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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
Matthew_Skok1
Explorer C
One little snafu in your post- the TSA link about wait times is based on historical data obtained over the last year or so and is more or less an aggregate of when airports have more departures, and doesn't exactly take into effect post-security reform wait times nor does it take into effect seasonal schedules. Your mileage may vary GREATLY from week to week on any given day.
eshelswellwhite
Explorer B
Matthew - I re-checked the TSA waittimes website and also had someone pose the question to TSA. The answer from both was the same - i.e., that the data you see on that site are comprised of a four week rolling average. Therefore, unless you have more information to substantiate what you wrote this morning, it appears that the entry i indeed accurate as written. Please let me know if you think I am still missing something here. Thanks for taking the time to read Nuts About Southwest, and for expressing your opinion and concern about it. I hope you will continue to check in often. Edward...
Ewan_Spence
Explorer C
One detail that you missed ot I would love to know - how much extra liquids have been taken on board by SWA, and how much more liquid is being passed arund for consumption in flight from the cabin crew to passengers? Do we still have the same access to liquids in flight on SWA as before through the cabin staff and not the shops in the concourse?
Adam_Stanger
Explorer C
Passengers are finding ways to deal with the new security hassles. And they'll continue to as long as flying is the fastest form of travel. But how are your ramp and provisioning agents handling the new rules? You fly to some hot cities, and I certainly wouldn't want to be out on the tarmac without sunscreen and a water bottle.
Alfred_Thompson
Explorer C
I haven't seen much in the way of delay because of the liquid restriction. It sure is a pain in the neck though. A lot of people are used to bringing their own things to drink on board. In general though I am seeing that the security doesn't bother frequent travelers that much. Most of us are used to it by now. But for some people, those not used to travel and especially if English is not their first language, it can be a great source of stress. The other day in Seattle a young couple traveling with a baby (and you know how much carry on that means) got so flustered and confused going through security that they finally got through the metal detector and started getting ready to leave when someone asked them "is that your baby on the other side of the security gate?" Brief panic ensued before things got cleared up. The TSA people were great dealing with it but that shows the sort of stress things are causing passengers.
Sue_Hanna
Explorer C
I just returned from Labor Day travel, I agree that there was neglible difference in security or check-in. Having said that, I noticed the same things that have always happened, not a great deal of consistency in security and what you can and can't take on the plane. I felt sorry for a lady who had flown from New York the night before and had an early flight out of San Diego and some sort of liquid item she had was allowed on the previous flight, made it thru security but she was searched again at the gate and TSA decided to take what ever it was. She was pretty good about it all but when you have flown cross country and gone thru multiple securlity lines you expect you are ok. Didn't know what it was but I did not take anything on the plane, I wear contacts and was told it would be ok if I had a prescription but instead I just wore them and left the case and solution in the hecked bag, didn;t want to risk losing them to TSA. I was ok becasue the flight was short but it would be bad if it was a long flight but I think most of us just adapt pretty well.
eshelswellwhite
Explorer B
reply to Ewan Spence's query Ewan - You can still get the same drinks inflight now as you could before August 10. The only restriction is likely to be from one of our Flight Attendants if you try to consume more than you can handle, if you get my drift. Sorry to be a few days late getting back to you. Between the long Labor Day weekend and my college-football-is-finally-here-euphoria, well, I'm just now back in the swing of things. Edward...
Jennifer_Handli
Explorer C
I'm not sure if this is the right place to post... but it's about customer service in the "non liquid" age. As a frequent flyer with my family, we were flying home from Seattle to Baltimore in August., and I got to thinking. My family drinks a lot of water. Before the restrictions you would have found each of us with a water bottle getting on the plane. Yes, you can buy them in the "secure area" after getting thru airport security, but then discard before boarding the plane. SO... here's a suggestion for SWA - as passengers board the plane offer them a small bottled water - what great customer service! (plus it helps with the thirst on those "bumpy" flights when the beverage service is delayed.
eshelswellwhite
Explorer B
Jennifer - Thanks for the suggestion. I have forwarded your thoughts to our Inflight folks for their consideration. Edward...
