Southwest adds Anchorage: first Alaska flights coming in 2026

Published on Oct 2, 2025, 7:30 pm CDT

5 min read

Southwest Airlines will fly to Alaska for the first time, confirming plans to launch service to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) in the first half of 2026. The Dallas-based carrier says fares will go on sale later this month when it extends its schedule into 2026. Anchorage, the state's largest city and a jumping-off point for parks and fjords, becomes Southwest's fifth new destination announced this year, alongside Sint Maarten, St. Thomas, Knoxville, and Sonoma County.

Key points

Why it matters: Southwest enters Alaska, adding a new low-fare option to ANC.
Travel impact: Fares expected to go on sale later this month for 2026 travel.
What's next: Exact routes and start date will publish with the 2026 schedule extension.
Assigned seating begins January 27, 2026, across Southwest's network.
New checked bag fees apply to most tickets booked on or after May 28, 2025.

Snapshot

Southwest's Anchorage entry expands its domestic reach to 43 states and 122 airports when service begins. The airline has not released city pairs, frequencies, or seasonality, though local reports indicate a May 2026 launch window. When seats open for sale later this month, expect introductory pricing that positions ANC competitively against incumbents. The move arrives as Southwest reshapes its product, swapping open seating for assigned seats and rolling out bag fees for most travelers. For budget-minded travelers, the combination of a new market and evolving fare products makes timing important; booking soon after schedules open typically unlocks the widest choice of dates and prices.

Background

Anchorage connects travelers to Denali, Kenai Fjords, and Prince William Sound. Southwest's network additions in 2025 and 2026 emphasize new geographies and leisure gateways, including Sint Maarten, St. Thomas, Knoxville, and California's Sonoma County. The carrier is also in the middle of a customer-experience overhaul. Assigned seating replaces Southwest's decades-long open-boarding tradition on January 27, 2026, introducing Extra Legroom and Preferred sections. Separately, checked baggage fees now apply to most bookings made on or after May 28, 2025, with exemptions for select elite tiers and fare types. Together, these changes align Southwest more closely with rivals while preserving the brand's point-to-point network and rapid turns.

Latest developments

When Southwest Anchorage flights start and how to plan

Southwest's first Alaska flights are slated for the first half of 2026, with local officials pointing to May. Exact routes will publish with the airline's next schedule extension later this month. Given Southwest's focus on connectivity, plausible candidates include links to large western or mid-continent stations with strong onward banks. Travelers eyeing summer peaks should track the on-sale date, since early purchase windows often surface the best availability, especially around Memorial Day and the June solstice. Keep in mind that assigned seating will be in effect by the time these flights operate, so families and groups should select seats during booking rather than relying on airport-day shuffles. If you are comparing carriers, factor in Southwest's new checked bag fees versus any bundled perks on competitors that already serve ANC.

How assigned seating and bag fees change the calculus

For trips operating on or after January 27, 2026, Southwest will assign seats, sell Extra Legroom, and board by eight numbered groups. That means travelers who preferred early A-group positions under the old system should now weigh the value of seat selection at purchase. Meanwhile, for reservations booked on or after May 28, 2025, most customers pay for checked bags, with exemptions for top-tier elites and certain fare products. Budget accordingly, especially for Alaska itineraries that often involve outdoor gear. If you are building an ANC trip from the Southeast or Midwest, compare total trip costs including seat and bag choices across airlines to make a fair apples-to-apples decision.

Analysis

Southwest's Alaska move is strategically logical and brand-accretive. Anchorage adds a marquee outdoors destination with broad summer demand, while Southwest's network can funnel price-sensitive travelers from dozens of spokes through one or two connecting gateways. From a competitive standpoint, the carrier will face entrenched incumbents with deep local knowledge and strong loyalty in Alaska. Southwest's edge is schedule breadth and fare transparency, but the new product architecture means customers must relearn how to optimize value. Assigned seating will reduce boarding friction and should improve on-time performance into congested summer banks, a notable factor at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC). New bag fees, however, shift calculus for travelers hauling fishing gear or camping equipment. Expect Southwest to lean on promotional pricing and Rapid Rewards levers to stimulate trial in year one, then tune capacity toward shoulder seasons where its network can sustain year-round connectivity. If the ANC launch succeeds, additional Alaska points could follow seasonally, but Southwest will likely validate demand in Anchorage before considering secondary markets.

Final thoughts

Southwest Airlines' entry into Alaska gives travelers another way to reach Anchorage and the state's vast landscapes, with fares arriving soon and flights starting in 2026. Pair the announcement with the carrier's product changes, and the smartest play is to book close to schedule opening, lock seats early, and compare total trip costs including bags. For outdoor itineraries, plan gear strategy ahead of time to avoid counter surprises. All told, this is good news for value seekers chasing glaciers, peaks, and midnight sun under the banner of Southwest Airlines Alaska flights.