Ever dreamed of jet-setting across the country with a touch of Southwest flair? Southwest Airlines is known for its unique policies like two free checked bags, open seating, and no change fees (fare difference may apply). Whether you're a seasoned traveler or planning your first trip, navigating the booking process can seem a little daunting. But fear not! This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of making a Southwest Airlines reservation, ensuring a smooth journey from start to finish.
Let's dive in and get you ready for your next adventure!
Step 1: Ignite Your Travel Dreams – Deciding Where and When to Go
Before you even open the Southwest Airlines website, the first and most exciting step is to envision your perfect getaway. Where do you want to go? What dates work best for you? Having a clear idea will make the booking process significantly smoother.
Sub-heading: Considering Destinations and Dates
Brainstorm Your Destination: Are you craving a beach vacation in Florida, a city escape in New York, or a mountain retreat in Colorado? Southwest serves over 100 destinations across the United States, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. Explore their "Where We Fly" map on their website if you're looking for inspiration.
Pick Your Travel Dates: Think about your flexibility. Are you locked into specific dates due to work or school, or can you be flexible to find the best deals? Generally, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays often offer lower fares. Consider using Southwest's "Low Fare Calendar" if your dates are flexible; it can show you the cheapest days to fly in a given month.
Number of Passengers: How many people are traveling with you? This will be important for your search. Southwest allows booking for up to nine passengers at a time online.
Step 2: Embark on Your Digital Journey – Navigating the Southwest Website
Now that your travel dreams are taking shape, it's time to head to the digital hub of Southwest Airlines.
Sub-heading: Accessing the Booking Portal
Open Your Web Browser: Go to the official Southwest Airlines website:
www.southwest.com Locate the "Book a Flight" Section: This is usually prominently displayed on the homepage. You'll see fields to enter your origin, destination, dates, and number of passengers.
Choose Your Trip Type:
Round-trip: For a return journey to your origin city.
One-way: If you only need a flight to a single destination.
Multi-city: For itineraries involving more than two segments or multiple stopovers. This is great for complex trips!
Sub-heading: Entering Your Search Criteria
Origin and Destination: Start typing the city name or airport code in the "Depart" and "Arrive" fields. Southwest's intelligent search will usually auto-suggest airports as you type. For example, typing "Dallas" might bring up "Dallas (Love Field), TX - DAL" or "Dallas/Fort Worth, TX - DFW". Be sure to select the correct airport!
Dates of Travel: Click on the departure date field, and a calendar will pop up. Select your desired departure and return dates. If you're using the Low Fare Calendar, click the "Search with low fare calendar" link below the date fields.
Number of Passengers: Use the dropdown menu to select the total number of adults, children (2-11), and infants (under 2, lap child or ticketed) traveling.
Promo Code (Optional): If you have a promo code, enter it here.
"Show fares in points" (Optional): If you're a Rapid Rewards member and prefer to see fares in points, check this box.
Click "Search Flights": Once all the details are entered, hit the "Search Flights" button.
Step 3: Unveiling Your Options – Selecting Your Flights and Fares
The search results page is where you'll see all the available flights and different fare options. Southwest offers a few fare types, each with its own benefits.
Sub-heading: Understanding Southwest Fare Types
Southwest currently offers four main fare types:
Basic: The most restrictive and generally cheapest fare. Non-refundable (except within 24-hour cancellation policy), changes require a fare upgrade, may be eligible for flight credit if canceled at least 10 minutes prior to departure. Checked bag fees may apply for Basic fares booked on or after May 28, 2025.
Wanna Get Away+®: Offers more flexibility than Basic. Non-refundable, but allows for a 12-month Transferable Flight Credit if you cancel. Includes free same-day confirmed changes (taxes/fees may apply). Checked bag fees may apply for Wanna Get Away+ fares booked on or after May 28, 2025.
Anytime: This fare offers significant flexibility. Refundable to your original form of payment (if canceled at least 10 minutes prior to departure), automatic EarlyBird Check-In (36 hours in advance), free same-day change/standby. Checked bag fees may apply for Anytime fares booked on or after May 28, 2025.
Business Select®: The most premium fare. Refundable to original form of payment, A1-A15 priority boarding, two free checked bags (regardless of booking date), complimentary premium drink, free inflight internet, and earns more Rapid Rewards points.