Gary_Garland_Gr
Explorer C
During the last few weeks I've noticed the Southwest F/A's have increased their presence and level of service - especially on the short haul flights. On the early morning flights the F/A's complete their initial drink service and then go up and down the isle with the galley coffee pot and additional juice and water for a quick refill. Just goes to show you how dynamic and adaptive WN's F/A's are! Thanks for the great service!
carroll4
Explorer C
I would like to suggest that the TSA gate screened Customers are selected by the Customers who are on board with them, this would eliminate any and all speculation about why, who and when some are chosen and others are not. This idea would simulate reality TV and add some excitement to the gate area. Just imagine being voted into secondary screening. Here are some rhymes for these troubling times. You must by dry to fly, no drip on the trip and no wet on the jet. See ya.
Kadin
Explorer C
As an airport employee for SLC we have to follow the same rules as the passengers do. We aren't allowed any of the liquid, gells, and other liquid forms just like everyone else. Which really gets me because I have started taken some medication to help me overcome motion sickness and one of the side effects is a dry mouth/throat. So I would have to give up my water bottle at security checkpoint and buy another one in the stores then give it up again or cosume it. Then wait till 15-20 min after the plane has taken off to get a small bottle of water. I understand the reason behind this it just that it bothers me because of my medication. They should keep the restrictions up only because once they get rid of them the terriosts will then have the advantage to use liquids.
Ron9
Explorer C
I am flying on Southwest in November and was wondering if i can take food on the flight since drinks are not allowed anymore from the teriminal?
eshelswellwhite
Explorer B
reply to Gary Garland Gregory - Thanks for the positive feedback about our Flight Attendants . I forwarded your post to our Inflight leadership team. Edward...
eshelswellwhite
Explorer B
Reply to Caroll - Now that's funny! Edward...
Jennifer_Handli
Explorer C
Kadin --- I have to do the same thing with the motion sickness, plus my 5 and 10 year old children get thirsty. When you arrive at the airport 2 hours early, security, etc. Well it's a long time before liquid. See my earlier post about water being offered as soon as you step foot on the plan. I know some other airline did this with their "brown bag" breakfasts so it shouldn't be disruptive - just WN F/A outstanding customer service. Unfortunately, I agree with you. This restriction isn't going to be lifted and I'm fine with that. I'd rather be safe and know my family is safe also. Jennifer
Angela6
Explorer C
On the SW home page a list of tips on delaing with the new non-liquid restrictions is posted: "Consider...perfume or cologne towelettes... and moistened face wash towelettes." I have had all of the above items emoved from my bag at security. I was told that they contain moisture, and are not allowed on board!
eshelswellwhite
Explorer B
Angela - We contacted TSA HDQ and they confirmed that moist towelettes, baby wipes, etc. should be allowed through the checkpoint. On occasion the Federal Security Director (FSD) at an airport may make a decision to the contrary on a local basis. When that happens and we find out about it, we report it to TSA. Most discrepancies get fixed once we do, but sometimes TSA allows its FSDs some latitude. Could you let me know the airport(s) and date(s) of travel involved in the experience you describe? Thanks, Edward...
John_Parkin
Explorer C
My son has a problem when he flies. His throat blocks up and he can't breathe properly. His doctor told him to drink water as soon as he feels it starting. He has always carried a bottle on to the plane in the past,but now, of course he can't do this. The idea above of offering passengers water as they get on would solve his problem and make flying more comfortable. On another tack altogether, I stood in line at the "A" gate for 90 minutes the other week, in my attempt to get one of the five "first Class" (i.e. exit row) seats. As one of the first three people in line I was selected for secondary screening and by the time that was completed, the exit rows were full. I may as well have turned up at the last minute, not got screened, and traveled more comfortably.
