Seasonal nonstop weekend flights set for spring 2026, Palm Springs International Airport confirmed that Southwest will launch twice-weekly nonstop service to Austin–Bergstrom International Airport. The flights are scheduled to run every Saturday and Sunday from 5 March through 6 April 2026, tapping into peak spring-break demand as well as early festival season in both cities. According to airport officials, the new route will be flown with Southwest’s workhorse Boeing 737 aircraft. While exact flight numbers and seat configurations were not released, most of Southwest’s 737s accommodate between 143 and 175 passengers in an all-economy layout. Flyers can expect the airline’s customary open seating, two free checked bags, and no change fees—benefits that often sway leisure travelers looking for flexibility.
Competitive landscape: Delta and Southwest now share the route
Delta Air Lines already links the two cities with seasonal service, and the upcoming Southwest launch means Palm Springs flyers will have a choice of carriers, schedules, and loyalty programs. Airport Executive Director Harry Barrett Jr. welcomed the competition, noting that “Southwest’s addition to the Austin route gives travelers more options than ever,” Barrett said in a statement. Additional nonstop capacity typically pressures airlines to sharpen schedules and pricing, a win for budget-conscious adventurers eyeing long weekends in the Texas capital or desert retreats in Greater Palm Springs.
Why Palm Springs–Austin nonstop matters for leisure travelers
- Festival circuits align. Both cities host marquee events each spring—South by Southwest in Austin and the Coachella and Stagecoach festivals near Palm Springs. A direct weekend flight shortens transit times for music lovers and industry insiders shuttling between showcases.
- Outdoor allure. Hikers can swap the cactus-lined trails of Joshua Tree National Park for Austin’s Barton Creek Greenbelt without a connecting flight eating up precious daylight hours.
- Culinary crossover. Foodies can trade Palm Springs’ booming brunch scene for Austin’s famed barbecue joints in roughly three hours gate-to-gate, making gastronomic weekend hops more feasible.
- Loyalty perks. Delta SkyMiles members still retain a nonstop option, while Southwest Rapid Rewards collectors will be able to earn and burn points on the same city pair—helpful for travelers deciding where to stash spring-break points.
Flight times, booking windows and pricing
Southwest typically publishes its schedule in rolling blocks six to nine months in advance, so seats for March-April 2026 are not yet on sale. Travelers interested in the new Palm Springs–Austin nonstop should set fare alerts or sign up for the airline’s weekly sale emails. Historically, Southwest’s short-haul weekend fares debut in the USD 99 to USD 159 range each way, though final pricing will depend on demand, fuel costs, and competitive moves by Delta.
Sample weekend itinerary (based on prior year patterns)
- Outbound Saturday: Morning departure from Palm Springs, arriving in Austin early afternoon—plenty of time to catch live music on Sixth Street by nightfall.
- Return Sunday: Late-afternoon Austin departure getting you back to Palm Springs in time for a sunset pool dip.
Exact departure and arrival times will be published once Southwest releases its March–April 2026 timetable.
Tips for travelers planning the PSP–Austin hop
- Mind the limited season. The new flights run only from 5 March to 6 April 2026. Book early if your travel dates fall in that window, especially around festival weekends.
- Compare total trip costs. Southwest includes two checked bags in the ticket price, whereas Delta charges most economy flyers for luggage. Factor that into your budget before deciding which airline offers the better deal.
- Sign up for fare drops. Southwest never appears on online travel agencies like Expedia or Google Flights. Visit the airline’s own site or use third-party price-tracking tools that pull Southwest data directly.
- Consider airport transfers. Palm Springs International is only about 10 minutes from downtown hotels. In Austin, rideshare times to the city center average 20–25 minutes, but surge pricing can spike during major events.
- Time your check-in. Southwest’s open-seating policy rewards early boarding group assignments. Check in exactly 24 hours before departure or pay for EarlyBird to snag preferred seats together.
What’s next for Palm Springs International Airport?
Palm Springs International has been steadily growing its route map, adding or restoring service to Chicago, Dallas, Minneapolis, and Vancouver in recent years. The airport’s management hinted at continued conversations with carriers about additional domestic and potential international links, though no further details have been disclosed. For travelers, the message is clear: the once-sleepy desert airport is positioning itself as a year-round gateway, not just a winter retreat.
FAQ: Palm Springs–Austin nonstop flights
Q: When do Southwest’s new flights operate?
A: Every Saturday and Sunday from 5 March through 6 April 2026.
Q: Which aircraft will Southwest use?
A: The Boeing 737 fleet—seat counts vary by sub-type but fall between 143 and 175.
Q: Will Delta continue its nonstop service?
A: Airport officials say Delta plans to offer its own seasonal flights, creating dual-carrier competition on the route.
Q: Are these flights daily?
A: No. For 2026, Southwest’s Palm Springs–Austin nonstop operates only on weekends.
Q: How early can I book?
A: Southwest normally opens schedules about eight months out, so monitor booking channels in mid-2025 for March–April 2026 departures.
Q: What time of day will the flights leave?
A: Specific departure and arrival times have not been announced. Travelers should expect Southwest to reveal exact slots when tickets go on sale. [Not specified in release]
Q: Are there in-flight amenities?
A: Southwest provides free streaming entertainment to personal devices, complimentary soft drinks and snacks, and optional paid Wi-Fi. No seatback screens are installed on its 737s.
Q: What about connections beyond Austin?
A: Austin–Bergstrom is a focus city for Southwest, offering same-day connections to New Orleans, Nashville, Orlando and more, potentially turning Palm Springs into a one-stop gateway to the Southeast.
Bottom line
The addition of Southwest’s seasonal weekend flights further cements Palm Springs International Airport as a competitive alternative to larger Southern California hubs. For travelers eyeing blue-sky desert escapes or live-music-filled jaunts to Texas Hill Country, the Palm Springs–Austin nonstop service promises time savings, fare battles, and a fresh set of low-stress weekend itineraries. — as Barrett told News Channel 3.
