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Living without liquids - what it's really like to fly post-August 10

eshelswellwhite
Explorer B
You've probably heard that the new prohibitions against liquids and gels in carryon baggage are supposed to produce longer lines at ticket counters and at security checkpoints. For what it's worth, as someone who has flown several times since August 10, I cannot discern any actual effects on the Customer waiting times. Our own internal stats bear out that one impact of the new restrictions has been an increase in checked baggage. However, having checked bags in three cities in the last 12 days, I have yet to experience a wait longer than five minutes - no different from before. No surprise here - our Customer Service and Ramp Employees are hustling to deal with the increased checked baggage volume. As for the security checkpoint, the waiting times in my experience have been no different from pre-August 10. Why might that be? Based on my observations, I'd chalk it up to a combination of reduced carryon bag volumes, quick adapting by our Customers, and good work by our friends at the Transportation Security Adminstration ("TSA"). For a more objective view of checkpoint waiting times, read this Baltimore Sun article. The  TSA also  maintains a website displaying up-to-date actual waiting times experienced at all airport checkpoints. It's a good way to see what you can really expect. Another website, FlightStats.com, also provides this and other information, but it is not as up-to-date. Bottomline - I have seen no reason so far that anyone should be concerned about increased waiting times to check bags or clear security checkpoints in the post-August 10 environment. Labor Day weekend is the last getaway travel period before things slow down in the fall.  Tell us about your positive travel experience even under the new security rules. Or, maybe you hit a snag, but now you have a great travel tip to share with the rest of us.  
116 Comments
Maria_MacLellan
Explorer C
Recently half of my siblings converged in Tuscon. One from Dallas, one from Manchester, NH. We all flew SWA (me from Providence). I had to bring Fluff, lobsters on ice and Del's lemonade so I was forced to check my bags. I did encounter a longer than usual check-in in Providence. After check-in, we had to follow our bags to an xray machine and start the wait all over again. It all took about 30 minutes. Fortunately, by the time we got to the security for the gates, there was no line and we wisked thru. Because we got our boarding passes at home, we still were in the "A" group. I am happy to hear about the progress of the Wright Amendment because it will be so much easier to fly to Dallas to bring my niece her marshmallow Fluff - even if I have to check my luggage now.
Pam_Goins
Explorer C
We flew Southwest for the first time last year going to Phoenix, AZ. After we boarded, I looked around for the movie screens. When I didn't see them, I asked the attendant about movies. She was so cute, she said, "Honey, Southwest doesn't show movies, we are sort of a budget airline. But in a little while, I'll come out and do hand puppets for you!" I can't tell you how much fun she made my trip! She kept everyone laughing for the entire flight. And even though she didn't do "hand puppets", we had a great flight. Just a little relief amonst all the negative comments.
Silvia_Brooks
Explorer C
Several people asked about asthma inhalers. You made no comment. I have Reactive Airway Disease. When exposed to chemicals, I go into bronciospasms. Within minutes I turn blue. I'm not sure what would happen next without a bronchio dialator. I suppose I would get bluer, then black and die. We probably don't want to try that as a little science project. I will be traveling in a wheelchair and with an assistance dog. What sorts of hassels will I face there? Last question. What are the restrictions now on carry-on size?
Janet5
Explorer C
I, too, am asthmatic and just flew to Las Vegas and back this week-end. I had forgotten my rescue inhaler was in my purse and the woman asked me, when screening my purse, if I had an inhaler. I told her I had forgotten about it and yes, I have asthma. She said it was no problem but that I needed to declare it when I entered the line so that next time that's what I should do. For the trip back, I just put it in my checked luggage to stop any delay. Except for some long lines at McCarran, it was an enjoyable experience.