Aquila_Coronado
Explorer C
I am flying Southwest from Dallas to Baltimore next month on two separate round trip tickets due to the Wright Amendment. I have an hour stop in Houston both ways. I was wondering if I was still able to have my bags automatically transfered from the first flight to the second one when I get to Houston. Have never done this before. If not allowed I had planned to just carry-on my bags and just not pack any toothpaste..etc and just buy all that stuff when I got to Baltimore to visit family. Was just wonderin if I show both boarding passes at Love Field, if they would just transfer it so I don't have to claim it and then recheck it in..Might not be enough time for that Thanks!
Earl_Blanchard
Explorer C
Why not Fedex or UPS the bags ahead of schedule and pickup them up at your destination. Earl
Sally_Smith
Explorer C
I flew home on SWA on August 9 toting my water bottle, blissfully unaware of future restrictions. I never go anywhere without a water bottle. I am flying SWA again next month and I was hoping that the liquid ban would be lifted by then. Doubtful. I would love to be handed a small water bottle upon boarding the plane.
Patty_Biniek
Explorer C
To comment on John Parkin's experience concerning the gate search-My husband and I were in the same situation this past Monday evening at PBI. He was pulled out of line for the search but I was able to continue on and we ended up with the exit row seats. A woman farther down the line who was traveling alone was also stopped at the gate for a random search and was very upset because she had waited on line almost as long as us and then ended up boarding with the end of the B group. On any other airline this wouldn't be a problem because of assigned seats but as regular WN flyers know that A boarding pass is most important. Is there any thing that can be done to help in this situation?
Charles_Kangas
Explorer C
We are flying to Detroit from Phoenix in several weeks. We always take a lunch packed in a small portable cooler. We usually take a small botle of ,ilk several sandwitches and fruit. I understand that we can't take the milk but what about the rest. The cooler has a icepack whcih we put in it to keep tings cool. We would hate to have secutity tell us that we can't take it on board. We all know that South west Airlines doesn't serv food on their flights so it's necessary to take one's own food on the longer flights.
Dixie
Explorer C
I take several maintenance meds in pill form, so I keep them in one daily marked container to prevent carrying all the bottles. Do I have to have the bottles with me so prescriptions info is available?
Tom16
Explorer C
Am I allowed to carryon a inhalation Aerosol ? 14.7 grams Combivent aerosol
Kasi
Explorer C
I am curious is mascara a liquid? I know you cant bring liquid foundation but what about mascara. And lipstick as been allowed but has lip gloss? And I wear a lip stain that looks like a marker pen so it would have a liquid ink inside the pen would that be allowed?
Joseph_Kelly
Explorer C
I understand the various ways and their justification that SWA is different from other airlines and have no problem with these differences with one exception "no assigned seats". I am unable to fathom what advantage the airline gains by not offering assigned seats. I do know the peace of mind gained by passengers who book months in advance because of seat requirements and regular non panicked boarding procedure when a passenger knows his or her seat is reserved.Please explain SWA's reasons for non-assignment!!!
