Google Flights is now displaying Southwest flight inventory.
The inclusion is noteworthy since the airline doesn’t work with other travel metasearch sites, including major players Kayak and Skyscanner. Southwest also doesn’t distribute through online travel agencies.
Shoppers using Google Flights can now see Southwest flight times and fares, and with one click can see more detailed pricing options for Southwest’s four fare products. A second click will take the shopper to Southwest’s website, where a booking can be transacted.
In statement, Southwest said the Google displays extend the reach of Southwest.com.
“We’re excited to continue finding ways to expose more consumers to the appeal of our unique combination of value, friendly and flexible policies, and a breadth of flight service that’s built around the more than 800 nonstop routes Southwest will offer this peak summer travel season,” the carrier said.
Katy Nastro, spokeswoman for the subscription service Going, which alerts members to airfare bargains, said the move is significant for Southwest.
“They have never in their history opted to display fares with an option to book through. Southwest has always been an outlier, ” she said.
Nastro added that consumers, many of whom begin flight searches with Google Flights, will benefit from the change by being able to more easily compare prices and schedules across carriers.
Southwest CEO Bob Jordan said last month that the airline is looking for ways to increase revenue, including the evaluation of cabin and seating initiatives to make more money.