Southwest Airlines Community

Whew, flying with a youngster who's got a case of the jitters can feel like wrangling a happy hurricane! But fear not, fellow traveler, there are ways to navigate this adventure. First things first, a big thumbs up to pre-boarding. Getting settled in before the stampede calms the chaos and gives your little adventurer some space to breathe. Think of it as a VIP entrance to the funfair! Second, pack a toolbox of tricks. Fidget toys, noise-canceling headphones, and a favorite stuffy can be lifesavers. New environment got them overwhelmed? Distraction is your friend! Travel games, drawing pads, or even a pre-downloaded movie marathon can work wonders. Here's where I might get a little off-book. If anxiety is a regular travel companion for your kiddo, consider talking to a pediatrician or therapist. There might be some relaxation techniques or mindfulness exercises that can help them face their fears with a superhero cape, not a backpack full of worries. Mental health hotlines are also a great resource, offering tips and support for anxious flyers of all ages. ... View more

They usually treat vape pens like e-cigarettes, so you might want to pack it in your carry-on bag to avoid any issues with checked baggage. As for protecting it, keeping it in his pocket sounds like a solid plan. Also, if you're into browsing smoking gear, check out www.smokeday.com. They've got some cool stuff! Wishing you both a smooth journey. ... View more

File a written dispute with your credit card carrier.  State your case and I'm 95% certain you will be compensated.   Southwest should also kick in here as they are lending their name to an organization that has more complaints than there are grains of sand on the seashore. ... View more

        The next time a gate agent does this, put the muscle on them.                                                                          Artanis, SW stockholder out of TUS     ... View more

Southwest Airlines continues to attract customers despite facing challenges due to several key factors that set it apart from other airlines. Here's why customers still choose Southwest Airlines: 1. Affordable Pricing: Southwest Airlines is known for its low-cost fares and transparent pricing structure. Customers appreciate the affordability of Southwest's tickets, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers. 2. No Hidden Fees: Southwest is renowned for its no-frills approach and lack of hidden fees. Unlike many other airlines, Southwest does not charge for services like checked bags, flight changes, or seat selection, which can significantly reduce the overall cost of travel for customers. 3. Flexible Policies: Southwest offers some of the most flexible booking and cancellation policies in the industry. Customers can change or cancel their flights without penalty, and unused funds from canceled flights can be applied to future bookings, providing peace of mind and flexibility for travelers. 4. Extensive Route Network: Despite being primarily a domestic airline, Southwest has a widespread route network that serves numerous destinations across the United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean. This extensive coverage makes it convenient for customers to travel to a wide range of destinations within Southwest's network. 5. Reliable Operations: Southwest has a strong reputation for reliability and operational efficiency. The airline consistently ranks high in on-time performance and has a track record of minimal flight cancellations and delays, earning the trust of travelers who value punctuality and dependability. 6. Quality Customer Service: Southwest prioritizes customer service and is known for its friendly and helpful staff. From booking assistance to in-flight service, Southwest employees strive to provide a positive and enjoyable experience for passengers, enhancing customer loyalty and satisfaction. 7. Unique Amenities: Southwest offers several unique amenities that differentiate it from other airlines, such as open seating, where passengers can choose their own seats onboard, and the Rapid Rewards loyalty program, which rewards frequent flyers with perks like free flights and priority boarding. 8. Commitment to Safety: Safety is a top priority for Southwest Airlines, and the airline has a strong safety record. Customers trust Southwest to prioritize their well-being and adhere to rigorous safety protocols, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. 9. Company Culture: Southwest has a distinctive company culture characterized by a fun and friendly atmosphere. This unique culture extends to the customer experience, with Southwest employees often going above and beyond to create a positive and memorable journey for passengers. 10. Environmental Initiatives: Southwest is committed to sustainability and has implemented various environmental initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint and promote eco-friendly practices. Customers who prioritize sustainability may choose Southwest for its efforts to minimize environmental impact. Despite facing challenges common to the airline industry, Southwest Airlines continues to attract and retain customers through its affordable pricing, transparent policies, reliable operations, quality customer service, and unique amenities. By prioritizing the needs and preferences of travelers, Southwest maintains its position as a top choice for domestic and international air travel. BenefitsCal ... View more