Sub-heading: Choosing Your Flights
Browse Available Flights: The search results will display various flight times and durations for your chosen dates. You'll see the departure and arrival times, any stops, and the different fare prices for each flight.
Consider Connections: If your chosen route has connections, pay attention to the layover times. Southwest's direct flights are often preferred due to their open seating and streamlined process.
Select Your Desired Flight: Click on the price for the specific flight and fare type you wish to book. The selected flight will be highlighted.
Review Your Selections: Before proceeding, double-check your chosen flights, dates, and fare types to ensure they meet your needs.
Step 4: Personalizing Your Journey – Entering Passenger Details
Once you've selected your flights, you'll be prompted to enter the passenger information. Accuracy here is crucial!
Sub-heading: Filling Out Passenger Information
Full Legal Name: Enter the full legal name of each passenger exactly as it appears on their government-issued identification (e.g., driver's license, passport) they will use for travel.
Date of Birth and Gender: Provide the correct date of birth and gender for each passenger.
Rapid Rewards Number (Optional but Recommended!): 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 for free on the Southwest website. Earning points can lead to future free flights!
Known Traveler Number (KTN) / Redress Number (Optional): If you have TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, enter your KTN. A Redress Number is for individuals who have experienced watch list misidentification.
Contact Information: Enter your primary email address and phone number. This is where your confirmation and important updates will be sent.
Emergency Contact (Optional but Recommended): Providing an emergency contact can be helpful in unforeseen circumstances.
Step 5: Sealing the Deal – Payment and Confirmation
The final step is to securely complete your payment and receive your confirmation.
Sub-heading: Payment Options
Credit/Debit Card: The most common payment method. Enter your card number, expiration date, security code (CVV), and billing address.
Southwest LUV Vouchers / Gift Cards: If you have Southwest LUV Vouchers or Gift Cards, you can apply them during the payment process.
Rapid Rewards Points: If you opted to view fares in points, you'll use your Rapid Rewards points here. You may also have the option for "Cash + Points" if you don't have enough points for the full fare.
PayPal / Apple Pay (if available): Southwest may offer other digital payment options.
Sub-heading: Review and Purchase
Review All Details: Before clicking "Purchase," carefully review your entire itinerary: dates, times, passenger names, and total cost. Any errors here could lead to issues later.
Agree to Terms and Conditions: You'll need to check a box indicating you agree to Southwest's Contract of Carriage and other terms.
Click "Purchase": Once you're confident all details are correct, click the "Purchase" button.
Sub-heading: Confirmation!
Confirmation Page: After successful payment, you'll see a confirmation page with your confirmation number. Write this down or take a screenshot!
Confirmation Email: You'll also receive a detailed confirmation email to the address you provided. This email will contain your itinerary, confirmation number, and important information about your flight.
Manage Your Reservation: You can use your confirmation number and last name to access your reservation on Southwest.com under the "Manage Reservations" section. Here you can make changes, add extras, or check your flight status.
Step 6: Pre-Flight Preparations – What to Do After Booking
Booking your flight is just the beginning! A few pre-flight steps will ensure a smooth travel day.
Sub-heading: Checking Your Bags
Southwest's Generous Policy: Remember, Southwest allows two free checked bags per ticketed customer, provided they meet size and weight limits (up to 50 lbs and 62 inches L+W+H). This is a major perk compared to many other airlines!
Special Items: If you're traveling with sports equipment or other special items, check Southwest's specific policies for those.
New Basic Fare Checked Bag Policy (Effective May 28, 2025): Be aware that for Basic fares booked on or after this date, checked bag fees may apply. Always verify the baggage policy specific to your fare type.
Sub-heading: Understanding Open Seating and Boarding
No Assigned Seats: Southwest has an open seating policy. This means there are no pre-assigned seats.
Boarding Groups (A, B, C) and Positions (1-60+): Your boarding position is determined by when you check in for your flight (or if you have EarlyBird Check-In or Business Select).
A Group: Boards first.
B Group: Boards second.
C Group: Boards last.
Check-in 24 Hours Prior: To get the best possible boarding position, check in online exactly 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure.
EarlyBird Check-In (Optional): You can purchase EarlyBird Check-In for an additional fee, which automatically checks you in 36 hours before departure, giving you an earlier boarding position.
