If you're looking for the Southwest Airlines ATH Terminal it's important to know that Southwest Airlines does not operate at Athens International Airport (ATH) in Greece. Southwest is a low-cost airline based in the United States, and it mainly serves domestic routes along with a few international destinations close to the U.S., like Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America. Since Greece is located in Europe, Southwest has no direct flights or terminal at ATH. Travelers who wish to include Southwest in their journey will need to book a separate international airline to reach Greece. It's common to fly Southwest to a major U.S. hub, and from there, switch to an international carrier that operates flights to Athens.

Why Doesn’t Southwest Fly to Athens (ATH)?

Southwest Airlines has built its business around short- and medium-distance flights within North America. It operates efficiently in this market, keeping prices low and services simple. However, flying to Europe, including Greece, requires a different type of aircraft, international support systems, and partnerships. For now, Southwest does not serve any destinations in Europe, which is why there is no Southwest Airlines ATH Terminal at Athens International Airport. Passengers traveling to Greece need to book with airlines that offer transatlantic services, such as Delta, American Airlines, British Airways, Lufthansa, and more. These airlines provide full international service and operate regularly from major U.S. cities to Athens.

How to Plan a Trip to Athens with Southwest Airlines

Even though Southwest doesn’t fly directly to Athens, it can still be a part of your trip. For example, you can book a Southwest flight to a major U.S. airport like New York (JFK), Chicago (ORD), Boston (BOS), or Washington D.C. (IAD). From there, book a separate international flight to Athens with a different airline. Since Southwest doesn’t have codeshare agreements, these bookings must be made separately. Also, keep in mind that your luggage won’t transfer automatically—you’ll need to collect your bags and re-check them for your international flight. This process takes time, so make sure your layover between flights is long enough to avoid stress.

Airlines That Operate at ATH Instead of Southwest

Although there is no Southwest Airlines ATH Terminal, many reliable international carriers operate at Athens International Airport. These include Aegean Airlines (Greece’s flag carrier), Lufthansa, Emirates, Turkish Airlines, Delta, United, and Air France. These airlines provide direct connections from Europe, North America, the Middle East, and beyond. Aegean Airlines, in particular, offers many domestic flights within Greece and nearby European destinations. So, if you’re already in Europe, you can easily reach Athens from cities like London, Paris, Frankfurt, or Rome. Travelers coming from the U.S. should consider booking with major international carriers that fly nonstop or with one layover to ATH.

What to Expect at Athens International Airport (ATH)

Athens International Airport is Greece’s busiest and most modern airport. It provides a great travel experience for international visitors. Even though there is no Southwest Airlines ATH Terminal, the airport’s main terminal is well-equipped and handles both Schengen and non-Schengen flights. Services include free Wi-Fi, restaurants, coffee shops, duty-free shopping, lounges, ATMs, currency exchange, medical facilities, and more. The airport is easy to navigate, and English is widely spoken. Outside the terminal, travelers can find reliable transportation, including taxis, public buses, trains, and rental cars. Whether you're arriving or departing, ATH offers a smooth and comfortable airport experience for international travelers.

Transport Options from Athens Airport

Once you land at Athens International Airport, getting to the city center or other destinations is easy. While there’s no Southwest Airlines ATH Terminal, travelers can take advantage of various transport options available at the main terminal. The airport is connected to the city via metro (Line 3), suburban trains, express buses, and taxis. The metro ride to central Athens takes about 40 minutes. Express buses run 24/7, and taxis are available outside the arrivals area. For those planning to explore Greece by car, rental services are also available inside the terminal. Transportation at ATH is reliable and budget-friendly, making it easy to start your Greek adventure.

Can You Use Southwest Points for ATH Flights?

A common question among loyal Southwest customers is whether they can use Rapid Rewards points for international trips, like to Athens. Since there’s no Southwest Airlines ATH Terminal, the airline doesn’t allow booking to or from ATH using Southwest points. You can, however, use points for domestic travel to your international departure airport in the U.S. For example, fly from your home city to New York or Washington D.C. using points, then pay separately for your international ticket to Athens. It’s not a full award trip, but using points for part of your journey can still save you money and reduce your travel costs.

Important Tips When Booking Separately

When you use two different airlines—like Southwest for U.S. domestic travel and another carrier for international flights—it’s important to plan wisely. Since there’s no Southwest Airlines ATH Terminal, your connection will require extra steps. Always allow 3–4 hours between flights to collect baggage, go through security, and change terminals if necessary. If either flight is delayed, one airline won’t take responsibility for the other. Travel insurance is a good idea when booking separately. Also, print or download both boarding passes and keep your travel documents handy. With the right planning, using Southwest and another airline together can still be convenient and cost-effective.

Is a Layover in the U.S. Worth It?

Many travelers wonder if it's worth booking two separate tickets to include Southwest in their travel plans to Athens. While there’s no Southwest Airlines ATH Terminal, the airline is often more affordable for domestic U.S. routes. If you’re trying to save money or want to use points, it can make sense to fly Southwest to an international hub. Just remember the added responsibility—you’ll need to manage your luggage, keep track of flight times, and possibly switch terminals. If you’re comfortable with those tasks and give yourself enough time between flights, this kind of layover setup can be a great way to save.

What Makes Athens Airport a Good International Hub?

Athens International Airport is one of the best airports in Southeast Europe. It’s clean, modern, and has all the necessary services for international passengers. Even though there’s no Southwest Airlines ATH Terminal, the airport is easy to use and designed for smooth transitions. You’ll find fast check-in services, clear signage, and helpful staff. The airport’s layout makes it easy to transfer between flights or exit to the city quickly. Food options are great, and lounges are available for relaxing during layovers. With efficient security and customs processes, Athens Airport offers a pleasant start or end to your journey.

Conclusion: 

In conclusion, there is no Southwest Airlines ATH Terminal because Southwest Airlines does not fly to Athens or anywhere in Europe. However, you can still use Southwest for part of your travel by connecting through a U.S. hub. Just book a separate international ticket from cities like New York, Chicago, or Boston. Athens International Airport itself is excellent, with top services, good connections, and smooth operations. With smart planning, it’s easy to combine Southwest with another airline and reach Athens without issues. Always double-check flight times, terminals, and baggage rules—and you’ll enjoy a stress-free journey to Greece.