If you’ve been daydreaming about a warm-weather escape while staring down another winter forecast, Southwest Airlines just added a tempting new option to the spring break map.
The airline announced it will begin flying to St. Maarten in April 2026, marking its first new international destination since 2021—and one that feels tailor-made for travelers craving beach time, culture and easy vibes. The Caribbean island is famous for its turquoise water, lively beach clubs and a split personality: one half Dutch, one half French, all sunshine.
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View this post on InstagramSouthwest’s new service will land at Princess Juliana International Airport, starting April 7, 2026. At launch, the airline will offer once-daily nonstop flights from Orlando, with additional weekend service from Baltimore/Washington International Airport rolling out shortly after. From there, travelers will be able to connect to more than 45 U.S. cities on Southwest’s network—making it one of the more accessible ways to reach the island without complicated routing.
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For spring breakers, St. Maarten checks a lot of boxes. The island is known for calm, swimmable beaches like Maho and Orient Bay, excellent snorkeling and a dining scene that blends French, Caribbean and international flavors. It’s also easy to explore, with short drives between beach towns and viewpoints—and no passport required for U.S. travelers flying directly into the Dutch side.
The St. Maarten news was part of a broader schedule update from Southwest Airlines, which extended its booking window through June 3, 2026. The airline also announced a new international partnership with EVA Air, opening up new connecting itineraries between North America and Asia through shared gateway airports.
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Still, for travelers focused on 2026 vacation planning, the Caribbean addition is likely to steal the spotlight. Southwest doesn’t add international destinations lightly, and choosing St. Maarten signals growing demand for easy, sunny getaways that feel a little more special than the usual beach trip.
In other words, if spring break planning is already on your mind, this island just got a lot easier—and more tempting—to reach.
Related: 10 New Flight Routes That Make 2026 a Really Good Year to Travel
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