16 Southwest International Destinations [Caribbean, Mexico, Central America]

While you may have flown Southwest Airlines within the U.S., you may not have considered the carrier for international travel. You should, though. The airline serves over a dozen destinations in Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America.

On a Southwest Airlines international flight, you get all of the same benefits you’re used to — including great customer service and no change fees. Plus, if you have the Southwest Companion Pass, you can use it on international flights.

Now that you know you should be looking at Southwest for your next international flight, the question is: Where do you go? Here are 14 exciting international destinations that Southwest flies to that might surprise you (plus 2 U.S. Caribbean locations), including great hotel redemptions for each location.

Flying Internationally on Southwest Airlines

Flying internationally on Southwest Airlines is much like flying domestically.

However, the big difference is that you need a valid passport. You may also need travel documents, depending on where you’re going, so always check the documentation requirements.

Hot Tip: If you want to speed up your travel and breeze through security and customs, consider applying for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. You can get these benefits complimentary with certain cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve^® and the Platinum Card^® from American Express.

Southwest Caribbean Destinations

Southwest flies to 9 Caribbean destinations: 7 international locations plus San Juan, Puerto Rico, and St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.

1. St. Martin

Airport: Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM), St. Martin

Nonstop Flights From:

• Orlando International Airport (MCO)
• Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI)

St. Martin is an island shared by 2 nations: One half is French, and the other half is Dutch. The airport is on the Dutch side of St. Martin, but travelers can freely move between the 2 sides.

There are some great hotel and resorts on both sides of the island. Consider the JW Marriott St. Maarten Beach Resort & Spa, which opened in 2024. It can be booked starting at 71,500 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Hot Tip:

St. Martin is Southwest’s newest international destination. Flights from Orlando and Baltimore began in April 2026.

2. Aruba

Airport: Queen Beatrix International Airport, Aruba (AUA)

Nonstop Flights From:

• Baltimore (BWI)
• Orlando (MCO)

Aruba is a favorite vacation destination for many, just 60 miles off the northern coast of South America. As part of the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao), it’s outside the hurricane belt, so you can travel during hurricane season without worry. The island’s calm waters, white-sand beaches, and year-round sunshine make it a favorite among travelers looking for an easy Caribbean vacation.

There are plenty of great hotels and resorts on the island of Aruba. You can try the Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort, for as few as 66,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night, or the newly renovated Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, starting around 80,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night. Remember, when you make an award booking through Marriott Bonvoy, your fifth night is free!

If you have Hilton Honors points, try out the Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino. You can get a standard award room here for 100,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

3. Bahamas

Airport: Lynden Pindling International Airport, Nassau (NAS)

Nonstop Flights From:

• Baltimore (BWI)
• Orlando (MCO)

If you’re looking for a beach destination that’s very close to many U.S. cities, the Bahamas is it. The Bahamas is a nation of over 700 islands. Bimini, located just over 50 miles off of Florida’s coast, is the closest to the U.S.

One of the most well-known hotels in Nassau is The Coral at Atlantis. This Marriott property can be booked starting around 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Another option if you have World of Hyatt points to burn is the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar. This sprawling family-friendly resort in Nassau boasts 8 pools, golf courses, tennis courts, water sports, a casino, and access to Baha Bay waterpark. Rooms at this Category 7 property start at 25,000 points per night.

4. Cayman Islands

Airport: Owen Roberts International Airport, Grand Cayman (GCM)

Nonstop Flights From:

• Baltimore (BWI)
• Orlando (MCO)

Grand Cayman is part of the Cayman Islands, a British Overseas Territory in the Caribbean Sea. Be sure to visit one of the island’s most famous tourist attractions, Stingray City. This shallow sandbar attracts throngs of visitors who congregate with the friendly stingrays that inhabit this area.

When in Grand Cayman, why not opt for luxury and stay at The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman? This swanky hotel can be booked from 106,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night. You may also consider the Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa, which can be booked from 70,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.

5. Cuba

Airport: José Martí International Airport, Havana (HAV)

Nonstop Flights From:

• Tampa International Airport (TPA)

Traveling to Cuba can be complicated. There are now 12 travel categories that allow U.S. citizens to enter Cuba, including family visits, journalism, educational activities, support for the Cuban people, and athletic competitions. Travel for purely tourist activities is still prohibited.

