Southwest Airlines allows passengers to check up to two bags free of charge as long as they meet the airline’s size and weight requirements. Carry-on bags and personal items are also allowed but are subject to size restrictions. Passengers can review the full baggage policy on Southwest’s website and can purchase additional baggage allowance if needed.
How Do I Check-In for My Southwest Airlines Flight?
Southwest Airlines offers several options for check-in, including online check-in, mobile check-in, and airport kiosks. Passengers can also check in at the airport counter or curbside check-in. Check-in typically opens 24 hours prior to departure, and passengers are encouraged to check in as early as possible to ensure a smooth travel experience.
What Is Southwest Airlines’ Cancellation Policy?
Southwest Airlines offers a flexible cancellation policy that allows passengers to cancel their flight and receive a full refund in the form of travel credit as long as the cancellation is made at least 10 minutes prior to departure. Refunds can be used for future travel on Southwest Airlines and are valid for one year from the date of issue.
Key Information About Southwest Airlines
| Information | Data |
|---|---|
| IATA | WN |
| ICAO | SWA |
| Callsign | SOUTHWEST |
| Founded | March 16, 1967 |
| Commenced operations | June 18, 1971 |
| AOC # | SWUA135A |
| Hubs | – Dallas Love Field (DAL) |
| – Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) | |
| – Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) | |
| Bag information | – Carry-on Baggage: 1 bag + 1 personal item (free) |
| – Checked Baggage: $35 – $75 per bag, depending on route and time of booking | |
| Frequent-flyer program | Rapid Rewards |
| Alliance | None |
| Fleet size | 648 (as of March 2023) |
| Destinations | 105 (as of March 2023) |
| Parent company | None (Southwest Airlines is a publicly traded company) |
| Headquarters | Dallas, Texas |
| Key people | – Gary C. Kelly, Chairman and CEO |
| – Thomas W. Nealon, President | |
| Employees | 60,000+ |
| Website | https://www.southwest.com/ |
How Do I Change My Southwest Airlines Flight?
Passengers can change their Southwest Airlines flight online, through the mobile app, or by contacting Southwest’s customer service. Changes may be subject to fees or fare differences, depending on the fare class and the time of the change. Passengers are encouraged to review Southwest’s change policy before making any changes to their reservation.
What Are the Fees for Changing a Southwest Airlines Flight?
Southwest Airlines does not charge change fees for most fare classes, but passengers may be required to pay a fare difference if the new flight is more expensive than the original. Passengers who cancel their flight will receive travel credit in the amount of the original fare, which can be used towards future travel on Southwest Airlines.
What Is Southwest Airlines’ Customer Service Phone Number?
Southwest Airlines’ customer service can be reached at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) and is available 24/7. Customers can also contact Southwest Airlines through their website or mobile app or by visiting a Southwest Airlines ticket counter or airport kiosk.
What Is Southwest Airlines’ Boarding Process?
Southwest Airlines uses an open boarding process, where passengers are assigned a boarding group and number based on their check-in time. Passengers are then allowed to board the plane in numerical order, with earlier boarding groups allowed to choose their seats first. Southwest also offers a pre-boarding option for passengers who require additional assistance, such as those traveling with young children or individuals with disabilities.
What Are the Benefits of Southwest Airlines’ Rapid Rewards program?
Southwest Airlines’ Rapid Rewards program is a loyalty program that rewards frequent flyers with points that can be redeemed for free flights, hotel stays, rental cars, and other rewards. The program offers a range of benefits, including:
- No blackout dates or seat restrictions: Rapid Rewards members can use their points to book any available seat on any Southwest flight, with no blackout dates or seat restrictions.
- Companion Pass: Rapid Rewards members who earn 125,000 qualifying points or fly 100 qualifying one-way flights in a calendar year can earn a Companion Pass, which allows them to bring a designated companion on any flight for free (excluding taxes and fees).
- A-List and A-List Preferred status: Rapid Rewards members who earn 25,000 qualifying points or fly 25 qualifying one-way flights in a calendar year can earn A-List status, which offers priority boarding, priority check-in and security lane access, and free same-day standby. Members who earn 70,000 qualifying points or fly 50 qualifying one-way flights in a calendar year can earn A-List Preferred status, which offers additional benefits like free in-flight Wi-Fi and bonus points.
- Points earning: Rapid Rewards members earn points for every dollar spent on Southwest flights, as well as for spending with Southwest’s partners, such as hotels, car rental agencies, and credit card companies.
What Is Southwest Airlines’ Pet Policy?
Southwest Airlines allows small vaccinated dogs and cats to travel with their owners in the cabin on most domestic flights for a fee of $95 each way. The pet carrier must be able to fit under the seat in front of the passenger and cannot exceed 18.5″ x 8.5″ x 13.5″. Only one pet per passenger is allowed. Some restrictions apply, and passengers are encouraged to check with Southwest Airlines for specific details.
What Is Southwest Airlines’ Seating Policy?
Southwest Airlines has an open seating policy, which means that passengers are not assigned seats and can choose any available seat on the plane. Passengers are assigned a boarding group and a number based on their check-in time and board the plane in numerical order. Passengers who pay for EarlyBird Check-In or have A-List or A-List Preferred status can board before their assigned boarding group.
