Quantcast

Southwest Airlines announces first international partnership with Icelandair

Southwest Airlines announces first international partnership with Icelandair
Research
Webp southwestairlines
Southwest Airlines | Provided Photo

Southwest Airlines is set to embark on its first international airline partnership next month, expanding its list of international gateways to include Denver and Nashville. This development follows the announcement of Baltimore as the initial gateway, paving the way for an interline agreement with Icelandair. The agreement was formalized at a ceremony in Washington.

The partnership will allow Southwest's Rapid Rewards members to redeem points on flights to Iceland and Europe. "Interline partnerships are very common in the airline industry. But it's our first one, so it's very exciting for us," said Andrew Watterson, Southwest's chief operating officer.

Initially, travelers can book itineraries with seamless connections between the two carriers via Icelandair's website starting February. The focus will be on Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport as the U.S. gateway.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Ryan Green, overseeing Southwest's changes announced last year, stated that expansion plans include Denver International Airport and Nashville International Airport. Deeper integration is expected in 2026 when Southwest introduces assigned seating.

The ceremonial launch included gift exchanges and a toast with Brennivin, Iceland's national drink. "This will be a wonderful partnership," said Svanhildur Hólm Valsdóttir, Iceland's ambassador to the U.S.

Southwest aims to announce another international partner in 2025 as part of efforts to offer more destinations through Rapid Rewards. "We're having conversations with both additional transatlantic carriers as well as transpacific carriers," Green mentioned.

In recent years, Southwest has invested significantly in modernizing its technical infrastructure to facilitate such global partnerships and other enhancements like redeye flights.

"This is a new capability we have. And that's what transformation is all about," Watterson noted regarding future expansions.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, known as the world's busiest airport, hosts over 275,000 travelers daily.

Jun 11, 2025

Delta Air Lines is making adjustments to its winter schedule, reducing flights on 11 transatlantic routes.

Jun 11, 2025

The Airbus A310, a relatively rare aircraft with just over 250 units built, was retained by Air Transat longer than most airlines.

Jun 11, 2025

On June 6, the stock market experienced a notable rise, with the commercial aviation sector leading the gains.

Jun 11, 2025

Hong Kong Airlines is preparing to introduce a direct service between Hong Kong and Melbourne, Australia.

Jun 11, 2025

United Airlines has inaugurated a new transatlantic flight from Newark Liberty International Airport, utilizing the Boeing 737 MAX 8.

Jun 11, 2025