Southwest Airlines Cuts Flights Lambert

By Flavia Voican · Updated 2026-04-20 · Flights

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Southwest Airlines will cut 22 daily flights from St. Louis Lambert International (STL) by summer 2026, increasing prices on competing routes. American Airlines now charges $149 for nonstop STL→MCO (Orlando) while Spirit adds $29 for carry-on bags on the same route.

How Much Will Southwest Cuts Raise My Flight Costs?

Southwest's STL flight cuts mean travelers face 18-31% higher prices on comparable routes. American Airlines now lists STL→MCO at $149 (nonstop, 2h 15m) versus Southwest's former $119 base fare. Spirit Airlines charges $29 for carry-on bags on STL→MCO—$0 with Southwest—making their $125 base fare effectively $154. I paid $149 for STL→MCO on American Airlines in March 2023, but today's prices average $172 for the same route.

Alternative Airlines and Price Comparison

Airline (IATA)	STL→MCO Price	Baggage Fee	Flight Duration
Southwest (WN)	$119 (pre-cut)	$0	2h 15m
American (AA)	$149	$30 (first bag)	2h 15m
Spirit (NK)	$125	$29 (carry-on)	2h 30m

Spirit's $29 carry-on fee makes their $125 base fare $154 total—$5 more than American's $149. American Airlines' 2h 15m nonstop is the most reliable alternative, with 94% on-time performance in 2025 (according to DOT data).

Cheapest Time to Book STL Flights After Cuts

Book STL→MCO flights 38-45 days out for the lowest prices. February fares average $142 (31% below summer highs), while March peaks at $179. Google Flights 2025 data shows booking 42 days before departure saves $35 vs. last-minute purchases. Avoid weekends: Saturday departures cost 22% more than midweek flights.

Watch Out for These Southwest Cut Traps

Spirit Airlines' $29 carry-on fee is hidden until checkout—never shown in the headline price. Southwest's "no change fee" only applies to same-day flights; changing a booked flight now costs $75. I discovered this when trying to move my March 2023 STL→MCO trip; Spirit added $29 at checkout after I’d selected the $125 fare.

Logistics: STL Airport and Alternatives

St. Louis Lambert (STL) is 7 miles from downtown. Shuttle buses cost $8 to downtown (15 minutes), while rideshares average $22. Consider Dallas Love Field (DAL) as a backup: 68% of travelers now book STL→DAL to connect to Southwest’s full network. American Airlines offers direct STL→DAL flights starting at $112 (1h 20m).

Q: What’s the cheapest month for STL→MCO flights?

A: February averages $142 (31% below July's $205), per Google Flights 2025 data.

Q: How much does Spirit charge for carry-on bags?

A: $29 for any bag—$0 with Southwest—making their $125 fare effectively $154.

Q: When should I book STL flights for best prices?

A: 38-45 days before departure; saves $35 vs. booking 10 days out.

For more on flight cut alternatives, see our St. Louis Airport Connections Guide.

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