Southwest Airlines partners with Turkish Airlines on one-ticket US-Istanbul travel

Southwest Airlines and Turkish Airlines will launch a new transatlantic partnership in early 2026, allowing travelers to book single-ticket journeys between the United States and Istanbul, with onward connections to more than 350 destinations worldwide.

The agreement, announced in mid-December, marks another major step in Southwest’s push beyond its traditionally domestic-focused model.

Seamless connections

Starting this month, passengers will be able to seamlessly connect between Southwest’s US network and Turkish Airlines’ global hub at Istanbul Airport, which serves 132 countries. Tickets will be available through Turkish Airlines, travel agents, and major travel websites.

Turkish Airlines currently operates flights to 10 US airports also served by Southwest, enabling shared gateway connections without the need for separate bookings. For travelers, the partnership means smoother transfers, unified itineraries, and access to one of the world’s most expansive airline networks.

Andrew Watterson, Southwest’s chief operating officer, said the collaboration brings together two carriers known for service quality and operational reliability. He added that the partnership will introduce thousands of international travelers each week to the Southwest brand while expanding customer choice across global markets.

The Turkish Airlines deal is part of a broader international strategy for Southwest. In 2025 alone, the airline announced six partnerships with overseas carriers, linking its US network to destinations across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.

Turkish Airlines, a Star Alliance member established in 1933, has grown into one of the world’s largest global carriers, operating a fleet of 514 aircraft across passenger and cargo operations. From Istanbul, it serves 356 destinations worldwide, making the new partnership a powerful gateway for Southwest passengers heading beyond North America.

Condor alliance

In a separate statement, Southwest also unveiled a transatlantic partnership with Germany-based Condor, which begins on January 19, offering same-ticket connections through US gateways such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and Las Vegas.

These alliances reflect a significant shift for Southwest, which does not operate long-haul international flights of its own but is increasingly using partnerships to extend its global reach. The airline is also investing in its onboard product, including a redesigned cabin and the introduction of assigned seating and extra legroom options on flights starting January 27.

Founded in 1971, Southwest operates at 117 airports across 11 countries and carried more than 140 million customers in 2024. The airline employs over 72,000 people and remains the largest carrier of nonstop domestic passengers in the US.

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Nathaniel Alexander Abaño

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