Southwest Airlines and Turkish Airlines Team Up for Transatlantic Routes Starting January 2026
In a groundbreaking partnership set to commence in early 2026, Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) and Turkish Airlines are joining forces to enhance transatlantic travel options. With this alliance, travelers will have the opportunity to enjoy seamless journeys between the United States and Istanbul, leading to onward connections across both airlines' expansive networks.
Turkish Airlines operates flights to over 350 destinations in 132 countries, including major cities in the United States served by Southwest Airlines. This collaboration aims to streamline the booking process, allowing international passengers to purchase single tickets that will cover both airlines’ segments. This innovation will easily link travelers through shared gateway airports, significantly simplifying travel logistics for the passenger.
Andrew Watterson, the Chief Operating Officer at Southwest Airlines, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, emphasizing the shared commitment of both airlines to exceptional hospitality and operational reliability. "We’re grateful for this new relationship that will usher thousands of international travelers each week through experiences around the globe," Watterson stated. He highlighted how this partnership will enhance the visibility and appeal of the Southwest Airlines brand on a global scale.
This collaboration is one of six international partnerships announced by Southwest Airlines in 2025, indicating the airline's strategy to expand its network and offer a richer selection of travel experiences. This focus not only aims to improve the quality and quantity of travel experiences but also aligns with their plans for a redesigned cabin experience set for flights starting January 27, 2026.
As Southwest Airlines continues to create more options for travelers, passengers can look forward to new benefits, and enhanced travel services, including the ability to reserve assigned seating and extra legroom on their international flights.
Founded in 1971, Southwest Airlines has gained a reputation for democratizing air travel by offering friendly, reliable, and cost-effective options. With service currently spanning 117 airports across 11 different countries, Southwest has become a leader in the U.S. domestic travel market, carrying more passengers than any other airline in nonstop flights. The company is known for fostering a loyal customer base, with over 140 million travelers choosing them in 2024 alone.
In contrast, Turkish Airlines, established in 1933, boasts an impressive fleet of 514 aircraft flying to 356 destinations, including both domestic and international locations. As a member of the esteemed Star Alliance, it provides travelers with countless options throughout Europe, Asia, and beyond.
This strategic alliance marks a significant milestone not just for these two airlines but for the global travel industry, promising to enhance the traveling experience, especially for those crossing the Atlantic. The forthcoming partnership clearly indicates Southwest Airlines’ desire to broaden its overseas outreach and cater to the growing demand for international travel.
The tickets for these transatlantic routes are expected to become available next year through Turkish Airlines as well as various travel agents and online platforms. This introduction is expected to provide travelers with a wider choice of destinations, ultimately simplifying their journey and offering enhanced flexibility.
As this partnership unfolds, all eyes will be on how it transforms international air travel, making it easier for customers to explore the vast offerings of both Southwest and Turkish Airlines, as well as fostering new cultural connections along the way. The collaboration signifies a new chapter for both airlines, elevating their services and connecting more people from different corners of the globe than ever before.
Turkish Airlines operates flights to over 350 destinations in 132 countries, including major cities in the United States served by Southwest Airlines. This collaboration aims to streamline the booking process, allowing international passengers to purchase single tickets that will cover both airlines’ segments. This innovation will easily link travelers through shared gateway airports, significantly simplifying travel logistics for the passenger.
Andrew Watterson, the Chief Operating Officer at Southwest Airlines, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, emphasizing the shared commitment of both airlines to exceptional hospitality and operational reliability. "We’re grateful for this new relationship that will usher thousands of international travelers each week through experiences around the globe," Watterson stated. He highlighted how this partnership will enhance the visibility and appeal of the Southwest Airlines brand on a global scale.
This collaboration is one of six international partnerships announced by Southwest Airlines in 2025, indicating the airline's strategy to expand its network and offer a richer selection of travel experiences. This focus not only aims to improve the quality and quantity of travel experiences but also aligns with their plans for a redesigned cabin experience set for flights starting January 27, 2026.
As Southwest Airlines continues to create more options for travelers, passengers can look forward to new benefits, and enhanced travel services, including the ability to reserve assigned seating and extra legroom on their international flights.
Founded in 1971, Southwest Airlines has gained a reputation for democratizing air travel by offering friendly, reliable, and cost-effective options. With service currently spanning 117 airports across 11 different countries, Southwest has become a leader in the U.S. domestic travel market, carrying more passengers than any other airline in nonstop flights. The company is known for fostering a loyal customer base, with over 140 million travelers choosing them in 2024 alone.
In contrast, Turkish Airlines, established in 1933, boasts an impressive fleet of 514 aircraft flying to 356 destinations, including both domestic and international locations. As a member of the esteemed Star Alliance, it provides travelers with countless options throughout Europe, Asia, and beyond.
This strategic alliance marks a significant milestone not just for these two airlines but for the global travel industry, promising to enhance the traveling experience, especially for those crossing the Atlantic. The forthcoming partnership clearly indicates Southwest Airlines’ desire to broaden its overseas outreach and cater to the growing demand for international travel.
The tickets for these transatlantic routes are expected to become available next year through Turkish Airlines as well as various travel agents and online platforms. This introduction is expected to provide travelers with a wider choice of destinations, ultimately simplifying their journey and offering enhanced flexibility.
As this partnership unfolds, all eyes will be on how it transforms international air travel, making it easier for customers to explore the vast offerings of both Southwest and Turkish Airlines, as well as fostering new cultural connections along the way. The collaboration signifies a new chapter for both airlines, elevating their services and connecting more people from different corners of the globe than ever before.
Topics Travel）
【About Using Articles】
You can freely use the title and article content by linking to the page where the article is posted.
※ Images cannot be used.
【About Links】
Links are free to use.