Southwest Airlines Community

@AN90    Once checked in you can print your boarding passes at home or they can be printed at the airport free of charge.    If your not checking bags bags I recommend printing ahead of time that way you can skip the check in counter all together and head straight for security.    Hope this helps Blake  ... View more

@AN90    First off welcome to Southwest Airlines!   you can check in on your phone (via the SW mobile site or mobile app) or laptop which ever is easier for you. It’s best to check in at exactly 24 hours before (or as close as possible) to get the best boarding position. If you check in on the app and want to print your boarding pass later you can always check in again from a computer later and it won’t hurt your already reserved boarding position. If you don’t want to print your boarding pass you can always take advantage of Mobile boarding which I find very easy and convenient to use.    If you have any other questions don’t hesitate to ask!    Hope this helps Blake  ... View more

@AaliyahS788    It's currently unknown when Southwest will hire more FAs. the best thing to do is keep watching the careers website and you can also sign up for email alerts there as well. I'm sure there will also be some discussion about it here when that time does come so you can always keep watching the discussion forum's here on the community.     -Blake  ... View more

@mwittydenver    Travel funds can only be used for flight purchases and can't be used on things like EB or upgraded boarding.    Just remember your travel funds must be used by the expiration date which is 1 year from the original flight purchase and those funds are only good for the ticketed passenger(s) (funds are non transferable)    Hope this helps Blake  ... View more

@Rgtallen2007    You can see all available Southwest jobs Here   Hope this helps Blake   ... View more

@eacurtis    First off welcome to the A List (almost).   Unfortunately I am not aware of a way to get a flight to post early so you can have the A List for the return flight. The first year I reached A List I was in this same boat and I called trying to see if they could split up my reservation in to 2 one ways and the rep told me she was not able to (you could call and try in case they can now). In my case I just bought the EB for that return flight.    This experience taught me to book one way flights should I lose A List one year and re earn again so when I hit 25 I get every flight after that as A List again.   My other idea would be to cancel and rebook as one ways but since your flight is so soon the price has probably increased a good bit and wouldn't be worth the extra money just for the few A List perks.    Hope this helps! Blake  ... View more

@emcadam2    First off welcome to the Southwest Community!    I know this new adventure may be seem stressful but it's actually quite easy and after you do it for the first time alone you might find it fun and may be the next frequent flier.    First with the drive feel free to take it slow slow don't rush before heading out make sure you have everything (chargers, ID, all the clothes you will need, and whatever else you may need) some make a check list ahead of time so when it comes departure day they aren't stressing do I have this or that and making the list day of could stress a person out which is why I say do it ahead of time.    Hotels are an easy process you just show your ID and give a credit card or debit card for incidentals and the room cost if it's not prepaid they will hand you the room key and you will be on your way.    Now for the flight    with Southwest things work a little differently than other airlines. Southwest doesn't have assigned seats it's an open seating policy meaning you can choose any open seat you would like.    How do you get the best chance of a window or aisle? Well you will want to check in as close to the 24 hour mark before your flight so if your flight leaves Monday at 1pm well you should be on the app or southwest.com at 12:59pm on Sunday so as soon at the clock strikes 1pm you can hit check in. At this point you will be given a boarding letter (A, B, or C) and a number (1-60) this tells you which group you board in And what position in line. Bags fly free on Southwest 1st 2 checked bags fly free (weight and size restrictions apply). Some people will buy an add on service called Early Bird check in this will automatically check you in ahead of the normal check in (36 hours before your flight) buying EB allows you to check in at your leisure So you don't have to stress about being online at exactly 24 hours before your flight. The service is between $15 and $30 one-way. You should still check in to obtain your boarding pass.    day of departure    you will want to arrive at the airport early it's recommend you show up 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight. This will allow you time to check bags get your boarding pass if you don't already have it and proceed through security.    Security is very simple you hand the TSA agent your ID and boarding pass once he hands it back to you the. You proceed to the bag screening. If you have food or electronics bigger than a cell phone then you should remove them and place them in a bin.  If you have liquids you are allowed 1 quart size clear plastic Ziploc bag with up to 3.4 ounces of the liquid. You also will have to remove your shoes.    Once you get done with security you can go to the gate or grab a bite to eat. If going to the gate I check the departures board just in case there's a gate change. if I go to eat I would check the board after eating.   boarding starts 30min prior to the flight departure so be sure your at the gate on time. There are 3 boarding groups plus a medical pre boarding and family boarding which goes in this order: pre boarders, A group, Family Boarding, any A Listers who didn't get an A boarding pass, and anyone with an XT stamp would board then, B group would be next and last but not least the C group.     For the flight     I recommend having some kind of entertainment to keep you occupied and keep your mind off of flying such as music a game on your phone or simply a book. Reminder your phone must be in airplane mode at all times during flight.  Once airborne the flight attendants will come to the cabin offering some kind of snack such as pretzels and offer you a drink feel free to get one if you would like. sodas, coffee, and water are free alcohol beverages can be purchase for an additional fee.  You could also try to make friends with your neighbor in your row  and maybe that would help you ease your fear (some people like to talk others not so much). You could also take a nap and you will be at your destination in no time.    Also if your in the A group or low to mid B group you should be able to get a window or aisle so pick your favorite I go towards mid cabin myself for the best selection.    Do take your time as I said before don’t rush. Want to save time download the Southwest mobile app where you can get a mobile boarding pass which makes life easier than the paper pass and you can also check flight status and gate information right from the app. If your not checking bags you can skip the ticket counter with the Mobile boarding pass.    don't have a full water bottle in your carry on bag as you will be stopped by security you can get a water after you are past security.    Hope this helps! Blake  ... View more

The next schedule release is currently scheduled for May 23rd which will release flights though January 5th (date is subject to change)    -Blake ... View more