What Is Southwest Airlines’ Flight Status Policy?
Southwest Airlines offers several ways for passengers to check their flight status:
- Online: Passengers can check their flight status on the Southwest Airlines website by entering their flight information or by logging into their Rapid Rewards account.
- Mobile app: Passengers can download the Southwest Airlines mobile app to check their flight status and receive notifications about delays or cancellations.
- Text alerts: Passengers can sign up to receive text alerts about their flight status by visiting the Southwest Airlines website or contacting customer service.
- Airport screens: Passengers can check flight status updates on screens located throughout the airport.
What Is Southwest Airlines’ Carry-On Policy?
Southwest Airlines allows passengers to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item (such as a purse or laptop bag) onboard free of charge. The carry-on bag must not exceed 10 x 16 x 24 inches, and the personal item must fit under the seat in front of the passenger. Passengers are responsible for placing their own carry-on items in the overhead bin and are encouraged to do so quickly to ensure a timely departure.
Busiest Domestic Routes For Southwest Airlines
| Rank | City/Airport (From) | City/Airport (To) | Passengers | Baggage (tons) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Las Vegas McCarran International | Los Angeles International | 2,352,000 | 11,952 |
| 2 | Chicago Midway International | Denver International | 2,104,000 | 8,799 |
| 3 | Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall | Chicago Midway International | 1,987,000 | 8,218 |
| 4 | Phoenix Sky Harbor International | Los Angeles International | 1,947,000 | 9,555 |
| 5 | Denver International | Phoenix Sky Harbor International | 1,895,000 | 9,189 |
| 6 | Los Angeles International | San Francisco International | 1,888,000 | 9,017 |
| 7 | Dallas Love Field | Houston William P. Hobby | 1,882,000 | 7,802 |
| 8 | Denver International | Dallas Love Field | 1,806,000 | 7,787 |
| 9 | Dallas Love Field | Chicago Midway International | 1,693,000 | 6,907 |
| 10 | Houston William P. Hobby | Dallas Love Field | 1,630,000 | 6,696 |
What Is Southwest Airlines’ In-Flight Entertainment Policy?
Southwest Airlines does not offer seatback screens or in-flight entertainment on its flights. However, passengers are encouraged to bring their own electronic devices and use the airline’s free in-flight Wi-Fi to stream movies, TV shows, and other content.
What Is Southwest Airlines’ Group Travel Policy?
Southwest Airlines offers group travel options for parties of 10 or more passengers. To book a group trip, you can call Southwest Airlines’ Group Travel Desk at 1-800-433-5368 or submit a group travel request online. Benefits of group travel with Southwest include discounted fares, flexible payment options, and the ability to hold seats without full payment upfront.
What Is Southwest Airlines’ Senior Discount Policy?
Southwest Airlines offers senior fares for passengers 65 years and older. These fares are fully refundable and do not require advance purchase. Senior fares can be booked online or by calling Southwest Airlines’ Customer Service at 1-800-435-9792.
What Is Southwest Airlines’ Military Discount Policy?
Southwest Airlines offers a military discount for active duty military personnel and their dependents. The discount is applied to the base fare and can be booked online or by calling Southwest Airlines’ Customer Service at 1-800-435-9792. Military personnel must provide their government-issued ID at check-in to receive the discount.
What Is Southwest Airlines’ Refund Policy?
Southwest Airlines offers refunds for non-refundable fares in the form of travel credits or cash refunds. Refunds can be requested online or by calling Southwest Airlines’ Customer Service at 1-800-435-9792. Refunds are subject to the fare rules and restrictions of the ticket purchased.
What Is Southwest Airlines’ Travel Funds Policy?
Southwest Airlines offers travel funds as a form of payment for future travel. Travel funds are issued when a ticket is canceled or changed and can be used for up to one year from the original date of purchase. Travel funds can be redeemed online or by calling Southwest Airlines’ Customer Service at 1-800-435-9792.
Southwest Airlines Fleet Details
| Aircraft | Current Fleet | Stored / Scrapped | History | On Order | Total | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boeing 737-700 | 497 | – | 1997-2022 | – | 497 | 18.3 years |
| Boeing 737-800 | 207 | – | 2012-2022 | – | 207 | 9.2 years |
| Boeing 737 MAX 7 | 34 | – | 2019-2022 | 166 | 200 | 0.7 years |
| Boeing 737 MAX 8 | 34 | – | 2017-2022 | 246 | 280 | 2.4 years |
| Total | 772 | – | 412 | 1,184 | 10.1 years |
How Do I Book a Flight with Southwest Airlines?
Flights with Southwest Airlines can be booked online at southwest.com, through the Southwest mobile app, or by calling Southwest Airlines’ Customer Service at 1-800-435-9792. To book a flight, you will need to provide your travel dates, destination, and payment information.
What Is Southwest Airlines’ Check-In Policy?
Southwest Airlines offers online check-in, mobile check-in, and self-service kiosk check-in at the airport. Online check-in is available 24 hours prior to departure and closes one hour before departure. Passengers who check in online can print their boarding pass or receive a mobile boarding pass on their smartphone. Self-service kiosk check-in is available at the airport and closes 30 minutes before departure.
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