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The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
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10 countries you didn’t know you could fly to on Southwest
Benét, known as the Aviation Queen, is a former senior editor at TPG who is best known for being an aviation journalist for 25-plus years. Her love affair with travel and aviation began at age 6, when her Air Force family moved from California to a military base outside of London. The family flew from JFK to London on a pretty new Pan Am 747. She was amazed when, in 1992, she got her first aviation journalism job.
April 9, 2022 • 12 min read
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don't cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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Quick summary
Southwest offers international flights from the U.S. to 10 countries in Central America and the Caribbean, as well as Puerto Rico.
Destinations include popular vacation spots such as Cozumel, Cabo San Lucas, Cancun, Belize, Costa Rica, Jamaica, the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, Aruba, Grand Cayman, Turks and Caicos and Cuba.
Many routes feature daily nonstop service from major U.S. cities, making these destinations accessible for a wide range of travelers.
Travelers can use hotel loyalty points at various well-known properties in these regions, with options ranging from all-inclusive resorts to boutique hotels.
What to consider
Some destinations, like Cuba, have specific travel restrictions for U.S. citizens and may require organized tours.
Hotel award availability and nightly rates can vary significantly by destination and season.
Flight schedules and nonstop options are most frequent from cities like Houston and Baltimore.
What you'll miss from the article
A detailed breakdown of each destination's highlights, hotel options bookable with points and practical travel tips for maximizing your trip.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
Editor’s note: This post has been updated with new information.
With more than 4,000 flights scheduled every day, Southwest’s route network is quite extensive — and it continues to expand. Since Southwest is such a popular choice on domestic routes, you might not realize it also offers service between the U.S. and 10 countries throughout Central America and the Caribbean, along with Puerto Rico. Here’s a look at Southwest’s lesser-known international flight options.
Mexico
A beach in Cozumel. (Photo by Can Balcioglu/Shutterstock)
Cozumel
Fly into: Cozumel, with flights from Austin, Denver and Houston.
Why you should go: Known for its clear turquoise waters, Cozumel is very popular for those who enjoy snorkeling because of its location as part of the second-largest barrier reef in the world. Or check out Centro Nacional de Antropología e Historia to channel your inner archaeologist. The Chankanaab Adventure Park, part of Arrecifes Cozumel National Park, allows visitors up-close views of sea lions, crocodiles and manatees and also offers guided snuba and Sea Trek tours.
The Hilton Los Cabos Golf Resort & Spa, Los Cabos, Mexico. (Photo by Jon Bailey for The Points Guy)
Cabo San Lucas
Fly into: San José Del Cabo, with nonstop flights available from 10 airports including Los Angeles, Denver, Houston and Baltimore.
Why you should go: This city on Mexico’s Baja Peninsula is home to dramatic scenery, with large stone cliffs lining beautiful beaches. The fishing is great in the Sea of Cortez and a must-see is the El Arco, a natural archway carved into the sea cliffs. Cabo is also a popular spring break destination for college students, with many affordable resort options. Hyatt, Marriott, Hilton and IHG all have properties nearby, so it shouldn’t be too hard to put those well-earned hotel rewards points to work.
Fly into: Puerto Vallarta, with nonstop flights from 10 U.S. airports including Oakland, California; Denver; Chicago; and Houston.
Why you should go: Known for its cobblestone streets and hilly vistas, this west coast Mexican city is a favorite for American expats and tourists alike. Located about an hour’s drive north, the secluded resort town of Punta Mita is home to the luxurious Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita and, one of our favorites, the St. Regis Punta Mita Resort.
A beach in Cancun. (Photo by SVongpra/Shutterstock)
Cancún
Fly into: Cancún from 16 U.S. airports with twice-daily nonstop flights from Houston, Chicago and Baltimore, and once-daily nonstop service from Denver, San Antonio, Austin and Atlanta.
Why you should go: Cancun practically defines Mexico’s beach vacation culture, and its snorkeling and diving opportunities, Caribbean waters and nearby Mayan ruins keep tourists coming back all year long. Cash in your IHG Rewards Club points to book a trip to the InterContinental Presidente Cozumel Resort Spa for $234 or 50,000 points a night.
Fly into: Belize City, with nonstop flights available from Houston and Denver.
Why you should go: Belize offers tropical jungles, gorgeous beaches, historic Mayan ruins, some of the world’s best diving and snorkeling spots and friendly, English-speaking locals. The Belize Barrier Reef, part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef (second in size only to Australia's Great Barrier Reef), is considered a hot spot for divers, snorkelers and biologists. Consider a stay at the Gaia Riverlodge, a Hyatt Small Luxury Hotels of the World property in the country's Cayo District, with rates starting at $205 or 25,000 points per night.
Gaia Resort in the Cayo region of Belize. (Photo by Clint Henderson/The Points Guy)
The Andaz Costa Rica Resort At Peninsula Papagayo. (Photo courtesy of the hotel)
Northwest corner
Fly into: Liberia, with daily nonstop flights from Baltimore, Denver and Houston. Why you should go: Costa Rica practically invented eco-tourism, and the country continues to develop its green appeal with rainforest resorts and jungle retreats. Located in the country’s northwest corner, Liberia is close to some of Costa Rica’s best seaside resorts, such as the Andaz Costa Rica Resort At Peninsula Papagayo. Rates there start at $547 or 17,000 Hyatt points a night.
