Night flights: What the flight crews experience overnight
Dealing with fatigue is one of the most challenging tasks for flight crews. Here’s how to prepare for night flights.
USA TODAY
Southwest Airlines is planning major changes to its flight experience for 2025. In particular, the abolition of the famous open seat policy in favor of assigned premium seats is planned.
Another upcoming change is the introduction of night flights, departing late in the evening and arriving early in the morning.
Southwest’s night flights will begin on February 13, 2025, and one of the routes opening that day will be from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport to Baltimore. Now, a second night flight to Phoenix has been confirmed.
When Southwest announced the extension of its flight schedule through the end of April 2025 (including a new Tucson-Sacramento route), it said it would add more overnight flights, but did not name specific city pairs. The airline said, “Customers are encouraged to visit Southwest.com to review itineraries.”
Southwest overnight flights from Phoenix
Southwest’s second overnight flight route from Phoenix will be to Atlanta, Southwest spokesman Dan Landson told The Arizona Republic.
The Phoenix-Atlanta night flight will begin on March 6, 2025, he said.
Flights March 6-8 will depart Sky Harbor at 11:55 p.m. Arizona time and arrive in Atlanta at 6:20 p.m. Eastern time. After March 9, when most of the U.S. begins daylight saving time, flights will depart Phoenix at 11:05 p.m. Arizona time and arrive in Atlanta at 5:30 a.m. Eastern time, according to Southwest’s schedule.
Southwest’s Phoenix-Baltimore overnight flight will begin on February 13, 2025. The flight will depart Sky Harbor at 11:05 p.m. Arizona time and arrive in Baltimore at 5:10 a.m. Eastern time.
Does Southwest offer night flights?
Southwest has not previously offered night flights, but that will change as the airline plans a multi-year transition to 24/7 operations.
The day the airline announced the launch of night flights, Southwest CEO Bob Jordan told investors on a conference call that “our customers want this.” He expects night flights to bring in revenue and keep operating costs low.
How much do Southwest overnight flights cost?
Southwest’s overnight flight from Phoenix to Atlanta is one of two daily nonstop flights the airline offers between the two cities. Fares start at $210 each way. The overnight flight was generally cheaper than the nonstop flight that departs during the day.
Michael Salerno is an award-winning journalist who has been covering travel and tourism since 2014. His work as a travel reporter for The Arizona Republic aims to help readers manage the stress of travel and get the best value for their money on vacation. You can reach him at [email protected]. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter: @salerno_phx.
Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today.