There aren’t many chain hotels that are bookable with points in Cuba, so it might be a good idea to look at some of the smaller boutique hotels, short-term rentals, or casa particulares.

6. Dominican Republic

Airport: Punta Cana International Airport, Punta Cana (PUJ)

Nonstop Flights From:

Punta Cana is known for its gorgeous beaches and clear, warm water. There are plenty of resorts to choose from, offering everything from a family-friendly atmosphere to a relaxing and adults-only vibe.

There are lots of great hotels that you can book with points in Punta Cana, and if you’re interested in all-inclusive resorts, the options are almost endless. Check out the W Punta Cana, Adult All-Inclusive, Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana, Iberostar Selection Bávaro Suites, or Finest Punta Cana.

Hot Tip: If you’re using your Southwest Companion Pass on an international flight, the taxes are higher than on a domestic flight. For a domestic flight, the taxes are $5.60 each way. For an international flight, they are about $65 to $75 one-way.

7. Jamaica

Airport: Sangster International Airport, Montego Bay (MBJ)

Nonstop Flights From:

Jamaica is a popular destination for families seeking a laid-back Caribbean vibe with white-sand beaches and clear, blue water.

You’ll find every kind of resort imaginable in Jamaica, including all-inclusives for adults only, all-inclusives for families, boutique hotels, and hotels you can book with points.

If you have lots of Hilton Honors points to burn, there’s a great Small Luxury Hotels of the World property. S Hotel Montego Bay is bookable starting at 105,000 Hilton points per night.

Hot Tip:

Seven of Hyatt’s 8 resorts in Jamaica will remain closed through November 1, 2026, during recovery efforts from Hurricane Melissa.

8. Turks and Caicos

Airport: Providenciales International Airport, Turks and Caicos (PLS)

Nonstop Flights From:

• Baltimore (BWI)
• Orlando (MCO)

The Turks and Caicos Islands are a British Overseas Territory that claims 350 days of sun per year. These islands have some of the best beaches in the world and the third-largest barrier reef in the world, so it’s a top spot for scuba divers. Because English is spoken and the U.S. dollar is used, it’s an easy trip for Americans who may not want to step out of their comfort zone.

There are a few points hotels in Turks and Caicos. First, there’s The Ritz-Carlton, Turks & Caicos, a luxury hotel where prices start at about 112,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night. Or you could hop over to South Caicos to stay at Sailrock South Caicos, an SLH Hotel, using Hilton points. Another possibility is Andaz Turks & Caicos at Grace Bay, which is scheduled to open in October 2026.

9. St. Thomas, USVI

Airport: Cyril E. King Airport (STT)

Nonstop Flights From:

• Baltimore (BWI)
• Orlando (MCO)

St. Thomas is a popular destination for U.S. travelers because no passport is required, as it’s in the U.S. Virgin Islands, an American territory. A popular hotel is Marriott’s Frenchman’s Cove. This Marriott Vacation Club property has 3 restaurants, a convenience store, a pool, and a fitness center — all without resort fees. The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas, is also great for Marriott Bonvoy members. You can book rooms starting at 88,000 points per night.

Hot Tip:

Southwest service to St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, began in February 2026.

10. Puerto Rico

Airport: Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, San Juan (SJU)

Nonstop Flights From:

Puerto Rico is another Caribbean destination that many people don’t realize they can access via Southwest Airlines. Even though it’s in the Caribbean, it’s not an international destination, so U.S. residents do not need a passport to travel there.

If you want to get really local and help support small businesses, consider booking an Airbnb or a boutique hotel. However, if your heart is set on using your points to book, there are lots of options.

Try the Caribe Hilton for 75,000 Hilton Honors points per night, or if you’re looking for more budget-friendly hotel, you can book the Courtyard San Juan Miramar for 25,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night. Another great choice is the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico, a Category 5 World of Hyatt property.

