Southwest Airlines Community

You need to have your bag checked in 45 minutes before your scheduled departure on a domestic flight.  It will usually be tagged "Late Check-in" at 45 minutes and will not be guaranteed to make it aboard your flight.   You need to have your bag checked in 60 minutes before your scheduled departure on an international flight.  If you don't meet this check-in time, you probably won't be allowed to board.   You need to have your bag checked in 75 minutes before a flight to Aruba.   To save time, you can check-in your bag digitally after you check-in online, and then just print your luggage tags at the airport kiosk and hand over your tagged luggage to the customer service agent at the counter.   Also, remember to allow time to go through security if you are pushing the time limit for check-in.   And, you can now track your bag digitally to see if it made it onboard. ... View more

I'm really sorry this happened to her.   Southwest Airlines asks that passengers report any “unwelcome behavior” on their aircraft to the flight attendants on duty.  In fact, as of January 2020, it’s now part of the airline’s required pre-flight emergency briefing and demonstration, right after the instructions about operating oxygen masks.  The FAs are empowered to remove customers who are being harassed from these types of situations, regardless of how full the flight is.   But they need to know about it at the time it happens.   Even though she is able to provide identifying information, this situation, unfortunately, turns into a "he said, she said" circumstance.   She can use the blue Contact Us button at the bottom to describe the occurrence with the details you posted.  My guess is that she'll receive an apology and, if she had a RR account, perhaps a few goodwill points as well.  And while I understand your desire/reason to assist, your partner should be the one doing the reporting, not you. ... View more

The policy now states: Snow ski equipment. Snow ski equipment, including skis or snowboards, ski boots, and ski poles are allowed, including one pair of skis or one snowboard, one set of poles, and one pair of ski/snowboard boots packed in a container(s) acceptable to Carrier. When substituting ski equipment for a free bag, we allow up to two bags (containing one set of snow skis, ski poles, and ski boots) to count as one item, even if they are packed and tagged separately. Snow ski equipment packed in a plastic bag will be transported only with a limited release of liability.   So...no, clothes cannot be packed with your gear any longer.  My guess is that passengers were taking advantage of the then-generous policy, and that ski and boot bags were approaching or exceeding 50 pounds.   Last year, I packed a few extra items of ski clothes with my ski gear.  For instance, I wrapped one pair of ski pants around my skis for extra padding and stuffed gloves in one boot and goggles in the other.  I had no problems and was not asked about clothes with my gear.  I was lucky.  But, they are now enforcing it more stringently.  I advise that baggage policies always be checked for updates.  They change more frequently than most people think.   My ski gear has always been opened and check by TSA when I fly out of PDX...I always get that little card placed inside.  All good; they're doing their job!   I think she misspoke when she said "TSA wouldn't transport it"...as TSA is not in the "transporting" business...which is a good thing!! ... View more

Great news! Thank you for letting the community know about Avery's commitment to customer service.   You can click on the blue Contact Us link below and let Southwest Airlines know that their employee did a wonderful job.  I'm sure Avery would appreciate it too. ... View more

I believe they are correct.   The tax exemption is for sales tax only.     The airline "taxes" can be a combination of excise taxes, arrival and departure taxes, federal fees, government-imposed September 11th security fees, etc.  Unfortunately, these are not exempted for non-profits or schools. ... View more

As you stated, the policy reads: Your carryon can be no bigger than 24” (L) + 16” (W) + 10” (H). If it’s bigger than those dimensions, it will need to be checked.   I tend to take these measurement to heart because I don't want my luggage inadvertently gate-checked when it isn't packed for that type of "movement."  That being said, I have never had my carry-on measured.  When my bag is full, it approaches an 11" measurement.  However, it is soft-sided...and therefore, "squishy."  Interestingly, it was very full last week (probably close to 12 inches) and wouldn't push entirely back in the overhead storage.  I was so embarrassed.  Don't be me 😉.  Out came my puffer jacket from the outer pocket...and it fit.   Go with soft-sided, don't overpack the outer pockets, and you will probably be fine.   Congratulations on the new job.  Safe travels! ... View more

