SOUTHWEST AIRLINES AND TURKISH AIRLINES TO PARTNER IN TRANSATLANTIC TRAVEL BEGINNING IN JANUARY 2026

Rhea-AI Summary

Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) announced a partnership with Turkish Airlines to offer one-ticket transatlantic journeys between the United States and Istanbul beginning in early 2026. The arrangement will unlock onward connections across both carriers' networks and sell tickets through Turkish Airlines, travel agents, and travel websites.

Turkish Airlines serves more than 350 destinations in 132 countries, and the partnership links Istanbul to the ten U.S. airports that Turkish and Southwest share as gateways. Southwest also noted upcoming service enhancements, including a redesigned cabin and the ability to book assigned and extra legroom seating on flights operating from January 27, 2026.

News Market Reaction – LUV

-2.82%

-2.82% Session close to close

In the Dec 17 session, LUV declined 2.82%, reflecting a moderate negative market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Market Context

This announcement highlights Southwest’s strategy of expanding international reach through partnersh...

Analysis

This announcement highlights Southwest’s strategy of expanding international reach through partnerships rather than its own long-haul flying. The Turkish Airlines deal adds one-ticket access from shared U.S. gateways to Istanbul and more than 350 destinations in 132 countries, complementing other 2025 partnerships and planned cabin upgrades from January 27, 2026. Investors may track booking trends on these itineraries and future updates to earnings guidance to assess the financial impact.

Key Figures

Destinations served: more than 350 destinations Countries served: 132 countries Shared U.S. airports: 10 airports +2 more

5 metrics

Destinations served more than 350 destinations Turkish Airlines global network from Istanbul Airport

Countries served 132 countries Turkish Airlines global network reach

Shared U.S. airports 10 airports U.S. airports served by both Southwest and Turkish Airlines

Overseas partnerships 2025 6 partnerships Southwest overseas carrier partnerships announced this year

Assigned seating start date January 27, 2026 Assigned and extra legroom seating availability on Southwest flights

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Dec 12 (Positive)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	24h Move	Catalyst
Dec 12	Crew base expansion	Positive	+1.1%	New Austin crew base and jobs supporting Central Texas growth.
Dec 02	Transatlantic partnership	Positive	+1.9%	Condor partnership adding same-ticket transatlantic connections in 2026.
Nov 25	Route and product growth	Positive	+3.3%	Schedule extension and new California and Hawaii routes with upgrades.
Nov 20	Dividend declaration	Positive	-2.4%	187th quarterly dividend of $0.18 per share announced.
Nov 05	IR leadership change	Neutral	-0.3%	Appointment of new Managing Director of Investor Relations.

24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.

Pattern Detected

Operational growth and partnership announcements have recently coincided with positive price reactions, while income or capital-allocation news has shown at least one divergence.

Recent Company History

Over the last two months, Southwest has highlighted network and product expansion, capital actions, and governance updates. Growth initiatives included a new Austin crew base adding more than 2,000 jobs, transatlantic connectivity via Condor starting Jan. 19, 2026, and expanded California and Hawaii flying through Sept. 30, 2026. A steady $0.18 quarterly dividend and a new head of Investor Relations rounded out updates. Today’s Turkish Airlines partnership continues this theme of expanding international connectivity and enhancing the customer offering.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

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DALLAS, Dec. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) announced today a partnership with Turkish Airlines is scheduled to begin in early 2026 to offer travelers around the globe one-ticket, transatlantic journeys between the United States and Istanbul unlocking onward connections across both carriers' networks. Turkish Airlines flies to more than 350 destinations in 132 countries from its global hub, Istanbul Airport, including ten airports in the United States served by Southwest. International travelers will be able to seamlessly connect through those shared gateway airports on tickets that will become available next year through Turkish Airlines, travel agents, and travel websites.

"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," said Andrew Watterson, Southwest Airlines Chief Operating Officer. "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."

Southwest has announced six partnerships with overseas carriers this year connecting its network to places in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Southwest is continuing to bring more choice and enhancements in the quality and quantity of travel experiences, including a redesigned cabin experience and an ability to book assigned and extra legroom seating on flights operating from January 27, 2026.

ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
Southwest Airlines Co. operates one of the world's most admired and awarded airlines, offering its one-of-a-kind value and Hospitality at 117 airports across 11 countries. Southwest took flight in 1971 to democratize the sky through friendly, reliable, and low-cost air travel and now carries more air travelers flying nonstop within the United States than any other airline¹. By empowering its more than 72,000² People to deliver unparalleled Hospitality, the maverick airline cherishes a passionate loyalty among more than 140 million Customers carried in 2024. Southwest leverages a unique legacy and mission to serve communities around the world including harnessing the power of its People and Purpose to put communities at the Heart of its success. Learn more by visiting Southwest.com/citizenship.

1. Based on U.S. Dept. of Transportation quarterly Airline Origin & Destination Survey as of Q1 2025
2. Fulltime-equivalent active Employees as of September 30, 2025

ABOUT TURKISH AIRLINES
Established in 1933 with a fleet of five aircraft, Star Alliance member Turkish Airlines has a fleet of 514 (passenger and cargo) aircraft flying to 356 worldwide destinations—303 international and 53 domestic—in 132 countries. More information about Turkish Airlines can be found on its official website www.turkishairlines.com or its social media accounts on Facebook, X, YouTube, LinkedIn and Instagram.

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/southwest-airlines-and-turkish-airlines-to-partner-in-transatlantic-travel-beginning-in-january-2026-302643881.html

SOURCE Southwest Airlines Co.

FAQ

When will Southwest (LUV) and Turkish Airlines start offering transatlantic one-ticket travel?

The partnership is scheduled to begin in early 2026, with ticketing available next year.

Will Southwest passengers be able to buy a single ticket from the U.S. to Istanbul on Turkish Airlines for LUV routes?

Yes. Travelers can book one-ticket itineraries between the U.S. and Istanbul through Turkish Airlines, travel agents, and travel websites.

Which date does Southwest say assigned and extra legroom seating will be available on flights?

Assigned and extra legroom seating will be available on flights operating from January 27, 2026.

How many destinations does Turkish Airlines serve and how does that connect with Southwest (LUV)?

Turkish Airlines serves over 350 destinations in 132 countries, providing onward connections from Istanbul to destinations beyond Southwest's U.S. gateways.

Will tickets for the Southwest–Turkish Airlines transatlantic itineraries appear on travel websites and agencies?

Yes. Tickets will be distributed via Turkish Airlines, travel agents, and travel websites.