Southwest Airlines Community

I've was honestly always surprised that SWA didn't have a nonstop between Little Rock and Chicago Midway. Now that I look at a map, I see St. Louis is a better connection point than MDW because it's less out of the way for...say a flight to MCI or OMA. I do wonder if they could do a Sunday-Friday or Monday-Friday service between LIT and MDW.   ... View more

@Catpfish wrote: Thanks for all of the replies, and I don't mind the second annual fee.  However, I don't think I phrased my question very well before.  I know that I would need two separate accounts with Chase and that they won't link them.    My actual question is will Southwest allow you to link the two separate Chase accounts under my Rapid Rewards number.  It really doesn't make it worthwhile if I have to have separate Rapid Rewards accounts to match up with the two separate Chase accounts. Yes, I'm sure that works to have separate Chase accounts link to one RR. (Or three if you get a business card as well.)               ... View more

Southwest did nothing wrong.  They offered to change the flight and the current rate applies.  It is as simple as that.     ... View more

@SoCalFlyer97 wrote: @bec102896 wrote: Just in: soon you can standby on another southwest flight regardless of your fare class and Business Select customers will get free Wi-Fi!  i’m curious for A List A List preferred customers what are your thoughts on this change since you could be on standby with a lot more people certain times of the year. Keep in mind it’s only standby where A list still gets same day confirmed.     I'll weigh in as I usually book WGA+ (non A-List).   I think the Same-Day Standby policy change was necessary considering competing legacy carriers were doing the same. Since the benefit appears to be morphing into a standard feature across the airline industry, it makes sense in my opinion for Southwest to offer it too. Since Southwest generally does not like to upcharge for such "basics", I think this had to be done.   We should keep in mind two factors: Same-Day Standby List is different from Same-Day Flight Change (both currently included with A-List and WGA+ fares or higher). Of all the times that I've needed to use either of the Same-Day change benefits under WGA+, I have only needed to use Same-Day Flight Change; I have not needed to use the Same-Day Standby List benefit. It appears that non A-List'ers who purchase WGA fare will not get the Same-Day Flight Change benefit.   Regarding A-List, I don't think there's much to worry about because I assume A-List'ers will still retain their priority order on the Standby List based on fare, being placed only behind those who are re-accommodated due to flight disruptions and in front of everybody else. As for me who books WGA+, the policy states that non A-List WGA+ fare also remain ahead of WGA and behind A-List.   With all that being said, I think the A-List is long past due for much needed value upgrades. I would propose a number of add-ons to A-List so that this program too can better compete with the other carriers.    Example suggested perks to add to A-List combined with all existing perks:   A-List: Free Wi-Fi Transferrable Flight Credit for WGA Standand Plus Priority Pass Reimbursement (10 lounge visits per year) 100% TSA PreCheck or Global Entry enrollment Reimbursement 25% CLEAR enrollment Reimbursement   A-List Preferred: All A-List perks above plus Premium Beverage Prestige Priority Pass Reimbursement (unlimited visits) Free Companion Upgrades to Business Select Board after A30 if positioned at A31 or behind 100% CLEAR enrollment Reimbursement Agree with all of this!   --Jessica ... View more

To ensure your coffee pot doesn't overheat, make sure it's placed on a flat, stable surface away from any flammable materials. Regularly clean the heating element and vents to prevent dust buildup. Follow manufacturer guidelines, use a properly rated extension cord if needed, and never leave the coffee pot unattended while brewing. ... View more

@StAugustine wrote: On a delayed flight last year into BWI there were six passengers who had tight connections to other flights. The FA made an announcement asking everyone to be patient and stay seated so they could exit first. Everyone complied and the six were off the plane within a couple of minutes of reaching the gate. No big deal. Glad to hear that it can work!  ... View more

@Tambaongoc wrote: Hello, I have bought tickets for a SW flight that is supposed to depart at 6:15PM. Now I want to standby  on an earlier flight (6:45AM). I would appreciate your input to the following questions: 1. Will I need to pay for changing to an earlier flight? 2. How do I find out whether I qualify for free same day standby? 3. Should I still check in for my flight at 6:15PM the day before and get to airport early to go on standby?   Thank you. Given today’s news:   Potentially no - not sure when the roll-out takes place for the new policy or when your flight is happening.  Will depend on roll-out of the new policy and date of your flight. Yes - under all circumstances get checked in and then after that would be when you can discuss a change whether under the new policy or as part of a more general ask at the airport. There is some leeway at the airport to grant you a new flight that may not be able to be confirmed online or by phone under the previous policy, so get your check-in completed first as usual and go from there.   ... View more

