate if a redemption makes sense:

Cash fare ÷ Points required = Value per point

If the Austin-Sonoma flight costs $195 cash or 13,000 points:$195 ÷ 13,000 = 1.5 cents per point (good redemption)

If the same flight jumps to $260 cash or 17,500 points:$260 ÷ 17,500 = 1.48 cents per point (still solid)

Aim for at least 1.3 cents per point value. Anything below 1.2 cents means you should consider paying cash and saving points for better redemptions.

Companion Pass Strategy

If you have the Companion Pass or are [working toward it](internal-link: earn-companion-pass-fast), these new routes become even more valuable. The pass lets a designated companion fly free (you only pay taxes and fees, typically $5.60 each way domestically, $50-75 internationally) on any Southwest flight you book with points or cash.

Example: Book the Vegas-Costa Rica route for 18,000 points, and your companion flies for approximately $70 in taxes. You're essentially getting two tickets to Central America for 18,000 points plus $70—outstanding value.

For the seasonal Austin-Sonoma Saturday flights, the Companion Pass turns a weekend wine country getaway into an incredible deal. If the roundtrip runs 24,000 points total, you're taking two people to California Wine Country for 24,000 points plus minimal fees.

Consider Points + Cash

Southwest lets you pay partially with points and partially with cash, which can be useful if you're slightly short on points or want to preserve your balance for better redemptions later.

However, the point value typically drops slightly with this option. You're usually better off either booking entirely with points (for maximum value) or entirely with cash (to preserve points) rather than mixing.

Book Directly with Southwest

Unlike legacy carriers, Southwest doesn't list inventory on Google Flights or most online travel agencies. You must book through Southwest.com or the Southwest app.

This actually works in your favor because it reduces competition for award space—fewer people comparison shopping means more availability when you're ready to book.

Estimated Point Costs for New Routes

Based on similar distance routes and Southwest's historical pricing, here's what you can expect for one-way bookings:

Domestic Routes (October launch)

• Austin to Memphis: 7,500-11,000 points (similar to other 500-mile routes)
• Austin to Sonoma: 9,000-14,000 points (premium leisure destination, Saturday-only)
• Austin to Knoxville: 8,500-12,500 points (seasonal leisure route)
• Nashville to Reno: 11,000-16,000 points (longer distance, limited competition)
• Nashville to El Paso: 8,000-12,000 points
• Nashville to Manchester: 9,500-14,000 points

International Route

• Las Vegas to San Jose, Costa Rica: 15,000-25,000 points (varies significantly by season; expect higher rates during Christmas/spring break, lower in September-October)

These estimates assume Wanna Get Away fares during non-peak periods. Business Select and Anytime fares will cost significantly more points.

Best Redemption Opportunities

Not all routes offer equal value. Here are the standout opportunities:

1. Las Vegas to Costa Rica with Companion Pass

This is the crown jewel of the announcement. Costa Rica is consistently popular with U.S. travelers, and having a direct red-eye option from Vegas adds convenience while potentially reducing point costs (overnight flights price lower).

If you have the Companion Pass, this route becomes exceptional. Booking two people to Costa Rica for 18,000-22,000 points plus fees is hard to beat. Compare that to United or American, where you'd need 35,000-40,000 miles per person for similar dates.

2. Austin to Sonoma County

Wine country trips typically come with premium airfare, especially if you're flying into San Francisco or Oakland. The direct Saturday service to Sonoma County Airport eliminates that premium and the hassle of driving from Bay Area airports.

This is ideal for long weekend trips—fly out Saturday morning, enjoy two full days in wine country, return Monday. With the Companion Pass, you're looking at roughly 24,000-28,000 points roundtrip for two people.

3. Nashville to Reno

This route serves dual purposes: Reno/Tahoe skiing in winter and summer lake activities. Southwest doesn't have much direct competition here, so point values should stay reasonable.

Book this for shoulder seasons (late March/early May for skiing, or September for lake season) when cash fares drop but the destination is still enjoyable. You'll likely find 11,000-13,000 point one-ways during these windows.

