It's fantastic that you're looking to book a flight with Southwest Airlines! They are known for their unique policies, like the "Bags Fly Free" and open seating, which can make for a very pleasant travel experience. Let's dive into a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on how to book your next adventure with Southwest.
Your Ultimate Guide to Booking on Southwest Airlines
Ready to explore new horizons with Southwest? Fantastic! Let's get you on your way. Booking a flight might seem daunting, but with this detailed guide, you'll be a pro in no time.
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| How To Book On Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Set Your Travel Goals and Get Ready to Explore!
Before we even touch the computer or phone, let's get you thinking about your trip!
Where do you want to go? Dream big! Do you have a specific destination in mind, or are you open to suggestions based on the best deals?
When are you planning to travel? Are your dates flexible, or are they fixed? Southwest's Low Fare Calendar can be a game-changer if you have some wiggle room.
Who's coming along? Just you, your family, or a group of friends? Knowing the number of passengers, including any lap children, is crucial.
What's your budget? Having a rough idea of what you're willing to spend will help you choose the right fare type.
Got those answers in your head? Excellent! Let's move on to the actual booking process.
Step 2: Navigating the Southwest Airlines Website (or App)
Southwest offers a user-friendly interface to make your booking seamless.
2.1 Choosing Your Platform: Website or Mobile App
You have two primary ways to book:
Southwest.com: This is the most comprehensive option, offering all features and a clear view of your choices.
Southwest Mobile App: Perfect for on-the-go booking and managing your reservations later. Download it from your app store (Google Play or Apple App Store).
For this guide, we'll primarily focus on the website experience, as it mirrors the app's functionality.
2.2 Getting Started on Southwest.com
Open your web browser and go to
www.Southwest.com Look for the "Book a Flight" section. This is usually prominently displayed on the homepage. You'll see options for "Round Trip" or "One Way" and fields to enter your origin, destination, and dates.
Consider Logging In (Optional but Recommended):
If you're a Rapid Rewards member, log in to your account first. This will allow you to see and redeem your points, save passenger information, and easily manage your trips.
If you don't have an account, you can create one, or proceed as a guest. Creating an account is free and lets you earn points for future travel!
Step 3: Entering Your Flight Details
Tip: Watch for summary phrases — they give the gist.
This is where you tell Southwest where and when you want to fly.
3.1 Filling in the Blanks
Trip Type: Select either "Round Trip" (for a return journey) or "One Way" (for a single flight).
From: Start typing your departure city or airport code (e.g., "Dallas," "DAL"). A dropdown list will appear as you type. Select the correct airport.
To: Do the same for your arrival city or airport code.
Depart Date: Click on the calendar icon and choose your desired departure date.
Return Date: If you selected "Round Trip," choose your return date.
Passengers: Select the number of adults, children (2-11 years old), and infants (under 2, lap children). Southwest allows booking for up to nine passengers at a time. If you're traveling with an Unaccompanied Minor (ages 5-11), you'll need to follow specific booking procedures, which may involve calling Southwest.
Promo Code (if applicable): If you have a special promo code, enter it here.
Show fares in: $ or Pts. You can choose to view prices in dollars or Rapid Rewards points. If you plan to redeem points, select "Pts."
Click "Search Flights."
3.2 Using the Low Fare Calendar (Optional, but highly recommended for flexibility!)
Below the main search fields, you'll often see a link to a "Low Fare Calendar" or "Search with low fare calendar."
Clicking this allows you to view prices for an entire month, highlighting the cheapest days to fly for your chosen route. This is invaluable if your travel dates are flexible.
Step 4: Choosing Your Flights and Fare Type
Now the fun begins – seeing your flight options!
4.1 Reviewing Flight Options
Southwest will display available flights for your chosen dates, along with different fare types for each flight.
You'll see departure times, arrival times, and if there are any stops. Southwest is known for its direct flights, but some routes may have a single stop without requiring a plane change.
4.2 Understanding Southwest Fare Types
Southwest offers several fare types, each with varying benefits and flexibility:
Basic: This is generally the lowest fare and comes with the most restrictions. It's non-refundable (except within 24 hours of booking) and flight changes are allowed but require a fare upgrade and may incur a fare difference. Checked bag fees may apply for Basic fares booked on or after May 28, 2025. You earn 2 Rapid Rewards points per dollar.
Wanna Get Away+®: A step up from Basic, offering more flexibility. Flight credits from these fares booked on or after May 28, 2025, have a specified expiration date. Checked bag fees may apply. You earn more Rapid Rewards points than Basic.
Anytime: These fares are generally refundable to your original form of payment if canceled. They also include EarlyBird Check-In (where available) and earn more Rapid Rewards points. Checked bag fees may apply.
Business Select®: This is Southwest's highest fare type, offering the most benefits. It's fully refundable, includes priority boarding (A1-A15), a complimentary premium drink, free inflight internet, and earns the most Rapid Rewards points. Two free checked bags are included with Business Select fares.
Carefully consider what's important to you: price, flexibility, boarding position, or amenities, and select the fare type that best suits your needs.
4.3 Selecting Your Outbound and Return Flights
Click on your preferred flight for your outbound journey, then do the same for your return journey (if booking a round trip).
The total price (or points) will update as you make your selections.
