Southwest Airlines To Partner With Turkish In 2026

Southwest Airlines has named Turkish Airlines as its sixth overseas airline partner.

“Beginning in 2026, you can book and fly transatlantic itineraries with Turkish Airlines,” Southwest announced on Dec. 17.  The partnership’s initial 10 gateway cities will be Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Detroit, Washington D.C., Los Angeles, Miami, Seattle, and San Francisco, when sales begin in January.  “This partnership is another step forward as we continue our mission to bring more choices (and new horizons) to our customers,” Southwest said.

In addition to Turkish, Southwest partner carriers now comprise Condor Airlines, China Airlines, EVA Air, Icelandair, and Philippine Airlines. Icelandair was the first to be announced, under a memorandum of understanding signed in late 2024.

“We’re grateful for this new relationship that will usher thousands of international travelers each week through experiences around the globe that showcase the best of both carriers and globally enhances awareness of the Southwest brand,” Southwest Chief Commercial Officer Andrew Watterson said.

Global airline partnerships are one area of focus in Southwest’s go-forward strategy as it pursues sustainable profitability through greater reach and relevancy. The carrier has described intent to integrate its loyalty program with partner carriers in future phases of the ongoing effort.