Southwest Airlines Community

@Sgray1206 wrote: Southwest canceled 180 flights at Chicago Midway today due to weather, they said. All other airlines combined canceled 6 flights. There were no weather issues for all the other airlines as these numbers prove. Southwest again proves that they are incompetent and unreliable. I‘be been a faithful customer for 30 plus years but no more! Delta has two gates, Volaris one gate, Porter one gate, I think Frontier got in there somewhere...Southwest has 30+ gates.   Delta and Porter also have smaller aircraft - not that the 737 is big but they need all the visibility and available runway.   However the airport as a whole had a ground stop for some time, so all airlines were in fact affected. It was very foggy, I'm not surprised.         ... View more

@LaurieAnne wrote: The 1st return flight has 1hr 45 min layover so maybe I'll put us in middle for that one. But the 3 hr layover should be easy.  What airport? 1:45 is ample for any and you should feel comfortable with the back row. I agree with @bec102896 if your connection was 45 minutes I’d avoid the back but otherwise it will be great to keep your group’s corner together.    ... View more

@pedro12345 wrote: My girlfriend and I’s flight has been delayed more than two hours at this point. It’s the holiday season so we kind of understand. But for the past two hours our flight time and boarding time has not updated on our app, so we’ve been stuck waiting at the gate rather than being able to be at an airport lounge or bar. It’s really aggravating how southwest cant give a proper update. Be better It did just occur to me - if you are still there waiting (hope not) you can try Flight Aware or FlightRadar24 or other apps to see if they have any idea, and then also a good check is if the plane is there or not. If the plane and crew are there and ready you need to stay close.  Depending which airport you are at maybe you can venture a little further if there’s no plane or crew.  Also it changes depending on your tolerance to board later in the process if you find out boarding started and you are a ways away.     ... View more

@pedro12345 wrote: My girlfriend and I’s flight has been delayed more than two hours at this point. Its the holiday season so we kind of understand. But for the past two hours our flight time and boarding time has not updated on our app, so we’ve been stuck waiting at the gate rather than being able to be at an airport lounge or bar. Its really aggravating how southwest cant give a proper update. Be better Hopefully you aren’t flying through Midway, it’s very foggy here and the plan may not be known very well.  I sympathize, it would be more comfortable in a lounge for sure but it’s too risky if they might suddenly start boarding.  ... View more

@dfwskier wrote:      Oh, the airline won't pull a random person off the plane. it will ask for volunters. Those were the good old days when Southwest still made the occasional overbooking and I’d always check in at the counter first to get on the volunteer list* if there was going to be one.  *not for a daily international flight of course   Anyway Al it is difficult to know much about any video online without knowing the passenger or being there in person to witness the events.   Usually a customer of size would reserve in advance, and on the same day only if space was available so to answer your question no it wouldn’t be any significant risk of flying due to this particular issue.  For any reason where it was necessary to bump someone off the flight Southwest would look for volunteers first (for a reward) and then next an involuntary bump which could be the last person to check in or other factor.  This usually happens before boarding! It would be even more atypical to pull someone off the plane so I suspect there was something else going on besides a Customer of Size situation.       ... View more

@efeuer777 wrote: No pre-board but it will allow you an extra piece of carry-on luggage if needed. We travel with my husband’s CPAP all the time. There are a lot of travelers who carry one so be sure and tag yours so you pick up the right one when leaving the plane. That just gave me the heebie-jeebies! Do not want to think about getting to the destination and opening up the package and its someone else's.   Actually put a luggage tag on everything including all carry-ons.   Although rare, we do hear on this community about people grabbing the wrong carry-on luggage once in a while. Having your contact info right on that luggage including any medical equipment would really help if there is an inadvertent mix-up.     ... View more

@Dmedrano8 wrote: I'm going to Cuba in the spring.  I'm coming from Los Angeles and am wondering what my options are from Miami and Fort Lauderdale.   Any and all suggestion appreciated Thanks   Just doing some quick searching I don't know if this route will work great for you from any of the LA area airports. You may need to plan on an overnight either FLL, TPA, or MIA.   If you choose MIA then you'd be transferring to another carrier for the HAV leg.   Here's the interactive route map which if you go into list view and select non-stop only two choices come up TPA and FLL, so if you do fly Southwest there it would be eventually from one of those two airports.     ... View more

@dfwskier wrote: @amandakotch wrote: I am in the same situation!   Can you buy a ticket and then cancel the flight, which means I'd have credit on my account.  Would they still give me the points? Or do you actually have to fly to earn those points? You have to fly to get the points. You would keep the 2x points for credit card spending on Southwest.com if you are using a Rapid Rewards Visa and canceled the flight into travel credit, but those points count towards companion pass but do not count towards tier qualification.   You don't earn the 6x to 12x points for flying until the itinerary is complete. ... View more