mrprestonking
Explorer C
Liquid ban is another pain. Although I understand your comments are limited to waiting times, from the customer's point of view, it's not just the waiting time that matters. Stress level and convenience are also factors. With the new bans anxiety and incovenience are both increased. And we should not take the cavalier point of view as one commenter responded that the public will "continue to [fly] as long as flying is the fastest form of travel." Many trips are 'for leisure' and thus are discretionary (as are most of mine). My guess is the success of the Ding Fares program bears witness to the discretionary nature of many trips. Any added inconvenience will undoubtedly have a negative affect on the decision to make a discretionary trip. Baltimore is my home base and SWA's fourth busiest airport. But it is probably not a good example to use when it comes to checkpoint waiting times. I say this because the folks at BWI are in fact a lot more efficient at getting large (Very Large) numbers of folks quickly through the checkpoints than at the average airport. That efficiency will undoubtedly shine through even with additional carry-on restrictions. Likewise, if you take an airport which historically has been inefficient -such as BUF- one could argue that they will be even more inefficient with additional restrictions in place. Or even worse, if you truly believe these new security measures are warranted, what about if the inefficient airports get folks through just as quickly as before August 10th at the expense of security. That is to say they are less careful in checking for all 'security risks' because now they have more to check for - but the need to get people on time to their scheduled departure gate remain the same. The other problem with the new restrictions are that the traveler has to come earlier because he's forced to check his bag if he plans to bring along some toothpaste for brushing his teeth, or if he plans to bring along any of 100 of other personal items that people normally travel with. Say for example the businessman who travels once or twice a week for a day trip with nothing but his briefcase in which he happens to carry a small bottle of mouthwash or an aerosol breath freshener. He now has to get up earlier to so he can check his bag. If it (security) wasn't such a serious matter, it would be laughable. And then there is the cost involved. How long can Southwest continue to induce people to fly if with a $49 fare there is a security fee of $49? It would be like renting a car at the airport for $25 for a day, but having to pay $15 to take the Airport Authority's shuttle just to get across the street to the rental location. And by he way Kasi, no you cannot carry on liquid mascara. Basically you should go under the assumption that ALL liquids, gels and aerosols are prohibited. Why? Because there are few exceptions. JUST BRINGING a prohibited item to a security checkpoint - even accidentally - is ILLEGAL. How many travelers do you think are aware of that law? "You are now free to move about the country".
blusk
Aviator C
Hi Joseph, Thanks for posting your comments. You may not be aware, but our CEO, Gary Kelly, has a posting here on the blog about assigned seating. That post has generated over 580 comments, with those comments running in favor of our current open seating by a margin of at least 3 to 1. You can go to Gary's post here, and I think you will find your answers in the comments. Our Customers are passionate about open seating. Keep in mind that no decision on this subject has been made yet, and we are looking at more options. The test in San Diego is finished, and we plan to conduct additional tests with open seating. Brian
Babette_Ensing
Explorer C
My husband and 2 toddler children are traveling on 9-18 from Chicago to California. Any suggestions to make traveling more convenient? We are bringing a car seat for 19 month old and a dvd player for enterntainment. My question is that my son is asthmatic and we have to bring a nebulizer. Is this a problem as well as the bringing his medication? Thank you for your help. Babette Ensing
Guy_E__Miller
Explorer C
BACK IN MARCH OF 2002 I FLEW FROM HOUSTON HOBBY AIRPORT TO LAS VEGAS. WHEN i GOT ON THE PLANE AT HOUSTON I HAD FORGOTTEN MY CELL PHONE. I WANTED TO CALL MY PARENTS TO LET THEM KNOW I HAD MADE IT. ONE OF YOUR VERY KIND FLIGHT ATTENDANTS ( KAREN SIMS ) ALLOWED ME TO USE HER CELL PHONE TO MAKE THE CALL TO MY PARENTS. AFTER I MADE THE CALL TO MY PARENTS SHE TOOK THE TIME TO SIT BESIDE ME AND TALKED WITH ME UNTIL IT WAS TIME TO TAKE OFF. I NEVER GOT TO SEE HER AGAIN AND WANTED THANK HER VERY MUCH FOR BEING SO KIND. I WAS GOING TO SEND HER RED ROSES BUT MY MOTHER HAS DELETED HER CELL PHONE NUMBER FROM THEIR CALLER I.D. KAREN IF YOU ARE STILL WORKING FOR SOUTHWEST, THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH KIND LADY. YOUR TRULY, GUY E. MILLER
Kasi
Explorer C
I am an asthmatic. I usually carry my inhaler in my purse. I looked on TSA and they say no aerosols what-so-ever. and they dont list asthma under medical and special needs devices. I am wondering if I have to bring my big box (that holds 5 inhalers) with the prescription label on it to get my one inhale through security?
