Southwest Launches Its Longest Ever International Route This Year [Map]

US-based low-cost giant, Southwest Airlines, is set to launch its longest-ever international route later this year, with a flight time of around six hours. With the airline having indicated its intention to operate long-haul routes in the coming years, this could perhaps be seen as a step towards the airline’s envisioned future network.

The route in question is a direct service connecting the city of Las Vegas with San Jose, in Costa Rica. This is a route that is currently unserved, and with the launch of this service, the airline will be the first to operate direct services between the two airports.

First To Operate Vegas To San Jose

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Later this year, Southwest is scheduled to launch its longest international route ever, from its hub in Harry Reid International Airport (LAS). The airline is set to operate direct services to San Jose Airport (SJO) in Costa Rica, which would see the carrier operate flights using its fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft, on a flight that is nearly six hours long.

While the carrier’s search engine indicates these services will be operated using its smallest aircraft, the Boeing 737-700, the airline has indicated that the equipment type could be subject to change. The following itinerary is scheduled to be operated on a daily basis:

The carrier’s aforementioned 737-700s are configured in a single cabin layout (as are its other 737 variants), and can accommodate up to 137 passengers onboard. Although these are the airline’s smallest aircraft, the entire subfleet of the -700s recently went through a cabin modification, which saw all seats receive more legroom (reducing aircraft capacity in the process). The process also saw minor upgrades such as power ports being introduced, therefore elevating the passenger experience of flying onboard this variant.

Nine Routes With Over Five Hours Block Time

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While Southwest operates an extensive domestic and regional network, with thousands of daily movements, 2026 scheduling data from OAG indicates that this year, the airline will have eight routes that have a block time exceeding five hours. The upcoming SJO – LAS route will become the ninth route to be added to the list, and the new longest.

The upcoming SJO – LAS route will have a block time that is 15 minutes longer than the second-longest route the airline is scheduled to operate this year – Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) to San Jose del Cabo Los Cabos International Airport (SJD). The interactive map below shows these routes along with the associated block times.

Interestingly, the airline is using the newer Boeing 737 MAX 8 variant on some of the shorter routes, such as its weekly flight from SJO to Denver International Airport (DEN), but not for the upcoming longer SJO – LAS services. This is because the MAX 8 does offer the range and capability to operate flights longer than seven hours, as demonstrated by Alaska Airlines’ recent route launch from Seattle to Keflavik, with flight times exceeding seven hours in either direction.

Aiming Long-Haul Nonstop Flights

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As stated initially, the airline is interested in operating long-haul services in the coming years. Reports indicate that Southwest’s fleet of MAX 8 aircraft, and the range it offers, can be harnessed to efficiently operate between eight and 12 long-haul routes. The airline believes it can offer a suitable alternative to the likes of its competitors, which also operate long-haul services onboard narrowbody aircraft.

It is also worth noting that with the Boeing 737 MAX 7 aircraft expected to receive certification this year, more routes and markets will open up for Southwest, since the smaller variant is expected to offer more range than the MAX 8. Aircraft technical data published by Boeing indicates the MAX 7 has 300 nautical miles (560 km) more range than the MAX 8. Therefore, it is possible and also viable for the airline to utilize its fleet of MAX variants to operate long-haul flights in the future.

However, before this, the carrier has stated that it needs to introduce other features, such as a premium cabin, in-flight Starlink connectivity, and even airport lounges. By doing so, Southwest can close the gap in the product offered by the airline when compared to other operators in the market, while also providing its customers with a more holistic travel experience.