DALLAS- Southwest Airlines (WN) top 20 busiest routes analysis reveals mixed performance across the network.
AvBench data for Q3 2024 shows Southwest Airlines (WN) facing varying performance levels across its top 20 busiest routes, with notable strength in California markets despite widespread year-over-year declines.
Photo: Clément AlloingTop 20 Busiest Routes of Southwest
Southwest Airlines (WN) demonstrates significant market presence across major U.S. corridors, particularly in California and Western states. The data reveals:
- Total passengers carried across top 20 routes: 19,220,000
- Market share ranging from 21% to 90%
- Predominantly negative 12-month growth trends
| 1 | Los Angeles-Sacramento | 2,133,000 | 90% | 1,919,700 | 1.5% | -3.7% |
| 2 | Los Angeles-San Jose | 1,702,000 | 84% | 1,429,680 | 0.5% | -4.2% |
| 3 | Los Angeles-San Francisco | 2,523,000 | 47% | 1,185,810 | -2.4% | -6.5% |
| 4 | Las Vegas-Los Angeles | 1,994,000 | 50% | 997,000 | 0.3% | -0.8% |
| 5 | Los Angeles-Phoenix | 1,542,000 | 59% | 909,780 | 1.8% | -2.4% |
| 6 | Sacramento-San Diego | 849,000 | 82% | 696,180 | 2.2% | -5.2% |
| 7 | San Diego-San Jose | 766,000 | 74% | 566,840 | 2.1% | -8.2% |
| 8 | Denver-Los Angeles | 1,286,000 | 47% | 604,420 | 1.3% | -1.3% |
| 9 | San Diego-San Francisco | 890,000 | 56% | 498,400 | -0.4% | -6.5% |
| 10 | Denver-Phoenix | 811,000 | 50% | 405,500 | 2.7% | 0.1% |
| 11 | Las Vegas-San Francisco | 884,000 | 43% | 380,120 | 2.0% | 0.2% |
| 12 | Chicago-Denver | 842,000 | 47% | 395,740 | 2.9% | 1.6% |
| 13 | Honolulu-Kahului/Maui | 856,000 | 41% | 350,960 | 5.4% | 1.2% |
| 14 | Chicago-Phoenix | 716,000 | 39% | 279,240 | 1.6% | -0.2% |
| 15 | Orlando-Washington | 958,000 | 35% | 335,300 | -0.7% | 0.1% |
| 16 | Chicago-Washington | 769,000 | 39% | 299,910 | -2.3% | -1.5% |
| 17 | Chicago-Orlando | 755,000 | 35% | 264,250 | 0.5% | 2.9% |
| 18 | Miami-Washington | 838,000 | 30% | 251,400 | -1.3% | -6.4% |
| 19 | Chicago-Dallas | 705,000 | 34% | 239,700 | -0.9% | -0.9% |
| 20 | Dallas-Los Angeles | 701,000 | 21% | 147,210 | 0.7% | -0.1% |
1. Los Angeles (LAX) – Sacramento (SMF)
- Passenger Volume: 2,133,000
- Market Share: 90%
- Southwest Passengers: 1,919,700
- YoY Growth: -3.7%
- 3-Year Growth: 1.5%
Southwest Airlines (WN) shows exceptional dominance in this California capital route, carrying nearly 2 million passengers annually.
The 90% market share demonstrates near-monopoly status, though the -3.7% year-over-year decline suggests some market pressure. The positive 3-year growth indicates long-term route stability despite recent challenges.
2. Los Angeles (LAX) – San Jose (SJC)
- Passenger Volume: 1,702,000
- Market Share: 84%
- Southwest Passengers: 1,429,680
- YoY Growth: -4.2%
- 3-Year Growth: 0.5%
This Silicon Valley connection maintains strong performance with Southwest carrying 1.4 million passengers.
The 84% market share reflects dominant positioning in this business-heavy route. Despite recent decline (-4.2%), minimal long-term growth suggests market maturity.
