Texas Tech fans now know where and when the Red Raiders will have their playoff showdown. This leaves fans with a different question: “How can I get to the Orange Bowl?”
Some people may choose to drive for more than 20 hours, or make a trip to Dallas to fly. However, a new option just popped up on Wednesday. There is one direct flight from Lubbock to Fort Lauderdale and back via Southwest Airlines, turning a 20-hour drive into a less than 4-hour flight.
“PSA for Red Raiders in West Texas planning to head to South Florida for the OrangeBowl,” Blayne Beal, Tech’s senior executive director of events, posted on X. “Our good friends at SouthwestAir have added direct flights from Lubbock to Fort Lauderdale and Miami. Direct returns back to Lubbock on January 2.”
Is there a direct Lubbock to Florida flight?
Normally, no. However, Southwest Airlines added one just in time for Texas Tech fans wanting to see the Orange Bowl on Jan. 1, 2026.
When is the Lubbock-Ft. Lauderdale flight?
The flight departs from Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport at 5:40 p.m. Dec. 31 and arrives at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport at 9:50 p.m.
The return trip leaves Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport at 2:35 p.m. on Jan. 2, 2026, and arrives in Lubbock at 5:30 p.m.
These are the only direct flight options available as of 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, according to southwest.com.
How much is it to fly direct to Lubbock-Ft. Lauderdale and back?
Tickets start at $509 for each trip.
When is Texas Tech Red Raiders football playing in the Orange Bowl?
The Red Raiders will play the winner of Oregon vs. James Madison, which will be decided on Dec. 20. The Orange Bowl showdown will be on Jan. 1, 2026, with a kickoff set for 11 a.m. CT at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.
Alana Edgin writes about business for the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. Got a news tip? Contact her via email at aedgin@lubbockonline.com.
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Southwest Airlines adds direct Lubbock-Florida flight for Orange Bowl
Reporting by Alana Edgin, Lubbock Avalanche-Journal / Lubbock Avalanche-Journal
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