Southwest Airlines will partner with Turkish Airlines beginning in early 2026 to offer one-ticket transatlantic journeys between the US and Istanbul. The partnership allows travelers to book single itineraries connecting Southwest's US domestic network with Turkish Airlines' global route system via shared gateway airports.
Southwest Airlines has officially ended its open seating policy after 55 years, replacing it with assigned seating starting January 27, 2026. This change comes as the carrier seeks to modernize its product and increase revenue through premium seating options.
The US Department of Transportation has waived the last installment of a fine imposed on Southwest Airlines following the serious operational disruption during the 2022 Christmas Holiday period. The DoT cited significant improvements in Southwest's on-time performance and Network Operations Control systems as justification for the waiver, Breaking Defense reports.
Southwest Airlines has reported improved operational performance during the Full Year and Q4 2025 earnings call, with operating income rising by 33.3% to $428 million. The carrier has increased its 2026 earnings guidance to more than four times its 2025 figures, driven by an aggressive share buyback program and business transformation efforts.
A five-year-old Colorado boy's keen eye for detail led him to discover an anomaly in the Southwest Airlines training manual. His mother shared his story on social media, catching the attention of Josh, a Southwest pilot who initiated a conversation about aviation.