Southwest Airlines Community

You are not the moderator of this discussion.  The OP can decide for themselves from the information that is shared in this forum. ... View more

When my fiancé and I travel together, our boarding positions are sequential.  We have always been together on flights as when I check in, we both get checked in.   When I preboard, she accompanies me as a companion. ... View more

Having a position in line and "sitting together" is two different principles.     In most cases, those that board together can sit together, but no guarantee.  Southwest has open seating so either 1.)  get over it, or 2.)  fly an airline that has assigned seating.   In reading posts recently, it seems that everyone wants Southwest pricing, but wants to behave as if its Delta.  Not gonna happen.     ... View more

In our culture, people with a disability are viewed equally so give no attention whatsoever to those that might look and judge.  Let them.   If you declare the need to preboard, and someone interferes with that request, they are violating Federal regulations.     I have read The Air Carrier Access Act in its complete detail and know what is in the law.     No one, not the airlines nor another passenger, has the right to ask specific questions about your declaration of a disability.  No one.   Announce yourself as someone needing to preboard and that's all there is.       ... View more

Understood and appreciated.   Sometime I'll have to share the little song that has caught on.   😁 ... View more

Tell ya what - I'm going to purchase the EBCI on my flight to New Orleans.  Then, I'm going to contact SW and ask for a refund since I preboarded.   I'll let you know how it goes.   In the meantime - LEAVE ME ALONE ... View more

No, it is not.  If the seat is open, it is open.  The last person that told me they were saving a seat I told them that it was a great topic for a book, but not gonna work on Southwest Airlines.   Yes, I sat in the seat. ... View more

According to some on this board, SWA can do no wrong. ... View more

I would suggest asking for a refund of the EBCI and declare yourself eligible to preboard due to a medical need.  One person may accompany the preboard individual.   Refer to The Air Carrier Access Act. ... View more

No, the "likely problem" is that Southwest can't handle the baggage correctly.  That's the first and foremost issue.  The other are all secondary issues. ... View more

In my opinion, it is disgusting the way SW handled this situation.  The event has become known as The Holiday DISASTER.     Despite what some of the frequent contributors will say, I believe that you should present your case to the CEO and then seek a legal remedy.     SW has had three months to sort this out.  They choose to doddle along with more than just you, others come here with the same complaints.   The Holiday DISASTER will wipe out most, if not all, of the earnings for 2023.  So, I'm sure that they are in damage control now that this is somewhat a prior news story. ... View more

I agree with you.  Ask for a refund regardless of what some frequent contributor says. ... View more

Interfering with an individual's rights to be accommodated under the Act. ... View more

You should have been at the gate on time.  Period. ... View more

The flight attendant didn't do anything wrong.  Yes, the guy was out of line and probably should have been removed from the flight.     However, observing that it does take two people to exchange and escalate a situation is simply an "observation". ... View more

This has been discussed before.  While Southwest does not publish a policy on saving seats, the practice is not supported.  Southwest's position is that you can occupy any open seat as you board the plane.   I once had someone tell me that the seat was saved.  I indicated that it might be a great concept for a book, it wasn't reality on Southwest.  I sat in the seat that was open.     Southwest cannot be liable for getting into a fight.  However, you have the right to sit in an open seat.  If there is any type of hostility from the individual who saved the seat, notify the flight attendant and indicate that you are being harassed for occupying an open seat.  If the hostility continues, the individual will likely be removed from the flight and detained by law enforcement.   Use the tools that are available for you.  There is no reason for you to have the dirty end of the stick. ... View more

Although not really specified in the Southwest preboarding, the people seated in a wheelchair are first to preboard.  I preboard as well but I don't need a wheelchair.  So, those people will board first, then those of us who walk preboard next.   The only suggestion that I would recommend is to request a wheelchair next time and you will be given a wheelchair.  However, those in line will board before you if they are already in a wheelchair.   Being rude is not acceptable.  I would suggest filing a complaint with Southwest and also copy your complaint to the Department of Transportation citing a potential violation of the Air Carrier Access Act.   ... View more

