Southwest Airlines Community

If there's a typo or misspelling in your first or middle name on a reservation, you can easily fix it yourself on Southwest.com or in the Southwest App.   From Desktop Select the FLIGHT | HOTEL | CAR | VACATIONS link from the top navigation, and choose Manage Reservations in the Flight column. Enter the required fields, and hit the search button. Passengers who are eligible to modify their name will see an “Edit name” link beside their name.   Please note that if you are already checked in for the flight, you will need to check in again. Upon successful update of the name, you will be taken back to the Manage Reservation page with a success banner.   From Mobile From the hamburger icon in the top left navigation, choose Look Up Reservations. Enter your confirmation number, first and last name, and click Retrieve reservation. Passengers who are eligible to modify their name will see an edit pencil next to their name. If your name is not eligible for correction, your name will appear in a disabled state.   Upon successful update of the name, you will be taken back to the Manage Reservation page with a banner advising you to be on the lookout for an email. Please note that if you are already checked in for the flight, you will need to check in again.    Eligible reservations for self-serve name correction: Accompanied Minors Name correction after checking in Completely un-flown itineraries SWABIZ booked Booked by phone Youth Traveler Booking with EarlyBird Check-In Revenue and points bookings Involuntary Changes Not eligible for self-serve name correction: Extra Seat Name correction after checking bags Rapid Rewards number included in booking Within 60 minutes of flight departure for domestic and 90 minutes for international departures Partially flown itineraries Group bookings Lap Child ... View more

Question Does Southwest offer bereavement fares?   Answer Southwest does not offer low fares for emergencies or bereavement. Offering those types of fares would make it necessary to offset these discounts by charging higher ticket prices and reducing the amount of sale fares we currently offer.    Our goal has always been to make air transportation affordable for everyone regardless of the reason surrounding the travel plans, and our fare structure allows us to offer the best overall travel value in the industry. Our discounted Wanna Get Away fares will always be the lowest available fares.      ... View more

Question Is there a way to see how many Passengers are on my flight?   Answer Flight loads are constantly fluctuating since Southwest makes it so easy to change or cancel your reservation up to ten minutes prior to departure. As such, we do not publish flight loads. If for any reason you're uncomfortable traveling in the current environment and would like to discuss the flight load of your upcoming flight, we strongly encourage you to reach out to our Customer Service Department via any of the options below.   Phone: (800) I-FLY-SWA Twitter: @SouthwestAir Facebook: @SouthwestAir Email here. ... View more

  Every device is different but here are the basic steps: Head to your Settings. Switch your device to Airplane Mode, then turn your WiFi on. Choose SouthwestWiFi from your WiFi network list. A new page will appear with a link to www.southwestwifi.com or with an option to copy the URL. Click on the link or copy it into your browser. If the Inflight Entertainment Portal doesn't load automatically, type www.southwestwifi.com  into the address bar. Select your entertainment and enjoy! Certain content may require downloading the Southwest app.  Note: Please ensure your device is switched to "airplane mode" once the aircraft doors are closed. WiFi will remain on and accessible for taxi, takeoff, and landing. ... View more

