Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport will be affected by Southwest Airlines’ decision to suspend flights from two major U.S. airports.
The airline announced in a March 13 travel advisory that it planned to cease service from Chicago O’Hare International Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport in June.
Southwest said in a statement to The Arizona Republic that the grounding is “part of Southwest’s ongoing efforts to improve its network” and does not represent a change in flight availability, as the airline flies to other airports in the Chicago and Washington, D.C., metro areas.
Southwest Airlines plans to exit O’Hare and Dulles airports, the latest of many changes the Dallas-based airline has made in recent months. Most notably, under pressure from activist investors, it introduced assigned and premium seating and began charging for checked bags.
When will Southwest Airlines end flights to Chicago O’Hare and Washington Dulles International Airport?
Effective June 4, Southwest Airlines will no longer offer flights to and from Chicago O’Hare Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport.
June 3 is its last day of service at both airports.
Can I still fly on Southwest from Phoenix to Chicago and Washington?
Yes, but through a different airport.
Southwest Airlines, which offers nonstop flights between Phoenix and Chicago via Chicago Midway International Airport, has a “proud 41-year history” and flies to more than 80 destinations.
Southwest will continue to serve Washington, D.C., including flights to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Baltimore/Washington Thurgood Marshall International Airport. There will be 271 daily flights to 79 direct destinations between the two airports.
Phoenix travelers can fly nonstop to and from Baltimore on Southwest Airlines, but flights to and from Reagan National Airport require a layover.
Can I still fly from Phoenix to Chicago O’Hare and Washington Dulles?
Yes, but different airlines.
Chicago O’Hare and Washington Dulles are United’s primary hubs, and the airport offers flights to and from Sky Harbor. American Airlines also offers nonstop service between Sky Harbor Airport and O’Hare Airport.
Southwest Airlines’ latest routes: Flights from Phoenix to another city in Arizona
What happens if my flight is cancelled?
Passengers booked for flights between O’Hare and Dulles after June 4 can rebook travel within 14 days of their original travel date without paying the fare difference.
Passengers at O’Hare can rebook to or from Chicago Midway, Milwaukee or Indianapolis, while passengers at Dulles can rebook to or from Reagan National, Baltimore, Philadelphia or Richmond, Virginia.
Passengers who choose not to travel can receive a full refund for their tickets and optional travel fees, such as extra legroom seats and priority boarding.
Flights to O’Hare and Dulles now through June 3 are not affected by these changes.
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Michael Salerno is an award-winning journalist who has been covering the travel and tourism industry since 2014. His work as a consumer travel reporter for The Arizona Republic aims to help readers relieve travel stress and get the most value from their vacation. You can contact him at Michael.Salerno@usatodayco.com.
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This article originally appeared in The Arizona Republic: Airlines cancel 2 routes, Phoenix Sky Harbor affected
