Southwest Airlines is weighing the Boeing 787 Dreamliner as its first widebody jet, according to reports on October 9, 2026, citing people familiar with the airline's fleet planning. A deal for dozens of 787s is reportedly under consideration, and no final decision has been made. Southwest hasn't announced an aircraft order.
What the Report Says
The 787 is reportedly the front-runner, but the details are still open:
- Southwest is said to be looking at leased or used 787s to get started sooner. New 787 delivery slots are reported to be sold out through the end of the decade.
- Airbus has reportedly pitched the A321XLR and the A330neo as alternatives.
- The reported timeline is about three years, and Southwest's board would have to approve any fleet decision.
Southwest flies only Boeing 737s today, so a widebody would be a first for the airline.
Why It Matters for Rapid Rewards
Southwest CEO Bob Jordan has talked about serving roughly 8 to 12 long-haul destinations rather than building a network the size of American's, Delta's or United's. The pitch is about keeping Southwest customers, and their Rapid Rewards points, on Southwest for trips they now book on other airlines.
It fits the airline's other recent moves. Southwest confirmed on September 2, 2026, that its first airport lounges will open in Austin, Baltimore, Honolulu and Nashville. For how the program works today, see our Southwest Rapid Rewards guide.
What Happens Next
There's nothing to book or change yet: no order and no launch date have been announced. An update may follow as soon as this week, and we'll add it here if Southwest confirms an order.