Routes to Watch But Not Rush

Austin to Memphis and Austin to Knoxville are returning/new routes serving primarily VFR (visiting friends and relatives) and business markets. Unless you have specific travel needs to these cities, they won't offer spectacular redemption value for leisure travelers.

The Nashville to El Paso and Nashville to Manchester routes fall into similar categories—useful if they match your plans, but not destination routes worth building a trip around.

How to Earn More Southwest Points for These Bookings

If these routes appeal to you but you're short on Rapid Rewards points, here are the fastest ways to build your balance:

Southwest Credit Card Bonuses

Southwest co-branded cards regularly offer 50,000-75,000 point welcome bonuses, often with annual fee waivers in the first year. The current lineup includes:

• [Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card](affiliate-link: southwest-plus-card): Best for casual travelers; earns 2X points on Southwest and Rapid Rewards hotel/car partners, 1X everywhere else
• [Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card](affiliate-link: southwest-premier-card): Adds 2X points on internet/cable/phone services and select streaming; includes 6,000 anniversary bonus points
• [Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card](affiliate-link: southwest-priority-card): Premium option with 7,500 anniversary bonus points, four upgraded boardings per year, and 20% back on inflight purchases
• [Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card](affiliate-link: southwest-business-card): Business version with 9,000 anniversary points and employee card benefits

The smartest strategy is [applying for one personal and one business card](internal-link: southwest-credit-card-strategy) simultaneously to stack welcome bonuses—that's potentially 100,000-150,000 points, enough for multiple roundtrips or a strong foundation for earning the Companion Pass.

Rapid Rewards Shopping Portal

The Southwest shopping portal offers bonus points for online purchases through 900+ retailers. During promotional periods, you can earn 10X-20X points per dollar at select merchants.

Stack portal shopping with a Southwest credit card for combined earning. For example: Buy $500 in electronics through the portal during a 10X promotion, and you'll earn 5,000 portal points plus 500 credit card points (if using a 1X card) = 5,500 total points.

Rapid Rewards Dining

Link your credit cards to the Rapid Rewards Dining program and earn points automatically when eating at participating restaurants. You'll earn 3 points per dollar at registered restaurants—and this stacks with your [credit card's dining rewards](internal-link: best-dining-credit-cards).

Transfer Partners

Unlike many programs, Southwest doesn't accept transferred points from bank programs like [Chase Ultimate Rewards](affiliate-link: chase-sapphire-preferred) or [American Express Membership Rewards](affiliate-link: amex-gold-card). You'll need to earn Southwest points directly through flights, credit card spend, or program partners.

When to Book: Timing Your Reservation

Southwest's pricing fluctuates constantly based on demand algorithms. Here's the optimal booking timeline:

3-4 Months Out: Watch for initial pricing as Southwest builds these routes. Airlines often release lower fares early to establish demand.

6-8 Weeks Out: Prime booking window for most domestic routes. Prices have stabilized, but seats remain available.

2-3 Weeks Out: Last-chance pricing. Southwest sometimes drops fares to fill remaining seats, but this is risky—popular routes sell out entirely.

For the seasonal routes (Austin-Sonoma and Austin-Knoxville running Saturdays only), book earlier in the window. Limited frequencies mean less flexibility if flights fill up.

For the Costa Rica route, monitor pricing carefully during peak seasons (Christmas, New Year's, spring break). You'll find better point values during May-June and September-November.

Alternative Booking Strategies

Position Yourself Strategically

If these new routes don't originate from your home airport, consider positioning flights. Southwest's network connectivity means you can often build in a quick connection through Austin, Nashville, or Las Vegas.

For example: If you're based in Phoenix and want to visit Costa Rica, you could book PHX-LAS-SJO all on Southwest, using points for both segments. The positioning flight might only cost 6,000-8,000 points, and you'll stay within Southwest's system.

Mix Points and Cash Bookings

If you're traveling with others but only you have the Companion Pass, consider this strategy: Book your ticket with points and use the Companion Pass for one person, then book a separate cash ticket for additional travelers. This preserves points while still maximizing pass value.

