Quantcast

Southwest Airlines announces first international partnership with Icelandair

Delta CEO says the Trump administration will reverse government ‘overreach’ seen under Biden
Spirit Airlines files for bankruptcy: How will it affect your travel plans?
Asia's airlines blame supply chain woes for disrupted operations
Qantas and Qatar Airways: Planned partnership in the Australian aviation industry under the microscope
Spirit Airlines delays release of Q3 financial results as debt restructuring talks heat up
Delta investigating after plane’s nose mysteriously suffered damage
What Elon Musk's Starlink means for airlines
CAP OFF Major twist in Dublin Airport passenger cap row as High Court pauses decision in victory for airlines next summer season
Riyadh Air plans new jet order decision early next year
Calls for a blanket ban on politicians receiving free flight upgrades
Wizz Air Loses Challenge Against EU-Approved Romanian Aid for TAROM
Southwest, Other Airlines Plan a Shake-Up. Why They Need More to Boost Their Stocks.
One of Boeing's biggest customers leveled fresh criticism over ongoing 737 Max delivery delays
Low-Cost Airlines Innovate with Subscription Models
LA Considers $25 And $30 Minimum Wages For Hotel And Airport Workers
Airlines are on the hook for more than you think if something goes wrong with your trip
WA Labor & Industries plans to create new airline worker protections
Airlines must now give automatic refunds for significant delays. Here's what to know.
American Airlines Technical Operations, Fleet Service, Cargo and Central Load Planning team members ratify new agreement
Spirit Airlines Pursues Bankruptcy as a Path to Tie-Up With Frontier
American Airlines fined $50M for violating disability laws
Canada's flight attendant union applauds NDP bill to end unpaid work in the airline sector
American Airlines testing new technology that would crack down on boarding
Exciting New Airline Routes Coming to North
Another city ignores airport commission's advice, zones for housing near JWA
United shares hit pre-pandemic high after airline forecasts strong finish to 2024, plans buyback
Alaska Airlines Just Made Its Loyalty Program Even More Lucrative With New Rewards, Better Upgrades, and More
Food safety problem closes Detroit airline kitchen leaving 200 flights without meals
5 Reasons Why Kazakhstan's Air Astana Is Establishing Itself As A Key Player In Asian Aviation
JetBlue is no longer serving hot food in economy class on transatlantic flights
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

Long Beach Airport has announced a new daily nonstop service to Baltimore Washington International (BWI) through Southwest Airlines.

Jun 7, 2025

Lidl workers in Belgium initiated a strike and blockades on June 5, following similar actions in France and Italy.

Jun 6, 2025

Delta Air Lines is expanding its flight offerings for the 2025 pro football season, introducing new routes and increasing capacity to accommodate fans traveling to major games.

Jun 6, 2025

National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) President and CEO Ed Bolen addressed the U.S. House Aviation Subcommittee, emphasizing the urgent need to reform the nation's air traffic control (ATC) infrastructure.

Jun 6, 2025

Last month, over 130 volunteers from Delta Air Lines and several partner organizations collaborated to construct a new playground in College Park, Georgia.

Jun 6, 2025

Walking together on Omaha Beach, 19-year-old college student Caleb Walker and 101-year-old WWII veteran Jack Myers reflected on the sacrifices made during the D-Day invasion.

Jun 6, 2025