Air travel has different moods, sometimes existing, confusing and even stressful, especially if you are travelling on a flight for the first time in your life. If you are also planning to book your travel with Southwest Airlines, have you ever heard about its flexible policies, low fares and even bags fly free rules? But still, there are many things that you should know before flying with Southwest Airlines.
This guide is going to be all about the Top things to know before flying Southwest Airlines. This will include everything from booking tips to baggage policies, check-in tricks and hacks to make your travel smoother and stress-free. Stay connected with us to deep dive into Southwest Airlines.
List of Top 10 Things to Know Before Flying Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines does not Assign Seats
Bags Fly Free
Unique Ticket Pricing
Check in Early for Better Boarding Position
Southwest Rewards Programs Matter
Southwest Offers Extra Legroom
Free In-flight Snacks & Drinks
No Change Fee
Flexible Cancellation Policy
Understand Boarding Groups
Southwest Airlines does not Assign Seats
First of all, Southwest Airlines does not assign any seats to any passenger. It offers you open seating. Instead of offering seat selection, this airline assigns boarding positions. It is a tip for you to always arrive early at the airport and get your preferred seat because it follows a first-served approach.
Bags Fly Free
As everyone knows, Southwest Airlines is famous for its two-bag fly-free policy. This allows:
Every passenger can check two bags with 50 lbs each.
62 linear inches must be its dimensions
Additional or overweight baggage will incur extra charges.
Southwest airlines designed this policy for families and long vacationers. This policy saves hundreds of dollars for passengers.
Unique Ticket Pricing
Southwest has a unique ticket pricing, let’s have a look:
Wanna Get Away: It is refundable, cheap and flexible.
Anytime: It is refundable and perfect for last-minute travellers
Business Select: Priority Boarding & premium seating.
These are the ticket prices, and you can compare them accordingly and make your decision.
Check in Early for Better Boarding Position
As we have discussed, Southwest Airlines offers boarding positions instead of seat selection and this position is based on check-in order. That’s why I always try to check in early to get a better position. Here are some major considerations for check-in:
24 hours before check-in opens
Boarding group and position are assigned automatically
Early check-in means better seat selection
Southwest Rewards Programs Matter
If you are a frequent traveller, Rapid Rewards are going to be perfect for you. With this, you can:
Earn points on every flight and redeem them anytime for a free flight or an upgrade
No blackout dates for points
Frequent flyers can also earn a companion pass
You should link your credit card to Rapid Rewards for extra points on daily spending.
Southwest Offers Extra Legroom
If you want extra comfort in your flight, then Southwest also offers extra legroom that can make a big difference in comfort and relaxation. Here are some major considerations:
Located in the exit row and front rows
Available with small additional fees
Perfect for long haul flights
Note one thing that this seat fills very fast, that’s why I book early.
Free In-flight Snacks & Drinks
It is one of the most attractive features of Southwest Airlines that it offers complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic beverages on every flight. Alcoholic drinks are also available, but only on purchase. If you are flying on Southwest Airlines, always bring your reusable water bottle to stay hydrated during the flight.
No Change Fee
Among all the airlines, Southwest Airlines offers no change fee. This feature makes it more attractive and travel-friendly. In case you want to change your flight, you just need to pay the fare difference and book your other flight flexibly. This feature is good for travellers who have an uncertain schedule.
Flexible Cancellation Policy
Southwest Airlines has a flexible cancellation policy even for non-refundable tickets. For non-refundable tickets, airlines will cancel your flights for future travel credits. You can use your credits for future travels.
Understand Boarding Groups
For Southwest Airlines seat selection, understanding the boarding groups is more important than ever. There are three major groups available:
A Group: First Board and the best choice for seats
B Group: Board Second
C: Group: Last Boarding and less preferred seats
Final Thought
Southwest Airlines is a flexible airline that can be stressful, confusing and even fun, but only when you know what to expect from the airline. If you are prepared for everything, you can save your time, stress and less confusion. The tips that I have given you are going to be very helpful because with that you can enjoy the experience, not just the destinations.
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Top Things To Know Before Flying Southwest Airlines
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ’s)
Q. How many carry-on baggage are allowed on Southwest Airlines?
Answer: Southwest Airlines allows one carry-on and one personal item. Click here for a detailed Southwest Baggage policy, explained by Flying Policy.
Q. Does Southwest also offer dinner, breakfast or lunch on the flight?
Answer: No, Southwest Airlines does not provide full meals like breakfast, lunch and all. For long-haul flights, you should pack your own meal and small snacks to stay satisfied.
Q. How can we get extra legroom in Southwest Airlines?
Answer: Southwest offers extra legroom; you can get it by paying a small fee. You can choose it during check-in or when booking a ticket.
Q. Does Southwest Airlines also have a flexible pet policy?
Answer: Yes, Southwest Airlines also offers a flexible pet policy, as you can carry a small pet in the cabin and for big pets, you will need to add them as baggage.
Q. Do Southwest Airlines offer free in-flight entertainment options?
Answer: Yes, at Southwest Airlines, you get exclusive in-flight entertainment options such as free streaming entertainment. You can enjoy movies, TV Shows, Music and Playlists.
Q. Is Southwest Airlines a Safe airline?
Answer: Yes, Southwest Airlines is a very safe and convenient airline. This airline follows strict FAA regulations and conducts regular maintenance.
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