Ready to embark on a journey with Southwest Airlines? Perhaps you've heard whispers of their unique boarding process, generous baggage policy, or their famous "LUV" culture. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about flying Southwest, from booking your ticket to stepping off the plane, ensuring you have a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.
Let's dive in!
Step 1: Understanding the Southwest Difference - Is It For You?
Before you even think about booking, let's understand what makes Southwest Airlines stand out. Unlike many traditional airlines, Southwest operates with a slightly different philosophy. They pride themselves on being a low-cost carrier with a focus on customer service and flexibility.
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No Assigned Seating (for now!): This is perhaps the most distinctive feature. Southwest doesn't assign seats. Instead, they use an "open seating" policy, where you choose your seat once you board the plane. While there have been discussions about potential changes to this policy, as of mid-2025, it remains a core part of the Southwest experience.
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Two Free Checked Bags: A huge perk! Most other airlines charge for checked luggage, but Southwest allows every passenger to check two bags for free, provided they meet size and weight requirements. This can lead to significant savings, especially for families or those traveling for longer periods.
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No Change Fees: Life happens, and plans change. Southwest is incredibly flexible when it comes to modifying your flight. They generally do not charge change fees if you need to adjust your itinerary. You'll only pay the difference in fare if your new flight is more expensive. If it's less, you'll receive a flight credit.
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Point-Based Rapid Rewards Program: Their loyalty program, Rapid Rewards, is revenue-based, meaning you earn points based on the cost of your ticket, not the miles flown. These points can be redeemed for any available seat, with no blackout dates.
Engage: So, before we go any further, does the sound of "no change fees" and "two free checked bags" pique your interest? Or does the idea of open seating make you a little nervous? Let me know what your initial thoughts are!
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| How Are Southwest Airlines |
Step 2: Booking Your Flight – Finding the Best Deals
Southwest makes booking relatively straightforward, but there are a few things to keep in mind to maximize your value.
Sub-heading: 2.1 Exploring Fare Types
Southwest generally offers a few fare types, each with varying levels of flexibility and perks:
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Basic: This is their newest, most restrictive fare. As of May 28, 2025, Basic fares cannot be changed and are subject to the standard checked bag fees if you're not a Business Select customer or an A-List Preferred member. If you want to change a Basic fare, you'll need to upgrade it first.
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Wanna Get Away Plus®: Offers more flexibility than Basic, including transferrable flight credits if you cancel.
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Anytime: Provides even greater flexibility, including refundable options.
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Business Select®: Their premium fare, offering the most flexibility, including a guaranteed A1-A15 boarding position, priority check-in, and fully refundable tickets.
QuickTip: Pause after each section to reflect.
Sub-heading: 2.2 Hunting for "Ding" Fares and Sales
Southwest is known for its frequent sales, often referred to by some as "Ding" fares (though the airline doesn't use this term officially anymore). These can offer significant savings.
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Check the Low Fare Calendar: Southwest's website has a fantastic "Low Fare Calendar" feature that allows you to see the lowest available fares for an entire month, which is incredibly useful for flexible travelers.
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Sign Up for Email Alerts: Be sure to subscribe to Southwest's email list to be notified directly when sales are announced.
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Follow Social Media: Airlines often post flash sales on their social media channels.
Sub-heading: 2.3 Using Rapid Rewards Points
If you're a Rapid Rewards member, booking with points is seamless.
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Log In: Sign in to your Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com.
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Select "Points": When searching for flights, simply select the "Points" option instead of "Dollars."
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Redeem: The system will show you the point cost for available flights. Since there are no blackout dates, as long as a seat is for sale, you can book it with points.
Step 3: Mastering the Boarding Process – A Unique Experience
The Southwest boarding process is often what travelers are most curious about. It's different, but once you understand it, it's quite efficient.
Sub-heading: 3.1 Understanding Groups and Positions
Upon checking in (which we'll cover next!), you'll be assigned a boarding group (A, B, or C) and a position (1-60+). For example, you might be A35. This indicates your spot in the boarding line.
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Group A: Boards first, getting the pick of seats.
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Group B: Boards after Group A, still usually plenty of good seats.
