Southwest Adds Airline Partnerships, Starting With Icelandair

Ben, have you forgotten the partnership with Yorkshire Airways too?

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=6VLYpKGVBUg

Using your example of TPA-KEF, this doesn't look very compelling. This is an airline that markets itself as being a price leader, while not being a ULCC. Yes, the stopover at KEP is inconvenient, but hey we'll make it painless, smooth, and at a price that's worth it. You can even stop over for a visit if you'd like. Sounds great.

But.....that itinerary shows pricing that's not great and a very long trip on a narrowbody. Sure, if you're going to KEP it works. But, Icelandair is mainly used as a one stop to Europe. Would you do that from TPA? I sure wouldn't. 3 stops and a fare no better than a nonstop or 1-stop straight to the continent. Tough sell.

CONDOR-SOUTHWEST … no good match!
🙁
1. DE already partners with AS
2. DE serves just 5 airports that would fit for WN connections, BUT interfere with AS partner flights.
3. i guess AS much more important to DE (even if AS sucks in customer satisfaction of background booking ability and FQTV service) but the route map of both airlines is just a much better fit.
REALLY SAD THING, both US airlines fly planes, that most Europeans would try to avoid (737-MAX) and compared to US travelers, those who care about a save plane in the sky, avoid such airlines!
Luckily, there is other options.
CONDOR just got rid of all overaged BOEING planes, for a lot of good reasons.

While it's unlikely to be a deterrent for most, if I'm booking Saga Class to/from KEF then being herded onto a WN plane for my onward connection, I'm going to be less than thrilled. Granted this is similar to being crammed into European Business on literally all but TK. But I don't recall WN stating that their new seating structure will have open middle seats by design as part of a business class-like offering. All of this just fills so niche. Like the two showed up dateless to Airline Prom and were like, "I don't have a date. YOU don't have a date. Fuck it...wanna dance?" with nothing really in common and no previous compatibility.

"both US airlines fly planes, that most Europeans would try to avoid"

Right, which is why Ryanair is the largest airline by passenger count within Europe (737-MAX).

Swing-and-a-miss there, bud.

For those originating from North America, I don't see much of an advantage. Most American are not familiar with FI unless they are from the east coast. Also, to make a second connection (Reykjavík) on your way to the Euro Continent is a bit exhausting. I've experienced FI and I wasn't too impressed.
For those from the Continent, FI attracts the ULCC (ie: flip flop and backpack) group. They might be interested in the thru service to the American heartland, but will be surprised when blocked by "reserved seats" in an open seating arrangement. They'll have fun wrapping their head around that one!!
I don't think the US legacy carriers have much to worry about.

@ImmortalSynn:
Ryanair is mostly relying on low income and NON frequent flyers!
I do NOT consider these passengers most Europeans!
This forum here is mostly frequent traveler people, therefore Ryanair or even TUIfly and sorts of 1 time a year flyers usually just watch the price, vacation package or availability on 1-2 flights a week schedule, BUT not an aircraft type!
Easy to make out, what a typical frequent flyers would look at, other then the price!
In my case, if i have a choice, i DO deselect like many others too, certain aircraft and also try to avoid a certain aircraft manufacturer.
It all has it’s reason(s).

If you (and maybe some others here too) got the time … watch this:
VERY informative and educating on how some NOT SO COOL things are tried to NOT being to much being put in public.
BUT, the danger to it is evident!
https://youtu.be/swlVkYVSlIE?si=r3ncbuX7SBBXfEI2

just watch, on your next 737-MAX flight. 😉
….. Coming from a 737 check pilot and long time airline employee!

Seems like, you have never really flown Intra European Business Class much lately ?
ITA, offers lie flat seats on some routes.
Even tho, in Europe it’s still called Business Class vs. US carried love there “FIRST” Class without even any leg-rest or anything that reminds anybody on a 2+ hour flight of anything that’s “FIRST”, not even the plastic cup of water offered before take off!
Things are shifting and just because LH-Group, AF/KL or BA-Group does not offer Business Class as TK does, things are shifting slowly! Just to let you know.
It’s all a thing of planning! To get the most for your $.