Southwest Airlines forges transatlantic link with Germany's Condor, expanding global reach

Southwest Airlines announced Tuesday a pivotal new partnership with German leisure airline Condor, a move set to significantly expand transatlantic travel options for passengers across the globe. Beginning Jan. 19, travelers will be able to book seamless, same-ticket journeys connecting Condor's extensive European, African, Asian, and American networks with Southwest's vast domestic reach within the United States.

The alliance will see Southwest Airlines facilitate domestic connections for Condor passengers arriving in the U.S. at six key gateway airports: Boston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Portland, San Francisco, and Seattle. From these hubs, Southwest will connect international travelers to its powerful network of over 120 destinations across the United States. Condor, headquartered in Frankfurt, Germany, offers nearly 70 destinations from its hub, spanning a diverse array of aspirational locales.

"Adding Condor to our portfolio of partners brings transatlantic journeys between dozens of airports in the U.S. and exciting and aspirational places Condor serves," stated Andrew Watterson, Southwest Airlines Chief Operating Officer. Highlighting the enhanced connectivity, Watterson added, "In Las Vegas alone, we can connect international travelers with the power of our network, offering them more than 270 departures a day and nonstop flights to more than 70 cities."

This new alliance marks a strategic expansion for Southwest Airlines, traditionally renowned for its extensive domestic U.S. network. By integrating with international carriers like Condor, Southwest is strategically broadening its indirect global footprint, enabling seamless itineraries for travelers wishing to bridge the Atlantic and explore beyond major U.S. gateways. This partnership is Southwest's fifth with an overseas carrier, collectively linking its network to diverse international origins and destinations across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, positioning the airline as a more comprehensive player in the global travel landscape.

Bookings for these new transatlantic travel options are available now through Condor, travel agencies, and major travel websites. Further enhancing the travel experience, Southwest is also introducing redesigned cabin experiences and the ability to book assigned and extra legroom seating on flights starting Jan. 27.