Belva_Hess
Explorer C
The makeup and gel prohibition is a real inconvenience and will be costly if for some reason it disappears from the checked luggarge. This is not your fault. It is the bad guys that have caused this. I would be willing to pay for a bottle of water on board just as I pay for an alcoholic beverage. I hope I can still bring candy and cheese crackers on board.
Paul_Burgess
Explorer C
A note about ice packs-- National Public Radio's _All Things Considered_ recently mentioned a company in Nova Scotia packing lobsters for its travelling customers. Pre-Aug.10, they used a gel-based ice pack. When the regulations went into effect, they started using ziplock-freezer (clear) bags of frozen peas. They're cheap, edible, and they reportedly stay colder longer. source: Business Finds New Way to Chill Carry-On Lobster http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5705299
C_C_
Explorer C
TO THE GENTLEMEN WHO FOUND WAITING SO LONG IN THE A LINE WAS A WASTE, BECAUSE OF THE SCREENER WHO PULLED HIM OUT THEREBY CAUSING HIM TO MISS HIS ENTRANCE FOR A CHANCE OF THE "EXIT ROW", WE THOROUGHLY AGREE WITH YOU ABOUT THE UNFAIRNESS....THESE SCREENERS COULDN'T CARE LESS WHERE YOU SIT, NOR DO THEY CARE HOW LONG THEY TAKE TO SCREEN YOU...WE ENCOUNTERED A SITUATION ALMOST THE SAME...THE DIFFERENCE WAS AFTER WE WAITED ALMOST 2 HOURS IN THE FRONT OF THE A LINE, THE SCREENER WAS PULLING FOLKS OUT OF THE B,C LINE, THEN GAVE THEM FIRST "ENTRANCE" ON THE PLANE AHEAD OF ALL OF US...NOW, THAT TOO WAS UNFAIR......SO TRUST ME, SWA NEEDS TO WORK ON THIS.......DO THEIR SCREENING EARLY ENOUGH SO THOSE CAN GET BACK IN THEIR PROPER PLACE IN LINE IS THE ONLY FAIR WAY TO DO THIS....... THE TSA AGENTS IN VEGAS ARE HORRIBLE....THEY TREAT THEIR CUSTOMERS AS THOUGH THEY ARE UNWANTED CATTLE...THEY TALK SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO LOUD ITS AWFUL........THEY HAVEN'T YET REALIZED THAT IF WE DON'T FLY, THEY MAY END UP BEING THE "UNWANTED" CATTLE......... ON OUR LAST TRIP TO VEGAS, WE SAW AN ATTENDANT GET OFF THE PLANE WE WERE TO BOARD, GO TO ONE OF THOSE COFFEE PLACES AND GET A CUP OF WHATEVER, COME BACK AND GET ON THE PLANE WITH THE SWA AGENT AT THE GATE ALLOWING IT......SHE WASN'T STOPPED, NOR DID SHE THROW IT AWAY BEFORE BOARDING...SO, IN RESPONSE TO THAT SWA AGENT WHO SAID THEY FOLLOW THE SAME RULES.........."HELLO"...WE AND MANY OTHERS BEG TO DIFFER.........THEY OF ALL PEOPLE SHOULD LEAD BY EXAMPLE..... NOT ONLY ARE FOLKS PAYING MORE FOR TRIPS NOW, BUT ALSO EVEN MORE BECAUSE IF THEY DON'T SEND THEIR BAGS THRU BECAUSE OF THE LIQUID GEL SITUATION, THEY HAVE TO SPEND MORE MONEY ON ITEMS WHEN THEY GET THERE...LUXOR IS THE ONLY HOTEL TO DATE WE'VE FOUND WHO FURNISHES ITEMS, I.E. TOOTPASTE, SHAVER ETC IN YOUR ROOMS......HOW GREAT THAT IS.........THE PALMS DOES FURNISH A NICE SHAVER AND THAT IS GREAT ALSO.........HOPEFULLY SOMEONE COULD DO A BLOG OF HOTELS WITH WHAT THEY ARE FURNISHING IN LIEU OF ALL OF THIS..(ALTHOUGH WE KNOW IT ISN'T THEIR PLACE TO FURNISH ANYTHING)................IT IS A GIVEN THAT ALL WOULD RATHER BE SAFE THAN SORRY, SO FOLLOWING THE RULES IS A MUST...BUT CAN SWA HELP US OUT WITH WATER AT THEIR GATES?????? BRINGING FOOD ON BOARD SHOULDN'T BE A PROBLEM FOR ANYONE...JUST KNOW " SOUPY CAN'T " FLY........ THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR TIME.......HAVE FUN IN THE SKIES!!!