3. Los Angeles (LAX) – San Francisco (SFO)
- Passenger Volume: 2,523,000
- Market Share: 47%
- Southwest Passengers: 1,185,810
- YoY Growth: -6.5%
- 3-Year Growth: -2.4%
As the highest-volume route in the network, this competitive corridor faces significant challenges with a -6.5% annual decline.
Southwest maintains a strong presence despite holding less than half the market share, indicating intense competition in this premium market.
4. Las Vegas (LAS) – Los Angeles (LAX)
- Passenger Volume: 1,994,000
- Market Share: 50%
- Southwest Passengers: 997,000
- YoY Growth: -0.8%
- 3-Year Growth: 0.3%
This leisure-focused route shows remarkable stability with minimal decline compared to other top routes. The balanced market share suggests effective competition management, while steady long-term growth indicates sustainable market position.
5. Los Angeles (LAX) – Phoenix (PHX)
- Passenger Volume: 1,542,000
- Market Share: 59%
- Southwest Passengers: 909,780
- YoY Growth: -2.4%
- 3-Year Growth: 1.8%
A key Southwest markets link shows moderate market control. The positive 3-year growth contrasts with the recent decline, suggesting cyclical market dynamics. The route benefits from both business and leisure traffic.
6. Sacramento (SMF) – San Diego (SAN)
- Passenger Volume: 849,000
- Market Share: 82%
- Southwest Passengers: 696,180
- YoY Growth: -5.2%
- 3-Year Growth: 2.2%
Strong market dominance characterizes this intra-California route. Despite a recent significant decline (-5.2%), positive long-term growth indicates underlying market strength. High market share demonstrates effective competition barriers.
7. San Diego (SAN) – San Jose (SJC)
- Passenger Volume: 766,000
- Market Share: 74%
- Southwest Passengers: 566,840
- YoY Growth: -8.2%
- 3-Year Growth: 2.1%
This California technology corridor route shows a concerning recent decline (-8.2%) despite a strong market position.
The contrast between short-term decline and long-term growth suggests possible market restructuring.
8. Denver (DEN) – Los Angeles (LAX)
- Passenger Volume: 1,286,000
- Market Share: 47%
- Southwest Passengers: 604,420
- YoY Growth: -1.3%
- 3-Year Growth: 1.3%
A critical hub connection showing balanced performance metrics. Moderate market share reflects competitive pressure in this major corridor, while matching growth rates suggest stable market dynamics.
9. San Diego (SAN) – San Francisco (SFO)
- Passenger Volume: 890,000
- Market Share: 56%
- Southwest Passengers: 498,400
- YoY Growth: -6.5%
- 3-Year Growth: -0.4%
This California coastal route faces significant challenges with declining metrics across all timeframes. The majority of market share provides a strategic advantage despite performance headwinds.
10. Denver (DEN) – Phoenix (PHX)
- Passenger Volume: 811,000
- Market Share: 50%
- Southwest Passengers: 405,500
- YoY Growth: 0.1%
- 3-Year Growth: 2.7%
A stable performer showing positive growth trends. Balanced market share and positive growth metrics indicate successful route management and strategic positioning.
11. Las Vegas (LAS) – San Francisco (SFO)
- Passenger Volume: 884,000
- Market Share: 43%
- Southwest Passengers: 380,120
- YoY Growth: 0.2%
- 3-Year Growth: 2.0%
This leisure-business mixed route demonstrates steady growth despite competitive pressure. Lower market share suggests room for expansion in this valuable market.
12. Chicago (MDW) – Denver (DEN)
- Passenger Volume: 842,000
- Market Share: 47%
- Southwest Passengers: 395,740
- YoY Growth: 1.6%
- 3-Year Growth: 2.9%
One of few routes showing positive growth across both timeframes. Strategic hub-to-hub connection maintains steady performance despite a competitive environment.
