Southwest Airlines is gearing up to introduce its first airline partner, Icelandair, in February. Travelers will soon have the option to book flights that involve both carriers, connecting at Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) initially.
In the near future, passengers will also have the opportunity to embark on a mixed Southwest-Icelandair journey with a layover at either Denver International Airport (DEN) or Nashville International Airport (BNA). However, specific dates for this option have not been disclosed yet.
This collaboration will enable Southwest customers to reserve flights to Iceland’s Keflavík International Airport (KEF) and from there, to over 30 destinations in Europe, from the initial three focus cities of Baltimore, Denver, and Nashville, Tennessee. Additionally, flyers will be able to utilize Southwest Rapid Rewards points for these flights.
Excitingly, Southwest anticipates adding more airline partners to its lineup in 2025, offering even more opportunities for travelers.
Icelandair will serve as Southwest’s premier interline partner, allowing customers to check a bag at their originating airport and retrieve it at their final destination, even if they are flying on multiple airlines.
When flying with Southwest and connecting to an Icelandair flight, passengers will not have to reclaim and recheck their baggage, streamlining the ticketing and travel process. Initially, only mixed itineraries through Icelandair will be available at launch.
Starting in February 2025, travelers will be able to book flights through Icelandair’s website with connections through designated gateway airports. At present, booking through Southwest’s platform is not an option.
The earning and redemption of Southwest Rapid Rewards points on Icelandair flights have not yet been detailed. Typically, partnerships like the one between Icelandair and Alaska Airlines or JetBlue allow for points earning.
This partnership between Southwest and Icelandair is particularly beneficial for budget-conscious travelers. The expanded route network and increased options to popular destinations will likely result in more competitive pricing for all passengers.
While travelers may encounter multiple layovers on these new international routes, airlines typically coordinate flight times to minimize wait times. Factors such as cost and schedule will be crucial when deciding whether to opt for these new routes with layovers or choose more direct flights.
Overall, the addition of Icelandair as a partner opens up exciting possibilities for Southwest flyers looking to explore Iceland and beyond.