Gregg_K_
Explorer C
I'm flying to Vegas the last week of Sept. and need to take a tube of cream that is a prescribed medication. Will I be able to take this on board or will I have to check a bag to take it? The TSA rules were a little unclear to me about this and I don't want to have a hassel at the screening.
GJ_Olson
Explorer C
Personally, I am very happy with SW policy of no assigned seats. On other airlines, they let you choose your own seat, when you reserve on line, but not once have I benn assigned the seat that I chose. Why bother? I am somewhat claustrophobic and prefer to sit in the first few rows of the plane. If I should be picked to be searched while in the "A" line, can my travel mate continue to board and save me a seat next to them? SW is a no-noncense airline and I always fly SW. The first time I flew with them, from Cleveland to Midway, upon arrival I had only 20 minutes to catch a bus. The plane landed, went directly to the gate, opened the door and I was on my way, finding my bus with 10 minutes to spare. Have always had good experiences with SW and they will continue to be my airline. So, yes, I am nuts about SW Airlines. Sincerely, GJ Olson
Vickie
Explorer C
We recently flew from Pittsburgh to Orlando on August 9th, carrying all of our liquids/gels in our carry ons. Imagine our shock when we saw the news the next evening! We ended up leaving our liquids that were replaceable in the hotel trash can, and checking everything else. I will say that the lines to check luggage on August 14th were outrageous, but even with the "madness" the SW reps were very understanding, personable and efficient. Thank you
S__Dickinson
Explorer C
I will be flying Oct. 5 returning Oct. 10 and have a question. One of my medications causes severe dry mouth. I use a Mouth Moisturizer Spray. Can I carry it on the plane? Do I need to get a letter from my doctor? After 5 hours without it I will be lucky to be able to swallow, let alone talk! Thank you for any advice. "Nonny" Dickinson (age 71)
Carrie2
Explorer C
As a person who also always has a bottle of water with me, I, too would love the idea or being handed a bottle of water as I got on the plane. But if this was too cost restrictive, I would also be willing to pay for it. After all, I would have paid for it at the store before bringing it to the airport anyway, so technically, I would not be out any additional money. I suppose the drawback to this is the time it would take to collect money....... it could cause some flight delays. I can easily leave my hair gel, toothpaste, etc. in my bag, but on flights, I need to stay hydrated. Carrie 🙂
Greg26
Explorer C
I have found, as a frequent business traveler, that pre-pasted toothbrushes are very convenient. I was having a hard time finding these until I searched the web and then ordered some from dentakit. They actually do taste good and work well. I'll probably order more so I can get the free shipping next time.
