Southwest adds direct route between Las Vegas and Rochester, NY

Southwest adds nonstop flight from Rochester, NY to Las Vegas

By Mark Reif Published October 7, 2024

Las Vegas welcome sign — tim vfx / Unsplash

On October 3, Southwest began nonstop flights between Rochester, NY, and Las Vegas. It’s the first direct flight between the cities since 2008, giving East Coast residents a quick trip to the vibrant city. The route flies between Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC) and Harry Reid International Airport (LAS).

The new flight caters to an underserved market

Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport — Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport Visit Rochester

The ROC to LAS flight is available four days a week: Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday. Southwest utilizes a Boeing 737 MAX 8, which can accommodate 175 passengers during the 5-hour journey. That’ll add 500 seats weekly between the two cities. Now, East Coast residents are a quick flight away from good times in the desert.

Recommended Videos

Southwest Airlines flies more than anyone from LAS, with 270 flights to 66 destinations. This new route streamlines Las Vegas travel and opens connections to San Diego, Los Angeles, Seattle, San Francisco, and Phoenix.

Additionally, ROC made USA Today’s “10 best small airports in the US that help you avoid stress and crowds”. Highlights included an iridescent canopy made from solar panels, glass, and fabric. There’s also the excellent Frederick Douglass Legacy Mural. Southwest also offers direct routes from ROC to Orlando, Baltimore, and Tampa.

Monroe, County, NY Executive Adam Bello commented: “The Entertainment Capital of the World, America’s Playground – however you refer to it, we are pleased to welcome nonstop service to Las Vegas on Southwest Airlines. Whether you enjoy fine dining and shopping or gaming, live shows, and entertainment, these nonstop flights will provide greater convenience to Las Vegas and all that it has to offer.”

Mark Reif is a writer from Stowe, Vermont. During the winter, he works as a snowboard coach and rides more than 100 days. The…

Travel

American Airlines plans to resume this Hawaiian route

American Airlines will resume flights to Kona, Hawaii

Kona, Hawaii

American Airlines has filed plans to resume its route between Dallas Forth Worth International Airport (DFW) and Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA) on the Big Island of Hawaii. The plan calls for the route to re-launch on November 20, 2025, and continue on a seasonal basis through February 28, 2026. That’ll continue through January 6, before a six-week break occurs, with flights re-starting on February 12.
American’s Kona route will use a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii Wikimedia Commons

According to The Points Guy, the route filing first appeared on Cirium flight schedules and was later confirmed by the airline. During the 3,724-mile flight, passengers can look forward to traveling aboard the latest and greatest aircraft, with a modern Boeing 787-8 handling flight duties. It’ll offer 20 Flagship Business pods, 28 Premium Economy recliners, 48 extra-legroom Main Cabin Extra seats, and 138 Standard Economy seats.

Travel

Delta announces expanded Hawaiian routes

Delta expands service to Hawaii

Maui

Starting next December, Delta will expand service to Hawaii with a new route and increased flights on existing ones. That includes the debut of service from Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) to Kona International Airport (KOA), a nonstop trip from December 18 through March 26. The airline is also starting several Hawaiian routes earlier than usual, and increasing the number of flights.
Delta makes Hawaii more accessible for winter 25/26
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii Wikimedia Commons

In addition to the Kona route, Delta’s flight between SLC and Maui’s Kahului Airport (OGG) will start earlier than ever, on October 6, with four weekly flights. That increases to daily flights in November and then to twice-daily flights between December 19 and January 5. Delta will also add a second daily flight between Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) in Honolulu during that time.

Travel

American Airlines caters to golfers with these routes

American Airlines is ready for golf season

Golf course and mountains

As spring sets in, golfers dust off their clubs and prepare for long days on the links. Though local courses offer a chance to improve one’s game, travel takes that further, with world-class links and stunning vistas. There are also historic tournaments, like the Masters, where the world’s best compete for the green jacket. American Airlines is ready for the season ahead with golf itineraries to Georgia, Scotland, and more.
Attend the Masters or tour Scotland, Japan, or Australia
Founders Circle, Augusta National Your Golf Travel

This year’s Masters Tournament runs from April 10-13 in Augusta, Georgia. Known as one of golf’s most historic competitions, it draws the sport’s best players, along with fans from around the world. From April 6 to 14, American will offer more flights and seats to Augusta Regional Airport (AGS) than any airline. That includes up to 22 round-trip flights per day and over 3,800 premium cabin seats.