Southwest Airlines officially launches routes to Europe – what you need to know
Southwest Airlines’ plans to expand into Europe are quickly becoming a reality.
The Dallas, Texas-based airline recently partnered with Travel + Leisure Icelandair has officially signed a joint commercial agreement with Icelandair, and flights between the two airlines will begin operations in February 2025. Gram, the specific launch date will be in February yet to be disclosed.
Once in Iceland, passengers can connect to Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin, Dublin, Paris, Prague and other destinations throughout Europe through Icelandair’s route network. Best of all, these flights will operate as codeshare flights, meaning passengers can check their luggage to their final destination.
After launching service to Baltimore, Southwest plans to launch a similar route program to Denver International Airport and Nashville International Airport as more North American gateway cities.
For example, a traveler could fly from Chicago to Baltimore on Southwest Airlines and then connect in Baltimore to fly to Icelandair. Travelers only need to check their luggage once and then use a single booked itinerary for their entire trip, albeit with two airlines involved. The agreement is similar to United’s agreements with Lufthansa or Air Canada on certain international routes.
Icelandair is also known for its stopover program, which offers travelers the opportunity to travel to Iceland for up to a week at no additional cost. The airline explains that this is a convenient way to visit two destinations for the price of one.
“In addition to being able to offer each other’s customers access to new destinations and like-minded travel experiences centered on hospitality and value, we are pleased to have their expertise in developing our plans,” said Southwest Airlines Chief Transformation Officer. and guidance on best practices.
Southwest Airlines previously announced its European expansion plans at an investor day in September 2024.
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