At last, there’s more to “luv” with Google Flights: Southwest Airlines is now part of the search engine.
While Google’s flight search engine is one of the most powerful tools to shop for airfare, historically, it has been hampered by a lack of Southwest flights. This prevented users from having complete view of airfares to their desired destination.
But don’t blame Google for that. The Dallas-based carrier has long held out on displaying or selling fares through online travel agencies and search aggregators. (One exception has been Southwest’s relationship with Chase, allowing select credit cardholders to book flights through the Chase Travel portal.)
However, Southwest is now making a major digital pivot with far-reaching implications across the airline industry. As of May 22, the airline’s fares display on Google Flights search results, just like all the other major U.S. carriers.
Southwest said in a statement that it is “piloting” a partnership with Google, making it “possible for Google Flights users to compare different fare options and click directly into Southwest.com to book their selected itinerary.”
Displaying results on Google Flights is yet another evolution for an airline that has built loyalty for decades in part by marching to the beat of its drum. Last month, Southwest CEO Bob Jordan said the carrier is “very seriously studying” potential alternatives to its long-standing open seat policy. The airline also plans to finally introduce red-eye flights in the coming years.
What Southwest on Google Flights means for travelers
In practice, travelers can now easily compare flight pricing across carriers in one glance. That’s a boon for deal seekers everywhere, said Kyle Potter, executive editor at deals site Thrifty Traveler.
“I really think this is seismic for Southwest, for Google Flights and for travelers nationwide,” he said. Southwest didn’t list its fares for sale through Google or almost any other site by design: It didn’t want to put loyalty in the hands of an intermediary.
Previously, the only option to book Southwest flights was directly on the airline’s website or app. Therefore, the biggest impact will be on travelers who didn’t usually consider the carrier.
“This gives Southwest much more visibility with those who are just starting their search for flights and didn’t realize they needed to check Southwest.com separately,” added Potter.
Meanwhile, Southwest loyalists can leverage a powerful Google Flights price-tracking tool. With no change or cancellation fees, fliers can toggle the “track prices” button and be alerted by email if fares drop, even after they’ve booked. By canceling and rebooking their Southwest flight, shoppers can receive a fare credit for the cheaper itinerary.
But don’t expect the Google Flights news to signal future plans: Southwest says it doesn’t intend to go all in on third-party travel websites. “Google Flights is not a booking engine and this isn’t a move into or toward online travel agencies,” a carrier spokesperson conveyed.
FAQs
At last, there's more to “luv” with Google Flights: Southwest Airlines is now part of the search engine. While Google's flight search engine is one of the most powerful tools to shop for airfare, historically, it has been hampered by a lack of Southwest flights.
Is Southwest now part of Google Flights? ›
For the first time ever, Southwest Airlines flight prices now appear on Google Flights. This is a historic move, as the discount airline is famous for only displaying trip costs on its own website and app. The improved pricing transparency makes it substantially easier to compare flight options on a single platform.
What flights are not included on Google Flights? ›
Doesn't show all airlines: Google Flights doesn't display results from Southwest Airlines, so you'll also need to check those directly with the airline's website. (Thankfully, Southwest's Low Fare Calendar is pretty user-friendly.)
Are all airlines listed on Google Flights? ›
Google Flights uses over 300 partners, like airlines, online travel agencies, and aggregators, to display its offers. Not all airlines or available flights are included, as a partnership with Google is required.
What search engine uses Southwest? ›
Southwest's move to partner with Google makes it easier for travelers to compare their options on a single dashboard.
When did Google Flights add Southwest? ›
However, Southwest is now making a major digital pivot with far-reaching implications across the airline industry. As of May 22, the airline's fares display on Google Flights search results, just like all the other major U.S. carriers.
What airline is Southwest a part of? ›
Southwest does not partner with any other air carrier. Southwest flights are directly Southwest-operated.
Why does Southwest not show up on Expedia? ›
In most cases, it's not the online travel agency giving Southwest the cold shoulder and refusing to display the airline's flight information. Southwest doesn't allow other websites to display its airfares.
What is the cheapest day to buy flights? ›
As previously mentioned, booking airfare on Sunday is cheaper than other days of the week, especially Fridays. Be willing to fly mid-week. Since Thursdays tend to be the cheapest day to fly, see if you can tweak your travel plans so you depart and fly home during the week instead of on weekend days. Set price alerts.
Why do I not have access to Google Flights? ›
Google will stop offering the option to book a flight directly through the site after Sept. 30 for most of the world. The search engine will then similarly end the option in the United States after March 31, 2023, the company confirmed to Travel + Leisure.
Unlike some airlines that rarely offer sales on fares, Southwest regularly puts flights on sale. Pretty much every Tuesday, in fact. The sales typically apply to cash bookings as well as redeeming Southwest points.
Why is Southwest not on search engines? ›
Southwest didn't list its fares for sale through Google or almost any other site by design: It didn't want to put loyalty in the hands of an intermediary. Previously, the only option to book Southwest flights was directly on the airline's website or app.
What flight system does Southwest use? ›
Southwest does not use the traditional hub-and-spoke system of other major airlines, preferring a point-to-point system combined with a rolling-hub model in its base cities.
Which airlines are not on expedia? ›
Southwest doesn't sell tickets through Expedia; you have to purchase them online through Southwest's own website.
Does Google Maps include flights? ›
You can get directions for driving, public transit, walking, ride sharing, cycling, flight, or motorcycle on Google Maps. If there are multiple routes, the best route to your destination is blue, all other routes are gray.
How do I view my flights on Google? ›
Find tracked flights or turn emails off
- Go to Google Flights.
- In the top left, click Menu. Tracked flight prices. To find flights you're tracking, click a saved route. To turn tracking emails on or off, click Add notification .
- Optional: To stop tracking a route or flight, click Remove .
