In a recent statement, Southwest Airlines announced a significant expansion of their summer schedule. Starting June 4, 2024, the airline will launch nonstop routes between Orlando and several locations in the Caribbean and Central America, including Punta Cana. This announcement is certainly good news for travelers planning to visit Punta Cana next year, as Southwest Airlines is known for its affordability and customer-friendly policies, such as having no change fees and allowing two free checked bags. But that is not all. In line with these improvements, the airline has also simplified the process for customers to achieve status in 2024, reducing the number of qualifying flights required to achieve A-List and A-List Preferred status. Additionally, Southwest has made it easier for travelers to earn points with qualifying credit cards, and as a limited-time promotion, registered travelers who fly before Nov. 30 will receive double the Companion Pass qualifying points on those flights.
What Southwest’s new nonstop flights mean for Punta Cana tourists
As one of the most popular airlines in the US, Southwest has a strong presence in the domestic market and its affordability and convenience make it a popular choice among travelers. So, with the introduction of these new international flights, travelers visiting Punta Cana will be able to enjoy Southwest’s unique customer-friendly service outside of the domestic market.
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This expansion is just one of several recent moves by airlines such as Delta, American Airlines, and JetBlue to meet the growing demand for travel to the Dominican Republic, especially to the increasingly popular destination of Punta Cana. Until now, Delta Airlines was leading this year, announcing plans to increase the number of flights to the Dominican Republic by 30%. Delta is the best domestic airline in the US, a reputation it has earned for its reliability and premium service, according to a recent study by luggage storage company Bounce. However, Delta’s flight deals are typically more expensive compared to Southwest Airlines, which, according to the same Bounce study, comes in second place, just behind Delta Airlines. With Southwest, roundtrips to Punta Cana from Fort Lauderdale average around $300 USD, while Delta deals average around $500, according to Skyscanner. Of course, these prices are subject to change, and no official pricing has yet been released for Southwest’s new flights from Orlando. However, looking at these numbers, it’s safe to say that Southwest flights will be one of the best options for budget-conscious travelers visiting Punta Cana.
The enormous boost in air connectivity in the Dominican Republic
This year, the Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Tourism reported a whopping 7.6 million visitors from January to September, steadily approaching its coveted goal of 10 million visitors. Of course, much of the country’s popularity has to do with its many tourist attractions, including stunning Caribbean beaches, luxurious all-inclusive resorts, and plenty of interesting activities to choose from. However, this notable achievement can also be largely attributed to the government’s tireless efforts to improve security and significant investment in both infrastructure and accommodation. And as the Dominican Republic continues to break tourism records, strengthening air connectivity has become one of the top priorities, according to the country’s Tourism Cabinet, headed by President Luis Abinader. In addition, the Dominican Republic is actively negotiating the open skies agreement between the country and the US. This deal would make air travel much more affordable and convenient for both locals and American travelers, who make up the majority of visitors. In light of all these developments, an affordable getaway to Punta Cana is quickly becoming a possibility for many travelers. Until now, several American travelers have often opted for cheaper Caribbean destinations, such as Cancun. But with the introduction of new non-stop flights by affordable and reliable airlines like Southwest and the potential success of the open skies agreement, flying to this exceptional Caribbean destination will be easier – and much cheaper – than ever.
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