Southwest Airlines has been in constant contact with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Boeing, and we are complying with the FAA requirement issued Wednesday, March 13 for all U.S. airlines to ground the Boeing 737 MAX 8. Our goal is to continue operating our schedule with every available aircraft in our fleet to meet our Customers’ expectations during the busy travel season.   Below are answers to some of our Customers’ most frequently asked questions regarding the 737 MAX 8.    What is Southwest’s timeline for returning the 737 MAX to service? Southwest estimates service will resume no sooner than the second quarter of 2021.   Is Southwest confident in the 737 MAX? Yes, we are. The Southwest Team has carefully reviewed the FAA-required software enhancements, revised operational procedures, and Pilot training requirements. With these changes, we believe the MAX is now among the most reviewed and tested commercial aircraft in the world, and we have confidence in our ability to operate the MAX in accordance with FAA requirements. Additionally, aviation regulators from countries around the world have reviewed Boeing’s changes to the aircraft and the FAA’s new requirements.   Related Video: Alan Kasher, Southwest Pilot and Senior Vice President of Air Operations, Discusses the 737 MAX 8 Return to Service at Southwest Airlines   Are Southwest Pilots experienced at flying the 737 MAX? Southwest Pilots are among the most experienced Boeing 737 aviators in the industry -- in fact, it’s the only aircraft we fly. Our Pilots flew almost 40,000 flights with the MAX prior to the grounding, which is more than 89,000 flight hours. We know the 737, we train in the 737, and we take our mission to return the 737 MAX safely to the skies very seriously.   Will Southwest Pilots undergo additional training for the 737 MAX? Yes! Before we bring the aircraft back into service, every active Southwest Pilot will undergo FAA-required flight training in a 737 MAX simulator.   In fact, Southwest has spent more than a year obtaining, installing, and certifying nine 737 MAX simulators that join 15 other 737-700 and 737-800 simulators as part of our Pilot training center in Dallas. To supplement the flight training, all of our active Pilots will complete computer-based training modules reviewing MAX procedures and operations, as required both by the FAA and Southwest.    What is Southwest’s process for returning the MAX to service? To prepare for service, there will be a great deal of work going on behind the scenes to remove Southwest’s 34 MAX aircraft from storage, install the new software, and perform maintenance checks on every aircraft. Additionally, our Flight Operations Team will conduct Readiness Flights by flying each Southwest 737 MAX multiple times, without Customers onboard, prior to welcoming you and our fellow Southwest Employees back onboard.   What changes has Boeing made to the 737 MAX? We understand that Boeing has made changes to the flight control system that now compares input from two angle of attack sensors as opposed to one; the aircraft only responds if data from both sensors agree and only activates once per event; and Pilots always have the ability to override the aircraft’s input.   The Southwest Pilot Leadership Team has reviewed the software and training updates proposed by Boeing, and required by the FAA, and has expressed confidence that the changes will add another layer of safety to the MAX.   Additionally, Southwest believes the MAX will be among the most reviewed and tested commercial aircraft in the world, and we have confidence in our ability to operate the MAX in accordance with FAA requirements.   How can a Customer learn if they’re flying on a 737 MAX? Southwest estimates the 737 MAX will not return to service until at least the second quarter of 2021. Customers are able to view the scheduled aircraft type on their itinerary. Please keep in mind that aircraft swaps can occur, meaning the scheduled aircraft at the time of booking may be different than the aircraft type scheduled on the day of travel. We encourage Customers to check aircraft type closer to the scheduled departure date.   Related Article: How do I look up my aircraft type?    How can I get in touch with a Customer Service Representative? Customers can reach Southwest Airlines Customer Service and Support at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA or choose another on Southwest's "Contact Us" page. ... View more

Southwest welcomes small, vaccinated cats to travel in-cabin under the seat in front of you for domestic flights in the U.S. Below we share frequently asked questions, tips from a frequent feline flyer, and cat-related discussions from the Community forum.   Kerry is a Rapid Rewards Member who frequently uses her Points to travel to cat shows. For her insider's scoop on traveling with cats, check out her story here.   Frequently Asked Questions What is the cost for flying with my cat on Southwest? Cats traveling are subject to a $125 Pet Fare each way per pet carrier.   Can I travel with more than one cat? While Southwest Airlines allows only one cat carrier per ticketed Passenger, the carrier may contain two cats.   Is there anything I need to do ahead of time? Since there will be no more than six scheduled pet carriers per scheduled flight, reservations must be made in advance by calling 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792). On the day of travel, Customers must bring the cat(s) to the airport in an approved pet carrier. Proceed to the airport ticket counter to check the cat(s) in and pay the Pet Fare before going to the departure gate.   Do I need a cat carrier? Yes. All cats must be inside a leak-proof and well ventilated carrier. The maximum dimensions we will accept is 18.5” long x 8.5” high x 13.5” wide. Soft-sided and hard-sided carriers specifically designed as pet carriers are acceptable. Your cat must be completely inside the pet carrier and be able to stand up and move around the carrier with ease. While not required for travel on Southwest, Southwest does offer a branded pet carrier for Southwest enthusiasts online here.    What's the process for getting my cat through TSA? When passing through security, Customers will be asked to hold their cats and walk through the screening device while the carrier is x-rayed.   Is there any reason my cat wouldn't be permitted onboard? As long as your cats are harmless, not disruptive, odorless, accompanied by their owner, and require no attention during flight, they will be permitted onboard.   Can I travel internationally with my pet? Pets are not allowed to travel in-cabin on international flights or any itinerary that includes an international flight. However, there are plenty of fun domestic locations to choose from.   What other advice do you have for cat flyers? Hear from other Customers in cat-related discussion threads below: Need Advice For Cat Travel Southwest Pet carrier/traveling with two cats   Still not finding what you're looking for? Post your specific question to our Discussion Forum. ... View more