Southwest Airlines CEO Bob Jordan believes the low-cost carrier is well-positioned to compete in today's challenging climate.
In an exclusive interview with ABC News, the executive praised his airline's flexibility with its fleet in being able to offer "everyday low pricing."
When asked about the ongoing war in the Middle East, Jordan confirmed that rising operating costs will eventually be felt by passengers in the form of higher airfares.
"We don't control the war, we don't control fuel prices. If input costs come up and they stay there—it's like any other industry where supply chain costs rise," he said. "The fares will have to adapt, and therefore that'll affect the consumer."
So far, that hasn't impacted demand.
"It's very clear that consumers prioritize travel. They want to fly. They want travel. They want experiences. It's also really clear that the consumer is incredibly resilient," Jordan told ABC News.
As for navigating higher fares, the Southwest boss encourages travelers to be proactive when it comes to booking summer flights, securing their seat 90 days or more in advance to have the best shot at the best deal.
That's a significantly longer window than the typical 30-45 days out that many travelers book.
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