Southwest Airlines Sets Sights on Anchorage in 2026

‍DALLAS — Southwest Airlines (WN) has announced it will start flying to Anchorage, Alaska (ANC), in the first half of 2026, adding the 49th state to its map for the very first time. The carrier stated that the new service will be included in its next schedule extension, although exact flight details have yet to be released.

This will be the fifth city Southwest has unveiled in 2025, taking its network up to 122 airports across the United States and abroad. Anchorage also means WN will now serve 43 states, a milestone for an airline that built its business mainly within the lower 48.

Expanding the Network

Anchorage isn’t just another dot on the route map. The airport, officially known as Ted Stevens Anchorage International, is Alaska’s busiest passenger gateway and one of the top cargo hubs in the world. For travelers, it offers connections deep into the state, and for airlines, it has long been a strategic stop on transpacific routes.

Andrew Watterson, Chief Operating Officer at Southwest Airlines, mentioned, “We’re adding destinations that once seemed inconceivable for Southwest in order to build a route network that creates new experiences and more possibilities than ever before”.

WN hasn’t confirmed which cities will link directly to Anchorage. Still, given its strong network across the western United States, observers expect connections to major bases such as Las Vegas, Denver, or Phoenix once schedules are finalised.

Product Updates 

The announcement comes as the airline rolls out some of the most significant changes to its onboard product in years. Passengers can expect assigned seating and premium options, rather than the traditional open boarding system. Free Wi-Fi will also become standard for all Rapid Rewards members through Southwest’s partnership with T-Mobile. Additionally, new Boeing 737-8 aircraft are being equipped with in-seat power outlets.

About Southwest

Southwest Airlines (WN), headquartered in Dallas, Texas, is one of the largest low-cost carriers in the United States. Known for its point-to-point route network, friendly customer service, and transparent pricing, the airline operates an all-Boeing 737 fleet across a vast domestic and limited international network. 

With a focus on operational efficiency and approachable service, WN has built a strong reputation as a traveller-friendly airline within the U.S. market.

If the schedule holds, bookings for Anchorage will open with the following extension, and flights are expected to begin in early 2026. The new service marks not just a network expansion but a milestone for Southwest!

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