Hey there, fellow traveler! Ever dreamed of taking to the skies with Southwest Airlines, known for their friendly service and two free checked bags? Well, you're in the right place! Booking a flight shouldn't be a puzzle, and with this comprehensive guide, you'll be a Southwest pro in no time. Let's get you ready for your next adventure!
The Ultimate Guide to Booking Your Southwest Airlines Flight
Booking a flight on Southwest Airlines is generally a straightforward process, but knowing the ins and outs can save you time, money, and hassle. Unlike many other airlines, Southwest operates on a unique "open seating" policy, which means no assigned seats until you board, and their fare types have specific benefits. Let's dive in!
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| How To Book A Flight On Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Choosing Your Travel Method - Online, App, or Phone?
Before you even think about destinations, decide how you want to book. Southwest offers a few convenient options:
Online via Southwest.com (Recommended for most users): This is the most common and often the easiest way to book. The website is user-friendly and provides all the necessary tools at your fingertips.
Southwest Mobile App: Perfect for booking on the go! The app offers a streamlined experience and often mirrors the website's functionality.
By Phone (For specific needs or assistance): If you're booking for a large group, have complex travel needs (like an unaccompanied minor or a pet), or simply prefer to speak to a human, calling Southwest customer service is an option. Their agents can guide you through the process and address any specific concerns.
Pro Tip: For the quickest and most visual experience, we'll focus on booking via Southwest.com for this guide, as it's the most widely used method.
Step 2: Navigating the Southwest Airlines Website
Alright, let's get down to business!
2.1 Head to the Official Website
Open your preferred web browser and go to
2.2 Input Your Travel Details
On the homepage, you'll see a flight search widget. Here's what you'll need to enter:
Trip Type:
Round Trip: For travel to a destination and back to your original starting point.
One-Way: For travel to a single destination.
Multi-City: For itineraries with multiple stops or different arrival/departure cities. This is great if you want to explore several places on one trip!
Departure City/Airport: Start typing the city name or airport code (e.g., "Dallas" or "DAL"). Southwest's system will suggest airports as you type.
Arrival City/Airport: Similar to the departure city, enter your destination.
Depart Date & Return Date (for Round Trip): Click on the calendar icons to select your travel dates. The calendar is intuitive and will often highlight dates with special fares.
Passengers: Select the number of adults, children, and infants (lap or ticketed) traveling.
Promo Code (Optional): If you have a Southwest promo code, enter it here. This can unlock special discounts!
Show fares in points (Optional): If you're a Rapid Rewards member and want to see fares in points, check this box.
2.3 Search for Flights
Once all your details are entered, click the "Search Flights" button. The website will then take you to a page displaying available flights and fare options.
Tip: Read actively — ask yourself questions as you go.
Step 3: Choosing Your Flights and Understanding Fare Types
This is where you get to pick the flights that best suit your schedule and budget.
3.1 Reviewing Flight Options
You'll see a list of flights for your selected dates. Each flight typically shows:
Departure and Arrival Times: Pay close attention to these!
Flight Number: A unique identifier for the flight.
Duration: How long the flight will take.
Stops: Southwest is known for its many direct (nonstop) flights, but some routes might have stops.
Fare Types and Prices: This is crucial! Southwest offers different fare types, each with varying benefits and flexibility.
3.2 Deciphering Southwest's Fare Types
Southwest currently offers four main fare types, each designed for different traveler needs:
Basic: The most restrictive option. These fares are generally the lowest priced. They are non-refundable (except as allowed by the 24-hour cancellation policy) and flight changes require a fare upgrade. Flight credits expire after six months from the original booking date. You earn the fewest Rapid Rewards points with this fare.
Wanna Get Away+: A step up from Basic, offering more flexibility. You get a transferable flight credit (valid for 12 months from the original booking date) if you cancel. Changes are allowed with a fare difference, and you can get a free same-day confirmed change or standby (taxes/fees may apply). You earn more Rapid Rewards points than Basic.
Anytime: These fares offer significant flexibility. They are refundable to your original form of payment if canceled at least 10 minutes prior to departure. They also include EarlyBird Check-In (automatic check-in 36 hours before departure), free same-day change/standby, and priority lanes at check-in/security where available. You earn even more Rapid Rewards points.
Business Select: The premium option. This fare offers the most benefits and flexibility. It's fully refundable to your original form of payment, includes a guaranteed A1-A15 boarding position, EarlyBird Check-In, free same-day change/standby, priority lanes, and the highest Rapid Rewards points earning rate.
Important Note on Baggage: Historically, Southwest was famous for two free checked bags. However, for flights booked on or after May 28, 2025, bag fees may apply to Basic, Wanna Get Away+, and Anytime fares. Business Select still includes two free checked bags. Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred members also get two free checked bags, and A-List members and Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers get their first checked bag free. Always double-check the latest baggage policy on their website for the most up-to-date information.
3.3 Selecting Your Fare and Continuing
Once you've chosen your desired flights and fare types for both outbound and return (if applicable), click "Continue" or a similar button to proceed.
Step 4: Passenger Information and Add-Ons
Now it's time to provide details for each traveler and consider any optional extras.
4.1 Enter Passenger Details
You'll need to input the following information for each passenger:
First Name, Middle Name (optional), Last Name: Ensure these match the name on the government-issued ID you'll use for travel exactly. Mismatches can cause issues at the airport.
Date of Birth: Essential for all travelers.
Gender: Required information.
Rapid Rewards Number (Optional): If you're a Rapid Rewards member, enter your number to earn points on your flight. If you're not a member, you can easily sign up during this process or beforehand.
Contact Information: Provide an email address for confirmation and important flight updates, and a phone number.