There are substantial efforts underway to defund the IRS.  I would suggest another line of work given what is soon to transpire. ... View more

I'm inclined to agree with DancingDavidE.  An original part of the Southwest business model was fly one plane, train crew for one plane, maintain and repair one plane.  This has contributed to Southwest's success and profitability.   Even thinking about the 737 is not something Southwest should have to do anyway, it's a problem not of their creating.   It's kind of the old fork in the road.  What quality of planes would Airbus be making say 20 years from now?  It's like a problem with no solution. ... View more

Sorry, I don't agree with your statement.   I love the "open seating" policy at Southwest Airlines. It is the only airlines that I have used exclusively since 2017. I feel that the boarding process is smoother than on other airlines. I also have several family members who love this policy.   I certainly hope this never changes... if it does, it makes Southwest no better than the other airlines. ... View more

Uh...the title to the post includes the words "new gate agent".   At MCO, you can carry on an unlimited number of items including your new refrigerator you got on sale.  No problems!   LOL ... View more

Actually, its spelled "yammering" and I mis-stated one adult.  I've corrected that in a subsequent copy/paste of the policy.   The fundamental problem with this policy is its name.  It is not intended to be "family" boarding, but is in fact "child assist".  Too many people hear the term "family" and believe that the policy applies to them.     The proper term should be "child assist" where anyone with a child under the age of seven can board with up to two adults.  And, as stated many times before, an adult is not an older child who has not reached the age of majority.  They board on their own.   Southwest is drifting toward assigned seats because of the mad rush to get on the plane first and also the misguided impression that families and those traveling together can sit together.  When they can't sit together due to seating occupancy during onboarding, they pitch a fit even though they knowingly bought a ticket on an airline that has open seating. ... View more

 I am a US Army Retiree of 20+ yrs.  But I don't expect pre-boarding privileges.  ... View more

In my opinion, the abuse of preboarding, family boarding, carry on size and carry on count has destroyed the simplicity of open seating.   When no one can find anymore overhead bin space because George brought his riding mower on board and Betty brings the kids' swing set while Henry brings a wide assortment of cross county ski equipment along with an outdoor barbeque grill, everyone is afraid of running out of space and thus wants on board first.   I have warned Southwest about gate agent apathy of their boarding rules, especially what I see at MCO.   Southwest should examine the video of a random sample of boarding at MCO to see if gate agents follow the rule.  I would say that on every flight, someone violates one of the boarding rules and carry on rules.  Sad.   ... View more

Pointing out issues that are detrimental to the airlines and also a blatant disregard for their own rules is no basis to be put on a no-fly list.  However, in my experiences, I have been thanked by Southwest for pointing out issues where they need to improve.   None of my plans would interfere with operations nor would they be a basis to be banned from Southwest.     It is time to follow all of the rules.   ... View more

FWIW-Isn't Southwest already basically doing this with their tiered Fare Structure? Basic Current Boarding Order(My perception/understanding of it) -Business Select= A-1 to A-15 -(A-list Preferred and A-List)=A-16 and on -Anytime Fare= Automatic EBCI -WGA+=Board After or buy EBCI  -WGA= Board Last or buy EBCI The problems are: -Those who Scam the Pre-boarding Process, either through fraud or being allowed to bring more than one support person. -Individuals/Families buying WGA Fares and expecting Business Select Fare Boarding, because they are Special and Rules do not apply to them. -Seat Savers, (all Seat Savers.)   My 2 cents, changing the process won't fix the problems listed above. My Solution: Fix the problems by simply applying the existing policies of both SWA and the FAA for boarding. ... View more

