The Business StudyHow Southwest makes money
Southwest brought in $28.1 billion in revenue in 2025 and kept $441 million as profit: $1.57 of every $100. Its biggest source of money was Tickets, at $20.4 billion (72% of the total).
From Southwest's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025. Page updated November 8, 2026.
Out of every $100 Southwest took in, it kept
Where Southwest's money comes from. 5 lines in its 10‑K.
6 years of Southwest's revenue and profit.
Fiscal years as Southwest reports them; the latest ended December 31, 2025. Profit is net income.
Quick answers about Southwest.
How does Southwest make money?
Southwest sells airline tickets, plus loyalty program revenue, bag and seat fees, and cargo. The biggest line in its latest 10-K is Tickets ($20.4 billion).
How much money does Southwest make a year?
$28.1 billion in revenue in 2025, and $441 million in net profit. That's up 2% from the year before.
Is Southwest profitable?
Yes. Southwest made $441 million in net profit in 2025, which is $1.57 of every $100 it took in. It lost money in 2020.
Is Southwest growing?
Yes. Revenue went from $9.0 billion in 2020 to $28.1 billion in 2025, up 210%.
Compare Southwest.
Compare
Southwest vs Delta
Pick any two companies and see who makes more.
CompareCompare
Southwest vs United Airlines
Pick any two companies and see who makes more.
CompareSource: Southwest Airlines Co., annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, filed with the SEC on February 5, 2026.
Revenue, profit and the breakdowns are the numbers the company reported in that filing (its XBRL data). Profit means net income; "operating profit" means operating income. Nothing on this page is estimated.