Use Southwest's Flexible Change Policy

Southwest doesn't charge change or cancellation fees. If you book now and find a better rate later, cancel and rebook. Your points return to your account immediately, and you can rebook at the lower rate.

This makes it smart to book as soon as you see reasonable rates, knowing you can adjust later without penalty. Just ensure you're watching prices and willing to make the rebooking effort. Learn more about [Southwest's cancellation policy](internal-link: southwest-cancellation-policy).

Competitive Comparison: Southwest vs. Other Airlines

Let's compare point costs for similar routes to see where Southwest's new service excels:

West Coast to Costa Rica

Southwest (LAS-SJO): 15,000-25,000 Rapid Rewards points one-way

United (SFO-SJO): 17,500-35,000 MileagePlus miles one-way (saver vs. standard awards)

American (LAX-SJO): 17,500-32,500 AAdvantage miles one-way

Southwest's pricing stays more consistent and often comes in at the lower end. The major advantage is the Companion Pass—[United](internal-link: united-mileageplus-guide) and [American](internal-link: american-aadvantage-guide) don't offer anything comparable.

Austin to California Wine Country

Southwest (AUS-STS): 9,000-14,000 Rapid Rewards points one-way

United (AUS-SFO): 12,500-20,000 MileagePlus miles one-way, then you still need ground transport to Sonoma (1.5 hours)

Southwest's direct service to Sonoma County Airport is unmatched. United and American force you to connect through San Francisco or Oakland, adding 2-3 hours to your total travel time.

Nashville to Reno

Southwest (BNA-RNO): 11,000-16,000 Rapid Rewards points one-way

United (BNA-RNO): 12,500-25,000 MileagePlus miles (typically requires connection)

Delta (BNA-RNO): 10,000-30,000 SkyMiles (highly variable, often requires connection)

Southwest's direct service provides better value and convenience. The legacy carriers often require connections through Denver or Salt Lake City, adding significant travel time.

Potential Drawbacks to Consider

While these new routes create opportunities, they're not perfect for everyone:

Limited Frequency: Three of these routes operate only on Saturdays (Austin-Sonoma, Austin-Knoxville are seasonal Saturday-only). This limits flexibility for spontaneous trips or travelers needing midweek departures.

Seasonal Service: Austin's new Wine Country and Knoxville routes won't operate year-round. Southwest hasn't announced exact seasonal dates, but expect these to pause during slower winter months (likely December-February). Check Southwest's route schedule for updates.

New Route Risk: Airlines sometimes discontinue new routes if they don't perform well. Book carefully if you're planning a trip 6+ months out—Southwest could cancel the route and force you to rebook with less convenient options.

No International Partners: Southwest operates independently without airline alliance partnerships. You can't combine Southwest points with other programs or book international connecting flights beyond Southwest's limited international network.

Final Recommendations

Book If You're Planning: Austin to Sonoma County for wine country trips, Vegas to Costa Rica for convenient Central American beach getaways, or any route that eliminates current connections in your travel patterns.

Wait and Watch If: You're hoping for promotional fares or lower point costs. Southwest frequently runs [limited-time sales](internal-link: southwest-deals-alerts), especially for new routes they're trying to establish.

Use the Companion Pass If You Have It: These routes become exceptional value with a companion flying free. The Costa Rica and Sonoma routes are particularly strong choices.

Consider Alternative Programs If: You need more international connectivity, higher-end premium cabin products, or have limited Southwest points and strong balances with [legacy carrier programs](internal-link: best-airline-miles-programs).

Southwest's October expansion delivers practical new routing options rather than glamorous destination additions. But for points and miles enthusiasts, practical often means profitable—these routes fill network gaps, reduce connection requirements, and create fresh opportunities for strategic redemptions, especially when armed with the Companion Pass.

Monitor fares through summer 2026, set up price alerts, and book when the math works in your favor. The best time to visit Costa Rica or Wine Country is when you can do it efficiently with points rather than watching your bank account drain at the gate.

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