Southwest Adds Turkish Airlines as Sixth International Partner: What It Means for Smart Travelers in 2025
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!- Southwest adds Turkish Airlines as sixth international partner, unlocking new global travel opportunities for U.S. domestic flyers.
- Turkish Airlines connects travelers to over 300 destinations worldwide, blending luxury and accessibility.
- Ideal for connecting U.S. cities to Europe, Asia, and the Middle East using a single itinerary.
- Provides easier international booking for loyalty travelers using Rapid Rewards points.
- Perfect for couples, solo travelers, and digital nomads looking to expand their reach beyond U.S. borders.
Table of Contents
- What Does It Mean That Southwest Adds Turkish Airlines as Sixth International Partner?
- Where Can You Fly Using the Southwest + Turkish Airlines Partnership?
- Best Way to Use the Southwest–Turkish Airlines Partnership in 2025
- How to Plan This Trip the Smart Way
- HopStrip-Style Tips and Tools for This Trip
- FAQ: Southwest Adds Turkish Airlines as Sixth International Partner
- Final Thoughts: Why It Matters That Southwest Adds Turkish Airlines as Sixth International Partner
What Does It Mean That Southwest Adds Turkish Airlines as Sixth International Partner?
When we say “Southwest adds Turkish Airlines as sixth international partner,” we’re talking about more than two airlines shaking hands. This move deepens Southwest’s previous steps into global connectivity, joining other international codeshare partners like Volaris, Cayman Airways, and WestJet. But Turkish Airlines takes the partnership to a whole new level due to Turkey’s geographic status as a gateway between Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Here’s why this matters:
- Turkish Airlines flies to over 300 destinations in 120+ countries — more than any other airline in the world.
- With Istanbul as a global stopover hub, you can now connect to cities like Tbilisi, Nairobi, or Athens directly after flying Southwest to international gateways like New York (JFK), Washington D.C. (IAD), or Chicago (ORD).
- You can book Turkish Airlines itineraries from your starting point — say Nashville or Phoenix — in one booking flow through select portals.
And while you currently must book these interline connections through a travel agent or metasearch engine, industry experts predict that future integration could soon appear in Southwest’s native booking platform.
For now, this partnership opens new doors for smarter global planning — especially for Americans flying out of non-coastal airports.
👉 Curious how it works? Dive into the official coverage from The Points Guy.
Where Can You Fly Using the Southwest + Turkish Airlines Partnership?
With one of the world’s largest route networks, Turkish Airlines connects you to key metropolitan gems, UNESCO heritage sites, and lesser-known luxury escapes.
Below are some highlights of destinations now within practical reach for Southwest flyers thanks to this partnership:
1. Europe (via Istanbul)
- Paris, Rome, Barcelona, Vienna — perfect for first-timers or romantic escapes
- Cities like Tbilisi, Sarajevo, and Baku — ideal for digital nomads and cultural explorers
2. Asia & Middle East
- Bangkok, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Tel Aviv, and Dubai remain easily bookable hubs.
- Off-the-beaten path locales like Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan) or Muscat (Oman) are now easier to reach from middle America.
3. Africa
- Cape Town, Nairobi, and Cairo — great for safari goers, history lovers, or luxury honeymooners.
🟡 Travel Tip: Want to know where Turkish Airlines flies? Their interactive route map is available on the official Turkish Airlines site.
Best Way to Use the Southwest–Turkish Airlines Partnership in 2025
Here’s how you can make the most out of this interline deal in 2025:
For Digital Nomads
Flying Southwest from cities like Austin, Denver, or Oakland to a Turkish hub city, then connecting to Budapest, Tbilisi, or Bali provides full-circle flexibility with affordable pricing.
For Couples & Luxury Travelers
Use this route to score lie-flat Turkish Airlines business class seats to Europe and Asia with a taste of luxury for less. Few airlines offer better in-flight catering, and in some classes, you even get a SkyChef on board.
Pair it with a boutique property — you can explore stylish vacation rentals abroad to complement your travel style.
For Family Travelers
Booking family trips is easier with one connected fare. Start from a Southwest city, hop onto a Turkish flight, and simplify airport transfers and customer service with fewer check-ins.
🏷️ Bonus: Turkish Airlines offers free stopovers in Istanbul for eligible long-haul flights — giving travelers a chance to explore two destinations on one ticket.
How to Plan This Trip the Smart Way
Want to take advantage of this partnership without dealing with international booking headaches? Follow these steps:
-
Compare flights that include Turkish Airlines
Use a metasearch engine to compare Southwest + Turkish Airlines flights together by entering your final destination. -
Start your search from regional Southwest cities
Think Kansas City, Baltimore, Dallas Love Field — let Southwest get you to interline-friendly gateways. -
Book hotels with flexible cancellation
Especially for overseas trips — check prices here for refundable stays in Istanbul, Rome, or Tel Aviv. -
Use a travel-savvy credit card
This can save on international transaction fees. Look for cards that reward airline and travel purchases. -
Add travel insurance to cover international segments
Multi-carrier trips are less straightforward if delays hit one leg. Consider getting trip coverage for peace of mind. -
Pack smart using international carry-on rules
Turkish Airlines carry-on limits differ from Southwest’s free bag policy. A good travel backpack that fits both sets of restrictions is essential.
HopStrip-Style Tips and Tools for This Trip
At HopStrip, our goal is to make real trips smoother — and this new route combo is a win for savvy planning. Here’s how to hopsmart:
- Bundle local SIM cards for long-haul trips from the U.S. to Europe or Asia using sites like SimOptions.
- Book ahead your airport transfer in Istanbul or your final stop — many international airports can be confusing. Use this link to book a fixed-rate airport transfer.
- Combine the Southwest+Turkish link with one open-jaw trip: fly outbound via Turkish and return with another carrier (great for flexibility).
- Want hotel deals along international layovers? Check out this curated deals page from Klook.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
FAQ: Southwest Adds Turkish Airlines as Sixth International Partner
Q: Can I book a Southwest–Turkish Airlines itinerary on Southwest’s website?
Not yet. While the partnership is active, you’ll need to book combined tickets through travel agents or trusted multi-airline search sites like Kiwi.com.
Q: Can I earn Rapid Rewards points on Turkish Airlines flights?
Currently, points earning is limited to flights operated by Southwest itself. Future loyalty integration may allow for point earning and redemption.
Q: How does baggage work between the two airlines?
If booked on one ticket as an interline connection, your bags should check through to final destination. Be sure to confirm during check-in. Turkish Airlines has stricter bag policies, so check ahead.
Q: Are there visa requirements for stopovers in Turkey?
U.S. citizens need a visa for Turkey, even for layovers exceeding a few hours in some cases. You can apply easily online via the official Turkish e-visa site.
Q: Is Turkish Airlines a good airline?
Turkish Airlines is widely ranked among the top 20 airlines globally, known for exceptional service, inflight dining, and a robust global route map.
Final Thoughts: Why It Matters That Southwest Adds Turkish Airlines as Sixth International Partner
Whether you’re planning your first international trip or your fiftieth, the news that Southwest adds Turkish Airlines as sixth international partner is a windfall for practical travel planning. This alliance makes global cities more reachable from U.S. airports that don’t typically serve international flights — offering more flexible routes, better prices, and broader options for layovers and multi-city adventures.
It’s a chance to upgrade your next trip — not by changing your travel style, but by changing how you get there.
Hop in, connect smarter, and let your next passport stamp begin where your local Southwest flight ends.
Ready to explore the world like a real HopStrip traveler? Now you can.
