Southwest and Icelandair are deepening their partnership, building on a collaboration that has already connected passengers across North America and Europe through a growing number of interline gateways.
The two carriers formalized their partnership in January, following an initial Memorandum of Understanding signed in September 2024. This agreement marked Southwest’s first airline partnership, enabling customers to book itineraries that combine flights from both airlines.
In addition, the partnership allows passengers to check their luggage through to their final destination.
Initially, the partnership launched with connections through Southwest’s Baltimore hub. Subsequently, additional connecting points were added in Nashville, Tennessee, and Denver.
More Gateways
On Monday, the airlines announced the next phase of their cooperation: the addition of three new U.S. gateway cities, including Orlando, Florida; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Raleigh-Durham in North Carolina. These newly added connections are now available for booking, with flights set to begin on July 14, a Southwest spokesperson shared.
Currently, customers can book these combined itineraries through Icelandair’s website and select third-party booking platforms. Southwest plans to integrate these options into its own booking channels in 2026, coinciding with the introduction of assigned seating.
The airline also added a new international airline partner this weekend. China Airlines will begin partnering with Southwest later this year, with connections from a handful of West Coast markets.