The claim process outlined is the way to go.  Given the four hour window, you may want to go to the CONTACT US section and advise them of what happened.   Personally, I've never had a piece of luggage damaged by Southwest.  However, sometimes people other than Southwest employees will handle baggage and even the airport machinery can damage articles. ... View more

@mnapo2023 wrote: I sent in a Lost and Found Report a few days ago, in which I mentioned I had an airtag inside that told me exactly where it was, yet today I received an update saying they haven't located my purse despite me telling them where it was. I don't understand. I've tried calling the airport where it ended up, the Baggage Claims Services that I see it's in, and I get nothing even when I tell them I see where it is.   If you know anyone from that city have them go in person if that is feasible.             ... View more

@inetindyswa wrote: 30 years as an SWA loyalists.  I drive 2+ hours one way just to fly SWA.  So I wrote to the VP of Customer Relations on this topic. Got a boilerplate response.  My thought was simply to reward those of us who earned A List Preferred (and even Companion Status) for the past 20+ years.  At that point if you are still qualifying each year with active credits fine.  But for many of us who's jobs morphed into "virtual" after COVID and fly maybe 6 times per year now instead of 100+, we would automatically get nothing more than A List Preferred boarding status.  No extra points.  No special accommodations other than not being stuck with "the unwashed masses" 😁 if at 24 hours and 10 seconds we check in and are stuck in middle to late B.  What's the financial risk to the company?  Maybe the loss of Early Bird, or Ugrade Revenue for the few flights we are still doing?  I have Hilton Lifetime Diamond status as a thank you for 1500+ nights in their properties.  1 time o 100 tines a years I walk in with those extras. Not even asking for that at SWA. Let's start a grassroots campaign that SWA can advertise to younger road warriors to cement their loyalty.  As I have said for 30+ years:  "If Southwest doesn't go to that city, I really don't need to be in that city!". Hello-   I would forward your A-List policy suggestion to Southwest's general email; that way, it can be sent to the appropriate department head within the corporation.   Its possible that the VP of Customer Relations may not be correct department to receive the suggestion (may be VP or Director of Operations, Marketing or whoever oversees the Rapid Rewards loyalty program). Not sure if Customer Relations forwarded your letter to the appropriate department head(s) but it might be worth it to resend it just in case.   https://www.southwest.com/html/contact-us   Nevertheless, not sure if Southwest will make an exception simply because as we all know, frequent flyers pay a lot of money in airfare to the airline to fly frequently, even for WGA short-hauls if you add them all up. But as I said, your letter can help the aforementioned departments determine what kinds of promotions to offer including the current promotion of being able to buy Tier-Qualifying Rapid Reward Points until 8/15. ... View more

I can feel you 😞 ... View more

With regard to medical privacy, that is not what is going on with the preboarding policy.   Preboarding is covered under the Air Carrier Access Act.  The government allowed passengers to "self declare" their disability and qualify for preboarding.  I believe that it is because without some sort of "self declare", you would be leaving the decision to the gate agent and there would be lawsuits galore.   Under the law, you must "self declare" each time you begin a flight experience.  Theoretically, you could do back flips and aerobics all the way to the gate, then "self declare" your disability, then preboard.  You could also complete a 10K race and drop in a wheelchair afterwards, wearing your runner's shorts and shirt, also "self declare" and you qualify.   Since you must "self declare" your disability for each flight, theoretically the declaration also expires somewhere along the way, yet the law is silent here.  So, you can "self declare" your disability, walk on the plane and then withdraw your claim or have it expire.     I see the day coming within the next five years where to preboard you must have a medical certification, just like handicap parking.   ... View more

@CupCrusher40 wrote:  Is it possible to make flight number bigger at gate on TV   Hello-   The graphic designs seen on the Gate Monitors appear to vary by airport--the airport manages some; others have Southwest's innovative digital wayfinding feature that I assume Southwest manages. Do you happen to have a picture of the gate monitor in question? Examples below. If not, which airport and which gate # are you referring to? That will help determine who to forward your suggestion to.   E.g. Airport-managed gate monitors:   SAN, Terminal 1 (west airside wing)     SAN Terminal 1, (east airside wing)     LAS Terminal 1, (B Gates Wing)     SMF Terminal B:     Airline-Managed Gate monitors:   OAK w/ Southwest's digital wayfinding graphics:       Thanks! ... View more