4.2 Consider Optional Add-Ons
QuickTip: Take a pause every few paragraphs.
Southwest offers a few optional services you might want to consider:
EarlyBird Check-In: This is a popular add-on for Southwest flyers. For an additional fee (which varies, usually between $15-$99 per one-way flight), Southwest will automatically check you in 36 hours before your flight's departure, significantly improving your boarding position. Remember, Southwest has open seating, and boarding order is crucial for seat choice and overhead bin space!
Travel Insurance: Southwest partners with providers to offer travel insurance. Review the details carefully to see if it meets your needs.
Bags (if applicable): If you're not on a Business Select fare or don't have A-List status/Rapid Rewards credit card, you might need to pre-pay for checked bags here to save time at the airport.
Step 5: Payment and Confirmation
You're almost there! This is the final step to secure your booking.
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5.1 Review Your Itinerary
Before paying, carefully review all the details of your booking:
Flight dates and times
Departure and arrival airports
Passenger names
Fare types
Any selected add-ons
5.2 Choose Your Payment Method
Southwest accepts a variety of payment methods:
Credit/Debit Card: The most common way to pay.
Southwest LUV Vouchers: If you have these, you can apply them here.
Rapid Rewards Points: If you're redeeming points, ensure you've selected "Show fares in points" earlier and apply your points here. You can also do a "Cash + Points" booking.
Southwest Gift Cards: Another option for payment.
Enter your payment information securely.
5.3 Complete the Purchase
Once your payment details are entered and reviewed, click "Purchase" or "Complete Booking."
5.4 Confirmation!
Congratulations! You've successfully booked your Southwest Airlines flight. You'll receive a confirmation page with your confirmation number. Make sure to save this number! An email with your full itinerary and confirmation details will also be sent to the email address you provided.
Step 6: What Happens Next? (Pre-Flight Prep)
Booking is just the first step! Here's what to do as your travel date approaches:
QuickTip: Pause when something clicks.
6.1 Check-In Online (24 Hours Before)
Southwest's check-in window opens exactly 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time. This is critical for getting a good boarding position (unless you purchased EarlyBird Check-In).
Go to Southwest.com or use the mobile app.
Click on "Check In."
Enter your confirmation number and first and last name.
You'll receive your boarding pass with your assigned boarding group (A, B, or C) and position (1-60+).
You can print your boarding pass, download it to your mobile device, or have it sent via text.
6.2 Boarding (The Southwest Way)
Southwest famously has no assigned seats. Your boarding group and position determine when you get to board the plane.
Group A (1-60): Boards first, giving you the best choice of seats.
Group B (1-60): Boards after Group A.
Group C (1-60+): Boards last, leaving you with fewer seat options.
Listen for announcements at the gate and line up according to your group and position.
Enjoy Your Flight!
That's it! You're now fully equipped to book your next Southwest Airlines adventure. Remember to always check the latest policies on their official website, as they can change.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check my flight status on Southwest Airlines?
You can easily check your flight status on Southwest.com by clicking "Flight Status" and entering your flight number, route, or confirmation number. You can also use the Southwest mobile app.
How to change or cancel a Southwest Airlines flight?
You can change or cancel most Southwest flights online or through their mobile app under the "Manage Reservations" or "My Trips" section. The ability to change or cancel and receive a refund or flight credit depends on your purchased fare type. For non-refundable fares, you'll typically receive a flight credit if canceled at least 10 minutes prior to departure.
How to add EarlyBird Check-In to an existing Southwest reservation?
QuickTip: Short pauses improve understanding.
If available, you can add EarlyBird Check-In to an existing reservation on Southwest.com under the "Change/Cancel" or "Add Services" section, using your confirmation number and last name. It can be purchased up to 36 hours prior to your flight's scheduled departure.
How to earn Rapid Rewards points with Southwest Airlines?
You can earn Rapid Rewards points by flying on Southwest (points earned vary by fare type), using a Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card, shopping with Rapid Rewards partners, booking hotel stays, or buying points directly.
How to use Rapid Rewards points to book a Southwest flight?
When searching for flights on Southwest.com, simply check the "Show fares in points" box. During the payment step, you can select to pay with your Rapid Rewards points or a combination of cash and points.
How to fly with a pet on Southwest Airlines?
Southwest allows small, vaccinated domestic cats and dogs in an appropriate carrier in the cabin on domestic flights. You must make a reservation in advance by calling Southwest, as space is limited. There is a pet fare, and the carrier counts as your carry-on bag. Pets are not allowed on international flights or flights to/from Hawaii.
How to travel with an unaccompanied minor on Southwest Airlines?
Southwest allows children ages 5-11 to travel as unaccompanied minors on nonstop flights or flights with a stop but no change of planes. An unaccompanied minor service charge applies each way. Bookings can be made online or by phone, and specific documentation and pick-up/drop-off procedures are required.
How to check baggage on Southwest Airlines?
You can check bags at the airport using self-tagging kiosks (where available) or with a Southwest agent at the ticket counter. For flights booked on or after May 28, 2025, fees may apply for checked bags on Basic, Wanna Get Away+, and Anytime fares. Always check the latest baggage policy for weight and size limits.
How to get a better boarding position on Southwest without EarlyBird Check-In?
While EarlyBird Check-In is the easiest way, you can still aim for a better boarding position by checking in online exactly 24 hours before your flight's departure. The earlier you check in, the better your chances of getting a lower boarding number. Business Select fares also guarantee A1-A15.
How to use a Southwest LUV Voucher for booking?
When you reach the payment screen during the booking process on Southwest.com, look for an option to apply a "Southwest LUV Voucher" or "Travel Funds." Enter the voucher number and security code to apply its value to your new booking.
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