Southwest Airlines has carved out a unique niche in the airline industry, known for its distinct approach to air travel. If you've ever wondered how Southwest Airlines works, from its boarding process to its generous policies, you're in the right place! We're about to take a deep dive into what makes Southwest tick and how you can best navigate their system for a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.
Let's begin! Have you ever flown Southwest before, or is this your first time exploring their unique approach to air travel? Either way, get ready to uncover all the ins and outs!
Step 1: Understanding the Southwest Philosophy – "Transfarency" and Point-to-Point
Southwest operates on a principle they call "Transfarency," which essentially means transparent and fair fares without hidden fees. Unlike many traditional airlines that use a hub-and-spoke model, Southwest primarily employs a point-to-point system.
The Point-to-Point Advantage
Instead of funneling all flights through major hubs, Southwest offers direct flights between cities. This often means:
Shorter travel times: Fewer layovers mean you get to your destination faster.
Reduced delays: Fewer connections can mean less chance of cascading delays.
Lower operational costs: By avoiding the complexities of hub operations, Southwest can keep its costs down, which often translates to lower fares for you.
Step 2: Booking Your Flight – Fare Types and Flexibility
Booking a flight with Southwest is straightforward, but understanding their fare types is key to maximizing your experience.
Southwest Fare Types
Southwest offers several fare options, each with different benefits:
Basic: This is their most affordable option, offering a seat on the plane, but with some restrictions on changes and standby options.
Wanna Get Away® Plus: A step up from Basic, offering more flexibility for changes and cancellations.
Anytime: This fare offers even greater flexibility, including refundable options and automatic EarlyBird Check-In.
Business Select®: The most premium fare, guaranteeing an A1-A15 boarding position, refundable fares, and free inflight Wi-Fi.
No Change Fees (Mostly!)
One of Southwest's most beloved policies is its absence of change fees. If your plans change, you can modify your flight without incurring a penalty, though a fare difference might apply. This offers incredible peace of mind for travelers. Note: Basic fares have some limitations on changes.
Step 3: Checking Bags – The Two Free Bag Policy
This is where Southwest truly shines for many travelers!
Generous Baggage Allowance
Southwest allows every passenger to check two bags for free, provided they meet the size and weight requirements (50 lbs and 62 linear inches per bag). This is a significant cost-saver compared to other airlines that charge for every checked bag.
Carry-On and Personal Items
You're also allowed one carry-on bag (that fits in the overhead bin) and one personal item (that fits under the seat in front of you). While Southwest doesn't specify a weight limit for carry-ons, you must be able to lift it into the overhead bin unassisted.
Step 4: The Unique Boarding Process – Open Seating and Boarding Groups
Southwest is famous (or infamous, depending on your preference!) for its open seating policy. This means there are no assigned seats when you book your ticket.
How It Works: Boarding Groups and Positions
Upon check-in, you'll be assigned a boarding group (A, B, or C) and a position (1-60+). Your boarding pass will display this combination (e.g., A35).
A Group: Boards first, giving you the best choice of seats and overhead bin space.
B Group: Boards next, usually still with a good selection of seats.
C Group: Boards last, and seat selection might be more limited.
Numbered poles in the gate area indicate where to line up. When your group is called, you find your designated spot and board in numerical order.
Maximizing Your Boarding Position
Since earlier boarding means better seat selection, here's how you can improve your position:
Check in early: The earlier you check in (exactly 24 hours before your flight), the better your boarding position will generally be. Set an alarm!
Purchase EarlyBird Check-In®: For a fee, Southwest will automatically check you in 36 hours before your flight, securing an earlier boarding position. This is especially useful if you can't check in precisely at the 24-hour mark.
Buy a Business Select® or Anytime Fare: These fares include priority boarding, often guaranteeing an A1-A15 position (Business Select) or an earlier position (Anytime, with included EarlyBird Check-In).
A-List and A-List Preferred Status: Elite members of the Rapid Rewards program automatically receive priority boarding.
Family Boarding: Families traveling with children aged six or younger can board between the A and B groups.
Preboarding: Customers with disabilities who need specific seating accommodations or assistance may preboard.
Note: Southwest is planning to begin offering assigned and premium seating in the second half of 2025, with operations beginning in 2026. This will be a significant change to their long-standing open seating policy.
Step 5: The Inflight Experience – Friendly Service and Free Entertainment
Once you're on board, Southwest aims for a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Friendly "Southwest Hospitality"
Southwest is renowned for its Customer Service-oriented approach and friendly flight attendants. This often contributes to a more relaxed atmosphere on board.
Snacks and Beverages
On flights over 250 miles, complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic beverages are offered. Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase.
Free Inflight Entertainment
Southwest offers free inflight entertainment through their Wi-Fi enabled aircraft. You can access movies, TV series, and live TV (where available) using your own device (laptop, tablet, or smartphone). There are no seatback screens.
