Southwest Airlines® Touches Down as the Official Airline of the SEC with Flights to Get Fans to their Games

Rhea-AI Summary

Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) has renewed its position as the Official Airline of the SEC, enhancing its commitment to college football fans. The airline has scheduled 59 flights for 19 games, including 13 SEC games throughout the fall season. Southwest is expanding its services by adding Knoxville, TN as a new destination starting March 2026.

The partnership includes access to SEC Network in their inflight entertainment, allowing passengers to watch games during flights. Southwest serves 117 airports across 11 countries and carried over 140 million customers in 2024, maintaining its position as the largest carrier of nonstop domestic travelers in the United States.

Positive

• Addition of 59 new flights for 19 games, including 13 SEC games
• Network expansion with new Knoxville, TN destination in 2026
• Enhanced customer experience with SEC Network access in inflight entertainment
• Strategic partnership strengthening brand presence in college sports market

Negative

• None.

News Market Reaction – LUV

-0.63%

1 alert

-0.63% News Effect

On the day this news was published, LUV declined 0.63%, reflecting a mild negative market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Extra flights added for games, access to SEC Network inflight entertainment, and a new destination that gets fans closer to the action in 2026

DALLAS, Aug. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) is getting ready for college football season and back again as the Official Airline of the SEC. The airline is helping football fans across the country watch their favorite teams in person by adding flights for game days coupled with access onboard to the SEC Network for those who want to watch the games from a Southwest® flight.

"Southwest Airlines is proud to be back for another year as the official SEC airline," said Jennifer Bridie, Vice President of Marketing at Southwest Airlines. "SEC Football brings people together, and Southwest connects people to what matters most to them, so it is the perfect partnership for us to unite fans. With more flight options to games across our network, and live access inflight, we are thrilled fans can cheer on their team in the air or on the ground."

As the Official Airline of the Southeastern Conference, Southwest has scheduled 59 flights for 19 games throughout the fall, including 13 SEC games. Southwest also recently announced Knoxville, TN, as a destination starting in March for fans celebrating next football season and beyond.

To book upcoming travel for this year's SEC season, please visit Southwest.com®. Follow Southwest Airlines' social channels @SouthwestAir (Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn) for more of the latest news from the maverick airline.

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 airline ¹. 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 June 30, 2025

 

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/southwest-airlines-touches-down-as-the-official-airline-of-the-sec-with-flights-to-get-fans-to-their-games-302540027.html

SOURCE Southwest Airlines Co.

FAQ

What new flights is Southwest Airlines (LUV) adding for SEC football in 2025?

Southwest is adding 59 flights for 19 games, including 13 SEC games throughout the fall season.

When will Southwest Airlines start flying to Knoxville, Tennessee?

Southwest Airlines will begin service to Knoxville, TN in March 2026.

What entertainment options does Southwest offer for SEC football fans?

Southwest offers access to SEC Network through their inflight entertainment system, allowing passengers to watch games during flights.

How many customers did Southwest Airlines serve in 2024?

Southwest Airlines carried more than 140 million customers in 2024 and operates across 117 airports in 11 countries.

What is Southwest Airlines' partnership with the SEC?

Southwest Airlines is the Official Airline of the SEC, providing additional flights for game days and SEC Network access in their inflight entertainment system.