Ann_Feder
Explorer C
My husband & I flew to Midway August 7th and returned on the 12th. Worry about what would be going on on the return trip, but no prob. I packed a little differently with the new regs in mind. Got to Midway like 5 hours early because of rental car mis-scheduling on my part. It was even too early to check our luggage. Decided to try for earlier flight (already had checked in online). Stood in line briefly fo get to ticketing. I attribute the short wait to the fact that SW had every ticket station open - smart move! Dear dear lady helped us change our tickets to earlier flight, checked the luggage & we were happy campers. Thanks Southwest! ALSO, flying from Dulles (IAD) to San Diego via Midway one way and through Las Vegas the other way. If I get our online boarding pass and am in A, will that be good for the second leg of my trip also when I change planes? Previously I have always flown non-stop ut of Baltimore (a 50 mile one way trip for me) so am so happy to have SW at Dulles. :-) Or do I have to get a new line assignment? Thanks.
blusk
Aviator C
Hi Ann, I'm glad to hear that your Chicago trip was a success. For your upcoming trip, you will need separate boarding passes for each flight, but the good news is that you can check in for both flights at one online. Just allow 24 hours ahead of the connecting flight to go online, and you should be "good to go." Brian
blusk
Aviator C
Hi Sylvia, Looks like Janet answered your question about inhalers. Many of our Customers use wheelchairs and assistance animals. Information can be found at the Travel Center section of southwest.com. Here's the link: http://www.southwest.com/travel_center/disability.html. Information about carryon articles is also at the site: http://www.southwest.com/travel_center/baggage.html Brian
Mary_Lou11
Explorer C
flew to & from Vegas the end of Sept. I talke childrens liquid med (sudafed) as my body can't handle large doses of meds and I can regulate liquid better. So.....having my 4 oz bottle of sudafed in a sandwich bag (so if spilled, it wouldn't go onto my other items in my carryon, leaving Pgh was no problem, no questions, nice personnel. Leaving Vegas to return home was another story. Standing at the zig-zag line was Mr. "I'M IN CHARGE HERE" who was yelling, yes yelling, at passengers to put their items in quart plastic bags and if you didn't have one you could go around the corner and for 50cents buy one. He told me my small bag in my gallon size bag was unacceptable...but when I put the same item through the scanner, the nice young man on that end said that it was not necessary to put my meds in a plastic bag at all.........I told him perhaps someone should tell Mr I"M IN CHARGE to lighten up. I guess there are different rules within 50 feet of the line and the scanners...or perhaps MR IN CHARGE has a plastic bag concession going somewhere around that corner! 🙂
Teresa_Werth
Explorer C
We LUV SW and could tell you many great experiences we have had. The idea of getting a bottle of water (free or purchased for a buck) is a terrific one. When we flew interisland flights in Hawaii (not on SW), they offer you a small foil-sealed juice cup as you board, or a small bottle of water. I think this would be an ideal routine for the short hop SW flights like the ones we often take from Buffalo to Baltimore and Baltimore to Norfolk. The FA barely have time to provide service to the whole plane especially if we have a little rough weather. We are accustomed to picking up our own head sets, we could easily pick up a juice cup pr water bottle and a bag of snacks. Just a thought! Keep up the fantastic job of getting us from here to there.
SUSAN_PROPER
Explorer C
IM GOING ON A TRIP IN NOVEMBER AND I WAS WONDERING IF YOU ARE ALOUD TO BRING FOOD ON THE PLANE?
blusk
Aviator C
Susan, Yes you may bring food onboard, but you can't take liquids through the checkpoint. You may, however, buy liquids after you clear security and take them onboard. Here's the link to the TSAs web site page with the new rules. Brian
Alice5
Explorer C
I take perscription medicine. Do I have to bring the bottles or can I have the medicine in the divider containers and leave the bottles at home?
blusk
Aviator C
Alice, here is the answer from the TSA web site: Do prescription medication labels still have to match the passengerÃ
Donna21
Explorer C
I found no change in security lines right after the no-liquid rule; however, now that gels and liquids are allowed, security check points are taking MUCH longer. You have to declare your liquids and, assuming not everyone does this, the TSA agents are scrutinizing every bag. They "caught" me with a forgotten half-ounce bottle of liquid paper in my brief case (after it had passed through security a dozen times.) I fly almost every week from my home in Las Vegas to our office in Reno. Instead of having to check my bag, I just leave my toiletries bag at the Reno office. I already had two of everything anyway; allowing me to always have my bathroom essentials packed and ready to go. So now I just leave that little bag in Reno and can "carry on" every flight!
