Airlines Strategy
Southwest Airlines and Turkish Airlines Launch Interline Partnership in 2026
Southwest Airlines and Turkish Airlines announce an interline partnership for single-ticket travel and baggage transfer at 10 U.S. gateways starting early 2026.
This article is based on an official press release from Southwest Airlines and additional market data.
Southwest Airlines has officially announced a new bilateral interline agreement with Turkish Airlines, marking a significant expansion of its connectivity to Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. According to the company’s press release issued on December 17, 2025, the partnership will commence in early 2026, allowing customers to book single-ticket travel combining Southwest’s extensive domestic network with Turkish Airlines’ global reach.
This agreement represents Southwest’s sixth international partnership announced in the last year, underscoring a strategic shift as the carrier prepares to launch its “New Era” business model. By utilizing key U.S. gateway airports, the airline aims to feed traffic into Turkish Airlines’ Istanbul hub, which connects to more countries than any other carrier globally.
The core of this partnership is a reciprocal interline agreement that simplifies the travel experience for passengers flying between the United States and international destinations. Under the terms of the deal, travelers will be able to purchase a single itinerary that includes flights on both carriers. A critical benefit of this arrangement is baggage transfer; passengers will have their checked luggage automatically transferred to their final destination, eliminating the need to re-check bags at connecting U.S. airports.
The partnership will initially launch at 10 shared U.S. gateway airports where both airlines maintain operations. These hubs will serve as the primary transfer points for passengers moving between Southwest’s domestic network and Turkish Airlines’ transatlantic flights:
Booking is expected to become available in early 2026. Initially, tickets will be sold through Turkish Airlines’ distribution channels, including their website and travel agencies, with integration into Southwest’s own booking channels anticipated at a later date.
“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.”
, Andrew Watterson, Chief Operating Officer, Southwest Airlines
This announcement arrives at a pivotal moment for Southwest Airlines. The carrier is currently executing a broad transformation of its business model, dubbed the “New Era.” This initiative includes the introduction of assigned seating and premium cabin options, which are scheduled to launch on January 27, 2026. These product changes are designed to attract premium travelers, making the airline a more compatible partner for international legacy carriers like Turkish Airlines.
Historically known for its domestic focus and “island” operational model, Southwest has aggressively pursued international connectivity throughout 2025. Turkish Airlines becomes the sixth partner in a rapidly growing portfolio that now includes: By partnering with Turkish Airlines, a Star Alliance member, Southwest gains virtual access to over 350 destinations in 132 countries without the capital expenditure required to operate long-haul wide-body commercial aircraft.
The industry response to Southwest’s strategic pivot has been largely positive. Following the announcement, market-analysis indicates that Southwest’s stock (LUV) saw gains between 1.9% and 2.9%. Financial analysts at Barclays subsequently upgraded the airline’s stock rating to “Overweight,” citing the potential for material revenue improvement beginning in 2026.
From our perspective, this partnership effectively solves a long-standing competitive disadvantage for Southwest. By integrating with the global aviation system, the airline can now capture revenue from international itineraries that previously went to competitors like United or Delta. The “low-risk, high-reward” nature of interline agreements allows Southwest to monetize its domestic seat inventory by feeding global partners, a strategy that aligns well with its upcoming move to assigned seating.
When can I book flights under this new partnership?
Booking and travel are expected to begin in early 2026, specifically around January 2026.
Will my bags be checked through to my final destination?
Yes. The interline agreement includes baggage transfer, meaning checked bags will be sent to the final destination automatically.
Can I earn Southwest Rapid Rewards points on these flights?
Specific details regarding reciprocal loyalty program benefits have not yet been fully detailed in the initial press release, though such integrations often follow the implementation of booking capabilities. Where can I buy tickets?
Tickets will initially be available via Turkish Airlines’ website and third-party travel agencies. Availability on Southwest’s channels is expected to follow.
Southwest Airlines and Turkish Airlines Announce Major Interline Partnership
Operational Details and Gateway Hubs
Key Connection Points
Strategic Context: The “New Era” Transformation
Building a Virtual Global Network
AirPro News Analysis: Market Reaction
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Photo Credit: Southwest Airlines