Southwest Destinations in Mexico

11. Los Cabos, México

Airport: San Jose del Cabo International Airport, Los Cabos (SJD)

Nonstop Flights From:

Los Cabos, Mexico, is a tourist destination at the tip of the Baja California Peninsula. It’s composed of 2 main areas, Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, though the whole area is commonly simply known as Cabo. The area is known for its wonderful marine life, including whales, sea lions, and dolphins, as well as the iconic rock arch in the Sea of Cortez, El Arco de Cabo San Lucas.

There are plenty of hotels to book with points in Los Cabos. If you have Marriott Bonvoy points, check out the JW Marriott Los Cabos Beach Resort & Spa, where nights start at 56,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.

For Hyatt fans, there’s the Hyatt Place Los Cabos a Category 1 hotel, and there’s the high-end resort, The Cape, a Thompson Hotel, a Category 7.

Hot Tip: Don’t forget about resort fees when booking hotels with points. Marriott and IHG charge resort fees on reward bookings. However, if you book a Hyatt or Hilton hotel with points, the resort fee will be waived.

12. Cancún, Mexico

Airport: Cancún International Airport (CUN), Cancún

Nonstop Flights From:

Cancún may be known as a party town, but there’s plenty for families, too. It’s a great destination for a quick getaway because it’s easy to get to and has lots of hotels close to the airport.

The JW Marriott Cancún Resort & Spa is a luxurious hotel right on the beach in the heart of Cancún. The beach and pool are fantastic and very family-friendly, plus the food is great. Rooms at this resort start at 43,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

If you’ve got IHG One Rewards points, check out the InterContinental Presidente Cancún Resort, located on the north end of the hotel zone. A night here costs 34,000 to 40,000 IHG One Rewards points, or you use points and cash.

There are also plenty of boutique hotels in Cancún if you prefer something more intimate.

13. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Airport: Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport, Puerto Vallarta (PVR)

Nonstop Flights From:

Puerto Vallarta is another popular vacation spot in Mexico, known for beautiful beaches and a lively old town. It’s on the same latitude as Hawaii, giving it a similar climate.

While there are lots of hotels to book with points in Puerto Vallarta, Marriott Bonvoy offers the most choices. Try Sheraton Buganvilias Resort & Convention Center. Or stay at the high-end W Punta De Mita, about 1 hour northwest of Puerto Vallarta, starting at 52,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Southwest Destinations in Central America

14. Belize

Airport: Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport, Belize City (BZE)

Nonstop Flights From:

• Baltimore (BWI)
• Denver (DEN)
• Houston (HOU)

Belize is a Central American country that offers everything from Mayan ruins to world-class snorkeling and scuba diving. Since English is the official language, travelers from the U.S. find it easy to navigate.

Fifteen minutes from the airport on Ambergris Caye, the Mahogany Bay Resort & Beach Club, Curio Collection by Hilton, can be booked starting around 70,000 points per night.

If you’ve got Marriott Bonvoy points, check out Alaia Belize, Autograph Collection, a luxury beachfront resort that also happens to be the first and only Marriott in Belize. Room prices start at 50,000 points per night.

15. Liberia, Costa Rica

Airport: Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport, Liberia (LIR)

Nonstop Flights From:

• Baltimore (BWI)
• Denver (DEN)
• Houston (HOU)

Costa Rica is becoming a popular tourist destination for good reason: It’s full of jungles, rainforests, rustic beaches, and fantastic wildlife. It’s also a hot spot for ecotourism because of Costa Rica’s green initiatives. The Liberia airport is the main connector to the west side of the country.

If you are looking for a great hotel redemption, check out the Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort, which is an easy, 30-minute drive from the airport. This Hyatt property feels like a boutique jungle resort and is a great way to get lots of value from your World of Hyatt points — nights start at 35,000 points per night

Hot Tip: Check out these boutique hotels in Costa Rica.

16. San José, Costa Rica

Airport: Juan Santamaria International Airport, San José (SJO)

Nonstop Flights From:

San José, Costa Rica, is the capital of the small Central American nation. While you may not think to visit San José for a vacation, you should reconsider, as this centrally located city is a great base to start your journey around the country.

While you’re there, consider staying at the Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen. This property is minutes from the San José airport and starts at 28,000 points per night.

Final Thoughts

Southwest Airlines isn’t just for domestic flying. The airline flies to many international destinations in the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America.

When you’re ready to plan your next vacation, consider one of these great Southwest Airlines international destinations.