Jared
Explorer C
When will Southwest have flights to Canada? A very popular route is Phoenix to Calgary or Calgary to Las Vegas. With so many ex-pats living in the US (especially Phoenix) this route should be added to Southwest. Any chance?
William_Denny
Explorer C
I'll be flying out of Midway, Chicago in 2 weeks. I am taking insulin pins for diabetes and an electric nebulizer with foil packets of a gel for asthuma. Also, several perscritions in pill form. I know I need the perscription medical information. All medications will be in my carry on. Any thing else I need to know for a speedier check in? Thanks, Bill
Al_Smith
Explorer C
I was a round trip custormer on a flight from Portland, OR to Harrisburg,PA on another Airline. The Flight Attendant said that they had a person on the plane that was allergeric to peanuts. So no one was able to take any peanuts on board. I was for that as I was sure the person would suffer so I pitched out my bag of peanuts. As I changed planes in Detroit we were informed of the peanut problem so I didn't thinks to much about it as I felt this person was the same as on my orginal flt. Five (5) days later I was returning from my trip and yes, we were informed not to bring on peanuts. When we changed planes in Detroit we were given the same story. That was four (4) flights that they did not pass out peanuts. We were not offered any other goody but we could buy one of their Boxes of snacks for $5,00. Now we know why we Fly Southwest every chance we get. I leave tomorrow on a Flt to Las Vegar and I bet they have peanuts on board.
Maralyn_Jay
Explorer C
How about plane crackers for those of us who can't eat peanuts, please.
Larry_Reid
Explorer C
I'm flying in 2 days and am wondering if I can still carry my extra box of contact lenses since they are in a small amount of fluid in a sealed container. And I also agree that all customers should be given a complimentary bottle of water when boarding. The recycled air on airplanes dries out my sinuses.
Limda
Explorer C
We now have one confirm # for a R/T flight. So why can't I print out boarding passes for a R/T? Meaning I can get boarding passes for the out bound and return flights at the same time using my confirm #.
Elizabeth_Birne
Explorer C
I want to say thank you for being the Airline of choice. I love it when you get on a flight and the flight attendent team is actually in a great mood. Granted I have flown with them being in a foul mood. But for the most part they are great!! It makes for a wonderful day!! Thank you Southwest...
Rusty_Steele
Explorer C
Is there something Southwest can do about two (2) frustrating common occurences in the gate area? The first, is to take the seats away from the boarding lines. This defeats the purpose of standing in line to board the plane. The second, is to police the passengers who decide to leave their bags unattended to save their place in line.
Christine_Mulli
Explorer C
On a flight from Oakland to Las Vegas on October 26 I was appalled to see two babies, one 14 months and the other 4-5 months old, sitting on their mother's laps. The only restraint for these beautiful babies was their mother's loving arms. If the plane had had a sudden drop in altitude due to turbulence, which happens frequently on this flight due to the mountainous route, the baby could have become projected upward. If adults are to keep their seat belts on at all times while seated, why do we not have the same rule for our precious little ones and if there is a rule to restrain babies why is it not enforced?
Ann_Ricci
Explorer C
I know the name on the pills has to match the name on the bottle, but what if you use a Mon, Tue, Wed,,,,,,, container and take the pills out of the large bottles, can you use that? people asked that but you did not answer. You only told that the names need to match.
R__Varello
Explorer C
There is absolutely no justifiable reason to have open seating. Having people wait on lines for up to two and in one case I waited three and a half hours (the in coming flight was delayed). There are only so many seats on a flight and preassigned will not change the amount of seating!! I can only assume the reason you have open seating is so that to make sure everyone is there early and you have no waiting for last minute stragglers. If this was such an efficient idea why have not all the arilines done it??? Also your policy of not being able to book flights more than two or three months in advance makes no sense either. Most airlines will book almost a year ahead.