Family Boarding: Families traveling with a child age six or younger can board after the "A" group has boarded and before the "B" group begins boarding. This helps ensure families can find seats together.
Sub-heading: Checking In for Your Flight
Online Check-in: The easiest way to check in is online at Southwest.com or through the Southwest app, starting 24 hours before your flight.
Airport Check-in: You can also check in at airport kiosks or the ticket counter.
Mobile Boarding Pass: Download your mobile boarding pass to your smartphone for convenience.
Step 7: The Day of Departure – Airport and Onboard Experience
The big day has arrived! Here's what to expect at the airport and on your Southwest flight.
Sub-heading: At the Airport
Arrive Early: Especially if you're checking bags, arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights.
Security Checkpoint: Have your boarding pass and government-issued ID ready.
Gate Area: Locate your gate and be aware of boarding announcements. Southwest boards by groups and positions (A1-30, A31-60, B1-30, etc.).
Boarding: When your group is called, line up in your numerical order at the designated poles. Once on board, choose any available seat.
Sub-heading: Onboard Your Southwest Flight
Friendly Crew: Southwest is known for its friendly and humorous flight attendants.
Snacks and Beverages: Non-alcoholic beverages and a selection of snacks are complimentary on most flights. Premium alcoholic beverages are available for purchase (and may be complimentary with Business Select fares).
Inflight Entertainment: Southwest offers free inflight entertainment accessible through their Inflight Entertainment Portal on your personal device (laptop, tablet, smartphone). This includes movies, live TV, and TV series.
Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi is available for purchase on most flights. A-List Preferred Members and Business Select Customers receive complimentary Wi-Fi.
Congratulations! You've successfully navigated the process of making a Southwest Airlines reservation. Enjoy your flight!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to Check My Southwest Airlines Flight Status?
You can check your Southwest Airlines flight status on the Southwest website (southwest.com) by entering your confirmation number, flight number, or origin and destination. You can also use the Southwest mobile app.
How to Change My Southwest Airlines Flight?
You can change most Southwest Airlines flights online through the "Manage Reservations" section on their website or app. Enter your confirmation number and last name. For Wanna Get Away+ and Anytime fares, same-day changes may be free (fare difference may apply). Basic fares cannot be changed directly; you must upgrade to a different fare type.
How to Cancel My Southwest Airlines Flight?
You can cancel your Southwest Airlines flight online via the "Manage Reservations" section on southwest.com or the app. If you cancel at least 10 minutes prior to your flight's scheduled departure, you may receive a flight credit (for non-refundable fares) or a refund to your original form of payment (for refundable fares like Anytime and Business Select).
How to Get a Better Boarding Position on Southwest Airlines?
To get a better boarding position on Southwest Airlines, check in online exactly 24 hours before your flight's departure, purchase EarlyBird Check-In, or book a Business Select fare. A-List and A-List Preferred members also receive earlier boarding positions.
How to Add Checked Bags to My Southwest Airlines Reservation?
You don't typically "add" checked bags in advance with Southwest as the first two checked bags are free for most fares (excluding Basic fares booked after May 28, 2025). You simply check them at the airport ticket counter or self-tagging kiosks.
How to Join the Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Program?
You can join the Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards program for free by visiting the Rapid Rewards section on southwest.com and clicking "Enroll Now." You'll need to provide some basic personal information.
How to Use Rapid Rewards Points to Book a Southwest Flight?
When searching for flights on southwest.com, check the "Show fares in points" box. During the booking process, if you have enough points, you can select the option to pay with Rapid Rewards points. You might also have the option for "Cash + Points."
How to Contact Southwest Airlines Customer Service?
You can contact Southwest Airlines Customer Service by calling 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792). Their website also has various contact numbers for specific inquiries like Rapid Rewards, Baggage, or Group Travel.
How to Fly with a Lap Child on Southwest Airlines?
Children under two years old can fly as a lap child for free on Southwest Airlines. You will need to inform Southwest when booking or at check-in. You may be asked to provide proof of age at the airport.
How to Select a Seat on Southwest Airlines?
Southwest Airlines operates with an open seating policy, meaning there are no assigned seats. Your boarding position (determined by check-in time, fare type, or EarlyBird Check-In) dictates when you board, and you then choose any available seat on the aircraft.
