Southwest Airlines

Dallas is set to open a third major airport, McKinney National Airport (DTX), to commercial passengers in mid‑November. Despite the city’s push to expand air service, Southwest Airlines will not operate there. The carrier’s chief executive, Bob Jordan, told WFAA that the numbers simply don’t add up for the airline. Southwest currently serves Dallas through Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and Dallas Love Field, and its absence from DTX means the new hub will lack one of the region’s largest carriers. The decision follows a broader trend of airlines evaluating new airports on projected traffic, cost, and slot availability. DTX’s planners will need to secure other carriers to fill the gap and maintain the airport’s projected passenger volumes.

Southwest Airlines announced the cancellation of three international nonstop routes this year, pulling services to Cancun International Airport and Los Cabos. The carrier said it is refocusing its international network on routes that generate higher revenue. The two Cancun flights, which had been operated from Houston and Dallas, were discontinued, while the Los Cabos service from Dallas was also withdrawn. The decision follows a broader strategy to trim less profitable overseas destinations and concentrate on markets with stronger demand. Passengers who had booked these flights will need to seek alternative carriers or routes. Southwest’s move signals a shift in its international strategy, potentially reshaping the airline’s global footprint.

A recent study by Thrifty Traveler shows that on many flights, American Airlines and United Airlines charge solo flyers higher fares than passengers traveling in pairs or larger groups. The research, reported by Simple Flying, notes that this pricing pattern is not universal across the industry but is common enough to alarm consumers. In contrast, carriers such as Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Southwest Airlines do not apply the same differential rates to solo travelers. The findings suggest that solo passengers may face higher costs simply for traveling alone, while groups can benefit from lower per‑seat prices on the same routes. Travelers seeking to avoid premium solo fares might consider booking with airlines that do not practice this pricing strategy or exploring group booking options.

Southwest Airlines, the world’s largest low‑cost carrier, ended all flights at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) this year, citing a shift to a more consolidated Chicago hub. The move marks the first time the busiest airport by flight volume has lost a major carrier’s presence. All Southwest flights now operate from Chicago Midway (MDW), a smaller but strategically positioned airport. The decision follows the airline’s long‑term strategy to streamline operations and reduce the complexity of managing multiple Chicago bases. Passengers who previously relied on O’Hare for Southwest service will now book through Midway, which may alter travel patterns and airport traffic flows. The consolidation reflects Southwest’s focus on operational efficiency and a tighter network within the Windy City.

A Southwest Airlines flight attendant has sued the airline, alleging that her severe pet allergy was not accommodated by her employer. The lawsuit, filed on October 20, claims that the airline's refusal to make adjustments constitutes discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act. According to the suit, the flight attendant's employer was aware of her allergy but failed to take necessary steps to prevent exposure. The case, 'Patterson versus Southwest Airlines Company,' is being covered by HR Drive. The flight attendant's severe allergy is said to be triggered by pets, which are often present on flights. The airline's response to the lawsuit has not been made public.

Southwest Airlines plans to open 11 airport lounges, called 'Southwest Icon Lounges,' starting in late 2027. The first locations will be at four major U. S. airports: Austin Bergstrom International Airport, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, Nashville International Airport, and Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu. The lounges will be accessible primarily through a new premium credit card, which is expected to launch in 2027. The airline has not revealed any other access options beyond the credit card. The lounges will have a 'golden hour' aesthetic, local design touches, and a variety of sitting, working, and relaxing zones. Southwest has transformed its customer experience with changes such as assigned seats and an extra legroom section. The airline's new lounges will be its most premium offering yet.

Icelandair has announced a new nonstop summer route from its Keflavik hub to St. Louis Lambert International Airport, slated to launch in May 2027. The service will be the airline’s 16th U. S. destination and marks a notable expansion of its partnership with Southwest Airlines, which will now cover the St. Louis market. The move is positioned to strengthen Icelandair’s business case by tapping a new U. S. gateway while also reflecting Southwest’s growing interest in connecting to Iceland. For travelers, the route offers a direct link between the Midwest and Iceland’s capital, potentially easing transatlantic travel and opening new code‑share opportunities.

Southwest Airlines has announced significant changes to its Rapid Rewards loyalty program, including new elite status tiers, updated credit card earnings, and the introduction of partner awards. The airline is replacing 'A-List' and 'A-List Preferred' with 'Silver' and 'Gold,' and introducing a new top-tier 'Platinum' level. Credit card spending will count more toward earning status, and partner awards will unlock redemptions to Europe, Asia, and beyond. However, changes to the Companion Pass program may be disappointing for some flyers.

