Southwest Airlines has expanded its California footprint with the launch of new service to Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport, marking the carrier’s 14th airport in the state and strengthening connectivity to Northern California’s wine country.
The new service, which began this week, connects Santa Rosa/Sonoma County with key domestic markets, including San Diego, Las Vegas, Denver and Burbank. San Diego and Las Vegas flights are operating daily, with increased frequency on peak travel days, while Burbank service will initially run five days per week and Denver service will operate on Saturdays.
“We’re excited to open the door to more of California’s incredible destinations, especially the stunning wine region of Sonoma County, as we add our 14th airport to our already best-in-industry intra-California service,” said Andrew Watterson, Chief Operating Officer at Southwest Airlines, in a media statement.
Sip and Ship Program
In tandem with the route launch, Southwest is rolling out a new offering designed to enhance the wine country travel experience. The airline’s “Sip and Ship” program, set to debut later this month at select West Coast airports, will allow customers to check one case of wine at no additional charge.
To participate, travelers must pack bottles in a standard wine shipping box or wine suitcase that meets the airline’s checked baggage requirements. The program aligns with broader industry trends toward experiential travel, where ease and convenience play a growing role in destination choice and overall satisfaction.
The Santa Rosa launch is part of a broader network expansion strategy for Southwest Airlines, which has recently added service to St. Thomas, Knoxville and St. Maarten, with Anchorage scheduled to join the network in May.
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