Air Premia becomes first Korean carrier to launch interline partnership with Southwest Airlines

Air Premia announced the launch of an interline partnership with Southwest Airlines, becoming the first Korean airline to establish an interline partnership with the largest domestic carrier in the United States.

Under the new partnership, Air Premia passengers can travel seamlessly on a single ticket to more than 120 destinations across the Southwest network.

The two airlines will offer connecting services through Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Honolulu, enabling travelers from South Korea to conveniently reach destinations that currently have limited or no nonstop service from Korea, including Las Vegas, Chicago, Houston, Phoenix, Denver, Portland, and Nashville. Tickets for these new interline itineraries will be available beginning July 8 through travel agencies and online booking channels.

Southwest Airlines operates the largest domestic route network in the United States, serving destinations nationwide as well as 11 countries across North America, Central America, and the Caribbean.

This partnership strengthens Air Premia's connectivity beyond its U.S. West Coast gateways while expanding Southwest Airlines' access to travelers from South Korea and the broader East Asian market.

In accordance with U.S. entry regulations, passengers arriving from South Korea and connecting to another U.S. destination must claim their checked baggage and complete customs inspection at their first port of entry. However, passengers connecting from a Southwest Airlines domestic flight to an Air Premia international flight can check their baggage through to their destination, ensuring a more convenient and hassle-free travel experience.

"We are delighted to partner with Southwest Airlines, one of the largest domestic carriers in the United States," said Yoo Myung-sub, Chief Executive Officer of Air Premia. This partnership significantly expands travel opportunities for our customers, providing seamless access to more than 120 destinations across the Southwest network. We look forward to expanding this partnership and delivering even greater convenience and value to travelers across the Pacific."

"Similar to Southwest, Air Premia works to pair value and comfort with high-quality service for everyone onboard," said Andrew Watterson, Southwest Airlines Chief Operating Officer. "Air Premia becomes our latest partner in a portfolio that not only provides more potential global travel options for Southwest Customers, it also exposes more marketplaces overseas to our unmatched network in the United States and our world-famous Hospitality."

Air Premia currently maintains interline partnerships with Korean Air, Thai Airways, and T'way Air as part of its ongoing efforts to expand its global network.