Step 5: Passenger Information and Add-Ons
QuickTip: Check if a section answers your question.
Once you've chosen your flights, you'll need to provide passenger details and consider optional extras.
5.1 Entering Passenger Details
Provide the full legal name (as it appears on government-issued ID), date of birth, and gender for each passenger.
If you are a Rapid Rewards member, ensure your Rapid Rewards number is linked to your booking to earn points.
If you have a Known Traveler Number (KTN) for TSA PreCheck, enter it here.
5.2 Optional Add-Ons
Southwest offers a few key add-ons during the booking process:
EarlyBird Check-In®: This paid option automatically checks you in 36 hours before your flight, giving you an earlier boarding position. This can be highly beneficial for securing a better seat, as Southwest has open seating. The cost varies but typically starts from $15 per person, per one-way flight.
Travel Funds/Credits: If you have existing Southwest travel funds or flight credits from a previous cancellation, you'll have the option to apply them here. Ensure the name on the credit matches the passenger's name.
Bags: Remember, Southwest famously allows two free checked bags per passenger (up to 50 lbs and 62 inches). This is a huge perk! However, for Basic fares booked after May 28, 2025, checked bag fees may apply for the first and second checked bags unless you have A-List Preferred status or a Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card.
Step 6: Payment and Confirmation
The final steps to secure your flight!
6.1 Payment Information
Review your itinerary and total cost (or points). Make sure everything looks correct.
Select your payment method. Southwest accepts major credit/debit cards, Southwest gift cards, and Rapid Rewards points. You can also use a combination of these.
Enter your payment details.
Agree to the terms and conditions. Read through them carefully, especially regarding cancellation policies.
6.2 Finalizing Your Booking
Click "Purchase" or "Complete Booking."
You will receive a confirmation page with your confirmation number. Make sure to save this number! It's essential for managing your reservation, checking in, and any future communication with Southwest.
An email confirmation will also be sent to the address you provided. This email will contain your itinerary, confirmation number, and important details about your flight.
Step 7: Post-Booking Management (The Smart Traveler's Move!)
Your booking isn't entirely "done" just yet! There are a few things you can do to prepare.
7.1 Managing Your Reservation
QuickTip: Treat each section as a mini-guide.
Visit Southwest.com or open the app and go to the "Manage Reservations" section.
Enter your confirmation number and last name. Here, you can:
View your itinerary.
Change or cancel your flight (subject to fare rules). Southwest is known for its flexibility with no change fees, though fare differences may apply.
Add EarlyBird Check-In (if you didn't during booking).
Add your Known Traveler Number or Rapid Rewards number if you forgot to.
Check flight status.
7.2 Setting Up Reminders
Consider adding your flight details to your calendar.
Southwest also offers flight status notifications via text or email, which can be very helpful on your travel day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - How to...
Here are 10 common "How to" questions related to booking and flying with Southwest Airlines, along with quick answers:
How to change a flight on Southwest Airlines?
You can change most Southwest flights online or via the app under "Manage Reservations" without a change fee. A fare difference may apply if the new flight is more expensive. Basic fares require an upgrade to Wanna Get Away+ or higher to change.
How to check in for a Southwest flight?
Online check-in opens 24 hours before your flight at Southwest.com or on the Southwest app. Enter your confirmation number, first name, and last name to retrieve your boarding pass. You can also check in at the airport.
How to get the best boarding position on Southwest?
Southwest has open seating. To get a better boarding position, purchase EarlyBird Check-In, buy a Business Select fare, or check in exactly 24 hours before your flight departure time. Rapid Rewards A-List and A-List Preferred members receive priority boarding.
How to use Rapid Rewards points to book a flight?
Log in to your Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com, and when searching for flights, select "Show fares in: Pts" (points). You can then select flights and pay entirely with points or a combination of Cash + Points.
Tip: Reading twice doubles clarity.
How to add a checked bag to my Southwest flight?
Southwest Airlines allows two checked bags free of charge for most fare types (Wanna Get Away+, Anytime, Business Select). For Basic fares booked on or after May 28, 2025, checked bag fees may apply. You simply check your bags at the airport.
How to cancel a Southwest flight?
You can cancel your Southwest flight online or via the app under "Manage Reservations" up to 10 minutes before departure. For refundable fares (Anytime, Business Select), you'll receive a refund to your original payment method. For non-refundable fares (Basic, Wanna Get Away+), you'll receive a flight credit valid for future use (with an expiration date for those booked on or after May 28, 2025).
How to find the cheapest flights on Southwest?
Use the Low Fare Calendar on Southwest.com to view prices for an entire month and identify the cheapest days to fly. Being flexible with your travel dates is key to finding the lowest fares.
How to add EarlyBird Check-In after booking?
You can usually add EarlyBird Check-In to an existing reservation on Southwest.com under "Manage Reservations" by entering your confirmation number. The cost varies per flight and is subject to availability.
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) for general questions or visit their "Contact Us" page on Southwest.com for other specific numbers (e.g., Rapid Rewards, Group Travel).
How to travel with a pet on Southwest Airlines?
Southwest allows small, vaccinated domestic cats and dogs in an appropriate pet 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 charged at the airport. Pets are not allowed on international flights or flights to/from Hawaii.
We hope this comprehensive guide empowers you to confidently book your next Southwest Airlines flight! Happy travels!
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