13. Honolulu (HNL) – Kahului/Maui (OGG)
- Passenger Volume: 856,000
- Market Share: 41%
- Southwest Passengers: 350,960
- YoY Growth: 1.2%
- 3-Year Growth: 5.4%
A best performing route in terms of long-term growth (5.4%). Strong performance metrics indicate successful market penetration in Hawaii’s inter-island service.
14. Chicago (MDW) – Phoenix (PHX)
- Passenger Volume: 716,000
- Market Share: 39%
- Southwest Passengers: 279,240
- YoY Growth: -0.2%
- 3-Year Growth: 1.6%
Moderate performance in this competitive transcontinental route. Lower market share reflects multiple carrier competition in this major corridor.
15. Orlando (MCO) – Washington (DCA/IAD)
- Passenger Volume: 958,000
- Market Share: 35%
- Southwest Passengers: 335,300
- YoY Growth: 0.1%
- 3-Year Growth: -0.7%
Mixed performance in this East Coast corridor. Lower market share indicates strong competition, while recent stability suggests effective market positioning.
16. Chicago (MDW) – Washington (DCA/IAD)
- Passenger Volume: 769,000
- Market Share: 39%
- Southwest Passengers: 299,910
- YoY Growth: -1.5%
- 3-Year Growth: -2.3%
Challenging performance metrics across both timeframes. Business-heavy route facing competitive pressure in important East Coast-Midwest corridor.
17. Chicago (MDW) – Orlando (MCO)
- Passenger Volume: 755,000
- Market Share: 35%
- Southwest Passengers: 264,250
- YoY Growth: 2.9%
- 3-Year Growth: 0.5%
Strong recent growth in this leisure-focused route. A lower market share suggests an opportunity for expansion in this growing market.
18. Miami (MIA) – Washington (DCA/IAD)
- Passenger Volume: 838,000
- Market Share: 30%
- Southwest Passengers: 251,400
- YoY Growth: -6.4%
- 3-Year Growth: -1.3%
Significant challenges in this competitive East Coast corridor. Low market share and negative growth trends indicate the need for a strategic review.
19. Chicago (MDW) – Dallas (DAL)
- Passenger Volume: 705,000
- Market Share: 34%
- Southwest Passengers: 239,700
- YoY Growth: -0.9%
- 3-Year Growth: -0.9%
A consistent negative growth rate suggests structural challenges. Lower market share reflects intense competition in this major business corridor.
20. Dallas (DAL) – Los Angeles (LAX)
- Passenger Volume: 701,000
- Market Share: 21%
- Southwest Passengers: 147,210
- YoY Growth: -0.1%
- 3-Year Growth: 0.7%
The lowest market share in the top 20 busiest routes of Southwest indicates significant competitive challenges. Minor recent decline contrasts with slight long-term growth, suggesting market stability despite competitive pressure.
Photo: Southwest Airlines Market Performance Analysis
Regional Strengths
- California Dominance: Southwest holds over 80% market share in key intra-California routes
- Western Focus: Seven of the top 10 routes connect Western U.S. cities
- Hub Performance: Los Angeles appears in 7 of the top 20 routes
Growth Patterns
- Positive Performers: Only 8 routes show positive 3-year growth
- Strongest Growth: Honolulu-Kahului/Maui (+5.4% over 3 years)
- Deepest Declines: San Diego-San Jose (-8.2% over 12 months)
Market Share Analysis
- Highest: LAX-SMF (90%)
- Lowest: Dallas-Los Angeles (21%)
- Average Market Share: 52% across the top 20 routes
Photo: ur-1988 | Credits to CreatorRoute Categories Performance
Leisure Routes
- Hawaii routes show resilience with positive growth
- Las Vegas connections maintain stable market shares
- Florida routes demonstrate mixed performance
Business Routes
- Chicago connections show varying performance
- California business corridors maintain a high market share despite traffic decline
- Denver hub routes demonstrate stability
Network Implications
The data indicates Southwest’s strategic focus on maintaining a strong market position in core Western markets while managing capacity across its broader network.
The predominantly negative growth trends suggest ongoing market adjustments, particularly in competitive corridors.
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