Southwest Airlines Community

@Jennie1984 wrote: I am traveling this month with my 8mo old foster baby, I do not have access to his birth certificate so what are my options for age confirmation since he will be flying as lap infant? I have his foster placement papers that the state gave me.  We've also used doctor's checkup records.      ... View more

@sinclairlewis wrote: My mother recently passed away and not to long after I got a pet tortoise. She is 3.5" x 4" in size. She's quiet, adorable and completely harmless. She has been a huge emotional support for me in dealing with this loss. I read that small animals can be brought on board as long as they're in a tsa approved carrier. Is it possible to bring her? My condolences for your mother. As mentioned, domestic dogs and cats are permitted aboard Southwest per Southwest policy:   We welcome small vaccinated domestic cats and dogs in an appropriate pet carrier in the cabin on domestic flights. Carriers must be stowed under your seat. For Customers traveling to Puerto Rico, specific requirements may apply. We do not accept pets on flights to or from Hawaii.    https://www.southwest.com/help/booking/pet-policy ... View more

Love these ideas for A-list! ... View more

normal not alone ... View more

@dfwskier wrote: I just checked the two later non stop DAL/SAN flights that day. They both operated. So if your bags ended up in SAN anyway, they likely went out on one of those flights. I guess you couldn't get on either of those flights?   ABWLDS3 OBSERVER: Yeah when we looked it said they were 'unavailable,' they must have been fully booked. It confirms that it wasn't weather related either way.   I would keep in mind going forward that when rebooking online or via the app, if the booking page returns "Unavailable" for all of the fares, that does not mean that the flight is sold out. It might be due to irregular flight operations. In fact, I believe it would be smart for an airline to close public sales of the later flights so that the seats can be held for any displaced passengers at the airport who booked and were waiting for the earlier cancelled flight.   To give an example, last August 2022, I had a day trip in LAS and was returning to SAN in the afternoon. LAS had serious afternoon monsoon thunderstorms that was not forecasted and I got a text alert that my return flight was going to be 2+ hours delayed due to a large thunderstorm cell that would pass through LAS. The service frequency for SAN-LAS is generous--anywhere from 50-90 minutes in between flights from early morning 'til late evening.   I held an Anytime fare for that trip and attempted to do a Same Day Flight Change via the website to an earlier trip that was not delayed...All of the afternoon outbound flights showed "Unavailable" for all of the fare classes. I go to a CSA at the airport to see if they can accommodate me and they were able to get me switched to the earlier flight on the spot with the flight only about 60% full--I was even still able to grab a decent window seat toward the back of the plane.   Did you talk to a Southwest CSA at DAL about rebooking to a different flight or being added to the Standby List before booking the ticket with American Airlines? Southwest's policy states that passengers re-accommodated following flight disruptions get top priority for free Same Day Standby List, even ahead of A-List and A-List Preferred. ... View more

@dfwskier wrote: Whenever you cancel a flight you get one travel credit regardless of how many travel credits used to buy the ticket.   You are allowed to use up to 3 methods of payment when buying a ticket, thus you can use up to 3 travel credits. This is the "loophole" in order to self-service of combining travel credits so that you can use more than three.    I say loophole, there's nothing really against doing this and it will save Southwest hassle of people calling about trying to use four travel credits.    They don't want you buying tickets you don't plan to use of course but if you can do it further out in the schedule and then cancel it fairly quickly so it doesn't sit around looking like a real flight it is probably fine and saves everyone effort in the end.         ... View more

@SWFlyer007 wrote: It appears you posted this twice???  Go to the other thread to see my reply.  Losing items out of the upper storage bin, this is the first I've ever heard of this.  Actually I've heard of it three or four times from a certain unlucky in flight individual, although I believe always returned.      ... View more

@SWFlyer007 wrote: I'm only responding to this because this actually happened to me on a flight and a good story.  Yes, you can take it on with you.  Now my story.  Let me preface, I'm an older gentleman, therefore, I don't keep up with the latest trends.  At a time when bigger was better, I had always intended to get a new laptop.  By the time I decided to pull the trigger, that bigger is better time had passed but found a great deal on a new one and my old one died. (forced to get one)  Well when the flight attendant started talking about using electronic devices, he made a shout out to those of us who still (lol, my was only a month old) had those dinosaur 4-pound large laptops', Yada yada yada.  I actually felt embarrassed and didn't pull it out like I had previously done.  I still have and use that laptop but never bring it out anymore due to this one flight attendant.  Yes, I guess I have issues, but they are self-implanted in my head on my own...but I still give SWA the love, only on a frustrated cell phone that makes me squint to see due to my limited vision.   The opposite - I had a Yoga 2-in-1 and when they said hey you have to put away your laptop I just grabbed it and yanked the screen around and voila, it's a tablet.     ... View more

@KAI2121 @SoCalFlyer97 Thank you so much for bringing this to my attention.  As a flyer of SWA since 1997 I had no idea this ever existed, silly me.  I'm in fact going to head right to the link and try it out right now and book a flight somewhere.  SWA should give you a percentage of my flight for your insight on this.   ... View more

