DALLAS – In a significant change for travelers, Southwest Airlines has announced a partnership with Expedia, allowing users to book flights through the popular online travel agency.
Expanded Flight Booking Options
Previously, passengers wishing to fly Southwest could only secure their tickets through the airline’s official website. Starting today, all Southwest flights will be available for booking on Expedia, as well as its affiliate sites, including CheapTickets, Hotwire, Orbitz, and Travelocity, all of which draw in over 10 million visitors daily.
Southwest Airlines expressed enthusiasm about the venture, stating, “We look forward to welcoming new travelers to our extensive network, inviting them to experience our unique Southwest hospitality.”
Impacts on Consumer Choice
Travel expert Gabe Saglie indicated that this development could enhance consumers’ options when comparing flights across different airlines. He noted, “I think what’s happening here is that as competition has ramped up, it has needed to look at other ways of providing service and reaching out to its not only loyal consumers but beyond that to a growing base of followers out there.”
Changes on the Horizon for Southwest Airlines
While the partnership with Expedia opens new avenues for bookings, it also signifies changes within Southwest itself. The airline has been adapting its business model following pressure from Elliott Investments, a major stakeholder.
Upcoming modifications include the implementation of assigned seating and the introduction of overnight, cross-country flights. SMU economist Mike Davis noted, “So that has to be weighed against the additional traffic Southwest is going to get when they change their model.” He pointed out that the partnership is likely to yield financial advantages, stating, “You can’t ever know whether they would have done this without Elliot. But we know for sure Elliot has been pushing Southwest in this direction. The board members want changes made, and Southwest is making changes.”
Conclusion
The collaboration between Southwest Airlines and Expedia represents a strategic shift for both entities, promising to enhance travel options for consumers and potentially reshape Southwest’s identity in the airline market.
The Source: Information for this report has been compiled from a news release by Southwest Airlines and insights from travel expert Gabe Saglie and SMU economist Mike Davis.