The Selvatura Treetop hanging bridges in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve Puntarenas in Costa Rica. (Photo by Matthew Williams-Ellis/Universal Images Group/Getty Images)
San José
Fly into: San José, with daily nonstop flights from Houston and Baltimore).
Why you should go: Costa Rica’s capital city is a great starting point for adventures all around the country — both Arenal Volcano National Park and the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve are within a 3.5-hour drive of the city center. Stay at the Gran Hotel Costa Rica, Curio Collection by Hilton starting at $141 or 41,000 points per night.
Fly into: Montego Bay, with daily nonstop flights from six cities including Orlando, Houston, St. Louis and Baltimore.
Why you should go: Jamaica is a great warm-weather destination all year round, providing visitors with the perfect blend of relaxation and nightlife. Popular spots include a ride down the Martha Brae River, playing a round of golf at the Cinnamon Hill Golf Club or catching some rays at Doctor's Cave beach. Stay in a swanky overwater bungalow at the all-inclusive Sandals Resort in Montego Bay for $1,573 a night in July 2022. Stay in overwater bungalows in Montego Bay, Jamaica. (Image courtesy of Sandals Montego Bay) Related: What it’s like traveling to Jamaica right now
Bahamas
Atlantis is the biggest hotel in the Bahamas. (Image courtesy of Atlantis Resort)
Fly into: Nassau, with daily nonstop flights from Fort Lauderdale and Baltimore.
Why you should go: There’s so much more to the Bahamas than what you’ll see from a cruise ship or luxury mega-resort. Be lazy and enjoy sunbathing at Cable Beach, visit the Educulture Junkanoo Museum or sample Bahamian food during the Tru Bahamian Food Tours. Treat yourself to a stay at the Atlantis Paradise Island Resort, located just a 30-minute drive from the airport, which you can book starting at $522 or 240,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.
The Dreams Palm Beach Punta Cana. (Photo by Katie Genter/The Points Guy)
Fly into: Punta Cana, with daily flights from Baltimore, Fort Lauderdale and Chicago.
Why you should go: Over the past few years, the Dominican Republic has opened dozens of new resorts, including the Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana and the Radisson Blu Punta Cana. Punta Cana is no longer a place where people go to simply lay on the beach all day — the city and surrounding areas now feature upscale (and inexpensive) bars, restaurants and clubs, and you’ll find activities like zip-lining and waterfall rappelling that appeal to all sorts of travelers. The “D.R.,” as the locals say, is sure to not disappoint.
(Photo courtesy of Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino)
Fly into: Oranjestad, with daily flights from Orlando, Houston, Fort Lauderdale and Baltimore.
Why you should go: This beautiful desert island, located just 60 miles north of South America, has traditionally been a stronghold for East Coasters looking for a warm vacation in the dead of winter. The beaches in Aruba are second to none, and you’ll find plenty of hotel and resort options for the perfect island getaway, including the Radisson Blu Aruba. Best of all, it’s part of the ABC islands — Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao — whose location beneath the Caribbean hurricane belt ensures near-perfect weather all year round.
The Stingray City sandbar in the Cayman Islands. (Photo by Holger Leue/Getty Images)
Fly into: Grand Cayman, with daily nonstop flights from Baltimore and Fort Lauderdale.
Why you should go: Grand Cayman is home to one of The Points Guy Brian Kelly's favorite properties, the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, where he’s attended the celebrity chef-packed Cayman Cookout. Book a king room starting at $695 or 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
The island is home to several Marriott and IHG properties, so you have other options for booking award stays. Make sure to check out the coral reefs and Stingray City, a great spot for snorkeling and capturing some great underwater photos.
Turks and Caicos
Consider a stay at Beaches Turks & Caicos. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Beaches Turks & Caicos)
Fly into: Providenciales, with daily nonstop flights from Baltimore and Fort Lauderdale.
Why you should go: It’s a 3.5-hour flight from Baltimore and less than a two-hour flight from Florida. You’ll enjoy beautiful white-sand beaches, a plethora of water sports and sunbathing at Grace Bay and Long Bay Beach. Stay at the all-inclusive Beaches Turks & Caicos, which has a 45,000 square-foot water park, 21 gourmet restaurants, a 12-mile beach and 10 pools. A luxury double room goes for $2,485 a night.
Downtown Havana, Cuba. (Photo by Kriangkrai Thitimakorn/Getty Images)
Fly into: Havana from Fort Lauderdale and Tampa.
Why you should go: While the U.S. has added some restrictions for citizens visiting this island nation, it’s still possible to go as part of an organized tour. And there are plenty of reasons to consider doing so, including the city’s vintage cars, nightlife and great food. Enjoy the white sand and turquoise water at Santa María del Mar beach, about 12 miles outside of Havana, which is popular with locals.
There are no U.S. chain hotels in the city, so do what I did for my 2017 trip — book an Airbnb. I stayed at Sweet Habana ($80 a night), a two-bedroom, one-bath apartment centrally located in the Vedado neighborhood, near the Havana University, the Habana Libre and Nacional hotels, the Malecon, Coppelia's Ice Cream and a street market.
Bottom line
Houston and Baltimore seem to have the most consistent and widespread Southwest service to these seven Latin American and Caribbean countries. Combined with Southwest’s ever-expanding domestic network, these international cities continue to become more accessible and affordable for American travelers overall.
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
