Overview

• Southwest Airlines has formally requested permission from the U.S. Department of Transportation to fly to any country with which the U.S. has an Open Skies agreement, covering over 100 nations.
• The filing also seeks approval to transport passengers, cargo, and mail to future countries entering aviation agreements with the U.S.
• This move aligns with Southwest's recent efforts to overhaul its business model, including introducing baggage fees and ending open seating, as it faces rising costs and changing travel patterns.
• Southwest's international operations are currently limited to 10 countries, primarily in Central America and the Caribbean, with its Icelandair partnership providing an interim connection to Europe.
• The airline's fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft restricts immediate long-haul capabilities, focusing potential expansion on shorter transatlantic and regional routes.