Southwest Airlines and Philippine Airlines (PAL) have forged a new partnership to expand travel options across the Pacific, linking key US and Philippine gateways and enhancing international connectivity. The collaboration offers seamless connections for transoceanic travelers connecting through Southwest-operated flights at crucial US airports including Los Angeles (LAX), Seattle/Tacoma (SEA), San Francisco (SFO), and Honolulu, Oahu (HNL).
This partnership taps into Philippine Airlines’ extensive network across the Philippines, Asia, Australia, and the Middle East, marrying it with Southwest’s robust domestic and inter-island flight presence, highlighted by nearly four dozen daily flights in Hawaii alone. Together, they provide travelers with convenient, coordinated access to destinations spanning two continents, improving travel experiences and opening new tourism and business avenues.
Southwest Airlines, known for its low-cost, reliable operations across over one hundred seventeen airports in eleven countries, now integrates its extensive US network with Philippine Airlines’ global reach. This collaboration benefits passengers looking to journey between US cities and the Philippines, facilitating smooth ticketing, baggage transfer, and coordinated scheduling through an interline agreement.
Philippine Airlines, the country’s flag carrier and Asia’s first commercial airline, operates a modern fleet including Boeing, Airbus, and De Havilland aircraft. Its hubs in Manila, Cebu, Clark, and Davao connect travelers to htirty-one domestic destinations and thirty-eight international cities across Asia, North America, Australia, and the Middle East. The new partnership thus leverages complementary strengths, providing broader travel options and enhanced global mobility for frequent flyers and new travelers alike.
The partnership is expected to drive increased tourism flows between the United States and the Philippines, facilitating easier leisure travel for vacationers, as well as supporting business travel and family visits. By offering single-ticket journeys and easy transfers, passengers gain convenience and time savings, eliminating many complexities traditionally associated with transoceanic itineraries.
For the Philippines, boosted air connectivity increases accessibility to one of Asia’s most dynamic tourism markets, known for its tropical beaches, cultural heritage, and vibrant cities. Enhanced access supports government and industry efforts to stimulate inbound tourism, diversify source markets, and strengthen economic recovery post-pandemic.
Similarly, US airports linked through this partnership may experience growth in international passenger numbers, increasing demand for airport services, retail, ground transportation, and hospitality sectors. This collaborative route expansion bolsters local economies, particularly in gateway cities with growing Asian communities and business interests.
Southwest Airlines continues to broaden its international partnerships to provide travelers with expanded route options and improved travel experiences. Beyond the Philippine alliance, Southwest partners with several overseas carriers to deliver seamless journeys, with plans to establish more transatlantic collaborations within the year.
The airline is also investing in cabin and service upgrades, introducing redesigned interiors, and enhancing seating options including assigned and extra-legroom seats, effective January 27, 2026. These initiatives align with Southwest’s mission to deliver hospitality-driven, affordable travel with growing global reach.
PAL’s commitment to maintaining a strong presence in international markets supports global Filipino communities and promotes cultural exchange. The airline’s hallmark warm service and expanding fleet enable reliable connectivity across regions, including cargo and charter services vital to the global economy.
This partnership with Southwest strengthens PAL’s North American presence by tapping into key metropolitan markets and facilitating onward travel within the Philippines and Asia, providing travelers access to a robust range of destinations on a single itinerary and ticket.
Image Credit: Southwest Airlines
