Southwest Airlines Co. is keeping the sun up all night on its network expansion party with the intention to begin service at Anchorage, Alaska’s Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport in the first half of 2026. Southwest Airlines® is scheduled to make flights available for purchase as part of its next schedule extension coming this month.

Anchorage marks the fifth new destination Southwest® has announced thus far in 2025 and will expand its network to 122 airports¹ when service launches next year. Already the airline flying more Customers nonstop within the United States², Alaska will become the 43rd state in Southwest’s domestic network.

Accompanying its recent new destination announcements, Southwest is redesigning its cabin experience to meet the needs of the modern traveler. Enhancements include selling assigned and premium seating for flights, launching free Wi-Fi for all Rapid Rewards® Members, thanks to T-Mobile®, and adding in-seat power to all of its Boeing 737-8 aircraft as the airline works toward in-seat power across its full fleet.

Want even more from Southwest? 

Join Rapid Rewards. Rapid Rewards Members earn points by flying or spending with partners. Members can purchase points to earn a reward to book their favorite destination or a new Southwest route. Plus, Members are eligible for free Wi-Fi, thanks to T-Mobile, and tier benefits make every journey more enjoyable. 

The reimagined Southwest Rapid Rewards® Credit Cards from Chase make everyday spending and flying even more rewarding. To learn more about Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards from Chase, please click here.

1. Based on U.S. Dept. of Transportation quarterly Airline Origin & Destination Survey as of Q1 2025
2. Fulltime-equivalent active Employees as of June 30, 2025