Pre...board.....pre....board.....over the ocean blue......   You paid for business select and I got to board ahead of you...... ... View more

I heckled and my Android OS was already upgraded to 11. I’m tempted to by an iPad just so I can watch movies on my flights.  ... View more

Yes, and that issue was fixed when it was brought their attention.  ... View more

@juaxxys wrote: I'm attempting to contact somebody who can lead me in the correct heading to discuss game's sponsorships. I'm searching for additional data and an application cycle. Hello!   It looks like another poster inquired of something similar in June regarding a sports sponsorship. Here's the link to that thread that includes a Southwest staff response with an email contact to initiate a sponsorship inquiry with the airline.   https://community.southwest.com/t5/Southwest-Careers/Sports-sponsorships/m-p/160191 ... View more

These trip reports are so enjoyable to read! Thanks for sharing @SoCalFlyer97  ... View more

@vollyhawk wrote: Very good data, and I agree with almost all of what you said; however,    A. Southwest could make this better with a software change by cutting off Early Bird purchases when all A Group boarding passes are gone. -or- B. Allow Early Bird people who have paid real $$ to board before family boarding.   It is that simple, but they won't because this is about income via the EB fees collected. Purchasing EB amounts to "gambling". You are paying money and hoping you get an A Boarding pass and you have no idea if you will or not. Why should there be a gamble? S/W should just insure that you'll go as soon as possible over anyone else who didn't pay extra.   I also didn't touch on gate agents enforcement of Southwest policy for family boarding, although many others do on here.  Gate agents often send those needing extra time to get down the gangway first. Even before A Boarding.  They also do not enforce the family boarding policy of two adults only with the child or children under 7. I see huge families line up, aunts, uncles, etc.    I just don't believe the company should sell Early Bird boarding if you don't board before families holding C boarding passes. If families want to sit close to each other, then they should have to buy that option. I can see the idea to cap EB sales but I don't think the airline is going to consider changing this policy as the primary benefit of EB is "Automatic check-in" per the Marketing language on their website; the second being "Better boarding position" with the statement that an A-position is not guaranteed. There are passengers who like the convenience of having the airline do an auto-check in and are willing to pay for it. Capping EB sales would alienate this group.   Even in my "You're going to (destination)" confirmation emails, the marketing message for EB is "Don't miss out on automatic check-in: EarlyBird Check-In reserves your boarding position at 36 hours before your flight, earlier than regular check-in."   As mentioned, I don't opt for EB because I have the ability to check in at the 24 hour mark and can purchase Upgraded Boarding if I get a deep-in-the-B boarding position.    I believe Family Boarding is where it needs to be and left as-is because it involves traveling with children ages six and under; it is best that there be enough open seats on the plane where the child can sit together with at least one of the accompanying adults.   If you're looking for a solid A-position, I would suggest going forward if you book WGA or WGA+ (and if you're able to check in manually at the 24 hour mark) to opt for Upgraded Boarding once you check in instead of buying EB.   Purchasing for Upgraded Boarding opens at the 24 hour mark to sell the remaining A1-A15 slots that were not sold as part of Business Select. It does cap out once all of the A1-A15 slots are sold. It's a little more pricey than EB and the benefit is per flight segment, but if there are spots available, you'll be in the A1-A15 group. I've always been able to snag a solid position at the 24 mark, even for full flights headed in the peak travel direction (e.g. SAN to LAS on a Friday). Just keep in mind that Upgraded Boarding is not refundable and any passenger-initiated same-day flight changes or standby's forfeits the purchase. https://www.southwest.com/upgraded-boarding/   I would also still send your original letter to Southwest and they should also be able to provide you with some official information and tips on these two services.   Also, being a frequent flyer, do you think you may hit A-List before 2024? If so, that's another option as you'll be ahead of both the EB and Anytime fare group in terms of boarding position if you buy your flight at least 36 hours in advance. You'll also be able to board in between the A and B groups as a worst case scenario.   Hope this helps! ... View more

