Anchorage adds a major airline

Anchorage, Alaska, pictured during the winter months. Adventuresome Co. photo.

Southwest Airlines is planning on adding Alaska’s largest city to its expanding lineup, with service slated to start in Anchorage in 2026.

The addition, announced in October of 2025, marks the fifth new destination for Southwest Airlines for the year, with the company also expanding to a total of 122 airports when its Anchorage service makes its debut next year.

According to a press release from the company, the 49th State marks Southwest’s 43rd state as part of its domestic network, in addition to international destinations such as Costa Rica, Belize, Mexico, Cuba, Turks and Caicos, multiple locations in the Bahamas, and more.

A release from the State of Alaska Department of Transportation said that Southwest coming to the state “highlights the strength of Alaska’s air travel market and the continued demand for expanded service.” Southwest Airlines’ Chief Operating Officer Andrew Watterson said in part that the company is honored to become a part of the lineup for Alaska.

“We look forward to connecting our Customers to Anchorage’s rich history and culture,” he told the DOT.

Along with new routes, Southwest also announced what it called a “redesign” of its cabin experience, including but not limited to new seating structures, with assigned and premium seat tickets available for purchase; free Wi-Fi for Southwest’s Rapid Rewards members; and in-seat power being added to Boeing 737-8 aircraft that are part of its fleet.

A Southwest Airlines flight is seen on the tarmac. Photo courtesy of Southwest Airlines.