This year, Southwest Airlines has been implementing some major changes, with another one coming August 19.
Some of the new initiatives, like ending the “Bags Fly Free” and unassigned seating policies, have not gone over well with customers. Early returns on the shuttering of several direct flights are not positive either.
Other programs seem to be faring better, including the airline’s new recent partnership with Priceline. This brings us to Getaways by Southwest, which will be fully unveiled on National Aviation Day, which is Tuesday, August 19.
The news about the Getaways program isn’t fresh; Southwest actually announced it last September. However, all of the details and destinations will be out Tuesday.
Southwest has been teasing the launch of Getaways by Southwest on Instagram over the last few days.
What is Getaways by Southwest?
Getaways by Southwest officially brings Southwest’s vacation service in-house. Previously, the operations for Southwest Vacations were outsourced to Apple Leisure Group.
Six markets– Las Vegas, Orlando, Hawaii, Cancun, Punta Cana, and Montego Bay–have already been announced.
“Getaways will launch with 30+ markets, including popular locations like Las Vegas, Orlando, Hawaii, Cancun, Punta Cana, and Montego Bay,” says the official Southwest website. “Confirmed partnerships include casino-hotel Caesars Entertainment, and all-inclusive brands Playa Hotels & Resorts and Sandos Hotels & Resorts, with more to come.”
What the service offers
Southwest executive vice president of transformation Ryan Green told Travel Weekly last September that Getaways by Southwest will offer a variety of benefits, including the ability to purchase packages using Rapid Rewards points.
Each customer will get two free checked bags, the ability to make changes to their flight up to 10 minutes before and the ability to cancel up to 10 minutes before and still receive a travel credit.
“It will be very friendly and flexible,” Green said.
Southwest will also have direct partnerships with hotels and ground transportation, opening the door for more potential customer rewards.
