Southwest Airlines has launched a new partnership with Icelandair, allowing customers to book itineraries that connect the two airlines. This collaboration, effective from Thursday, facilitates connections at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), where passengers can transition from Southwest flights to Icelandair services bound for Keflavik Airport (KEF) in Reykjavik and onward to other European destinations.
“This is an important milestone in our plan to expand how and where our customers can travel,” said Ryan Green, Southwest’s executive vice president, during the airline’s recent earnings call.
Currently, the partnership is limited in scope. Bookings for these combined itineraries are available only through Icelandair’s website and select third-party booking platforms. Additionally, travelers cannot yet earn or redeem Rapid Rewards points on these routes. However, this will change in 2026 when Southwest introduces assigned seating. At that time, bookings will be possible through Southwest’s channels with options to earn or use Rapid Rewards points.
For now, those interested in traveling under this partnership must book through Icelandair’s site. An example itinerary could start at Dallas Love Field (DAL), connecting at BWI before continuing on an Icelandair flight to KEF. From there, passengers have the option of further travel into Europe.
The partnership is set to expand beyond BWI as new bases come online at Denver International Airport (DEN) and Nashville International Airport (BNA). “Then we’ll evaluate things from there,” Green mentioned regarding future developments.
Southwest also plans to announce another international airline partner soon as part of its expansion strategy.
