Southwest Airlines Quietly Ending Flights at 2 Major U.S. Airports
Southwest Airlines has drawn the ire of the traveling community several times over the past few months with its major changes to a once-beloved boarding process and the decision to include bag fees for travelers.
Those preparing to fly the airline likely won't be happy with another change from the airline.
Southwest Airlines Ending Flights at O'Hare, Dulles
On Friday, March 13, Southwest Airlines announced it's ending flights at two of the most popular airports in the country: Chicago O'Hare and Washington Dulles. The major change goes into effect on June 4, 2026, meaning travelers who expected to fly to, from, or through those two airports will have less than three months to make changes to their itineraries.
The airline warned, "If you have existing travel booked that includes Chicago/O'Hare, IL (ORD) or Washington/Dulles, DC (IAD) on or after this date, your reservation will be affected."
(Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Southwest Airlines Gives Travelers 3 Possible Options
In the airline's statement regarding the change, Southwest Airlines revealed there are three possible options for travelers:
- Travelers can keep their existing reservation for travel on or before June 3, 2026.
Flights operating before the end of service date will not be impacted. Customers traveling prior to June 4 do not need to take additional action. - Rebooking eligibility:
Customers holding reservations to, from, or through Chicago/O'Hare, IL (ORD) or Washington/Dulles, DC (IAD) for travel on or after June 4, 2026 may rebook or travel standby (within 14 days of their original date of travel to, from, or through the available alternate airports without paying a change in airfare). Applicable alternate stations: Chicago/O'Hare, IL (ORD): Chicago/Midway, IL (MDW), Milwaukee, WI (MKE), Indianapolis, IN (IND) Washington/Dulles, DC (IAD): Washington/Reagan, DC (DCA), Baltimore, MD (BWI), Philadelphia, PA (PHL), Richmond, VA (RIC) - Refund eligibility
If a reservation includes Chicago/O'Hare, IL (ORD) or Washington/Dulles, DC (IAD) on or after June 4, 2026, travelers are eligible for a refund for: the unused ticket (even if the ticket was non-refundable); and any optional travel charges (such as an Extra Legroom seat or Priority Boarding) travelers paid for the flight(s) on which they don’t travel.
Most travelers should be able to change their travels plans online or from their mobile device. Those traveling on Getaways by Southwest vacation packages must call 1-833-792-4899 for assistance.
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