Which airlines or companies does Southwest Airlines partner with?

The next time you plan your flight, you may ask yourself, “Which airlines or companies does Southwest Airlines partner with? ” With low fares and excellent customer service, Southwest Airlines has a partnership network strategically positioned to further enhance travel offerings. Though these are certainly fewer in number than the monstrous legacy carriers, they give Southwest more scope to extend services in areas beyond its vast domestic network.

We review Southwest Airlines partners and the advantages that these have brought to the traveler. We also look at some frequently asked questions.

Southwest Airlines Partners: Inclusive Reach All Over the World

Southwest Airlines has strategic agreement with a couple of only chosen worldwide and regional airlines that ensure that more places within the U.S. and worldwide are accessible. Even though Southwest Airlines is not part of, nor it has contribution to the traditional alliances with such global carriers as Star Alliance or SkyTeam, its alliances offer direct connections with many carriers through smooth traveling opportunities and connections. Such collaborations enable more traveling beyond Southwest’s route for its customers.

Southwest Airlines Partners: The Major Agreement

Southwest Airlines focuses on direct airline partnerships and inclusion in its travel network. Here are some of the major Southwest Airlines partners:
1. AeroMexico (Southwest Airline Partner in Mexico)

One of the most important international affiliations of Southwest Airlines is with AeroMexico, Mexico’s largest airline. Under this arrangement, customers of Southwest Airlines will be permitted to travel on AeroMexico’s schedule of flights in Mexico. If you wish to travel from the United States to Mexico, Southwest Airlines shall provide the connections to take you to cities like Cancun, Mexico City, and Guadalajara via AeroMexico.

This partnership allows for code-share flights, meaning that customers flying with Southwest can book an AeroMexico connecting flight within the same booking. Further, it is worth noting that frequent flyer benefits accruing from being a Rapid Rewards member of Southwest are often not so rewarding when traveling on AeroMexico.

2. Volaris (Partnership with Low-Cost Carrier in Mexico with Southwest Airlines)

The other major partner of Southwest Airlines is Volaris, best low-cost Mexican airline, serving several destinations in Mexico and Central America. Therefore, this airline offers convenient connections for Southwest passengers traveling from the U.S. to this region. Similar to AeroMexico, code-share flights are also available in this partnership, making it easier to book multi-leg itineraries on both Southwest and Volaris.

Similarly, Volaris only allows limited integration with Southwest’s Rapid Rewards program, which means members will not be able to earn or redeem points on these international flights.

3. Emirates (Partnership for International Connectivity)

Though far less prevalent, Southwest Airlines similarly codeshares with Emirates, where Emirates may codeshare some trans-oceanic international flights. This codesharing opens up the opportunity for Southwest fliers to access Emirates’ worldwide routes, of course including the very large hubs, such as Dubai. Through these code-sharing relationships, fliers can book a single ticket for a flight to be taken without any issues to the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Rapid Rewards members, however, glean precious few rewards from Emirates, just like they do from AeroMexico and Volaris.

The Advantages of Southwest Airlines Network of Limited Partnership

Southwest Airlines may not have as many international partners as other large airlines, but the partnerships it has with its clients are so distinct for travelers seeking connections to other international locations. Here’s why:

• Greater Route Coverage: Through its alliances, Southwest Airlines can link passengers to such regions as Mexico, Central America, or even the Middle East.
• Seamless Connections: Code-share flights enables smooth travel. Passengers of Southwest can now book multi-leg trips with a single booking
  Passengers are afforded flexibility and have more options as they plan travel to international destinations.
• Budget-Friendly: In partnering with AeroMexico and Volaris, Southwest is still averting its low-cost carrier model, so that travelers could find affordable flights to a much broader range of international locations.

But please do not forget that Southwest Airlines partners are different, as they do not always provide the same fluidity with full-fledged alliances as the other major carriers. For instance, you will not get equal benefits on international flights from Rapid Rewards points or airport lounge access.

Frequently Asked Questions About Southwest Airlines Partners

1. Do my Rapid Rewards points earn on Southwest Airlines partners?

Generally, Rapid Rewards points will not be earned when flying on SSouthwest Airlines partners, which include AeroMexico and Volaris. There are exceptions though, specifically special agreements or promotion. For the latest details, best to check from the official Southwest website.

2. How can I book a flight with Southwest Airlines partners?

Book with Southwest’s Partner Airlines Flights with SSouthwest Airlines partners airlines can be booked directly on the Southwest Airlines website or even through their customer service. In some cases, you may want to visit a specific partner airline’s website to finalize your booking or even confirm that they can carry out your request.
Does Southwest have any airline alliances?

Unlike most big carriers, Southwest does not have membership in the bigger global airline alliances like Star Alliance or SkyTeam; but it cultivates strategic alliances with select airlines such as AeroMexico, Volaris and Emirates.

4. What is the benefit of flying on Southwest Airlines partners airlines?

Flying on Southwest’s partner airlines enables you to reach additional international places and connecting flights, although you usually cannot earn Rapid Rewards points or redeem them on partner-operated flights.

5. Does Southwest operate any international flights as part of its partnership?

Indeed, Southwest Airlines has international connectivity through partnerships with other airlines, for example, AeroMexico and Volaris. These alliances provide destinations to its passengers in Mexico, Central America, and beyond. However, the traveler can change in mid-air, depending on which hub they travel through.
Conclusion: Southwest Airlines Partnering Offers More Travel Choices

While it still trails numerous its competitors in terms of sheer international partnerships, Southwest Airlines does have partnerships with AeroMexico and Volaris, among others, Emirates, which extend the airline beyond U.S. borders. Whether to Mexico, Central America or other destinations, travelers are afforded greater flexibility and choice.

For the latest travel information or to book your next vacation with Southwest Airlines, visit Fly Travel Board or reach out to us at +1 (844) 539-5787. Have a travel question? We’re here to help.