Wi-Fi Connectivity
Wi-Fi access is available for a fee per device, though it's free for A-List Preferred members and Business Select Customers. Southwest is also beginning to roll out in-seat power (USB-A and USB-C ports) on its aircraft.
Step 6: Rapid Rewards – Earning and Redeeming Points
Southwest's loyalty program, Rapid Rewards, is highly regarded for its simplicity and value.
Earning Points
You earn points based on the fare type and the amount you spend on flights, not on miles flown. Higher fare types (like Business Select) earn more points per dollar. You can also earn points through:
Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards
Shopping with Rapid Rewards partners
Staying at partner hotels
Renting cars with partners
Redeeming Points
Rapid Rewards points are flexible and never expire. You can use them for any available seat on any Southwest flight with no blackout dates. The number of points required for a flight typically correlates with the cash price of the fare. You can also redeem points for gift cards, merchandise, hotel stays, and rental cars through their "More Rewards" program.
Companion Pass®
The Southwest Companion Pass is one of the most valuable airline perks available. If you earn a certain number of qualifying points or fly a specific number of qualifying one-way flights in a calendar year, you can designate one person to fly with you for free (plus taxes and fees) on any paid or Rapid Rewards redemption flight for the remainder of the year and the entire following calendar year.
Step 7: Changes and Cancellations – Flexibility is Key
Southwest's policies on changes and cancellations are generally very customer-friendly.
Changing Flights
As mentioned, Southwest generally does not charge change fees. You can typically change your flight online or via the app up to 10 minutes before your original scheduled departure time. If you change to a more expensive flight, you'll pay the fare difference. If you change to a cheaper flight, you'll receive a flight credit for the difference. Basic fares require an upgrade to Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, or Business Select to be changed.
Canceling Flights
Refundable Fares (Anytime, Business Select): If you cancel at least 10 minutes prior to departure, you're eligible for a full refund to your original form of payment.
Non-Refundable Fares (Wanna Get Away, Wanna Get Away Plus, Basic): If you cancel at least 10 minutes prior to departure, the funds are held as a flight credit (Southwest LUV Voucher) that can be used for future travel. These credits typically don't expire.
No-Show Policy: If you do not cancel your flight and do not show up, your funds or points may be forfeited.
Step 8: Customer Service and Support
Southwest prides itself on its customer service. If you encounter an issue, you can typically find assistance through:
Website and Mobile App: Many common tasks like changing flights, checking in, and managing reservations can be done online.
Customer Service Agents: Available at the airport and via phone.
Social Media: Southwest often has responsive social media teams.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check-in for a Southwest Airlines flight?
You can check in for your Southwest flight starting 24 hours before your scheduled departure time via the Southwest Airlines website or mobile app. This is crucial for getting an earlier boarding position.
How to get a better boarding position on Southwest?
To get a better boarding position, check in exactly 24 hours before your flight, purchase EarlyBird Check-In®, buy a Business Select® or Anytime fare, or achieve A-List or A-List Preferred status through the Rapid Rewards program.
How to use Southwest's open seating policy to my advantage?
Check in as early as possible (24 hours prior) to secure an A or early B boarding group, which gives you more choices for your preferred seat (window, aisle, or even an empty middle seat).
How to change or cancel a Southwest Airlines flight?
You can change or cancel most flights online or via the Southwest app up to 10 minutes before departure. For non-refundable fares, you'll receive a flight credit. For refundable fares, you can get a refund to your original payment method. Basic fares have specific rules for changes.
How to maximize the two free checked bags policy?
Ensure your checked bags adhere to the 50 lbs weight limit and 62 linear inches (length + width + height) per bag to avoid overweight or oversized fees. Pack smart and utilize this generous allowance!
How to earn points with Southwest Rapid Rewards?
You earn Rapid Rewards points by flying with Southwest (points earned based on fare type and cost), using a Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card, and through purchases with Rapid Rewards partners (hotels, car rentals, shopping portals).
How to get the Southwest Companion Pass?
To earn the Companion Pass, you need to earn 135,000 Companion Pass qualifying points or fly 100 qualifying one-way flights within a calendar year. Points earned from revenue flights, Rapid Rewards Credit Cards, and base points from partners count towards qualification.
How to access free inflight entertainment on Southwest?
You can access Southwest's free inflight entertainment by connecting to the SouthwestWiFi network (if available on your flight) and then navigating to the Inflight Entertainment Portal on your personal device (smartphone, tablet, laptop). No internet purchase is required for entertainment.
How to get Wi-Fi on a Southwest flight?
Wi-Fi is available for purchase on Southwest's Wi-Fi enabled aircraft for a flat fee per device. A-List Preferred Members and Business Select Customers receive complimentary Wi-Fi access.
How to find out about Southwest Airlines' new assigned seating policy?
Southwest has announced plans to introduce assigned and premium seating starting in the second half of 2025, with operations beginning in 2026. Stay updated by checking the official Southwest Airlines website or their news releases for specific details as they become available.
