Southwest Airlines has recently made its fares available on Google Flights, a move that marks a significant shift for the airline industry. Historically, Southwest has been hesitant to display or sell fares through online travel agencies and search aggregators, but this partnership with Google represents a major digital pivot for the airline. This change allows travelers to easily compare prices between airlines and provides more visibility for Southwest among potential customers who may not have considered the airline before.
Southwest’s decision to make its fares available on Google Flights will benefit deal-hunters and travelers looking for competitive prices. In the past, the only way to book Southwest flights was through the airline’s website or app, but now customers can compare prices and track fares using Google’s tools. Southwest loyalists can also take advantage of price-tracking features on Google Flights, allowing them to receive email alerts if rates drop and receive fare credits for the lowest-cost itinerary if they need to cancel or change their reservation.
Despite this partnership with Google, Southwest has clarified that they have no plans to rely on third-party travel websites in the future. The airline is still committed to maintaining its direct booking model and does not see Google Flights as a move towards online travel agencies. Overall, this collaboration between Southwest Airlines and Google Flights represents a significant evolution in the airline industry and offers new opportunities for travelers to find and book flights more easily.
Article Source
https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/2024/05/22/southwest-airlines-google-flights/