They didn't say Vietnam vet anywhere just 100% disabled veteran. I'm also a 100% disabled veteran myself. Have been since 2006 when I came home from Iraq and I'm now 40. I have very often struggled to hide my limp and sometimes you'd never notice anything. I also look perfectly capable, but if I'm in shorts you can see the difference and if I don't have a seat in front with extra leg room I won't be able to move for days. How about we just all stop worrying about others and focus on ourselves?  ... View more

I Agree Assigned Seating………is necessary…… ... View more

I would demand compensation.  Handling your bags is part of the cost of the ticket.   ... View more

I believe that an independent investigation is in order. ... View more

Southwest is only one of many who has unassigned seating, too.  I am in favor of banning these items from the airplanes. ... View more

You are incorrect. This is the story. I requested the police report from the airport because I, too, felt certain I was missing something. I received it last week. The report states the young reporter did not want me removed from the flight and did not feel threatened. This additional information only confuses me more. ... View more

@GaelleG wrote: Late to the discussion on this, but as a long-time A-lister, I am disappointed to no longer receive drink coupons in the mail periodically.  It takes a lot of flying to achieve A-list status and while I can understand the desire to save $$ on postage, a periodic electronic credit for a beverage would be appreciated.   As a person who has been A-List for every single year that the program has been in existence. I agree that ti takes a lot of flying to get and keep the status.   But if you are A-List, how is it that you are just now complaining about something that changed over a year ago? If you fly at least 25 one ways a year, surely you should have noticed that the coupons were missing (multiple times) a long, long time ago. ... View more

@avee8r wrote: Thats a good idea - I sent them a msg on Twitter and they got back to me in 10mins. Thanks for the idea !  Hopefully they find it now ! Is it still reporting from the same place? I was hoping you'd have it back by now.     ... View more

Thank you for your response - however - it has nothing to do with my post.  If the wi-fi shows very little bandwidth, why not just refund the customer?   Smiles and Happy Thoughts ... View more

I appreciate your response. I was told by a Southwest Agent that they were contracted by Southwest Airlines.  ... View more

Oh yes, and he didn't follow the rules for everyone. The passenger standing in line in front of me said out loud what I was thinking that he let teenagers board for family boarding and kids over six. ... View more

@mitchthreadgill wrote: Purchased Wi-Fi in flight from CHI to DEN Started support with the AI chat, after 10 minutes of begging for a real person, the real person CANT help me.  Sends me a link to email customer service, 30 minutes later I receive an email to call them LOL, why couldnt that be in the chat. Called the number and they tell me they CANT help me either, I have to wait 3 days for them to contact me, as it is a 3rd party. It really floors me that what must be an EXTREMELY common NEED by business clients that there is not something a LOT more conveinent in place. The APP said it sent my receipt, I never received an email or any other documentation on the purchase. So 2.5 hours of my day and then now 3 days to wait!!! AND TO DRYLY PASS ME AROUND THE SUPPORT TEAM ONLY TO FIND THAT THERE IS NO HELP THAT ANY OF THEM CAN PORVIDE AT ALL!!!!!!!!!!!! REALLY!!!!!!! Disney's Goofy running the show over there or what? I take a screenshot of the purchase page if I'll be submitting it. Email has usually worked for me but just in case.         ... View more

Yes, there is a personal carry on size limit.   ... View more

Recently, I was told that the pet may also "preboard" if the owner declares that their pet also has a disability.   ... View more

@joshbf wrote: Why is there an iframe??? All I ever do is stare at the “revving up” image and the “submit” link NEVER appear… every flight, every time.   (please don’t suggest I reboot or clear my cookies-  I’ve tried everything.)   i click A list preferred, so just take me directly to the authentication screen that is NOT an iframe- please!!!!🙏  But do try going to the free texting page and accepting it, then going back to A-list preferred login. For some reason that worked for me, whatever setting it is that gets put in place by accepting the texting permissions.         ... View more

@mzhibbs wrote: Thanks! I "phoned a friend" on this one and there is a new third-party service there, they won't be Southwest staff but there is a new option, they open 4 a.m. but take luggage for all airlines.         ... View more