Southwest and Alaska Airlines Make Bold Moves with New Services and Loyalty Programs

This week, Southwest Airlines unveiled a significant shift in its approach to customer offerings, introducing vacation packages and adjusting its routes, including cuts to some Bay Area flights. Southwest is moving away from just offering flights, now selling complete travel packages that bundle airfare, hotel stays, rental cars, and ground transportation. This new initiative, dubbed Getaways by Southwest, provides travelers with more flexibility and added perks such as free checked bags and extra loyalty points. Along with these changes, Southwest has also announced a decision to reduce several routes in the Bay Area, including those linking the region to destinations across the U.S.

At the same time, Alaska Airlines is making major moves in the loyalty program world, merging its Mileage Plan with Hawaiian Airlines’ HawaiianMiles to form the new Atmos Rewards program. Alaska has also rolled out new credit card options for travelers, including a high-tier Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite card that promises a wide range of benefits for frequent travelers. But that’s not all – Alaska will begin rolling out Starlink Wi-Fi across its entire fleet, offering passengers the opportunity to stay connected even at 30,000 feet. Let’s dive into the latest updates from both airlines and explore how these changes will impact travelers.

Southwest Airlines: A New Approach to Vacation Packages

For years, Southwest Airlines has been known for offering competitive flight deals and excellent customer service. Now, the airline is taking it a step further by allowing customers to book complete vacation packages through Getaways by Southwest. This new service allows travelers to bundle their air, hotel, rental car, and transportation for an all-in-one vacation package. In addition to simplifying the booking process, Southwest is offering customers extra perks: free checked bags, the ability to cancel with vacation credit, and the flexibility to change their plans without a change fee.

Key Benefits of Getaways by Southwest:

• Package Bundling: Airfare, hotels, car rentals, and transportation are all included, simplifying travel planning.
• Free Checked Bags: Travelers can check two bags free of charge, making it more affordable to travel with a family or for longer trips.
• Flexible Cancellations: Bookings can be canceled and refunded as vacation credit valid for 18 months, giving travelers peace of mind.
• Extra Loyalty Points: Travelers earn five Rapid Rewards points per dollar spent on vacation packages.

This move by Southwest comes as the airline faces increased competition and seeks to diversify its offerings, providing a more comprehensive service for families and travelers looking for convenience and added value.

Bay Area Route Reductions and New Destinations

In addition to offering vacation packages, Southwest announced cuts to certain Bay Area routes, which could impact travelers who regularly fly out of Oakland and San Francisco International airports. While specific routes were not disclosed, the airline has made it clear that some flights, particularly those from the Bay Area to destinations within the U.S., will no longer be available. This move aligns with the airline’s goal of optimizing its network and focusing on its most profitable routes.

However, Southwest has committed to reviving a key route between San Francisco International Airport and Texas, which is expected to offer increased flight frequencies and more flexible schedules. This change could benefit business travelers and tourists heading to popular Texan destinations such as Dallas and Houston.

Alaska Airlines: A New Era with Atmos Rewards and Starlink Wi-Fi

Alaska Airlines has also made waves in the industry this week, merging its Mileage Plan with Hawaiian Airlines’ HawaiianMiles to create the Atmos Rewards program. This new program introduces several innovations, including the ability for members to earn points based on distance traveled, price paid, or segments flown. Additionally, members will be able to redeem points not only for flights but also for hotel stays, rental cars, and Lyft rides, expanding the value of the rewards program.

A significant change that comes with Atmos Rewards is the introduction of a new tier of benefits for Alaska Airlines Visa cardholders, including access to airport lounges, waivers for baggage fees, and priority seating upgrades. These benefits aim to cater to both leisure and business travelers, providing a more seamless experience from booking to landing.

In a bid to enhance the travel experience further, Alaska Airlines also announced plans to equip its fleet with Starlink Wi-Fi, starting in 2024. This technology, developed by SpaceX, will allow travelers to enjoy high-speed, in-flight internet connectivity, a major improvement over the current offerings on most flights. Starlink service will be free for Atmos Rewards members, enhancing the appeal of Alaska Airlines for frequent flyers.

Delta Airlines and Clear’s Efforts to Improve the Travel Experience

In other industry news, Delta Airlines has turned to its customers for help in choosing its next European destination. SkyMiles members will be able to vote for one of three Mediterranean destinations, which include Sardinia, Ibiza, and Malta. The winning location will be added to Delta’s 2026 transatlantic schedule, providing travelers with more options for their European holidays.

Additionally, Clear and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) have introduced new eGates at three major U.S. airports—Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta, Washington Reagan National, and Seattle-Tacoma—aiming to speed up the security process for travelers. Clear members will be able to use facial recognition technology to pass through TSA checkpoints faster, significantly reducing wait times at busy airports.

Impact on Business and Tourism

For travelers, these changes bring multiple benefits, especially with the expansion of vacation package offerings by Southwest Airlines and the enhanced loyalty rewards by Alaska Airlines. The vacation package model allows tourists to save both time and money, with a seamless experience that combines flights, accommodation, and transport. The introduction of Starlink Wi-Fi on Alaska Airlines also adds value for business travelers who need reliable in-flight connectivity.

The Bay Area route reductions may cause inconvenience for some travelers, but the revival of the Texas route from San Francisco offers a new opportunity for those looking to travel to or from that region.

Quick Travel Tips:

• Check for New Deals: Southwest’s vacation packages are a great way to save money and simplify your travel plans. Check for package deals that include flights, hotels, and car rentals.
• Maximize Loyalty Points: If you’re an Alaska Airlines or HawaiianMiles member, don’t forget to explore the new Atmos Rewards program and its flexible earning options.
• Prepare for Enhanced Connectivity: Travelers flying with Alaska Airlines in 2024 will be able to enjoy the benefits of Starlink Wi-Fi, making long flights more productive and enjoyable.
• Vote for New Destinations: Delta Airlines is offering a unique opportunity for customers to influence the airline’s future routes. Be sure to participate in their voting system to choose the next European destination.

Conclusion: Shaping the Future of Air Travel

As Southwest and Alaska Airlines continue to innovate with new offerings and strategic changes, travelers can look forward to a more flexible, convenient, and enjoyable flying experience. From new vacation packages to better loyalty programs and in-flight Wi-Fi, the future of air travel is becoming more customer-centric, offering a host of benefits for both business and leisure travelers alike.