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Group C: Boards last, might have limited seat choices, often in the middle or toward the back.
Numbered posts at the gate correspond to your position, making it easy to line up.
Tip: Rest your eyes, then continue.
Sub-heading: 3.2 Maximizing Your Boarding Position
Since there's no assigned seating, a better boarding position means a better chance of getting your preferred seat (window, aisle, or sitting with your travel companions).
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Check in Exactly 24 Hours Before: This is the most crucial step for getting a good boarding position. Southwest allows online check-in exactly 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure. Set a reminder!
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Purchase EarlyBird Check-In®: For a fee, Southwest will automatically check you in 36 hours before your flight, generally securing you an earlier boarding position than if you waited for the 24-hour mark. This is popular for those who don't want to worry about timing their check-in.
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Business Select Fares: As mentioned, Business Select fares automatically come with an A1-A15 boarding position.
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Upgraded Boarding: If available, you can purchase an upgraded boarding position (A1-A15) at the gate or through the app within 24 hours of departure.
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A-List/A-List Preferred Status: Elite Rapid Rewards members automatically receive preferential boarding.
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Family Boarding: If you're traveling with a child aged six or younger, you can board during Family Boarding, which occurs after the "A" group has boarded and before the "B" group begins. This allows families to sit together without needing an early boarding position.
Step 4: Baggage Policies – Pack Smart, Fly Free
Southwest's baggage policy is one of its most attractive features.
Sub-heading: 4.1 Carry-On Bags
Each passenger is allowed:
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One carry-on bag: Must fit in the overhead bin (maximum 24 x 16 x 10 inches).
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One personal item: Such as a purse, briefcase, or laptop bag, which must fit under the seat in front of you.
These are both free!
Sub-heading: 4.2 Checked Bags
QuickTip: Let each idea sink in before moving on.
This is where Southwest truly shines:
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Two Free Checked Bags: Every passenger can check two bags for free. Each bag must not exceed 50 pounds (23 kg) and 62 linear inches (length + width + height).
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Overweight/Oversize Bags: Fees apply for bags exceeding these limits.
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51-100 lbs (24-46 kg): $75 USD per bag
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63-115 linear inches: $75 USD per bag
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Additional Bags: For the third bag and any additional bags beyond the two free ones, a fee of $75 USD per bag applies.
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Sports Equipment: Most sports equipment is accepted and counts as one checked bag. Standard baggage fees may apply if they exceed weight or size limits.
Remember to always check the most current baggage policies on the official Southwest Airlines website, as these can occasionally change.
Step 5: The Inflight Experience – Friendly Skies and Practical Amenities
Once you're on board, Southwest aims for a comfortable and pleasant flight.
Sub-heading: 5.1 Seating and Cabin
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Single Cabin: Southwest aircraft are configured with a single economy cabin. There's no business or first class, ensuring a consistent experience for all passengers.
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Seat Pitch: While not the most spacious, Southwest seats are generally considered comfortable for a low-cost carrier, with an average seat pitch around 31-32 inches.
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Upcoming Cabin Refresh: Southwest is in the process of retrofitting their aircraft with new cabin designs that will include in-seat USB-A and USB-C ports, a welcome addition for charging devices.
Sub-heading: 5.2 Entertainment and Connectivity
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Free Inflight Entertainment: On Wi-Fi-enabled aircraft, Southwest offers a free Inflight Entertainment Portal. This includes a flight tracker, free texting (iMessage and WhatsApp), movies, and live TV.
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Wi-Fi Purchase: Internet access is available for a fee (currently $8 per device from takeoff to landing). A-List Preferred members and Business Select Customers receive free Wi-Fi.
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Bring Your Own Device: There are no seatback screens, so you'll need your own smartphone, tablet, or laptop to access the entertainment portal. Don't forget your headphones!
Sub-heading: 5.3 Food and Beverages
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Complimentary Snacks and Drinks: Southwest offers free non-alcoholic beverages and a selection of complimentary snacks on flights over 250 miles.
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No Full Meals: Unlike some full-service airlines, Southwest does not serve or sell full meals. If you anticipate being hungry, it's best to bring your own food or purchase something at the airport.
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Alcoholic Beverages: Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase.
