Why Southwest just became more appealing for business travelers
Most airlines around the world depend on three major platforms in sell seats on their planes — direct sales to consumers and business travelers, through ticket agents, a website or app; codeshares through airline partners; and consumer and business sales via a third-party travel agency, often an online travel agency (or OTA), or a corporate booking platform.
For more news on travel, elite status and points and miles sign up for our newsletter.
That latter option generally requires that an airline integrate with a global distribution system, or GDS, which provides real-time seat availability and access to current fares. In some cases, it also allows travel agents to mix and match airlines to build a complete itinerary — even those that don't otherwise have a business relationship.
Southwest Airlines has long stood apart from most airlines around the world, insisting on marketing its flights exclusively through its own platforms. While that approach can work for a leisure airline with a very loyal following of customers more than happy to begin their travel search at Southwest.com, it's a bit less practical for a carrier hoping to appeal to business travelers — especially corporate travelers forced to book flights through a specific travel agent or reservations platform.
Related: Southwest extends companion pass, elite status
Last year, however, Southwest announced plans to grow integration with business travel platforms, making it possible for corporate travel managers to book, modify and cancel Southwest reservations with ease. And, as promised, the carrier's flights are now available through Travelport’s Apollo and Worldpsan global distribution systems, with support for Amadeus' GDS planned for later this year.
Southwest timing couldn't be better — like all airlines around the world, the carrier is struggling to fill planes following the coronavirus pandemic. By making its flights available to more customers, Southwest will be in a better position to sell seats to a broader range of flyers, expanding the potential for lucrative corporate contracts.
It's also good news for business travelers — more Southwest loyalists will have access to the carrier's flights for work-related travel, when their options may have been limited before. Road warriors may have a worthy new alternative, too — the coveted Companion Pass could be within reach with work travel alone, allowing business travelers to bring someone along on their work flights for just the cost of taxes and fees.
Related: Complete guide to Southwest elite status
There are other advantages to booking Southwest, especially for last-minute travel. Since there isn't a first-class cabin, elites don't have to worry about missing out on an upgrade when booking travel a day or two before departure — Delta Diamond members can clear as far as five days in advance, for example, leaving fewer seats for flexible flyers. Last-minute bookers can avoid getting stuck in a middle seat, too — Southwest maintains an open seating policy, and status holders and customers purchasing Business Select fares get to board the plane (and have their pick of seat) first.
The impact could even spill over to other U.S. carriers, who may be more inclined to drop fares on certain routes, to avoid losing business to Southwest. And, with another appealing program to choose from, elites sticking with legacy carriers could end up battling fewer travelers for upgrades and preferred seats — a win-win for customers across the board.
Top offers from our partners
How we chose these cards
TPG featured card
Rewards
4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points on Restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery. |
4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X). |
3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold card. It’s been a fan favorite during the pandemic because of its fantastic rewards rate on restaurants (that includes takeout and delivery in the U.S.!) and U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders) and up to $120 in annual dining statement credits at eligible partners, there’s no reason that the foodie shouldn’t add this card to their wallet. Enrollment required.Pros
- 4x on dining at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1x).
- 3x on flights booked directly with the airline or with Amex Travel.
- Welcome bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first six months.
Cons
- Weak on travel outside of flights and everyday spending bonus categories.
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber/food credits.
- Few travel perks and protections.
Rewards Rate
4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points on Restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery. |
4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X). |
3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. |
Intro Offer
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months.Earn 60,000 pointsAnnual Fee
$250Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO© Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.670-850Excellent/Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold card. It’s been a fan favorite during the pandemic because of its fantastic rewards rate on restaurants (that includes takeout and delivery in the U.S.!) and U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders) and up to $120 in annual dining statement credits at eligible partners, there’s no reason that the foodie shouldn’t add this card to their wallet. Enrollment required.Pros
- 4x on dining at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1x).
- 3x on flights booked directly with the airline or with Amex Travel.
- Welcome bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first six months.
Cons
- Weak on travel outside of flights and everyday spending bonus categories.
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber/food credits.
- Few travel perks and protections.