blusk
Aviator C
Hi R. Varello, I am sorry that you missed the two posts on the blog about assigned vs open seating. If you will go to Gary Kelly's first post, there are about 500 reasons why Customers prefer open seating. That doesn't mean we will never change, but our Customers are very outspoken about keeping open seating. Gary recently posted a followup.Â
DIXIE_SELBY-WHI
Explorer C
On our recent flight from Nashville,TN to Tampa, we took my father who is 82. He uses a wheelchair and the attendants were very helpful in getting him on and off the plane. Very pleasant, also. I was also very thirsty by the time the refreshments were served and UPON REQUEST the attendant gave me a full can of diet drink. Otherwise you get 3-4 ounces over mostly ice. That is probably enough for many people, but not for me (meds cause dry mouth). I love SWA and plan to fly with "you-all" many more years. DIXIE SELBY-WHITLEY
Tracy11
Explorer C
I want to know how you choose who is featured in your SWA Magazine Frequent Flyer stories? You always seem to pick guys. 😞 There are a few of us executive women out there that deserve a feature now and then! I have had various flight attendants that recognize me on my many journeys say that I would be a great pick for the inflight magazine but no one seems to know how they find that person. My 12 yr old son and I live in Sacramento, My husband and stepdaughter live in Phoenix, and we have a Vacation Home in Tahoe. I am the National Manager for a 6th generation smaller but well known winery and all of our staff and regional managers usually only fly SWA. We ALL carry Southwest airlines Visa cards ( I am sad that I do not get the flight credits for the money spent, wish you would change that) So you see there are women executives out there " roaming about the country" too! I use SWA as much as I drive my car. I made the desision to remain in Sacramento due to my job, ONLY because SWA has made it so easy for me to "Commute " home to see my husband once in a while, 😉 and not have to give up any custody of my son.....We are all one big happy extended family thanks to SWA, Thanks!
blusk
Aviator C
Hi Tracy, I don't know if you have seen this month's "Freedom Story" in Spirit, but we feature a woman executive with a similar story to yours. Rest assured, I will share your post with Colleen Barrett, and we are honored to play such an important role in your life, your family's life, and with your business. Brian
Pat_Daly
Explorer C
I'm a frequent flyer, have been for years. I don't like the open seating, never have. Travel is stressful and standing in line wondering if you'll be stuck in the back of the plane in a middle seat makes it even more stressful. I'm retired now and will be traveling more. I don't know if I want to continue to stand in line for hours waiting to board. I will have to start to look for a way to travel that's easier. Through the years the flight attendants are becoming just like all the other airline's employees. What happened to their singing and having fun that set them apart ?
Claire11
Explorer C
I am flying with 2 children that have never flown before. they are skeptical and nervous. Our party is of 4 will we beable to sit together? Our whole traveling group has 10 people.
Capt_Bob_Merten
Explorer C
I first flew Southwest from Fort Lauderdale to Las Vegas in Movember of last year and couldn't have been happier, Erin one of the attendants was so bright and cheerful, I swear if the wings fell off she would have been smiling and joking with us, probably telling us Southwest doesn't need wings or something like that. I found if you follow all the "rules " you breeze thru security, I just put all my loose items in my carry on bag so I leave little to take out of my pockets and collect on the other side. If its a long flight I pick up a sandwich for the plane at one of the counters in the secure area. If i'm not checking baggage ( I usually do) I just buy some travel size toiletries when i get to LAs Vegas and just leave them behind less than $5, All I carry are my razor, toothbrush and hair brush My second experience on SWA was just as nice, I flew again to Las Vegas in mid January and it was a smooth trip. This timeI used the SWA vacation package and it was very smooth ( I did have my doubts at first) I compared what I could get booking seperately on my own and the package was within a few dollars of what I could do on my own. I just wish I could book flights further out than is now allowed, I have reservations for Las Vegas again in November and have everything booked except my flights...but Southwest is still THE way to go...
Evan_Rosen
Explorer C
A feedback link would really be helpful. It took me about 20 minutes to find that SWA didn't accept e-mail, and then another 5 or so to find this blog. All so that I could give you a heads-up about a website error. But the main heads-up turns out to be that SWA doesn't make feedback easy... Anyway, there's a problem on the page: http://southwest.com/travel_center/travel_alert.html which states: "Effective Tuesday, September 26, the TSA is adjusting the ban on liquids, aerosols and gels." Note that there is no year specified for TSA's change. That's an omission by an unseasoned writer who doesn't yet know how to consider the reader's point of view. Only because SWA is by far my family's favorite airline have I gone to the trouble of writing. Please do everyone the favor of making it easier to figure out how to report website problems.
