Southwest Blames Partners, Canadians Avoid the U.S. and Indian Women Lead

Good morning from Skift. It’s Thursday, March 13. Here’s what you need to know about the business of travel today.

Southwest Airlines expected to get a boost from displaying its flights on Google Flights, Kayak, and Expedia for the first time. But those anticipated gains never materialized, writes Executive Editor Dennis Schaal.

Southwest CEO Bob Jordan said at a conference this week that those disappointing results drove the carrier to reverse its longtime “bags fly free policy.” Southwest’s app and website had largely been the only place for leisure travelers to book its flights online until 2024.  

Jordan added Southwest would continue to add other online travel agencies to its distribution channels if the company believed it would be cost-effective.  

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Next, Canadian visits to the U.S. have trended downwards since President Trump’s inauguration and announcements of tariffs, writes Global Tourism and Experiences Reporter Jade Wilson.

The number of Canadian residents returning from U.S. trips by car in January declined year-over-year for the first time post-pandemic, according to Canada’s official statistics bureau. In addition, Key Data, which tracks short-term rental data, found U.S. vacation rental managers have reported a decline in Canadian bookings. 

Canada is the top source of international visitors to the U.S., with more than 20 million visits last year. However, nearly half of Canadian travelers said in a recent poll they’re less likely to visit the U.S. in 2025 than last year. 

Finally, ahead of next week’s Skift India Forum, Asia Editor Peden Doma Bhutia and India Travel Reporter Bulbul Dhawan profile 10 up-and-coming women making waves in the country’s travel industry.

Those leaders include Marriott’s Area Vice President for South Asia Ranju Alex, who manages roughly 170 hotels across five countries. Rigzin Wangmo Lachic, the first female head of the All Ladakh Hotel and Guest House Association, has helped shape sustainable tourism practices in India and champions local women entrepreneurs.

Naomi Dias, the director of sales for FCM Travel India, said Indian women have made tremendous strides in the workplace. Roughly 40% of leadership roles at FCM Travel India are held by women.