Southwest Considering the Boeing 787 for International Flights?

So, it looks like Southwest Airlines might be eyeing the Boeing 787 Dreamliner for their first widebody aircraft. They're thinking about getting into long-haul international flights, which is a big shift from their all-737 fleet. Honestly, I'm curious how this will play out. The Dreamliner seems like a solid choice for long-distance routes. But introducing a new aircraft type is a huge step - training, maintenance, all that jazz.

I think it's interesting that Southwest might be trying to compete more directly with big players like Delta or United on international flights. But would they really dive into a ton of new destinations, or just a few key markets? Also, with Boeing's production slots full for a while, I wonder how soon we might actually see these planes in Southwest's livery. Leasing might be their best bet to kick things off sooner.

What do you guys think? Is the 787 the right move for Southwest, or should they consider something else? Would you be excited to fly long-haul with them?

Going for the 787 is a bold move for Southwest. It'll definitely change their whole operation. But yeah, the logistics of switching from an all-737 fleet to include widebodies is massive. I wonder if it's worth the headache for them. The 787's range is great, but maybe starting with leased planes makes more sense to test the waters. Also curious about their choice of routes. Would they stick to popular ones or try something different?

I think it's a bold move, but honestly, I'm a bit skeptical. Southwest has built their brand on simplicity and efficiency with the 737-only model. Adding the 787 would be a massive shift in operations. Maybe they should consider something smaller like the 767 or even the A321XLR for medium-long hauls first. Plus, with Boeing's backlog, they might not get those Dreamliners for years without leasing. Would they really wait that long?

If Southwest goes for the 787, it's gonna be a huge change for them. I wonder how their loyal customer base will feel about longer flights and possibly higher fares. They've always been about those short, cheap hops. I think starting with a few key international routes makes sense, especially where they have strong demand. But yeah, leasing might be their fastest way to get those Dreamliners in the air. Anyone know what routes they might be targeting first?

I'm curious how Southwest would handle customer expectations on long-haul flights. Their current model is pretty no-frills, which works for short hops, but international flights might need a different approach. Would they add more amenities, or stick to their current style? Also, the 787 is a sweet plane for long distances, but I wonder if they've considered the A330neo. Might be cheaper and quicker to get. Anyone else think that could be a better fit?