QuickTip: Take a pause every few paragraphs.
Step 6: Customer Service and the "LUV" Culture
Southwest is renowned for its unique "LUV" culture, which emphasizes a friendly, fun, and people-first approach.
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Friendly Staff: Many passengers consistently praise Southwest's flight attendants and ground staff for their positive attitudes and helpfulness. They're known for their humor and willingness to go the extra mile.
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Problem Resolution: While customer service experiences can vary, Southwest generally aims to resolve issues fairly and efficiently, particularly given their flexible policies regarding changes and cancellations.
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Transparency: Southwest has historically prided itself on transparent pricing, avoiding many of the hidden fees common with other airlines.
Step 7: Post-Flight and Rapid Rewards Benefits
Your journey doesn't end when you deplane. Understanding Rapid Rewards and managing your account is key.
Sub-heading: 7.1 Earning Points
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Flying Southwest: Earn points based on the fare type and cost of your ticket.
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Southwest Credit Cards: Co-branded credit cards offer significant bonus points and perks like anniversary bonuses, upgraded boardings, and the coveted Companion Pass.
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Partnerships: Earn points with hotel and rental car partners, and through their shopping and dining programs.
Sub-heading: 7.2 Redeeming Points
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Flights: The primary way to redeem points is for Southwest flights, with no blackout dates.
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Merchandise/Gift Cards (Less Value): While you can redeem points for other things, flights typically offer the best value for your points.
Sub-heading: 7.3 Elite Status and the Companion Pass
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A-List and A-List Preferred: Achieve elite status by earning Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) through flights or credit card spending. Benefits include priority boarding, bonus points, same-day standby, and free Wi-Fi (A-List Preferred).
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Companion Pass: This is one of the most valuable perks in the airline industry. Once earned, it allows a designated companion to fly with you for just the cost of taxes and fees on any flight you take (whether you paid with cash or points) for the remainder of the year you earned it, plus the entire following calendar year. It can be earned through a high volume of flights or by accumulating a certain number of Rapid Rewards points (often boosted by credit card welcome bonuses).
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Southwest Airlines, starting with "How to":
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How to get a better boarding position on Southwest?
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Check in exactly 24 hours before your flight, purchase EarlyBird Check-In, buy a Business Select fare, or utilize elite status (A-List/A-List Preferred).
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How to change or cancel a Southwest flight?
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Most flights can be changed or canceled online or via the Southwest app up to 10 minutes before departure. You'll pay any fare difference for changes, or receive a flight credit if the new fare is lower. Basic fares require an upgrade to be changed.
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How to check bags for free on Southwest?
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Simply show up with your two checked bags (under 50 lbs and 62 linear inches each) and check them at the counter or curb. Southwest allows two free checked bags for every passenger.
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How to earn the Southwest Companion Pass?
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Earn 135,000 qualifying Rapid Rewards points in a calendar year (often achieved through a combination of flying and sign-up bonuses from Southwest co-branded credit cards) or fly 100 qualifying one-way flights.
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How to use Rapid Rewards points for flights?
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Log into your Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com, select the "Points" option when searching for flights, and choose any available flight, as there are no blackout dates.
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How to watch movies and TV on a Southwest flight?
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Connect to Southwest's onboard Wi-Fi (available on most aircraft) and access the Inflight Entertainment Portal through your personal device (smartphone, tablet, laptop). Download the Southwest app beforehand for the best experience.
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How to get Southwest customer service help?
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You can contact Southwest customer service via phone, social media, or their website's contact forms. Many common issues can also be resolved through their app or website.
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How to find Southwest's lowest fares?
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Utilize Southwest's "Low Fare Calendar" on their website, sign up for email alerts for sales, and consider flying on off-peak days or times.
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How to fly with a child on Southwest with family boarding?
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If you're traveling with a child aged six or younger, you and up to one other adult can board during Family Boarding, which takes place after Group A and before Group B.
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How to know if a Southwest flight has Wi-Fi?
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Most Southwest aircraft are Wi-Fi enabled. You can usually check the amenities listed for your specific flight on the Southwest app or website closer to your departure time, though it's generally safe to assume Wi-Fi will be available on the majority of their routes.
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