I remember reading about that LAS issue that’s unfortunate for them since they already have issues because of the runway construction  ... View more

@LWP wrote: GM!   I travel a lot—at least every week— and I’m a SWA loyalist.     I heard something new today from an attendant: it’s a Federal Aviation Regulation, (FAR) that roller boards must be wheels in or out in the front bin.  A courtesy? Yes, absolutely.  Especially on a full flight.  But this flight had at least 100 opens.    I just acknowledged the request, and sat a couple of rows back. These attendants deal with enough idiots, no need to add to the stress.   BUT… I am curious, I checked the FARs and didn’t see mention of this.   Does anyone know? As in not putting it in there sideways?   My guess is that this is to maximize the number of people in that section that can put their small personal items up above since there isn't any underseat space for them in the bulkhead row, as well as FA items and safety items taking up some of the space there.   Making it an FAR sounds like a stretch to me, the FAA would have to make separate rules for all different aircraft configurations.     ... View more

@Sasgirl wrote: This might be a weird question. If I want to upgrade my boarding position would the credit card I used for purchasing the tickets be used or would I be able to enter a new one? I'm a frequent buyer of Upgraded Boarding and have the option to use a different credit card to purchase it when I purchase after checking in via the Southwest website. I assume the same applies when checking in and purchasing via the App. Note that there is no option to buy this option with Rapid Rewards points, LUV Vouchers, Flight Credits or Southwest Gift Card. ... View more

@ZevSupport wrote: Typing is fine, but it does get a bit tight when the person in front of me moves back OR when I have a drink. I guess I just make it work.  Tablet and tablet keyboard FTW, doesn't cover up the little drink holder area.      ... View more

@SoCalFlyer97 wrote: Also locked in a September rountrip to LAS for $49 each way yesterday before the sale expired. However, I had to book WGA to get the best of this deal (I usually book WGA+ so I have free sameday flight change/standby benefit).     Only 25 flights in a year and you can be A List and same day changes are free. Depending on how much you travel you might take advantage of the sale to get a few segments to get A List and then you can in theory book the healers flight of the day and change to the most expensive day of as long as a seat exists (comes in handy during holidays when they mark up prices for prime time flights even if not sold out) I got ahead of the game this year with the $29 sale they did last year so I don’t get stuck with December day trips  ... View more

@tappingmom1 wrote: DancingDavidE said: "so I’m here in a middle seat now..."   Why, DancingDavidE, why???  I'm sad for you...😥 No worries!   I had A16 even a little better position than usual, but pre-boarded with my mom and I had her take the window while I took the middle. Full flight so not much chance of sitting aisle/window that close to the front.          ... View more

@Sgbryan wrote: I called in to upgrade my trip. There was an error with processing. So, I called back and was told that my trip had been cancelled due to a error in processing.  They did not call me! I called them. Had I not, I would have been at the airport with a cancelled trip. I had to pay for the upgrade again and received boarding passes that had not been upgraded. I called back in and was told that I would receive an email, which I have not and the refund would take a billing cycle.  I am extremely surprised in the lack of empathy that each representative had, the inability to take ownership for their mistake and the lack of communication.  I have never experienced anything like this. And, yes... It was every person I spoke with. If I have a choice, I would not recommend this company for anything. Especially if you are looking to enjoy a vacation.  Hello!   I'm not sure what exactly you experienced as the description of the incident is a bit broad. I find it highly unusual for a computer glitch to cancel a flight reservation with multiple Southwest CSA's not being able to restore or rebook it for you.  A few questions that may help:   Was your original flight reservation booked directly through Southwest? When you attempted to upgrade your trip, did you contact Southwest directly to request the upgrade and what upgrade were you attempting to apply to your reservation (i.e. Fare class upgrade, Early Bird Check-In, Upgraded Boarding)? What exactly happened when you received word that the there was an "error in processing" followed by the reservation being cancelled? Describe the sequence of events. Where there any other possible circumstances that would have flagged this reservation for "error in processing" cancellation during the upgrade process (e.g. open issue/dispute with the form of payment used for the original reservation, reservation conflict with another booking, etc)? The airline should be able to provide a more specific reason.   I would try contacting Southwest again on this to see if you are due a LUV Voucher to compensate for the difference in the rebooked fare for this incident. ... View more

That is a helpful explanation. Thanks! ... View more