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.