How do I track an AWB number starting with 526?

Enter your full 11-digit AWB number (526-XXXXXXXX) in the tracker at the top of this page. TraceAWB will instantly open Southwest Airlines's official cargo tracking page with your shipment pre-loaded.

What if my AWB prefix doesn't match any airline?

If your AWB prefix does not match a known airline, it may be a House AWB (HAWB) issued by a freight forwarder rather than the actual airline. For tracking on the airline's official portal, you need the Master AWB (MAWB), which your freight forwarder can provide.

Prefix Decoded

What is AWB Prefix 526?

Q: What airline has AWB prefix 526?

AWB prefix 526 belongs to Southwest Airlines (IATA code WN), based in United States. All air waybills issued by Southwest Airlines start with 526-XXXXXXXX.

Q: How many digits is an IATA AWB prefix?

An IATA AWB prefix is always exactly 3 digits (000–999). It is the first part of an 11-digit air waybill number in the format XXX-XXXXXXXX. Prefix 526 belongs to Southwest Airlines.

Q: Is 526 the only AWB prefix for Southwest Airlines?

Yes, 526 is the IATA-assigned AWB prefix exclusively for Southwest Airlines. Each IATA member airline has a unique 3-digit prefix. Southwest Airlines's prefix is 526, so all their air waybills follow the 526-XXXXXXXX format.

AWB prefix 526 is the IATA-assigned airline identification code for Southwest Airlines (WN), based in United States. Every air waybill issued by Southwest Airlines begins with the digits 526, followed by a hyphen and an 8-digit shipment serial number — giving a total of 11 digits in the format 526-XXXXXXXX.

When you see a cargo AWB beginning with 526, you can be certain it was issued by Southwest Airlines or by a freight forwarder acting on their behalf. Southwest Airlines operates as a Scheduled Cargo & Passenger Network, with its primary hub at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta (ATL). Typical air transit times range from 1 to 3 business days depending on origin and destination.

The IATA prefix system assigns a unique 3-digit code to every member airline, ensuring there is no ambiguity in airway bill identification across the global air freight network. Prefix 526 is exclusively reserved for Southwest Airlines and cannot be used by any other carrier. For detailed shipment status, use the tracker above to reach Southwest Airlines's official tracking portal instantly.

Prefix 526 — Quick Reference

Prefix Number526

Airline

Southwest Airlines

IATA CodeWN

ICAO CodeSWA

CountryUnited States

HubHartsfield–Jackson Atlanta (ATL)

AWB Format526-XXXXXXXX

Cargo TypeScheduled Cargo & Passenger Network

Transit Time1–3 days

Official SiteVisit

Format Guide

How to Read an AWB Starting with 526

The 11-digit IATA airway bill number is split into two parts separated by a hyphen. The first three digits (526) tell you instantly which airline issued it.

526

Airline Prefix
→ Southwest Airlines

-

12345678

Shipment Serial
(8 digits)

526 always identifies Southwest Airlines as the issuing carrier. The 8-digit serial is unique to each shipment. Together: 526-12345678 is a complete, valid Southwest Airlines airway bill.

Prefix Lookup

Look Up Any AWB Prefix

Have a different AWB prefix? Enter any 3-digit IATA prefix below to identify the airline and get instant tracking.

Enter Any AWB Prefix

Type the first 3 digits of your airway bill number

Prefix Range 500–599

AWB Prefixes Near 526

Not sure you have the right prefix? Browse nearby IATA AWB prefixes to find the correct airline for your air waybill.

Prefix	Airline	Country	IATA	Track
516	Akasa Air	India	QP	View
518	Canadian North	Global	5T	View
521	Airhub Airlines	Malta	RE	View
526 You are here	Southwest Airlines	United States	WN	Track
536	Norse Atlantic UK	Global	Z0	View
546	Afriqiyah Airways	Global	8U	View
547	Avianca Ecuador	Ecuador	2K	View
549	LATAM Cargo Brasil	Brazil	M3	View

Browse by Range

All AWB Prefix Ranges

IATA assigns AWB prefixes across the full 000–999 range. Browse all prefixes by range to find any airline.

000–099 100–199 200–299 300–399 400–499 500–599 600–699 700–799 800–899 900–999

← See the full AWB prefix index (all 440+ airlines)

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about AWB Prefix 526

What airline has AWB prefix 526? +

AWB prefix 526 belongs to Southwest Airlines (IATA code WN, ICAO code SWA), based in United States. All air waybills with this prefix follow the format 526-XXXXXXXX and were issued by Southwest Airlines or by a freight forwarder on their behalf.

How do I track an AWB starting with 526? +

Enter your full 11-digit AWB number — 526-XXXXXXXX — into the tracker at the top of this page and click "Track". TraceAWB identifies prefix 526 as Southwest Airlines and opens their official cargo tracking portal with your shipment pre-loaded.

What does AWB prefix 526 mean? +

In the IATA air cargo numbering system, the first three digits of any air waybill identify the issuing airline. Prefix 526 is exclusively assigned to Southwest Airlines. The remaining eight digits (after the hyphen) are the unique shipment serial number assigned to your individual cargo. The two parts together form a globally unique shipment identifier: 526-XXXXXXXX.

How many digits is an IATA AWB prefix? +

An IATA AWB prefix is always exactly 3 digits (ranging from 000 to 999). It forms the first part of an 11-digit air waybill number in the standard format XXX-XXXXXXXX. Prefix 526 identifies Southwest Airlines. IATA maintains a registry of all assigned prefixes and each is unique to one airline.

What is the difference between a Master AWB and a House AWB? +

A Master Air Waybill (MAWB) is issued by the airline — in this case Southwest Airlines — directly to the freight forwarder. It begins with the airline's prefix: 526. A House Air Waybill (HAWB) is issued by the freight forwarder to the individual shipper and uses the forwarder's own numbering system. For tracking on Southwest Airlines's official portal, you need the MAWB starting with 526-. If you only have a HAWB, ask your freight forwarder for the corresponding MAWB.

Is 526 the only AWB prefix for Southwest Airlines? +

Yes. 526 is the single IATA-assigned AWB prefix exclusively for Southwest Airlines. IATA assigns one unique 3-digit prefix per airline. No other carrier uses prefix 526, so whenever you see an airway bill starting with 526, it is guaranteed to be a Southwest Airlines shipment.

What if my 526 AWB shows no tracking status? +

Tracking status for a 526 AWB may not appear immediately after booking. It becomes visible only after the cargo has been physically accepted at a Southwest Airlines cargo terminal and the AWB has been activated in their system. This typically takes 2–8 hours after acceptance. If your AWB still shows no status after 12 hours, contact Southwest Airlines cargo customer service or your freight forwarder directly.