There is an exciting announcement for travellers who love flying with Southwest Airlines: they are now expanding north. In the first half of 2026, the airline will begin services to Anchorage. This is a major step for considering growth in their U.S. network.
The flight tickets for Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport will go on sale later this month as part of its next schedule release. This marks the first time the airline will operate in the state of Alaska. When the new flights begin, Anchorage will become the 122nd airport served by Southwest. Alaska will also become the 43rd U.S. state on the airline’s growing domestic route map.
The press release was made by Southwest’s headquarters in Dallas, Texas, on October 2, 2025.
Big News for Alaska and the Airlines
“We’re adding destinations that once seemed inconceivable for Southwest,” said Andrew Watterson, Chief Operating Officer at Southwest Airlines. “We look forward to connecting our Customers to the rich history and culture of Anchorage and connecting the 49th state to our vast domestic network.”
Mayor Suzanne LaFrance described the new flights as a "big economic boost" for Anchorage and all of southcentral Alaska. "We are proud of our rich cultural heritage, magnificent landscapes, and our welcoming community," she said. This is a great opportunity to share that with a larger group of travellers.”
“Air travel is a lifeline in Alaska,” said Ryan Anderson, Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities.
“Southwest’s entry will provide more affordable and reliable connections for Alaskans, while also helping to share our great state with more visitors.”
Part of a Bigger Expansion
Adding Anchorage to the Southwest route map would make it the 122nd airport and the fifth new city addition of 2025. The airline announced earlier this year that it has plans to fly to St. Thomas, Sint Maarten, Knoxville, and Santa Rosa in Sonoma County, California.
Five more destinations are expected to be launched by late 2025 or early 2026, with the addition of Anchorage firmly connecting Southwest to the suggestions of new and interesting markets. These additions are part of a bigger effort geared toward expanding its network to put forth more options to customers.
Currently, Southwest operates at 117 airports in 11 countries. The airline claims to have carried over 140 million passengers in the year 2024 alone, more than any other airline flying nonstop within the territory of the United States.
New Look, New Experience
Besides starting new destinations from scratch, Southwest is also bringing important changes to its onboard experience. It is an airline that likes to keep everything simple, with assigned seating, no baggage fees (for the first two checked bags), and friendly folks around. However, things are changing now-the airline is starting to roll out many features customers have been clamouring for.
These include:
- Assigned seating and premium seats for customers who want more space or to board early
- Free Wi-Fi for all Rapid Rewards Members, thanks to a partnership with T-Mobile.
- Supplying in-seat power outlets in all Boeing 737-8s planes, with further plans for the installation throughout the entire fleet
- Those upgrades are targeted for today's traveller who, for once, would like to enjoy the comforts of being connected. In aeroplane mode, to be sure: options, more choices!
What This Means for Travellers
Adding Anchorage to the route system opens new travel opportunities for both Alaska residents and visitors from the Lower 48. Southwest branding goes for low fares, frequent flights, and customer-friendly policies, which would have been much needed in bringing competition into Alaska's air-travel industry.
For people living in Alaska, the scenario stands as follows:
- Cheaper ticket prices because of competing airlines
- More cities across the U.S. to choose from without having to change airlines with a stop in between
- A strong service-oriented airline that operates largely on time
For visitors, it opens a more accessible gateway to gaze at Alaska's remarkable landscapes and synergy of wildlife and culture. For tourists, Anchorage serves as an entryway to some of the most popular Alaskan attractions like Denali National Park, Kenai Fjords, and glacier cruises.
Southwest's Mission and History
Formed in 1971 to make flying affordable and widely available, Southwest has grown into one of the most trusted American names in air travel.
Some of the airline's distinguishing features include:
- Not charging for the first two checked bags
- No change fees
- Open seating (though this is now changing with premium options)
- Friendly service and strong employee culture
About Rapid Rewards and Credit Cards
Rapid Rewards is a freely available loyalty program of Southwest through which members can earn points by flying or shopping with partner companies. These points can be redeemed to book flights, upgrade seats, and so forth. Members also enjoy extra benefits like:
- Free Wi-Fi on flights
- Priority boarding (based on tier)
- Access to special deals and offers
For those who fly often or want to earn rewards faster, Southwest offers Rapid Rewards Credit Cards through Chase. These cards let customers earn points from everyday purchases, making it easier to save for future trips — even to Anchorage.
Tickets Coming Soon
Flights to Anchorage are expected to go on sale later this month, as part of Southwest’s next schedule extension. Travellers can book directly at Southwest.com.
For those dreaming of exploring Alaska — or Alaskans wanting better connections to the Lower 48 — the wait is almost over.
Looking Ahead
The new Anchorage service represents more than just a new route. It shows how Southwest is evolving. The airline is on the move-with its network growing, the in-flight experience newly refreshed, and the footprint being enlarged into uncharted territories.
Anchorage, ruggedly beautiful and with a proud local flavour, is thus a good and natural fit for the next chapter with Southwest.
“Anchorage is just the beginning,” Watterson said. “We’re excited for what’s next.”