blusk
Aviator C
Hi Evan, Thanks for the kind comments. I have contacted our southwest.com Team to add the "2006" to the gate. With all due respect, they aren't unseasoned writers because the initial posting was late breaking news, and at the time it went up, we were unsure of the length of the TSA's liquid ban. Now that it is a "way of life" we should have gone back and modified the posting. Brian
E_Carlton
Explorer C
Early in Feb 2007 I flew from kc to las vegas, the flight was great. Here is my question as I am flying to nashville later this year for another Red Hat activity. On my feb flight I wore my large red hat. I would rather carry it in the large hat box for safe and comfy transport of the hat. I have not been able to find the maximum dimensions of a carry on. Would you please advise so I will know if I need to wear my hat again. Thanks in advance.
Ruth_Anderson
Explorer C
My comment is I always bring a bag of Candy to give the Flight Crews for all their hard work. They never get appreciated. So, this is my one thing I do for the crew. And now that has been taken away. So, now I drop it off when I check my luggage. Maybe they get it maybe not. But I feel better knowing that I tried anyway. thanks for all ya'll do!!! Ruth
U_Spiva
Explorer C
My wife and I will travel to Las Vegas on SW airlines in May.(non stop) What about food arrangements on SWA ? RSVP Thanks
Michele1
Explorer C
IM TAKING A FLIGHT TO ORLANDO ON MARCH 8TH, AND I HAVE FOUR PRESCRIPTION BOTTLES OF LIQUID MEDICATION TO CARRY-ON, ALL BOTTLES ARE IN MY NAME,WHICH IS THE SAME NAME ON TICKET, WILL I RUN INTO ANY PROBLEMS? THE BOTTLES HAVE LESS THEN A HALF OUNCE OF LIQUID IN EACH.IM A FIRST TIME FLYER AND BEEN REALLY CONCERNED ABOUT THIS BECAUSE I CANNOT GO AWAY FOR 6 DAYS WITHOUT MY MEDS, AND I BOOKED MONTHS AHEAD WITH RESERVATIONS. WORRIED IN BALTIMORE
Emily_Sheffield
Explorer C
I am taking a flight from BOI to PHX on March 23. My concern is not liquids or anything like that, but my concern is a wedding dress. I am getting married in a different state and do not want to take the risk of it getting lost in check in (my luck has been to loose every check in baggage i have ever brought). Yes it can be folded into the size of the carry on bin, but would preffer not to. Somone was telling me that if you call ahead of time they can work something out.. I did, and go a rude response.... Can you help me? This is important that it gets there with me unfolded? Possibly on my lap?
BLarson
Explorer C
I'm flying for the first time in several years, leaving this Sun. Are the 'new' liquid bans still in place? From what I can tell, I can carry shampoo, saline solution, toothpaste, etc, but have to check it? Also, due to alergies, one ear is completly stopped up, and has been for 2 days. I'm a scuba diver, I know how to clear my ears, and have had no luck. Should I be worried about flying, is there anything a doctor might be able to do?
Claudine_Ramspe
Explorer C
As to liquid restrictions, can I take hair spay if I put it in my checked bag? Also liquid makeup?
