Southwest Airlines Company (LUV) announced on Wednesday that it's stepping up its international game with a new transatlantic partnership set to launch in early 2026. The move connects U.S. travelers to a sprawling web of global destinations via Istanbul, courtesy of Turkish Airlines.

Here's how it works: Southwest will team up with Turkish Airlines to offer single-ticket journeys between the U.S. and Istanbul. No more juggling separate bookings or worrying about missed connections between carriers.

What the Partnership Means

Starting next year, travelers can book these combined trips through Turkish Airlines, travel agents, and travel websites. Turkish Airlines operates a massive network from its Istanbul Airport hub, flying to more than 350 destinations across 132 countries. The carrier already serves 10 U.S. airports that overlap with Southwest's domestic routes, creating natural connection points.

International travelers will be able to connect through shared U.S. gateway airports with smoother transfers. From Istanbul, passengers can hop to destinations across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

Andrew Watterson, Southwest Airlines' chief operating officer, highlighted that both carriers share an emphasis on hospitality, reliability and a strong customer experience. He said the partnership should raise global awareness of the Southwest brand.

Southwest expects the partnership to funnel thousands of international travelers each week through its U.S. network. That should mean stronger traffic flows and broader relevance for its domestic routes, which traditionally focused on point-to-point travel within the United States.

Part of a Bigger Picture

This announcement marks Southwest's sixth partnership with an overseas carrier this year. Those tie-ups collectively link Southwest's network to destinations across Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. For an airline that built its reputation on short-haul domestic flights, this represents a notable strategic shift.

Southwest is also working on product upgrades as it expands its travel offering. The airline highlighted a redesigned cabin experience and new seating choices. Starting January 27, 2026, Southwest plans to offer assigned seating and extra legroom options. The changes reflect a broader move toward added flexibility and premium choices, departing from the airline's traditional open seating model.

The partnership intensifies competition as U.S. airlines chase wider global connectivity and seek new revenue streams in an increasingly interconnected travel market.

LUV Price Action: Southwest Airlines shares were trading lower by 1.35% to $41.60 at publication on Wednesday.