Southwest Airlines™ Launches Marine Fares and Transitions to Assigned Seating

31st July 2024

Here at Global Marine Travel (GMT), we strive to bring you the best travel options available to the maritime community, and we are thrilled to share some exciting updates from Southwest Airlines that directly benefit our valued marine travelers.

Introducing Marine Fares by Southwest™:

In an environment where some airlines have been reducing their content with regards to marine fares, a new entrant has come into the market, bringing a fresh marine fare program to GMT. Southwest Airlines is now offering Marine Fares, a special fare option designed to support the men and women of the maritime community with changeable, refundable fares with extra free baggage for seafarers. Unlike American Airlines, which has phased out their marine fares, Southwest™ is stepping up to fill the gap, and GMT is here to help you book these exclusive fares.

“GMT is proud to offer you access to Southwest’s marine fares for popular seafaring destinations, including Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean,” said Tim Davey, Founder and Managing Director of GMT. “This addition ensures that our customers have more options and greater flexibility when planning their travels both domestically and internationally.”

New Seasonal Routes:

The airline will also fly from multiple spots around the country to Palm Beach, Miami, and Palm Springs, California, starting in January 2025 and concluding in March. These seasonal routes include:

• Providence (PVD) to Palm Beach (PBI): up to 4 times weekly
• Columbus (CMH) to Miami (MIA): up to 6 times weekly
• Pittsburgh (PIT) to Miami (MIA): up to 6 times weekly
• Chicago (MDW) to Palm Springs (PSP): up to 4 times weekly

With these additional routes, GMT is excited to provide even more options for your travel needs.

Transition to Assigned Seating:

In another significant development, Southwest Airlines is transitioning from its well-known open seating policy to an assigned seating system. For years, Southwest has allowed passengers to choose their seats upon boarding, which has been a distinctive feature of the airline. Southwest plans to implement the assigned seating model gradually, ensuring a smooth transition for both Passengers and staff.

Looking Ahead:

These new initiatives from Southwest Airlines demonstrate their commitment to innovation and Customer-centric service. By offering Marine Fares for seafarers and transitioning to assigned seating, Southwest continues to evolve while maintaining its core values of affordability, convenience, and Hospitality.

At GMT, we are dedicated to providing you with the best maritime travel solutions. We are excited to bring you these new opportunities and are here to assist you in taking full advantage of Southwest Airlines’ enhanced offerings. Your travel experience from door to deck is our top priority, and we look forward to helping you navigate these exciting changes.  Click here to make a booking.