Here are the current entertainment offerings: https://www.southwest.com/inflight-entertainment-portal/   Safe travels! ... View more

YAY!  You chose a good airline for your first flight.   Yes, your backpack will be considered a personal item and fits the size constraints.  It should be placed under the seat in front of you.  Since it is right on the limit for size, I wouldn't overpack it as it must fit completely under the seat.   Carry-on bag limits are 24" x 16" x 10" and yours is under that limit...so you should be fine with that too.  It will need to be placed in the overhead bin.   Just in case your carry-on bag needs to be gate checked due to no space (it sometimes happens), I would recommend that you place medications, jewelry, sunglasses, or any other valuables/non-replaceables in your personal item (backpack).   Enjoy your flight! ... View more

50 states...WOW!! Congratulations on your traveling nirvana.  I love the positive note that Jack wrote.  Thank you for taking the time to post this. ... View more

I don't think this is something that needs to be arranged.  I would just show up (not during the busy morning flights) and ask.   However...the agents at the check-in desk will not inspect it (other than looking at it) or approve it.  The final call on whether it flies onboard with you will be at the gate and will be up to that person.  Most likely, it will depend on its size, how much room it requires for onboard storage, and whether it can be stored safely.  A polite conversation at the gate desk may move you in the right direction.   Without disclosing your disability, it would be helpful to know what this mobility device is...and, perhaps, better advice can be given. ... View more

I have also done it.   I manage my parents' affairs.  My dad passed.  The SW RR credit card was in his name and I immediately closed his credit card account.  His RR account, with over 100,000 points, continued and continues to be active.  I constantly use it to book my mom tickets when she wants to travel.  Once his RR account hits a zero balance, I will notify SWA to cancel it. ... View more

Either a mistake was made when you checked in by an unknowledgeable agent or the written policy is incorrectly worded.  I believe you are due a refund of those charges based on the description below and would take this up with SWA.  Click on the blue Contact Us button at the bottom of the Discussion Forum screen and include their wording.   https://www.southwest.com/help/baggage/special-baggage-sports-equipment:   Any of the items listed below may be checked in substitution of one piece of the free checked baggage allowance for you at no charge on a one-item-for-one-bag basis. If the item of sporting equipment exceeds 50 pounds in weight, excess weight charges will apply. If the item of sporting equipment exceeds 62 inches in size (outside length plus height plus width), excess size charges will not apply.   Snow ski equipment. Snow ski equipment, including skis or snowboards, ski boots, and ski poles are allowed, including one pair of skis or one snowboard, one set of poles, and one pair of ski/snowboard boots packed in a container(s) acceptable to Carrier. When substituting ski equipment for a free bag, we allow up to two bags (containing one set of snow skis, ski poles, and ski boots) to count as one item, even if they are packed and tagged separately. Snow ski equipment packed in a plastic bag will be transported only with a limited release of liability. ... View more

Why would you post this question on a message board for Southwest Airlines? I suggest you contact American Airlines... ... View more

If you remove the cup holder on the side (which I believe is removable), this seat should measure 16" or less in width and should fit SWA seats without the arm rest needing to be raised.   Safe travels! ... View more

You can bring this cushion as a "free" item.   Per SWA, you have the right to travel with an assistive device.    The U.S. Department of Transportation* defines an assistive device as "any piece of equipment that assists a passenger with a disability in coping with the effects of his or her disability."    You have a disability.  This cushion helps you cope, relieving pain or allowing you to be more mobile when you get up.  You do not need to explain your disability but, as mentioned upstream, I would clear it with the gate agent just so you don't get pulled out of the boarding line to answer questions...and possibly lose your boarding place.   So, you should be able to take the following on board: 1. Carry-on bag: Place above seat 2. Personal Item: Must fit under the seat in front of you.  I would place your medications in this smaller personal item bag...just in case your carry-on bag needs to be gate checked. 3. Assistive Cushion   Safe travels!   *Source: https://www.transportation.gov/individuals/aviation-consumer-protection/wheelchairs-and-other-assistive-devices ... View more