@chitramahadevan wrote: Hello, I am booking a ticket for my 14 year old niece for a domestic flight.    The FAQs say that  "When you purchase a ticket for a YT, you represent that you’re either the parent or guardian of the YT and/or have authority to act on behalf of the parent or guardian regarding travel for the YT".   Should I have any documentation to show that I am acting on behalf of the parent regarding travel when I am booking the ticket, or when I drop her off at the airport for her flight?   She is also not a US citizen, so will her international passport be recognized as travel document?   Can I drop her off at the check in and she can proceed with check in, security and boarding herself or should I accompany her to the gate?   Thanks.   Hello-   I would certainly accompany but it is your call either way. As @dfwskier mentioned, your niece shouldn't be stopped or questioned as she goes through the airport alone but I would go with her, wait with her at the gate, and stay in the gate area until the plane pushes back and takes off. I would also have written documentation from the parents/guardian in case a Southwest CSA asks for it when getting the Gate Pass (I don't think that will happen but I would have it just to be safe).   Here is Southwest's Info page on Young Travelers and how to get a Gate Pass to go through TSA:   Arrive at the airport early. Review our suggested airport arrival times and allow enough time to park the car, check luggage, go through security, and check in at the gate. Check in at the ticket counter with a copy of the YT’s itinerary. If you need a gate pass, which is required to accompany the child through the security checkpoint, ask at the ticket counter. Be sure to have your valid, government-issued ID. We recommend that you stay in the gate area until the YT’s flight is in the air. Call whoever’s picking up the YT to let them know that the flight has departed. Remember, it’s your responsibility to ensure a YT arrives on time for check-in and boarding. Keep in mind that we reserve the right not to allow YT travel on flights that may be delayed, diverted, or canceled due to weather or other operational disruptions.   https://www.southwest.com/help/flying-with-children/young-travelers-terms-and-conditions ... View more

@drclaw411 wrote: Hi, I booked a flight to Seattle (Wanna Get Away) with a payment combination of using a card, and using two separate travel funds. Immediately after I booked, the cost of the return flight went down $100+. So here's my question: generally, Wanna Get Away reservations get refunded in the form of travel funds when cancelling a flight. But since I booked with combination travel funds and cash, will I lose either if I cancel? Will I lose the travel funds? The cash? Will I keep them all, but have them refunded as three separate travel funds or will they all refund together in one lump travel fund? Also: if I cancel this flight, will it go back to being the higher cost or will it remain at this new cost? Finally, if it *does* remain at the lower cost, and if everything is refunded together as one travel fund, that will be more than the new cost of the flight. If I use that, will I lose all the travel funds or only what's necessary to pay for the flight? Just to clarify - if you "change" the flight to any other flight or even the same one you already have, the pricing will be trued up to the current advertised price.    If the flight costs more then you'd have to pay the different, if the flight costs less you get travel credit back.    All your credit and cash went into the ticketing system - for a WGA ticket the only thing that comes back is new flight credits, combining the ones you paid for the flight.   I'm curious when you say "immediately" that it went down $100 like while you were still sitting at the computer, or do you mean the next day or that week?   I would review what you paid, it's unlikely that any WGA fare would drop $100 like that.   The only other thing I can think of is if you were buying multiple tickets - in that case if you have "1 left" at a certain price and you go to buy two tickets, both will be at the next pricing tier and the single ticket may still remain at the old price.   Don't give away any identifying information but if you want to dig into this further you might need to point us to the flight so we can see the current price or take a screenshot or something. Snip out anything that identifies you personally.           ... View more

Great trip report!     ... View more

@bec102896 wrote: @SoCalFlyer97 wrote: @DancingDavidE wrote: This fine print is interesting to me because if you have a WGA+ fare or A List WGA and do a same day confirmed you may have to pay $5-$10 if you go from non stop to connection (at least for non points flights) the app shows me +$5 for a flight that is a no plane change or $10 if it’s a connection I’ve paid that multiple times no refunds  That's the more common one for me where I booked a connection but trying to get on a direct flight as an A-list - I don't recall any refunds of the $5.60 unless it happened automatically, maybe I didn't notice. And I didn't "care" - after all I'm getting home earlier, it's worth $5.60.     ... View more

Sorry to hear that @gelika, but glad our folks at the airport were able to help you out! If you continue to experience this issue, please contact us either via your A-List contact number or our other forms of communication.  ... View more

@SoCalFlyer97 wrote: @abuchert wrote: Thank you. She doesn't think she has a rapid rewards account. My mistake for not signing her up but I will call after the 21st.  You should also be getting the promotional follow up email about booking a hotel today (if it didn't come yesterday). Confirmation # should be in the subject line. If you don't get the email by end-of-day today, then it's possible the airline has an incorrect email for the booking. I would call them tomorrow if that's the case. And don't just browse emails from Southwest there may be too many depending what you've signed up for, cross-promotions with Chase, etc.    Look specifically for these strings in the search feature of the most likely email accounts:   "you're going to" City Name "what you'll need for your" City Name trip Both of these emails that you received should include the confirmation number.       ... View more

@CupCrusher40 wrote: Money lost if flight needs connection, 3 hours later etc right? Because of what is projected to be Tropical Storm Hilary passing through SoCal, Southwest currently has a weather travel advisory in place for all SoCal Airports as well as LAS from now through this Monday 8/21. Also for Cabos SJD until tomorrow. That means passengers may adjust their bookings at no additional charge even if the rebooked flight turns out to be a flight with a connection:   Friday-Sunday, August 18-20 Los Cabos, MX - SJD   Sunday-Monday, August 20-21 Burbank, CA - BUR Las Vegas, NV - LAS Los Angeles, CA - LAX Long Beach, CA - LGB Ontario, CA - ONT Orange County/Santa Ana, CA - SNA Palm Springs, CA - PSP San Diego, CA - SAN Santa Barbara, CA - SBA   Per the advisory:   Customers holding reservations to, from, or through the cities listed above on the corresponding dates and want to alter their travel plans may rebook in the original class of service or travel standby (within 14 days of their original date of travel between the original city-pairs and in accordance with our accommodation procedures) without paying additional charges.   In addition per the advisory, Southwest is allowing passengers during the advisory period who are originating or heading to any LA-area airport to change the origin/departure location to any other LA-area airport (e.g. passengers scheduled to fly out of LAX during advisory period may change their booking to fly out of ONT, LBG, BUR, etc).  ... View more

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