TO THE GREAT LAND! SOUTHWEST IS ADDING ANCHORAGE, ALASKA, TO ITS NETWORK IN 2026

Rhea-AI Summary

Southwest Airlines (NYSE:LUV) has announced plans to expand its network to Anchorage, Alaska in the first half of 2026, marking its entry into the 43rd state in its domestic network. The expansion to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport represents Southwest's fifth new destination announcement in 2025, bringing its total network to 122 airports.

Alongside this expansion, Southwest is implementing several service enhancements, including assigned and premium seating options, free Wi-Fi for Rapid Rewards members, and in-seat power installations across its Boeing 737-8 fleet. Flight schedules and ticket sales for the Anchorage routes will be available in the upcoming schedule extension this month.

Insights

Aviation Industry Analyst

Southwest's expansion to Alaska represents strategic network growth, creating new revenue opportunities while extending its domestic footprint.

Southwest's announcement to add Anchorage to its network in 2026 represents a significant expansion of the carrier's geographic footprint. This marks the fifth new destination announced in 2025 alone and will expand Southwest's network to 122 airports, with Alaska becoming the 43rd state in its domestic network.

The move to enter the Alaska market has strategic importance beyond just adding another dot on the route map. Alaska has unique air travel economics - air service is literally described as a "lifeline" in the state due to limited road infrastructure, which typically creates higher yield opportunities for airlines operating there. The state also features strong seasonal tourism flows that align well with Southwest's operational model.

This expansion comes alongside Southwest's broader service transformation initiative. The carrier is overhauling its traditional operating model by introducing assigned and premium seating, enhancing connectivity with free Wi-Fi for loyalty members, and adding in-seat power across its fleet. These changes indicate Southwest is repositioning itself from its traditional no-frills approach to more directly compete with full-service carriers.

By expanding to previously "inconceivable" destinations like Anchorage while simultaneously upgrading its product offerings, Southwest appears to be executing a two-pronged strategy: geographic expansion paired with service enhancement. This approach aims to capture both new markets and higher-value customer segments simultaneously, potentially supporting revenue growth beyond simple network expansion.

DALLAS, Oct. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) is keeping the sun up all night on its network expansion party with the intention to begin service at Anchorage, Alaska's Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport in the first half of 2026. Southwest Airlines^® is scheduled to make flights available for purchase as part of its next schedule extension coming this month.

"We're adding destinations that once seemed inconceivable for Southwest in order to build a route network that creates new experiences and more possibilities than ever before," said Andrew Watterson, Chief Operating Officer at Southwest Airlines. "We look forward to connecting our Customers to the rich history and culture of Anchorage and connecting the 49th state to our vast domestic network."

Anchorage marks the fifth new destination Southwest^® has announced thus far in 2025 and will expand its network to 122 airports¹ when service launches next year. Already the airline flying more Customers nonstop within the United States², Alaska will become the 43rd state in Southwest's domestic network.

"Air travel is a lifeline in Alaska, and Southwest's arrival in Anchorage is a major win for our communities," said Ryan Anderson, Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities. "This service will provide more affordable, reliable connections for Alaskans and help share our great state with more visitors than ever before."

"This will be a big economic boost for Anchorage and all of southcentral Alaska," said Suzanne LaFrance, Mayor of Anchorage. "We are excited to share our rich cultural heritage, magnificent landscapes, and diverse community with a larger group of travelers."

Accompanying its recent new destination announcements, Southwest is redesigning its cabin experience to meet the needs of the modern traveler. Enhancements include selling assigned and premium seating for flights, launching free Wi-Fi for all Rapid Rewards^®  Members, thanks to T-Mobile^®, and adding in-seat power to all of its Boeing 737-8 aircraft as the airline works toward in-seat power across its full fleet.

Want even more from Southwest? 

Join Rapid Rewards. Rapid Rewards Members earn points by flying or spending with partners. Members can purchase points to earn a reward to book their favorite destination or a new Southwest route. Plus, Members are eligible for free Wi-Fi, thanks to T-Mobile, and tier benefits make every journey more enjoyable.

The reimagined Southwest Rapid Rewards^® Credit Cards from Chase make everyday spending and flying even more rewarding. To learn more about Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards from Chase, please click here.

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 airline². By empowering its more than 72,000³ 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. Service at Anchorage is scheduled to begin after Southwest's on-sale service to St. Thomas, United States Virgin Islands; Knoxville, Tennessee; Sint Maarten; and Santa Rosa (Sonoma County), California.
2. Based on U.S. Dept. of Transportation quarterly Airline Origin & Destination Survey as of Q1 2025
3. Fulltime-equivalent active Employees as of June 30, 2025

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/to-the-great-land-southwest-is-adding-anchorage-alaska-to-its-network-in-2026-302573900.html

SOURCE Southwest Airlines Co.

FAQ

When will Southwest Airlines (LUV) begin flights to Anchorage, Alaska?

Southwest Airlines plans to begin service to Anchorage in the first half of 2026, with flight schedules and tickets becoming available in October 2025.

What new features is Southwest Airlines adding to its flights in 2025-2026?

Southwest is adding assigned and premium seating, free Wi-Fi for Rapid Rewards members, and in-seat power in Boeing 737-8 aircraft.

How many airports will Southwest Airlines serve after adding Anchorage?

After adding Anchorage, Southwest Airlines will serve 122 airports across 43 states in its domestic network.

What benefits will Southwest's expansion bring to Anchorage?

The expansion will provide more affordable and reliable connections for Alaskans and is expected to bring an economic boost to Anchorage and southcentral Alaska by increasing visitor access.

How can passengers access free Wi-Fi on Southwest Airlines flights?

Passengers can access free Wi-Fi by becoming Rapid Rewards Members, which is offered in partnership with T-Mobile.