So, You Want to Fly Southwest? Your Ultimate Guide to a Seamless Journey!
Ever wondered how to navigate the unique world of Southwest Airlines? From their legendary "Bags Fly Free" policy to their open seating, flying Southwest is a bit different, but oh-so-rewarding once you know the ropes! If you're ready to embark on your next adventure with a touch of fun and flexibility, then you've come to the right place. Let's get you flying!
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| How Do I Get To Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Planning Your Southwest Adventure – Where Do You Want to Go?
Before you can get to Southwest Airlines, you need to know where you're going and when! This is the most exciting part, so let's dive in.
Sub-heading 1.1: Exploring Destinations and Fares
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Visit the Southwest Website: Head over to
Southwest.com -
Use the Low Fare Calendar: Southwest is known for its competitive pricing. Utilize their "Low Fare Calendar" feature to see the cheapest days to fly to your desired destination. Flexibility is key when hunting for the best deals!
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Understand Fare Types: Southwest offers a few fare types, each with different benefits:
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Wanna Get Away®: These are generally the lowest fares. They are non-refundable, but you can typically use the credit for future travel if you cancel.
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Wanna Get Away Plus™: Offers more flexibility than "Wanna Get Away," including transferrable flight credits.
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Anytime: These fares are fully refundable and offer more flexibility for changes.
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Business Select®: The highest fare class, offering benefits like A1-A15 boarding, a premium drink, and fully refundable tickets.
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Consider Rapid Rewards: If you plan to fly Southwest frequently, definitely sign up for their free Rapid Rewards program. You'll earn points on every flight, which can be redeemed for future travel. Points never expire!
Sub-heading 1.2: Booking Your Flight
Once you've picked your destination and dates, it's time to book!
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Online Booking: The easiest way to book is directly on Southwest.com.
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Enter your origin, destination, dates, and number of passengers.
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Select your desired fare.
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Provide passenger details and payment information.
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You'll receive a confirmation number – keep this handy! It's crucial for managing your reservation and checking in.
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Southwest Airlines App: Download the Southwest app for even more convenience. You can search, book, and manage your flights right from your phone.
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Phone Booking: If you prefer to speak with someone, you can call Southwest Airlines directly at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792).
Step 2: Pre-Flight Preparations – Getting Ready to Go!
You've booked your flight, now what? A little preparation goes a long way to ensure a smooth travel day.
Sub-heading 2.1: Understanding Southwest's Baggage Policy
One of Southwest's biggest draws is their generous baggage policy.
QuickTip: Slowing down makes content clearer.
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Two Free Checked Bags: That's right! Southwest allows two checked bags per ticketed customer for free, provided they don't exceed 50 lbs and 62 inches (length + width + height). This can save you a significant amount compared to other airlines.
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Carry-on and Personal Item: You're also allowed one carry-on bag (fitting in the overhead bin) and one personal item (fitting under the seat in front of you). Make sure to check their dimensions on the Southwest website to avoid issues.
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Special Baggage & Sports Equipment: If you're traveling with golf clubs, skis, or other sports equipment, check Southwest's specific policies as they may count towards your free checked bags or incur additional fees if oversized/overweight.
Sub-heading 2.2: Consider EarlyBird Check-In (Optional)
Southwest has an open seating policy, meaning there are no assigned seats. Your boarding position determines when you get to choose your seat.
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What is EarlyBird Check-In? For a fee (typically $15-$99 per one-way flight), EarlyBird Check-In automatically checks you in and assigns you a boarding position 36 hours prior to departure. This is 12 hours before general online check-in opens, giving you a better chance at an A or early B boarding position.
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Is it Worth It? If you prioritize getting a window or aisle seat, or if you're traveling with a group and want to sit together, EarlyBird Check-In can be a worthwhile investment. It offers peace of mind.
Step 3: Checking In – Your Boarding Pass Awaits!
This is a critical step, especially with Southwest's open seating.
Sub-heading 3.1: Online Check-In (Highly Recommended!)
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When to Check In: Online check-in opens exactly 24 hours prior to your scheduled departure time. Set an alarm! The earlier you check in, the better your boarding position will be.
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How to Check In Online:
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Go to Southwest.com or open the Southwest app.
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Click on "Check In."
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Enter your confirmation number, first name, and last name.
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Follow the prompts to complete the check-in process.
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Once checked in, you'll receive your boarding group (A, B, or C) and position (1-60+) (e.g., A35).
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Print your boarding pass or save it to your mobile device (Apple Wallet, Google Pay).
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Sub-heading 3.2: Airport Check-In
While online check-in is preferred for better boarding positions, you can also check in at the airport.
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Self-Service Kiosks: Many airports have Southwest self-service kiosks where you can check in and print your boarding pass.
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Ticket Counter: You can also check in at the Southwest Airlines ticket counter. Be prepared for potentially longer lines, especially during peak travel times.
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Skycap (where available): In some locations, you might find Skycap podiums outside the terminal for checked bags.
Step 4: At the Airport – Navigating to Your Gate
You've got your boarding pass, now it's time to head to the airport.
