Southwest Airlines
The low-budget flight provider, Southwest Airlines is one of the widely recognized airlines. It has affordable fare options, no-frills service, and customer-friendly policies. Founded in 1967, the airline has expanded its network to include more than 120 destinations across 42 states. Meanwhile, with a fleet of over 700 Boeing 737 aircraft, Southwest is now one of the largest domestic carriers in the United States, carrying more passengers than any other U.S. airline. Meanwhile, this guide is about this airline’s fare classes, baggage, seat selection and more.
Fare Classes
Southwest offers various fare options to passengers with various services and facilities. Additionally, the travellers choose their seats as per their fare type and boarding place. Meanwhile, passengers can also find the cheapest fare options as per their requirements by using Southwest Airlines Low-Fare calendar.
| Fare Type | Wanna Get Away | Wanna Get Away+ | Anytime | Business Select |
| Baggage | Passengers can carry 1st and 2nd checked baggage under the airline’s weight and size limit. | Travellers can carry 1st and 2nd checked baggage under the airline’s weight and size limit. | This fare guests can carry 1st and 2nd checked baggage under the airline’s weight and size limit. | Travellers can carry two checked baggage under the airline’s weight and size limit. |
| Boarding and check-in | – | – | Passengers get priority and express lane access. Additionally, they also get early bird check-in. | Guests get Priority boarding in the A1-A15 group. Additionally, they also get priority lane, express lane and early bird check-in service. |
| Refund | These fare tickets are non-refundable. Meanwhile, travellers are provided flight credit if they cancel flights. | Wanna Get Away+ fares are also non-refundable. However, the passengers are offered transferable flight credit if they cancel their flight reservations. | These fares are refundable. | Business Select are also refundable. |
| Flight change or cancel | For Southwest flight changes or cancellations, passengers don’t have to pay fees but they must pay the applied fare difference for the flight modifications. | These fare passengers can change flights on the same day for free. | ||
| Meals and Drinks | – | – | – | These fare holders are provided complimentary premium drinks. |
| Reward Points | Wanna Get Away fare holders earn 6 Rapid Rewards points per dollar for every qualifying flight. | Passengers can earn 8 Rapid Rewards points per dollar per qualifying flight. | Travellers can gain 10 Rapid Rewards points per dollar per qualifying flight. | Southwest Business Select fare guests can earn up to 12 Rapid Rewards points per dollar on each qualifying flight. |
Seating and Boarding Process
Southwest Airlines flights operate an open seating policy, meaning passengers can choose any available seat once they board. Meanwhile, travellers are provided with three types of seating options Standard Seats, Extra Legroom and Family boarding.
Boarding Process:
The boarding process on Southwest flights is different from the other airlines Passengers are given different boarding groups (A, B, or C) and a position number (1-60) according to their check-in time or purchased upgrades. Meanwhile, Travelers have to board in the order of Group A, Group B, and then Group C. However, early bird check-in is available for purchase, automatically securing an earlier boarding position.
Baggage Allowance
The airline has set some regulations regarding its baggage for the passengers’ convenience. Meanwhile, Southwest Airlines baggage allowance permits the travellers to carry two free checked bags. However, given below are the size and weight allowance for the different bags.
| Baggage Type | Checked bag | Carry-on baggage | Personal Item |
| Weight | Each bag weighs up to 50 pounds. | On Southwest Airlines flights Travellers can bring carry-on luggage and a small personal item. | |
| Size | Passengers can carry checked sizing total of 62 inches. | Travellers are allowed to take a carry-on baggage sizing up to 24 + 16 + 10. | – |
| Storage | – | Travellers must put their carry-on luggage in the overhead bin on the flight. | The personal items should easily fit under the passenger’s seat. |
| Oversize or weight bags | If the travellers carry plus three bags they have to pay $150 per bag. | – | – |
| Southwest charges $200 per bag as an oversized bag price. Additionally, the bag should be weighing up to 80 inches. | |||
| Meanwhile, for the bag Overweight between 51 – 70 lbs, passengers have to pay$150 per bag. Whereas for 71 – 100 lbs they have to pay$200 per bag. | |||
Southwest Airlines Check-in
For the travellers, Southwest has provided both online and airport check-in for its flights.
Online Check-In
For passengers flying on Southwest Airlines, online check-in is available on all flights. Additionally, travellers can check in online by visiting the airline’s website or mobile app. Meanwhile, online check-in opens 24 hours before to one hour prior to scheduled flight departure time.
Airport Check-In
Passengers can also get themselves checked in by visiting the dedicated check-in counters at the departure airport. Meanwhile, the airport check-in desk opens three hours prior the scheduled Southwest Airlines departure time. However, the check-in counter generally closes 30 minutes to one hour before the departure.
Others Services
Southwest Airlines also provides various services to travellers for a relaxing flight experience.
In-flight Entertainment
Southwest Airlines offers free onboard entertainment for the traveller’s fun and enjoyment. Additionally, they can watch live and on-demand TV, watch movies or listen to music on personal screens during the flights. Meanwhile, The airline’s WIFI is available on Southwest flights, all-day WiFi only costs $8. However, it’s free for free for the airline’s A-List Preferred members and business select passengers.
Food and Beverages
Southwest offers free soft drinks and coffee onboard but alcoholic drinks are available to buy. Meanwhile, peanuts and pretzels are free onboard. Additionally, the airline’s menu onboard is available on their website.
Pet Travel
Passengers are allowed to carry a small dog, cat or fully trained dog with them. Meanwhile, the travelling pet should follow all the Southwest pet policy regulations. However, they must be vaccinated and should be in the pet container whereas the service dog must have a valid certificate.
Special Services
Passengers having any kind of disabilities or mobility issues sare provided with special assistance during the travel. Additionally, Southwest offers services like medical supplies, wheelchair assistance, and more. Meanwhile, also helps unaccompanied minors, pregnant women and guests who have requested special services.
Frequent Flyer Programme
Southwest Airlines provides a frequent flyer programme known as Rapid Reward. Meanwhile, this loyalty programme membership holders can earn points by flying or spending with the airline’s partners. Additionally, they can use them how and when they want. Plus, if passengers have fewer points, so they can purchase more to get that reward they have been looking for.
Conclusion:
This blog is about Southwest Airlines including its fare type, check-in and on-board services. Meanwhile, you must go through Southwest’s terms and conditions before using its services and facilities. However, this airline also assists travellers regarding booking and cancellation.
FAQs- Frequently Asked Questions
We can reserve Southwest Flights by visiting its website or its mobile app. Meanwhile, the seats are not assigned during the booking, passengers can select them during boarding.
The airlines provide a boarding group and number as per their check-in. However, travellers can choose their seats according to their boarding group & number.
Southwest accepts the first two checked bags for free that do not exceed 50 lbs and 62 inches.
Southwest-operated flights currently have open seating. However, travellers can choose any seat as per their boarding position.
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