Southwest Airlines Charts New Course: Anchorage Flights and Expanded Icelandair Partnership
Southwest Airlines is making major moves for 2026, with the announcement of new nonstop routes to Anchorage, Alaska, and a broader partnership with Icelandair, offering customers more international travel options and increased connectivity.
Key Takeaways
- Anchorage, Alaska, to Join Southwest’s Route Map in First Half of 2026
- New Gateways: Denver and Las Vegas to Anchorage
- Icelandair Partnership Expands via Denver and Nashville
- Future Changes Include Assigned Seating, Bag Fees, and Enhanced Rewards
New Anchorage Flights: What to Expect
Southwest’s plan to launch service to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) represents its latest domestic expansion. Slated for the first half of 2026, travelers will see direct flights from its major hubs—Denver International Airport (DEN) and Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas—offering more flexibility for those looking to explore the Last Frontier.
Anchorage joins a growing list of new Southwest destinations, which this year alone includes airports in Tennessee, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and California. The new ANC flights will pit Southwest against both Alaska Airlines and United Airlines on the popular DEN-ANC route.
Transformation in Customer Experience
The Anchorage announcement comes during a period of deep transformation for Southwest Airlines. Key customer-facing changes in the near future include:
- Introduction of Checked Bag Fees: Began in May, ending decades-old free bag policy.
- Transition to Assigned Seating: Set for January 2026, Southwest will abandon its unique open-seating tradition, with options for extra-legroom and premium assignments.
These changes align with broader enhancements including premium seating, potential future lounges, and partnerships to improve international connectivity.
Icelandair Partnership: Expanding International Reach
Southwest’s partnership with Icelandair is expanding, now including connections through Denver (DEN) and Nashville (BNA) alongside the initial Baltimore/Washington (BWI) gateway. This interline agreement lets passengers start their journey on a Southwest flight and seamlessly connect onto Icelandair for flights to Reykjavik and beyond into Europe.
Bookings through the Icelandair website (and select third-party sites) allow:
- Through-checked bags from Southwest’s departure city to European destinations.
- Expanded European access via Reykjavik, including stopover options of up to seven days.
Currently, some limitations remain—such as Rapid Rewards points not yet available for earning or redemption on these international itineraries. However, in 2026, Southwest aims to sell and support these combined voyages on its own booking systems, enhancing value for Southwest loyalists.
Looking Ahead: What These Moves Mean for Travelers
Southwest’s dual strategy to grow domestically and internationally means travelers will gain:
- More Direct and Competitive Options to Alaska
- Seamless Connections to Europe via Iceland
- Greater Flexibility and Reward Value Starting in 2026
Southwest is also hinting at more international airline partnerships and premium service introductions in the near future, potentially ushering in a new era of innovation for the Dallas-based carrier.
For travelers, these strategic expansions may translate to better fares, increased connectivity, and a more rewarding loyalty program as Southwest adapts to shifting traveler expectations and a competitive airline landscape.
References
- Southwest will add Anchorage to its map next year, The Points Guy.
- Southwest Airlines’ new partnership with Icelandair expands to 2 more gateways, The Points Guy.