Betsie__Bolger_
Explorer C
The oNLy "good thing" about having to fly somewhere that Southwest doesn't go to -- other than getting to spend a (mostly free) week @ Little Dix Bay on British Virgin Gorda, reconnecting with family and celebrating my husband's 50th birthday -- is that by the end of our round trip via AnyOther Airline, we are once again fully cognizant of just how many reasons we have for LoVing to fly SWA: * OPEN SEATiNG - It's NoT difficult, folks! Just GeT ON the plane, then SiT the *%^&* DoWN, please!! * Flights go where we want to go, when we want to go there -- and because the fares are consistently structured (i.e., 30-day/14-day/7-day Advance Purchases) @ such reasonable prices (even pre-Ding!, SWA made sure to let us know whenever we deserved Special Fares) that we just build our itinerary accordingly: e.g., when Islip, L.I., was added, we flew there from Dallas to spend a weekend with friends @ Fire Island before commuting back to NJ by train for a family reunion "Down The Shore." * Rapid Rewards - Never was a name so aptly chosen (although I did recently find my original Company Club Card stashed in a box of sentimental treasures)! I've been flying SAW ever since 1980, when I moved to Dallas as a newlywed and landed my 1st post-collegiate full-time job. My inauguaral assignment as a brand-new Associate Editor @ TEXAS HOMES magazine was to attend a symposium on the Architecture of O'Neill Ford -- in Austin, TX, on the Friday and Saturday of Texas-OU Weekend. As anyone on either side of the Red River can attest, that's a level of hoopla that will either kill you or cure you, but I came home hooked for life on Southwest. When I flip-flopped my career choices midway through the '80s in favor of turning pro as an equestrian -- with freelance writing/editing on the side -- SWA proved to be just the ticket for affordable horse-hunting junkets plus regular bookings for out-of-town clinics. But my ReaL "Love affair" with Southwest Airlines didn't start until I'd graduated from my "starter marriage"...and met a guy in Houston who just happened to be the DJ/VJ @ the horse show crowd's favorite dance club, Rich's (2401 San Jacinto; 25+ years & STiLL the most festive place in town). For most of the next decade, I commuted almost weekly -- sometimes via my trusty (and VeRY high-mileage) series of Volvos, but usually via SWA: "Love to Hobby; Hobby to Love!" Thanks to SWA's sensible system of totting up trip segments rather than miles flown, I was able to wing my way to from the riding ring to the dance floor every weekend -- and back again in time for my Tuesday AM Ladies' Lesson. My Houston guy and I also flew free every year to visit both of our families, mine back East in NJ (via Islip or Philadelphia, depending on which friends were were planning to visit enroute) and his up North in Michigan (via Detroit Metro, of course) for birthdays, Thanksgiving and/or Christmas -- and in 1994, we celebrated the Yuletide weekend by flying to his hometown for our wedding. After the ceremony, we all went out for a big family/new-in-laws dinner followed by one memorable night "Ã
Olga_Diaz
Explorer C
I only fly a couple of times a year (every six months), in the summer and during the Christmas season. I have to reacquaint myself with all the updated restrictions, etc.. I would greatly apreciate it if Southwest would offer a courstesy 8-oz. water botlle upon boarding a plane!
blusk
Aviator C
Hi Olga, Things have improved since this post was written. Customers may now purchase bottled water and soft drinks after they pass through security, and these items are allowed on the aircraft. In addition, the Transportation Security Administration is allowing small amounts of some liquids and gets to be carrried in plastic bags through security. For the current info, please click here. Brian
Ruby1
Explorer C
Hey, I have a question. I will be using south west to go to Washington D.C. so my carry on would be a small lugage since i am only staying 3 days and two nights. I would also be bring a purse. Would that be two carry on items or just 1 which is my luggage of clothes.
blusk
Aviator C
Ruby, you are allowed one carryon bag and one personal item. A purse is considered a personal item, so you will be fine. Brian
Carol_May
Explorer C
