News Summary
Southwest Airlines is introducing new flights from Sarasota Bradenton International Airport to Orlando International Airport, starting August 5. With two daily flights, the airline aims to offer a quicker alternative to driving, reducing travel time from the usual 2-3 hours to around 60 minutes. Flights are priced from $49 each way, with variations on weekends. This service is part of Southwest’s larger expansion plan within Florida, addressing the growing demand for regional travel and aiming to alleviate traffic issues on Interstate 4.
Sarasota — Starting August 5, Southwest Airlines will provide new flights from Sarasota Bradenton International Airport to Orlando International Airport, offering travelers a faster alternative to driving. With two daily flights scheduled, the airline aims to reduce the hassles associated with heavy traffic on the highways.
The new routes will feature a morning flight departing at 7 a.m. and an evening flight leaving at 5:50 p.m. The flight duration is approximately 60 minutes, a significant time-saver compared to the typical 2-3 hour drive on Interstate 4, particularly during peak rush hour.
Return flights from Orlando to Sarasota will be available at 10:45 a.m. and 7:35 p.m. Passengers can take advantage of the daily flights starting at a cost of $49 each way. However, pricing varies on weekends, with fares increasing to $89 for tickets purchased on Fridays and Sundays, while Saturday tickets will be priced at $59.
Sarasota airport officials highlighted that this new service offers a valuable option for both business and leisure travelers, allowing them to avoid the traffic congestion commonly encountered on the roadways.
This launch is part of a broader expansion plan by Southwest Airlines. In August 2025, the airline will introduce four new intra-Florida routes connecting Orlando to Fort Myers, Miami, Sarasota, and West Palm Beach, with each of these new routes operating twice daily. This expansion is a response to the growing demand for regional travel within Florida and reflects increased competition among airlines in the state.
Southwest Airlines is taking steps to strengthen its position in Florida’s competitive air travel market by offering nonstop services to select destinations. The company aims to distinguish itself from other airlines by providing convenient, direct flight options that streamline travel plans for its customers.
Additionally, Southwest Airlines plans to make adjustments to its Hawaii routes, which will include frequency reductions and the addition of new services starting in April and June 2025. They will also introduce 33 overnight flights in the summer 2025 schedule. This will involve 13 new redeye services connecting various cities across the United States.
Looking ahead, the airline will begin a new seasonal service connecting Colorado Springs to Cancun, Mexico, starting June 14, 2025, with flights scheduled for Saturdays only. These strategic moves reflect Southwest’s commitment to enhancing its network and meeting the travel needs of its passengers as they seek more options for both domestic and international destinations.
In summary, the introduction of new flights from Sarasota to Orlando marks an important development for travelers looking for efficient transportation within Florida. By addressing the challenges posed by traffic on Interstate 4, Southwest Airlines is not only offering direct flights but is also preparing for growth in the regional air travel market.
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Additional Resources
- Herald Tribune: SRQ Airport Nonstop Flights to Orlando
- Wikipedia: Southwest Airlines
- WTSP: Sarasota to Orlando Flight on Southwest
- Google Search: Southwest Airlines New Routes Florida
- AviationA2Z: Southwest Adds Four New Routes to Florida
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Airline
- Upgraded Points: Southwest Airlines New Routes Florida
- Google News: Southwest Airlines News
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