QuickTip: Every section builds on the last.
Sub-heading 4.1: Arriving at the Airport
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Check Suggested Arrival Times: Southwest's website provides suggested arrival times for each airport. Generally, it's recommended to arrive at least 2 hours for domestic flights and 3 hours for international flights before departure. Allow extra time during holidays or bad weather.
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Locate the Southwest Terminal/Check-in Area: Most airports have clear signage for airline terminals. Look for Southwest Airlines.
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Bag Drop (if applicable): If you have checked bags, proceed to the bag drop area or ticket counter after checking in. Remember, your bags fly free!
Sub-heading 4.2: Security Checkpoint
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Have Your ID and Boarding Pass Ready: You'll need a valid government-issued ID (like a driver's license or passport) and your boarding pass to pass through the TSA security checkpoint. Starting May 7, 2025, all passengers 18+ will need a REAL ID-compliant license or identification card to fly domestically.
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TSA PreCheck/Clear (if applicable): If you have TSA PreCheck or Clear, utilize those lanes for a faster security experience.
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Follow TSA Guidelines: Be mindful of liquid restrictions, electronics, and other security procedures.
Sub-heading 4.3: Finding Your Gate
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Check Your Boarding Pass/Airport Monitors: Your boarding pass will indicate your gate number. Also, keep an eye on the airport's flight information display screens for any last-minute gate changes.
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Head to Your Gate: Allow ample time to walk to your gate, especially in large airports.
Step 5: Boarding Your Southwest Flight – The Open Seating Experience
This is where Southwest truly stands out!
Sub-heading 5.1: Understanding Boarding Groups (A, B, C)
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Your Boarding Pass: Your boarding pass will display your assigned boarding group (A, B, or C) and a position number (e.g., A35). This is your place in line.
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Lining Up: At the gate, you'll see numbered poles (1-30 and 31-60 for each group). When your group is called, line up according to your number.
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Boarding Order:
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Preboarding: Customers with disabilities who need a specific seat or assistance board first.
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A Group (A1-A60): Business Select passengers (A1-A15) board first, followed by A-List/A-List Preferred members, then EarlyBird Check-In passengers, and finally other A group passengers in numerical order.
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Family Boarding: After the A group, up to two adults traveling with a child aged six or younger can board.
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B Group (B1-B60): Board in numerical order.
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Extra Time Passengers: Those who need a little extra time but don't qualify for preboarding.
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C Group (C1-C60): Board in numerical order.
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Sub-heading 5.2: Choosing Your Seat
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Open Seating: Once you step onto the plane, it's first-come, first-served for any available seat.
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Strategy: If you're in an earlier boarding group, you'll have more choices. Many people head to the front, so sometimes you can find good options further back.
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Overhead Bins: Early boarders also get the best access to overhead bin space.
Step 6: Enjoy Your Flight!
You've made it! Sit back, relax, and enjoy your flight with Southwest's friendly crew. Don't forget to take advantage of their free in-flight entertainment (movies, TV, messaging) via their app or website.
QuickTip: Read step by step, not all at once.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to: Check my Southwest flight status?
You can check your flight status on Southwest.com, through the Southwest app, or by calling 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792).
How to: Change or cancel a Southwest flight?
You can change or cancel your flight online at Southwest.com under "Manage Reservations" or through the Southwest app. Southwest is known for its flexible change policy, often allowing changes without a fee, though fare differences may apply.
How to: Add EarlyBird Check-In to an existing reservation?
You can add EarlyBird Check-In to an existing reservation on Southwest.com or through the app, up to 36 hours before your flight's scheduled departure, subject to availability.
How to: Get a good seat on Southwest without EarlyBird Check-In?
To get a good seat without EarlyBird, check in exactly 24 hours before your flight departs. The earlier you check in, the better your assigned boarding position will be, giving you more seat choices.
QuickTip: Revisit posts more than once.
How to: Bring a pet on Southwest Airlines?
Southwest allows small cats and dogs to travel in the cabin for a fee. They must be in an approved carrier that fits under the seat in front of you, and the carrier counts as your carry-on item. Check their pet policy for full details.
How to: Earn Rapid Rewards points?
You earn Rapid Rewards points by flying with Southwest, using a Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card, or by making qualifying purchases with their partners.
How to: Redeem Rapid Rewards points for a flight?
You can redeem your Rapid Rewards points for flights directly on Southwest.com by selecting "Points" when searching for flights. There are no blackout dates!
How to: Handle an oversized or overweight bag on Southwest?
Bags exceeding 50 lbs or 62 inches will incur additional fees. Check Southwest's baggage policy on their website for specific charges.
How to: Get help from Southwest customer service?
You can reach Southwest customer service by calling 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) or by using their online contact forms.
How to: Fly with a child on Southwest's open seating?
If you're traveling with a child aged six or younger, you can utilize "Family Boarding," which occurs after the A group has boarded and before the B group, allowing you to find seats together. If you are all in the "A" group, board with your assigned positions.
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