Southwest Airlines is currently undergoing a major transformation, which includes charging for checked bags, introducing assigned and extra legroom seating, etc. It goes beyond that, though, as Southwest is also increasingly launching airline partnerships.
Earlier this year, we saw Southwest launch its first partnership with Icelandair, and the expectation is that Southwest will fly to Iceland. Then we saw the airline announce China Airlines as its second partner, EVA Air as its third partner, Philippine Airlines as its fourth partner, and Condor as its fifth partner. Now we’re seeing the airline reveal its sixth partner, so these are coming along pretty quickly…
In this post:
New Southwest & Turkish partnership details
Southwest Airlines and Turkish Airlines are launching an interline agreement, which is expected to kick in as of early 2026. With this, travelers will be able to book tickets that include travel on both Southwest and Turkish. This will initially be available at the 10 airports in the United States that are served by both airlines.
Turkish Airlines is a Star Alliance member, and it flies to more countries than any airline in the world (and has massive growth plans).
Here’s how Southwest Chief Operating Officer Andrew Watterson describes this:
“Both Southwest and Turkish Airlines are known for the warmth of our Employees, the authenticity of our Hospitality, and the reliability of our airline operations. 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.”
This partnership only includes an interline agreement, which is the most basic level of cooperation two airlines can have. There’s no codeshare agreement, or loyalty collaboration, or anything. The interline agreement simply makes it possible to book a ticket that includes travel on both airlines, including through Turkish’s website, as well as through online travel agencies.
I’m done reporting on Southwest’s interline agreements
Southwest is still new to the world of airline partnerships, so it’s interesting to see the approach the carrier is taking. For example, Icelandair was announced as the first partner, and it seems pretty clear the airlines are actually planning a higher level of cooperation, eventually having a codeshare agreement, frequent flyer reciprocity, etc.
However, it seems that Southwest’s strategy for adding partners after that has been a little more casual, with no plans for cooperation beyond a basic interline agreement.
At first I reported on Southwest’s partnerships because the whole concept of Southwest partnering with other airlines was still new. But at this point, I think there’s just not a whole lot to it, so I won’t be writing about these announcements going forward.
I find it strange how Southwest’s Chief Operating Officer is making it sound like the interline agreement is because the airlines share values of friendly employees and authenticity of hospitality. Like, an interline agreement is barely a partnership, and it doesn’t show any sort of shared values or business. It’s just a super basic level of cooperation. For example, British Airways has an interline agreement with Lufthansa, and I don’t think it’s because the oneworld airline thinks highly of its Star Alliance competitor.
Bottom line
Southwest Airlines and Turkish Airlines are launching a partnership. In reality, this is the most basic form of cooperation you can have, as this is simply an interline agreement that allows you to book travel including flights on both airlines (while also being able to check bags).
Turkish is Southwest’s sixth airline partner, and fifth partner in a row where there are just plans for an interline agreement, and nothing more. I can understand why Southwest is adding interline partners, but at this point, I don’t think there’s much to report on anymore, since airlines typically have dozens of interline partners.
What do you make of Southwest & Turkish partnering?
Has there been any word on Southwest interlining bags for connections on separate tickets to these airlines?
Boo. Hiss.