A new world of travel possibilities is unfolding as Southwest Airlines expands its reach beyond U.S. shores. The airline has forged a groundbreaking partnership with Turkish Airlines, promising seamless journeys to far-flung destinations.
Starting next month, travelers will be able to construct itineraries blending the convenience of Southwest’s domestic network with the expansive international routes of Turkish Airlines. Imagine flying Southwest to a major U.S. hub and then effortlessly connecting to a Turkish Airlines flight bound for Istanbul and beyond.
This isn’t just about booking connecting flights; it’s about a truly integrated travel experience. Checked baggage will transfer smoothly between the two airlines, eliminating the stress of re-checking at connecting airports – a significant benefit for travelers.
While initially focused on ten key U.S. gateways, the partnership’s long-term vision is even more ambitious. Southwest anticipates a future where Rapid Rewards members can earn and redeem points on Turkish Airlines flights, unlocking access to hundreds of destinations worldwide via Istanbul’s bustling airport.
Southwest’s strategic move into international partnerships is relatively new, having launched its first collaborations in 2025. The airline is diligently building the technology needed to fully integrate booking, earning, and redemption processes with its partners.
For now, bookings for combined Southwest and Turkish Airlines itineraries will be available through Turkish Airlines’ website, select third-party platforms, and eventually, directly through Southwest’s own channels. The airline is actively working to bring this functionality to its website and mobile app.
Turkish Airlines already boasts a strong presence in the U.S., serving 14 cities including Atlanta, Chicago, and New York. This expanded network, combined with Southwest’s domestic coverage, creates a powerful new travel option for passengers.
This collaboration adds another layer to Turkish Airlines’ existing partnerships within the Star Alliance network, alongside airlines like United and Air Canada. It also enhances the value of the Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles loyalty program.
Points from popular programs like Bilt Rewards, Capital One, and Citi ThankYou Rewards, which transfer to Turkish Airlines at a 1:1 ratio, can now potentially be used to book itineraries that include a Southwest flight, maximizing travel rewards.
The partnership with Turkish Airlines is part of a growing trend for Southwest, which has recently established similar agreements with Condor Airlines, Icelandair, China Airlines, EVA Air, and Philippine Airlines, signaling a significant shift in the airline’s global strategy.
