Southwest Airlines plans to add New Distribution Capability connectivity and a new preferred-access product dubbed Business Priority for corporate customers, the carrier announced Monday.
For NDC, Southwest is "evolving" its in-house API, and the new direct-connect option is expected to be available by the end of 2026. The carrier also has selected Amadeus' Altéa NDC solution for personalized and "enriched" offers for customers and their travelers through "the third parties of their choice," including the Amadeus travel platform. This option is projected to be available later in 2027.
Southwest in recent years has signaled its intention to offer NDC options through its established direct-connect channels, particularly after introducing new offers like assigned and extra-legroom seating.
Business Priority, set to debut in early 2027, according to Southwest, will be an option for inclusion in corporate travel agreements for qualified customers. The product will provide "eligible business travelers with day-of-travel assistance" and access to preferred reaccommodation, standby and boarding benefits.
Southwest Business is "building on" the carrier's new products, along with its new international partnerships and planned Starlink Wi-Fi access, "by making it easier for corporate buyers to access these enhancements through expanded distribution options and priority travel from booking to boarding," Southwest Business VP of sales Aileen Furlong said in a statement.