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Keep in mind, though, that Southwest doesn’t partner with international airlines for baggage transfers or coordinated itineraries. You’ll need to book separate tickets and allow extra time between flights. If you're comfortable piecing together your trip, Southwest can be a budget-friendly option for the U.S. portion of your travel.
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Start by using Southwest to reach a major U.S. gateway city. From there, book your international flight to London with a carrier like British Airways, Delta, or United. This DIY approach can be cost-effective, especially if you’re savvy with flight search tools and flexible with dates.
Just be cautious with layovers. Since your tickets aren’t linked, missing a connection due to delays could mean rebooking at your own expense. It’s smart to leave a generous buffer between flights—think 4–6 hours minimum.
Also, remember to check baggage policies. You’ll likely need to collect and recheck your luggage between flights. It’s a bit more work, but for budget-conscious travelers, it’s often worth it.
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These airports are great jumping-off points for London travel. For example, BWI is close to Washington Dulles (IAD), which offers nonstop flights to London. Similarly, MDW is near Chicago O’Hare (ORD), and DAL is a short drive from Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW).
If you’re flying Southwest to one of these cities, you can easily transfer to a London-bound flight with another airline. Just be sure to plan your ground transportation between airports if needed. Some hubs, like Denver (DEN) and Las Vegas (LAS), also offer international connections and are served directly by Southwest.
Using Southwest to reach these gateways can help you save on domestic travel while still accessing global routes.
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Let’s say you live in a smaller city like Kansas City or Nashville. Southwest might offer a cheap flight to New York or Boston, where you can catch a direct flight to London. Booking these legs separately can sometimes beat the price of a single international ticket from your hometown.
However, this strategy works best if you’re comfortable managing multiple bookings and layovers. You’ll need to factor in extra time, possible hotel stays, and baggage recheck requirements. It’s not for everyone, but for budget travelers or those with flexible schedules, it’s a smart way to cut costs.
Always compare total costs—including fees, transfers, and time—before booking.
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You can book flights to places like Cancun, Montego Bay, and San José, Costa Rica. These routes are popular for vacationers and offer the same no-frills, friendly service Southwest is known for.
But when it comes to Europe, Southwest hasn’t expanded that far yet. The airline’s fleet and business model are geared toward shorter-haul flights, which makes transatlantic service a challenge.
Still, if you’re planning a multi-stop trip or want to combine a Caribbean getaway with a European adventure, Southwest could be a great option for the first leg.
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If you fly Southwest to a U.S. hub before switching to another airline for London, you’ll earn Rapid Rewards points for the Southwest leg. These points can be redeemed for future domestic flights, upgrades, or even hotel stays.
Southwest also partners with select hotel and car rental companies, so you can rack up points during your trip in other ways. Just make sure to book through Southwest’s travel portal or link your loyalty accounts.
While you won’t earn points on the international flight itself, combining Southwest with other travel partners can still boost your rewards balance.
7. Will I need to recheck my bags if I switch airlines?
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That means when you land at your connecting airport, you’ll need to collect your bags, exit security, and recheck them with your next airline. It’s a bit of a hassle, but manageable if you plan ahead.
Give yourself plenty of time between flights—especially if you’re traveling with checked luggage. Also, double-check baggage fees and policies for both airlines. Southwest allows two free checked bags, but your international carrier may charge extra.
Packing light or using carry-on only can simplify the process. If you’re traveling with family or lots of gear, build in extra time and patience.
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This strategy works well if you’re chasing deals. Some international airports offer lower fares to London depending on the season, airline, or day of the week. Southwest can get you close—then you hop over to the international terminal or nearby airport.
Just be sure to factor in ground transportation. Some cities have shuttle services or public transit between airports, while others may require a rideshare or taxi.
It’s a little extra legwork, but for travelers who love a good deal, it’s worth exploring.
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The airline would need to invest in long-haul aircraft and infrastructure to support transatlantic flights. That’s a big shift from their current model, which focuses on short-haul, high-frequency routes.