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Southwest Airlines has partnered with Icelandair to allow U.S. travelers to fly from Southwest hubs and connect with Icelandair to Iceland and beyond in Europe on a single ticket. After learning more about this partnership, I found that the value it provides is primarily the convenience of a one-ticket reservation and bags checking through to the final destination, eliminating the hassle of booking separate flights for those who prefer flying with Southwest Airlines.
Here are the latest updates on Southwest Airlines and Icelandair’s partnership, along with key Q&A on what to expect from this partnership.
How can I book Southwest and Icelandair flights?
Currently, you can only book Southwest Airlines and Icelandair flights on a single ticket through the Icelandair website or the Icelandair mobile app. You cannot directly purchase such a ticket through Southwest Airlines at this time. See the following Icelandair’s announcement:
Can I use Rapid Rewards points to book Southwest and Icelandair flights?
No, you cannot use Rapid Rewards points to book a flight ticket that contains Southwest and Icelandair because you cannot make this type of reservation via the Southwest Airlines platform.
Can I use travel funds to book Southwest and Icelandair flights?
No, you cannot use Southwest travel funds for this type of booking. See the previous answer.
Can I use the Companion Pass to make Southwest and Icelandair reservations?
No, you cannot use the Companion Pass in this case, either. Please refer to the previous answer.
Can I earn Rapid Rewards points on the whole flight?
You can earn Rapid Rewards points, but only for Southwest-operated flights. You cannot earn Rapid Rewards points on Icelandair flights. To earn Southwest points, ensure you add your Rapid Rewards number to the reservation or contact Icelandair to do so if you cannot do it yourself.
Can I earn tier-qualifying flight segments on the whole flight?
Same as above. You can only earn tier-qualifying Southwest flight segments. Therefore, ensure you add your Rapid Rewards number to the reservation through Icelandair.
Do I check in with Southwest Airlines or Icelandair for boarding passes?
Depending on which airline your first flight segment is with, you can check in with either. If the airline supports mobile check-in and boarding passes, you can also do that.
Moreover, if you have luggage, you can check it through to your final destination. For instance, if your flight ticket originates from HOU (Houston Hobby) to BWI (Baltimore) airport with Southwest and then connects from BWI to KEF (Keflavik, Reykjavik, Iceland) airport with Icelandair, the check-in agent will check your luggage through to Iceland from Houston Hobby airport.
Can I purchase Southwest EarlyBird check-in?
No, this is not possible because you will be buying the ticket through the Icelandair platform, not Southwest. Therefore, Southwest EarlyBird check-in is not available for purchasing.
Do I still get free checked bags?
No, baggage fees will be subject to Icelandair’s baggage fee policy based on the fare class you purchase with Icelandair. In other words, Southwest’s “two bags fly free” benefit does not apply in this scenario.
Can I change or cancel my Southwest flight for free?
No, if you cancel or change your flight, the penalty, such as a fee, will be according to the Icelandair change and cancellation policy. Also, you must contact Icelandair to make changes or cancellations. Southwest cannot assist with this since the ticket you purchased was through Icelandair.
What if Southwest or Icelandair delays or cancels my flights?
In the event of flight disruptions before your scheduled departure that is not your fault, you must contact Icelandair for assistance. However, if the disruption occurs on the day of your travel, you have two options:
- Contact Southwest if your Southwest-operated flight segment is delayed or canceled.
- Contact Icelandair if your Icelandair-operated flight segment is delayed or canceled.
In summary, it’s best to contact Icelandair for assistance before reaching out to Southwest. There are no penalty fees for any flight changes. For example, your flight schedule is HOU to BWI to KEF, Iceland. However, your Southwest flight out of HOU has a long delay, causing you to miss your connection in BWI. In that case, the airline will re-accommodate you free of charge because all your flight segments are on one single ticket reservation.
How about Southwest same-day change and standby?
No, you cannot use the Southwest same-day and standby for such a reservation that includes Icelandair.
Are there other things I should know about booking Southwest and Icelandair?
- A parent must purchase a seat for children under 2 years old. Icelandair does not permit lap children.
- If you identify yourself as a Customer of Size, meaning you cannot sit in a single seat, you must contact Icelandair to purchase an extra non-refundable seat.
Should I Book Southwest and Icelandair flights?
Ultimately, it really depends on your preferences. If you like Southwest Airlines and value the convenience of checking your bags through to your final destination and having all flights in one reservation code, this partnership could be beneficial. It is the exact intent behind the partnership for loyal Southwest flyers wanting to visit Iceland and Europe.
Please be aware that this partnership is relatively new, and currently, you can only book this itinerary on the Icelandair platform. I am optimistic that once we can book directly with Southwest, it will create more rewarding opportunities and perks for Southwest enthusiasts. However, only time will tell.
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Conclusion
As you read through the FAQs above, it is clear that the Southwest and Icelandair partnership provides no significant benefits. The main advantage is the convenience of not having to position your flight from your Southwest airport to Iceland and Europe. With this reservation, you can check in and check your bags through to your final destination in Iceland or Europe. Moreover, should there be any delays or cancellations in one of your flights, you will be re-accommodated for free because all your flight segments are on one ticket’s reservation.
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