Southwest Airlines Considers Boeing 787s for Long-Haul Flights

Southwest Airlines is reportedly considering acquiring dozens of Boeing 787 jets to launch long-haul international flights. The airline is studying how quickly these wide-body aircraft could be obtained, including through lessors or the secondary market, as Boeing's 787 production is effectively sold out through the end of the decade. Southwest may need Boeing to release earlier delivery slots or pursue acquisition via lessors or the used market to expedite delivery. No final decision has been made on a Boeing 787 order by Southwest Airlines.

Strategic goals behind the potential long-haul shift

The aim of potential long-haul service is to give Southwest customers fewer reasons to book with competitors and strengthen the Rapid Rewards loyalty programme. Southwest’s goal is to serve up to a dozen long haul destinations to take flyers where they want to go and enhance Rapid Rewards. The airline’s leadership seeks to avoid competing directly with legacy carriers’ global networks. Instead, it is targeting select high-demand routes. Launching long haul service is intended to reduce customer leakage to competitors and boost loyalty program value. Southwest CEO Bob Jordan has stated the goal is not to build a long-haul network comparable to American, Delta, or United, but to serve up to a dozen long-haul destinations.

Hub and operational challenges for long-haul service

Operational fit at hubs like Baltimore is being assessed. Baltimore is considered the most logical gateway for transatlantic routes to Europe. In contrast, Dallas Love Field and Chicago Midway are not ideally suited for long haul flying. Denver and Las Vegas are noted as too far west to generate strong European demand if serving each market from only one point.

Broader industry and internal constraints

Southwest faces several broad challenges for any long-haul strategy. Operating outside joint venture arrangements is identified as one of three key hurdles. Long-haul international flying is dominated by joint ventures involving American, Delta, and United with partner carriers. Managing seasonal demand and structural limitations of key hubs are the other two challenges identified. Demand for Southwest long haul flights may be seasonal, with summer Europe travel being a priority. Winter demand for long haul destinations like South America and the South Pacific is less robust among Southwest’s customer base. The airline’s Fleet Oversight Committee, formed in 2025, is assessing feasibility. Southwest’s board ultimately has the final say on fleet decisions.

Context of Southwest’s ongoing transformation

This potential shift continues Southwest’s evolution beyond its traditional policies. The airline has already upended founding principles by introducing assigned seating, extra legroom options, checked baggage fees, and plans for airport lounges. These policy changes support the strategic pivot toward long-haul flying. Travelers may soon book long haul flights directly with Southwest and earn or redeem Rapid Rewards miles on transatlantic routes. This shift could alter loyalty program value and pricing dynamics, with Southwest potentially undercutting competitors on select seasonal routes. Southwest’s board will make the final decision on fleet acquisition, including any potential Boeing 787 order, following assessment by the Fleet Oversight Committee.