Southwest Airlines has repeatedly drawn the ire of the travel community over the past few months for making significant changes to its once-beloved boarding process and deciding to charge passengers a baggage fee.
Those preparing to fly with the airline may not be happy with another change from the airline.
Southwest ends flights at O’Hare, Dulles
On Friday, March 13, Southwest Airlines announced it would cease flights at two of the country’s most popular airports: Chicago O’Hare and Washington Dulles. The major change will come into effect on June 4, 2026, meaning travelers who are expected to fly to, depart from or transit through the two airports will have less than three months to make changes to their itineraries.
“If you have existing travel booked on or after this date that includes Chicago/O’Hare, IL (ORD) or Washington/Dulles, DC (IAD), your reservation will be affected,” the airline warned.
(Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
((Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)Southwest Airlines offers passengers 3 possible options
In the airline’s statement about the change, Southwest revealed that travelers have three possible options:
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Travelers can keep existing reservations for travel on or before June 3, 2026.
Flights operating before the end of service will not be affected. Passengers traveling before June 4 do not need to take additional action. -
Rebooking eligibility:
Passengers booked for travel to, from, or via Chicago/O’Hare (ORD) or Washington/Dulles (IAD), IL on or after June 4, 2026 may rebook or travel on standby (without paying a ticket change fee within 14 days of the original date of travel to, from, or via available alternate airports). 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 the booking includes Chicago/O’Hare (ORD) or Washington/Dulles (IAD) on or after June 4, 2026, travelers are eligible for a refund on: the unused ticket (even if the ticket is non-refundable); and any optional travel fees the traveler paid for the flight they did not take (such as extra legroom seats or priority boarding).
Most travelers should be able to change their travel plans online or via mobile device. Passengers traveling on Getaways by Southwest vacation packages must call 1-833-792-4899 for assistance.
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This article was originally published by Men’s Journal on March 13, 2026, and first appeared in the Travel section. Click here to add Men’s Diary as your go-to source.