Dallas – October 12, 2026 -- Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) will add a Business Priority product to corporate travel agreements in early 2027 and open new NDC distribution channels, starting with an in-house API direct connect expected by the end of 2026.
Business Priority to enter corporate agreements in early 2027
Business Priority will be an optional inclusion in corporate travel agreements for qualified customers. Travelers at participating companies are to receive preferred reaccommodation, standby and boarding benefits aimed at easing day-of-travel disruption.
Aileen Furlong, Vice President of Sales, said the offering builds on earlier product upgrades. These include assigned and Extra Legroom seating, in-seat power, Starlink WiFi on select aircraft, larger overhead bins and international partnerships.
In-house API direct connect expected by end of 2026
Southwest is introducing New Distribution Capability (NDC) connectivity so that its fare products and seating ancillary services reach customers through the channels they already use. The carrier is evolving its in-house API into a direct-connect option for partners, expected by the end of 2026.
Amadeus Altéa NDC to follow later in 2027
Southwest has selected Amadeus Altéa NDC, which delivers personalized offers through third-party tools, including the Amadeus Travel Platform. That option is expected later in 2027.
Meg O'Keefe, Senior Vice President, Airlines, Americas at Amadeus, said "NDC adoption continues to accelerate across corporate travel." She said travel management companies and business travel agencies need airline content inside existing workflows, including booking and servicing, to run modern managed travel programs.
The rollout is staged. The direct API comes first, Business Priority follows in early 2027, and the Amadeus channel arrives later that year.