You raise a good issue and have definitely shined a spotlight on the limited thought that went into that job posting.   Growing up in Ohio, I am familiar with the area where Ohio, West Virginia and Pennsylvania all converge.  In fact, when I fly to Ohio to visit my parents, I fly into PIT and drive over.   You, someone who is say 45 minutes from the airport is denied but someone in Scranton PA at the other end of the state gets through the process.     I would recommend that you construct a well written letter to Southwest's Lindsey Lang - VP, People at Southwest Airlines and express your concerns.   They may wish to reword their postings to indicate that you must reside within 40 miles of the airport, or something that gives a radius, rather than a state. ... View more

I would like everyone to take note of those that resort to name calling to make their point.     Having some time today, I called Southwest.  The agent advised me that there is no age limitation on the exit rows and if a gate agent made such an announcement they would not be following any Southwest policy.  The agent was quite disturbed to hear this story.   Going to Southwest's own web site, here is there exit row guidelines.  No mention of anyone being too old.     https://www.southwest.com/help/day-of-travel/emergency-exit-seating-requirements ... View more

I believe that you have a very convincing argument.  Approach Southwest for a refund and consider turning over your evidence to your credit card carrier. ... View more

(sigh....)   https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/en/advice-and-guidance/age-discrimination ... View more

No, they do not.  However, please believe whatever makes you happy. ... View more

If the gate agent actually announced that "over 50" was a restriction, they are in violation of Federal laws covering discrimination.  I would contact their office and demand accountability for such blatant disregard for persons "over 50".   It is us that are "over 50" that have all of the money and buy stock in Southwest Airlines so that they can operate.  At least we used to until the Holiday DISASTER effectively wiped out a year's worth of earnings.      My suggestion is to file a complaint and demand accountability. ... View more

People want Southwest pricing but Delta policies.     They want to all sit together but don't want to pony up the dollars to fly Delta.   Open seating is why the pricing is low so I would suggest asking for a refund if you do not believe that you received value for your dollar. ... View more

I am preserving and defending the rights of those who come to this board with valid complaints.  If you want to refer to that as "trolling", then please do so.     I will continue to be in Florida where the sun shines bright, the weather is tropical and warm, and the taxes are low.     ... View more

Your employee manual should be clear on this topic.  However, it is subject to change as Southwest's financial condition deteriorates.   Every seat is lost revenue. ... View more

You have to understand that some on this board believe that Southwest can do no wrong.  They will defend the brand and even brush aside the Holiday DISASTER as it it was somehow overstated.     You have the right to express your views as a consumer.  As far as I am concerned, your $200 went right to the bottom line (or what's left of it after the Holiday DISASTER takes its toll).  You have the right to ask for a refund and file a dispute on your credit card if you feel so inclined.   Do not be overly concerned by those that defend everything that Southwest does, or doesn't do. ... View more

We have been seeing a lot of angry posts about the Earlybird check in.  It appears that most people believe that somehow they get a better seat. ... View more

Say all you want about Florida but I went swimming today in sunny 85 degree weather and PAY NO STATE INCOME TAX.  So, if that is foolish then count me in. ... View more

I will first say that there are a few "frequent contributors" who will disagree with my post in response to yours and they primarily shame anyone who disagrees with them.  Given that this is a board, as long as you follow the rules, all views are welcome.   I agree with your assessment.  I've never used that upcharge feature as I found it to be a waste of money.  Additionally, why do it at all if it doesn't improve your boarding position.  You can check in as you line up to board.   Request a refund from Southwest.  As an alternative, you have the RIGHT under The Fair Credit Billing Act to dispute the charge with your credit card carrier, tell your story, then await a decision.   I was part of a group of students in the mid 80s who helped re-draft the language on this Act and much of what we originally added continues to this day.     ... View more