Southwest Airlines announced that starting January 1, 2027, the Companion Pass will be tied exclusively to its new Platinum elite tier. Passholders will now need 140,000 Tier‑Qualifying Points (TQPs) or 100 qualifying one‑way flights to earn the benefit. Activities that previously counted toward the Companion Pass, such as credit‑card welcome bonuses, referral, anniversary, and partner spend, will no longer generate TQPs, even though they still earn Rapid Rewards points. The airline will offset the higher threshold with a 10,000‑TQP boost once a traveler reaches 130,000 earned TQPs in 2027, and introduces a Milestone Reward that grants three Companion Pass trips for 95,000 TQPs or 75 qualifying flights. Additionally, every Southwest card will earn one TQP per dollar spent starting in 2027. Those who secured a Companion Pass under the old rules in 2026 will retain the perk through the end of 2027, but the new structure removes the most popular shortcut for many frequent flyers, forcing a shift toward more flight‑based or card‑spending strategies.

Southwest Airlines has announced a major overhaul to its Rapid Rewards loyalty program, introducing new elite tiers, changes to credit card earning, and the launch of partner awards. The airline will replace its current 'A-List' and 'A-List Preferred' tiers with 'Silver' and 'Gold,' and introduce a new top-tier 'Platinum' level. Credit card spending will count more toward earning status, and new milestone perks will be available with 'one-off' Companion Passes. Partner awards will unlock Rapid Rewards redemptions to Europe, Asia, and beyond.

Southwest Airlines briefly expanded into two of the nation's busiest hubs during the pandemic. The carrier launched 20 daily flights into Chicago O’Hare on February 14, 2021, and re‑entered Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport the same year after a 16‑year absence. Both moves capitalized on emptied gates that were normally inaccessible to Southwest. Neither venture proved sustainable: Houston service was discontinued on August 4, 2024, and Chicago operations ended on June 4, 2024, at the same time the airline announced its exit from Washington Dulles. The brief tenure highlights how temporary gate availability can spur rapid expansion, yet long‑term viability depends on factors beyond short‑term market openings.

Southwest Airlines has been undergoing a dramatic transformation, moving further from its traditional low‑cost carrier identity toward a self‑styled hybrid operator. The airline is now undertaking initiatives that were previously impossible due to legacy systems or were simply not pursued. This shift signals a broader industry trend where carriers blend low‑fare pricing with enhanced service offerings to capture new market segments. While the exact scope of these changes remains unclear, the move suggests Southwest may be positioning itself for more flexible operations and potentially new route types. Analysts caution that the long‑term impact will depend on how effectively the airline integrates new systems and services into its existing framework.

Icelandair will begin three‑ to four‑times‑weekly flights from Keflavik International Airport (KEF) to St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) on May 14, 2027, running through Oct. 24, 2027. Flights will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays using a Boeing 737 MAX 8 that seats 16 business‑class recliners and 144 economy passengers. The new service ties into Icelandair’s partnership with Southwest Airlines, creating a new transfer point for passengers traveling between the U. S. and Europe. St. Louis becomes Icelandair’s 16th U. S. gateway and its first new Atlantic‑side destination in 2027, following British Airways and Lufthansa. Travelers can also benefit from Icelandair’s free stop‑over program, allowing up to seven days in Iceland. The route offers a fresh, convenient link for North American and European travelers, though it remains seasonal and limited to 2027.

The Southwest Premier Business Credit Card is a smart pick for small-business owners who fly Southwest Airlines a few times a year. For a $149 annual fee, cardholders get a free checked bag, priority boarding, preferred seat selection, and a yearly points bonus that covers half the fee. The card earns 3 points per dollar spent on Southwest Airlines purchases, 2 points per dollar at gas stations and restaurants, and 1 point per dollar on all other eligible purchases.

Delta Air Lines has introduced the SkyMiles 'Wine Takes Flight' program, allowing eligible passengers to check one case of wine for free when departing from select airports in Northern California and Sacramento. This move joins Alaska Airlines' Wine Flies Free program and Southwest Airlines' Sip and Ship program, which offer similar perks. Passengers must follow standard packing rules and be flying on a Delta or Delta Connection flight to be eligible. The program's participating airports currently include San Francisco International Airport, Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport, San Jose Mineta International Airport, Sacramento International Airport, Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport, and others. Other airlines' programs also have expanded airport lists, with Southwest's Sip and Ship program covering 19 airports in California, Oregon, Washington, and Idaho, and Alaska Airlines' Wine Flies Free program covering multiple airports in these states.

Southwest Airlines is planning its biggest flight schedule ever for next summer, with a focus on Austin, Nashville, and San Diego. The airline has announced an 11-route expansion, including new service to Costa Rica, Turks and Caicos, and the Bahamas. Austin will see the most significant expansion, with seven new or returning routes launching in June. Nashville will get two new island destinations and additional domestic flights, while San Diego will land new service to the Deep South and additional flights to existing cities.

Southwest Airlines loyalists can earn up to 80,000 Rapid Rewards points with the carrier's business credit cards. The Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card offers 80,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in the first three months, while the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business Credit Card offers the same bonus after spending $3,000. Both cards have annual fees of $299 and $149, respectively. The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card offers 60,000 bonus points after spending $2,000, with an annual fee of $229. The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card offers 55,000 bonus points after spending $1,500, with an annual fee of $149.