Southwest launches Sonoma County service, adds free wine check program

Southwest Airlines began service Tuesday at Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport in Santa Rosa, California, expanding its California network while introducing a new perk aimed at leisure travelers visiting wine regions.

The airline also announced its Sip and Ship program, which will allow passengers to check one case of wine at no additional cost on select flights from participating West Coast destinations starting later this month. The initiative ties directly to the new service in Sonoma County, a major wine-producing region.

“We’re excited to open the door to more of California’s incredible destinations, especially the stunning wine region of Sonoma County, as we add our 14th airport to our already best-in-industry intra-California service,” said Andrew Watterson, chief operating officer at Southwest Airlines.

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The Santa Rosa service includes nonstop flights to San Diego, Las Vegas, Denver and Burbank. Flights to San Diego and Las Vegas are operating daily, with additional San Diego frequencies on peak travel days. Service to Burbank will run five days a week, while Denver flights are scheduled weekly on Saturdays.

Under the Sip and Ship program, eligible passengers age 21 and older can check a single case of wine, defined as up to 12 bottles weighing no more than 50 pounds, provided it is properly packaged and inspected at the airport. Standard baggage size limits still apply.

Southwest said the program is intended to enhance the travel experience for customers visiting wine destinations by allowing them to transport purchases more easily.

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The airline says it has expanded its network in recent months, including new or upcoming service in St. Maarten, St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Knoxville, Tennessee, and Anchorage, Alaska. The Sonoma County launch represents its latest addition in California, where the carrier continues to grow intra-state routes.

Southwest Airlines was founded in 1971, and the company says it now operates flights to more than 100 airports across 11 countries and is one of the largest domestic carriers in the United States.