As Little As 32%: Southwest’s Routes With The Lowest Load Factors

Southwest is the US’s third-largest carrier by passengers. In the 12 months to February 2025, US Department of Transportation data shows it carried 173.4 million passengers. Only American Airlines (223.1 million) and Delta Air Lines (199.0 million) surpassed it. Southwest’s traffic was –1.8% lower compared to the year to February 2024, partly because of lower demand and greater uncertainty.