Travelers using Google Flights can now see Southwest Airlines ticket prices listed alongside those of other airlines. While this update simplifies price comparisons, it’s important to note that actual bookings must still be completed on Southwest’s website.
Improved Price Comparison and Tracking
With Southwest prices now available on Google Flights, travelers can compare fares across multiple airlines to find the best deals. This integration enhances the accuracy and usefulness of Google Flights’ date grid and price graph tools. Additionally, Google Flights’ tracking capabilities allow users to monitor Southwest flight prices. By signing up for alerts, you’ll receive emails whenever the price of a tracked Southwest flight changes. This feature helps determine the best time to book and allows for rebooking at a lower price if fares drop, potentially earning flight credits or cash back depending on the booking method and fare class.
Comprehensive Fare Class Information
The new feature also allows users to view pricing and inclusions for all four of Southwest’s fare classes within Google Flights. This makes comparing and booking airfare on the platform more convenient than ever.
Access to Southwest Deals
Southwest frequently offers flight deals, which were previously only accessible directly through the airline. Now, these same discounted deals can be seen on Google Flights, providing travelers with more comprehensive options.
Official Statement and Future Plans
“In our initial piloting of this partnership, we’ve made it possible for Google Flights users to compare our different fare options and click directly into Southwest.com to book their selected itinerary,” a spokesman from Southwest shared.
Southwest, the second-largest commercial airline by market value and the fourth-largest by fleet, has not specified how long this pilot program will last or if further changes are planned. This move was hinted at by CEO Bob Jordan during the first-quarter earnings call in April, as reported by CNBC. Jordan also discussed potential changes to the airline’s boarding process.
“We’re excited to continue finding ways to expose more consumers to the appeal of our unique combination of value, friendly and flexible policies, and a breadth of flight service that’s built around the more than 800 nonstop routes Southwest will offer this peak summer travel season among 121 airports across 11 countries,” Southwest added in its statement.
Exclusivity on Google Flights
Currently, this change only applies to Google Flights, meaning that other aggregators like Kayak or Skyscanner won’t show Southwest flights. However, Southwest flights are now also bookable through Chase Travel, a change implemented quietly last year but gaining attention in recent months.
The inclusion of Southwest ticket prices on Google Flights marks a significant improvement for travelers seeking comprehensive fare comparisons. This pilot program not only enhances the visibility of Southwest fares but also integrates useful tools like price tracking and detailed fare information, making the travel planning process smoother and more efficient.
View Southwest Rapid Rewards Card Offers
Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links that appear on this website are from companies which Consumer Card Reports will earn an affiliate commission or referral bonus. Consumer Card Reports is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). We do not include all credit card companies, or all available credit card offers!