I just traveled with SW from Portland to Reno. I haven't flown in a long time. I did not realize liquid makeup, creme medication antiobiotic, and perfume spray bottles were not allowed to be carried on. I had recently fallen and was wearing a hinged knee brace. I had all my toiletries and meds and perfume in a see through zipped plastic carryon and put it in my carryon extra purse. Of course I range all the bells. Portland airport TSA staff allowed me to keep my perfume and makeup, so I didn't give it much thought. They were reasonable and could see what it was. I was thoroughly checked and wanded, etc. (I did not mind, and staff was really very nice). Leaving Reno, I did put my perfume bottles in my check on luggage and the rest of my makeup, medicine, even mascara wand in my see through zipped plastic makeup bag. I thought I was okay, but when checked through the security, of course I was stopped. However, I got really chewed out by a man TSA security person when he went through my small carry on with the see through makeup bag. He told me that I should have had it in garbage zip lock bags for each liquid type item. I told him I though what I had was sufficient and didn't realize or understand and I was sorry. Three or four times he told me and I kept telling him, I just didn't realize and that Portland security had let me go through with it. He said "This isn't Portland, this is Reno" we do things differently here. He finally decided to let me keep my stuff, while a lady finished checking my body out, shoes, hands, feet, etc. I was nice and kept positive and cooperative. I thanked her. She said not everyone was as nice as I was about it. I like to think that my attitude and honesty kept the young man from throwing away about $400 dollars worth of perfume, medicines and toiletries. Wow, did I learn a valuable lesson. I was supprised at how tough he sounded, but I am trying to understand. I am 6l years old and I don't think I even vagualy look like I could be a terrioist. I don't understand why liquid makeup and perfume would be a problem or neosporine. At any rate, I am thankful he didn't throw out my stuff and that Portland was also reasonable and didn't throw my perfume out. They did mention it, but let me go through in Portland. My one surprise however was to see that I had my sister's boarding pass and my drivers license and the first security guy didn't see it prior to my being searched. They also let my sister go through the line with my boarding pass and her drivers license in Reno. I WOULD THINK THAT IT SHOULD HAVE DEFINITELY BEEN CAUGHT MORE THAN A BOTTLE OF PERFUME OR NEEDING TO PUT YOUR STUFF IN A SANWICH ZIPLOCK BAG. i DID HAVE IT IN A CLEAR ZIPPED COSMETIC FOLD OVER TYPE BAG. WERE IS THE COMMON SENSE IN THIS TYPE OF THING? I AM REALLY LUCKY AND GRATEFUL THEY DID NOT THROW OUT MY STUFF AS IT WOULD HAVE BEEN FINANCIALLY DIFFICULT TO REPLACE ALL MY CARRYONE STUFF. I THOUGHT I WAS BEING SMART IN HAVING IT WHERE THEY COULD SEE EXACTLY WHAT I WAS CARRYING ON, WHAT A JOKE. I REALLY HADN'T SEEN THE NEW RESTRICTIONS WHEN I GOT MY TRAVEL DOCUMENTS, BUT I AM GLAD SW AIRLINES DOES SUCH A GREAT JOB. I DON'T LIKE THE UNASSIGNED SEATS AS I WAS TRAVELING WITH SOMEONE ELSE. WE DID GET TO SIT TOGETHER GOING, BUT NOT COMING HOME. I DON'T LIKE THE UNCERTAINTY OF NOT KNOWING WHERE I AM GOING TO SIT, HOWEVER IT IT KEEPS COSTS DOWN THEN OKAY, BUT I AM NOT SURE HOW YOU CAN TELL ME THAT IT DOES. I LIKE THE IDEA OF A BOTTLE OF WATER TO EACH PASSENGER MAYBE GIVEN AT THE GATE PRIOR TO BOARDING, SO HOSTESSES DON'T HAVE TO DEAL WITH IT. A PEANUT OR CHEESE CRACKER TYPE ITEM WOULD BE NICE IN ADDITION TO PEANUTS FOR A CHOICE. IT TAKES A WHILE FOR DRINKS TO BE SERVED AND YOU GET A SMALL CUP, THEN THEY ARE PICKING UP BEFORE YOU CAN REALLY GET IT DRANK.. THEY SHOULD ALSO GIVE PEANUT SNACK AT DOOR AS YOU BOARD TO SAVE TIME. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE DRINK CUPS BE LARGER IF YOU AREN'T GOING TO GIVE OUT THE CAN OF COKE, ETC. ALL IN ALL, SOUTHWEST DOES A GREAT JOB AND I WILL KEEP FLYING WITH YOU. THANKS, CAROL MAY
Frances1
Explorer C
Years ago I used to be able to get a boarding pass two hours before and get an "A" boarding pass where I could seat in front of the plane. Now I get there two hours before and I get a "C" boarding pass that puts me in the back of the plane. How can I get an "A" boarding pass, and be able to seat in front of the plane?
Cygnus
Adventurer C
Frances: You can now get your preboarding group on the southwest.com website during a specific timeframe before the flight. I'm sure that's what most of the folks in the A and B groups did. I trust someone from SWA will have more info.
blusk
Aviator C
Frances, Paul is right. You can check in at southwest.com 24 hours prior to your flight time. In addition, you can even check in with a wireless PDA device, like a BlackBerry. For more information on online checkin, click here. Brian