kerfr1
Explorer C
I AM GLAD FOR THE OPEN SEATING. THAT WAY YOU NOT ONLY CAN CHOOSE WHERE YOU WISH TO SIT, BUT THE PERSON NEXT TO YOU. BUT WHY DO YOU LET PEOPLE WITH "B" TICKETS GO THROUGH THE "A" LINE? YOUR HAVE SURPERB FLIGHT ATTENDANTS, BUT SOME OF THE WOMEN ATTENDANTS COULD BE MORE FRIENDLY & HAVE A PERSONALITY. ESPECIALLY ON THE LONG FLIGHTS TAMPA TO LAS VEGAS & VISA VERSA. AREN'T YOU THE LAID BACK AIRLINE...YOUR "WOMEN" EMPLOYEES SHOULD REFLECT THIS. ALSO, YOU MAY WANT TO CHECK WHY IN THE PHILA. & TAMPA AIRPORTS WHILE YOU ARE WAITING INLINE, PASSENGERS LEAVE THEIR BAGS IN LINE~ LEAVE~ THEN RETURN TO THEIR ORIGINAL SPACE!
Kelli_Bond
Explorer C
For those of you worried about bad breath once you've crossed that gate, just bring aboard apples (if you're flying out of California, that is, because of the state Agriculture Department restrictions on "importing" out-of-state fruit) or sugar-free gum! Floss or floss piks are also great to keep in your carry-on. 🙂
Louis_DiBridge
Explorer C
Hi Southwest, We will be going to Las Vegas on Oct. 14. My wife has Sjogrens Symdrone, which means she has a very dry mouth and dry eyes.She has to have water about every 10 minutes. Could I get a letter from my doctor to help me get some water on the plane. Please let me know what there is to do. Thanks, Louis R. DiBridge
S_Baker
Explorer C
You have not had to check baggage in Houston apparently. Since the liquid change the wait time is well beyond 5 minutes, tray about 30 to 45 minutes and that is the skycap line.
R__Hunsinger
Explorer C
My husband and I flew from Orlando, Fl to Las Vegas the beginning of Sept. and I was very impressed. The attendents were very friendly and had a good sense of humor which made the flight comfortable. I have Sjogrens Sydrome and need water all the time. I found by buying just be loading helpful and finishing it before loading, then as soon as I got on the plane. I chewed gum or sucked on hard candy till the attendents brought us water. I had no problems and can't undrstand why people are making such a big deal of it. I would rather obey the rules and arrive safe. I feel SW did a fantastic job and will be flying with them from now on. Thanks to you all for a job well done.
Roberta_Henry
Explorer C
I am a very frequent flyer with SW. I used to stand in my line, be it 'A' or 'B' waiting and waiting like being in a herd of cattle. Lately, I just wait till the end of my letter and casually saunter onto the plane. As a mostly single (alone) traveler, I can almost always get a seat wherever I'd like to sit. On those few occasions where I've ended up in the back of the plane, I've had the most delightful conversatons with your flight attendents and that alone made the flights memorable. thanks! bobbie henry, orlando
carroll4
Explorer C
love the saunter -- life is like a box of chocolates and so is SWA you never know what story you'll hear, friend you'll make or lesson you will learn. I tend to like the surprises I find on Southwest.
Chris_Grass
Explorer C
I flew from St .Louis to Las Vegas on August 8th. Like everyone else, I found that the world changed again (at least for flyers) on August 10th. I was headed for a large meeting of my professional fraternity, and I was the honorary chaplain for the meeting. I took time on the morning of the 10th to address the convention body and asked everyone to use good common sense, not to panic, plan ahead and follow the rules. I updated the members daily (because I am a big news watcher) and encouraged everyone to continue to stay calm. Many of us had been watching the local news and seeing the long lines that initially plagued everyone at McCarran and we were all more than a bit worried. I flew home on August 12, and heeding my own advice, left for the airport quite early (4 hours before my flight). I am delighted to report that from the time I left the hotel, to the time I arrived at my gate, only ONE hour had passed. Of course, that left me with 3 hours at the gate! The Southwest staff members were doing their best to keep everyone calm and as relaxed as possible under the circumstances. I am pleased to report that I arrived home safe and on time. Thanks to the staff at Southwest for making a bad situation tolerable!