Summary Houston Hobby Airport plays a key role in Southwest Airlines' international operations, serving top destinations like Cancún and San José. Southwest offers significant capacity with 456 operations and 67,608 seats available across various international routes from Houston Hobby. The airport's strategic location and recent renovations make it a competitive hub for Southwest, aligning with its low-cost, high-frequency flights approach.
Houston Hobby Airport (HOU), Southwest Airlines' secondary Texan hub, plays an increasingly significant role in the airline's international operations, especially now with its anticipated departure from Houston Intercontinental . While Dallas Love Field (DAL) is often recognized as Southwest's primary hub in Texas, Houston Hobby has steadily expanded its footprint, particularly for international travel. Let's explore Southwest Airlines' top international routes from Houston Hobby, backed by data highlighting the frequency, capacity, and importance of these routes.
Cancún, Mexico (CUN) Cancún is one of the top destinations for Southwest Airlines from Houston Hobby, reflecting the city's popularity among travellers seeking sun-soaked beaches and vibrant nightlife. According to recent data, Southwest operates 90 flights (Ops) between Houston and Cancún, with 13,382 seats available, translating to an average of 148.7 seats per departure.
The distance between the two cities is 792 miles, and the route generates approximately 10,598,544 Available Seat Miles (ASMs), a key metric used in the airline industry to measure the capacity of an airline's fleet. The project will see seven new gates installed alongside a revamped baggage system and improved passenger amenities. San José del Cabo, Mexico (SJD) San José del Cabo, known for its laid-back atmosphere and charming downtown, is another major international route from Houston Hobby.
Southwest operates 60 flights on this route, with 8,580 seats available, averaging 143 seats per departure. The route, which covers 1,000 miles, contributes 8,580,000 ASMs. The growing popularity of San José del Cabo as a more relaxed alternative to Cabo San Lucas has made it an increasingly important destination for Southwest Airlines.
San José, Costa Rica (SJO) San José, Costa Rica, a gateway to Central America's rich biodiversity and adventure tourism, is also a significant international destination from Houston Hobby. Southwest operates 30 flights to San José with a total seat capacity 4,578, averaging 152.6 seats per departure.
Covering a distance of 1,529 miles, this route generates approximately 6,999,762 ASMs. The appeal of Costa Rica's national parks, volcanoes, and beaches makes this a strategic route for the Southwest. The best Southwest 737-700 seat is 12A, and the best seats on the 737-800 and MAX 8 are 16A and 16F.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (PVR) Puerto Vallarta, located on Mexico's Pacific coast, is a favorite destination for travelers seeking a mix of beautiful beaches and rich cultural experiences. Southwest operates 30 flights between Houston Hobby and Puerto Vallarta, offering 4,290 seats. Each departure averages 143 seats, with the route covering 877 miles.
The ASM for this route is approximately 3,762,330, highlighting its role as a key destination in Southwest's international network. Liberia, Costa Rica (LIR) Liberia, located in Costa Rica's Guanacaste province, is a gateway to the country's most stunning natural landscapes. Southwest operates nine flights on this route, with a total seat capacity of 1,415 and an average of 157.
2 seats per departure. The distance between Houston Hobby and Liberia is 1,453 miles, and the route contributes 2,055,995 ASMs to Southwest's overall capacity. Liberia's proximity to popular national parks and beaches makes it an increasingly important destination for ecotourism.
Rough air incidents are on the rise as the world grapples with climate change. Belize City, Belize (BZE) Belize City, the largest city in Belize, is a prime destination for those exploring the Belize Barrier Reef and other natural wonders. Southwest operates nine flights on this route, with 1,287 seats available, averaging 143 seats per departure.
The route covers 943 miles and generates approximately 1,213,641 ASMs. Belize's rich marine life and historical sites make it popular among travelers. Summary of operations The data provided Cirium, an avaition analytics company, shows that Southwest Airlines has made significant investments in its international routes from Houston Hobby.
With 456 operations and 67,608 seats available across these routes, the average seats per departure stands at 148.3, and the total ASMs number to 67,346,656. These figures highlight the importance of Houston Hobby in Southwest's network, particularly for destinations in Mexico and Central America.
Destination (IATA Code) Miles Weekly Flights (Ops) Total Seats Seats per Departure ASMs (Available Seat Miles) Cancún, Mexico (CUN) 792 90 13,382 148.7 10,598,544 San José del Cabo, Mexico (SJD) 1,000 60 8,580 143.0 8,580,000 San José, Costa Rica (SJO) 1,529 30 4,578 152.
6 6,999,762 Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (PVR) 877 30 4,290 143.0 3,762,330 Liberia, Costa Rica (LIR) 1,453 9 1,415 157.2 2,055,995 Belize City, Belize (BZE) 943 9 1,287 143.
0 1,213,641 Why Houston Hobby? Houston Hobby's strategic location closer to downtown Houston than George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) gives it a competitive edge, particularly for domestic and short-haul international flights. Southwest Airlines' emphasis on operating from Houston Hobby aligns with its business strategy of offering low-cost, high-frequency flights from more accessible airports. The airport's recent renovations have enhanced its facilities, making it more attractive to airlines and passengers.
Have you ever flown from Houston Hobby with Southwest Airlines? Let us know in the comments! A second home Houston Hobby Airport is a crucial hub for Southwest Airlines' international operations. With a diverse range of popular destinations, such as Cancún, San José del Cabo, and San José, Costa Rica, Houston Hobby offers travelers convenient access to some of the most sought-after locations in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. As Southwest continues expanding its international reach, Houston Hobby is poised to become an even more critical player in its global network.
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