@Utopia5124 wrote:     I do get pings the moment I turn on notify when found, but that's just bluetooth LE. It's in lost mode so it would ping if someone tried to use it, or charge it. The airplane mode is a complicating factor for sure.   Did you also turn in a lost and found just in case the scenario was that you got on the plane and put in airplane mode, and then lost the case onboard?     ... View more

@SoCalFlyer97 wrote: @aum wrote: Hello , Travelling from SJC to DAL with change of planes at LAS and have never tried connecting flight before. Gap between flights is 55 mins. so concerned if a security check is required and if yes , is the gap time sufficient for it in holiday season ? flights WN 2141 / WN 3197 Have checked flight status of 2141 for last one week and its mostly on time.   Cheers and happy holidays..     To access the airside connector:   From the C Gate Concourse to B Gates: Head toward Gate C25 and follow the wayfinder signs near the Jamba Juice that will lead you into B concourse via the airside connector. I think this is the main way that it may be tricky as you come down C gates the flow of people will be out of the airside so you will be fine as long as you watch for the signs and make a left behind the security checkpoint and keep going around behind security and you'll get to the B gates no problem (or A for whatever reason).   Coming the other way it is more intuitive since everyone coming down the connector is also going to C gates, no one is coming that way to leave security so following the herd will be good from B to C.    You can also use the tram from the far C gates to the front of C gates and back track around security. Don't go down the escalator if you do that!   It isn't a guarantee of course but practice on the terminal map when you check the on-time schedule for the same flights and see how often those two are both in B or both in C.   And don't worry - if there is a delay for whatever reason there should be plenty of LAS-DAL flights as long as you aren't already on the last one of the day. (Sample shown for next Wednesday)         ... View more

@Utopia5124 wrote: It was in front of gate c35, but I had people look and it doesn't appear to be there now. I took them out right before I got up to stand in the boarding line and when I was putting them back in my pocket it must not have made it in there, or slipped out. I lost it Friday afternoon, Dec. 15th.  Sorry to hear that. It probably got swept up the first day and was taunting you from a ghost status for a few days.   The cases are funny I'm not sure under what conditions they are updating. Seems to be less active than an airtag if someone did grab it and carry it off I'm not sure if you get a ping in the same way if they aren't connected to one of your own devices, you just get last known location (last known by you, not someone else).   In the meantime, maybe turn this on to get an alert if it happens again: https://support.apple.com/en-us/102414   I have this turned on also in case someone grabs my carry-on by mistake (or not mistake) and my devices start moving without me.         ... View more

@Saniaamcdaniel wrote: Hi, I have to travel with my CPAP machine. My flight is on December 24th 2023. Will this qualify me for pre-boarding? If so, who do I need to talk to. My machine is big and bulky.  thank you in advance. I'd say "no" for the typical CPAP machine, but you do get to count it as a third piece of carry-on medical equipment.   If you have something that doesn't fit in a messenger bag size carry on then I'm not sure.     ... View more

@PDFelter wrote: not sure how to get that many points quickly without spending lots $$.  Hotel stay via Southwest/Booking.com, dining, and SW shopping are the only ways I know outside of flights.  Just checked flights and I can fly from MCI - TPA on Christmas eve, round trip for $1,734 to get 18,816 points, but not sure CP is worth the $1,734 ticket price for something you weren't really needing.   https://www.southwest.com/html/rapidrewards/eoy-tier-communication.html Or if there isn't a combo for you big enough do a multi-city booking in a wheel to get three legs in one day.    That would be borderline on extra expense for sure, I don't think I personally would have recouped that much in tickets this year. Well, maybe with a couple of the last minute changes but in that case if I didn't have the CP I would have been more careful about the planning and avoided the last minute fares.   Otherwise try Rocket Miles you can do a couple of staycations if there are any 10,000 point bonus offers. Since it is companion pass you don't actually have to fly as opposed to needing that many tier points you pretty much have to do the 12x BS fare for that to close a gap of any size.                 ... View more

@tnflyer7 wrote: Just checked I noticed I am 132 point shy of A-List 😞   I know, poor planning on my part, just did not realize I was going to be this close after the credit card promotion.   There are no flights available this short of notice for under $500 out of Nashville.   Is there any options available?   Tried calling customer service and they did not offer any help.   So bummed to be so close and miss out!         If you only need one leg to get it done then buy a one way ticket, and then use points to save some cash on the way back. (And also have A-list for that one if it processes fast enough.)   I did this a few years back - I was close enough that a cheap WGA round trip wouldn't do it, but a BS one-way to MSP (from MDW) would work but I didn't want to spend BS fare on two legs if I didn't have to, so I did one-ways and used points for the return leg to avoid out of pocket expense.   There were actually several people on that same MDW-MSP set of flights making points runs. 😁   One guy had his child as companion, they came in on one flight while I was sitting there and he got right in line to board the same plane back to Chicago. Taking his kid for a joy ride points run, I thought that was great!.         ... View more

@Utopia5124 wrote: Hello,   I lost an airpods pro 2nd gen type c magsafe case at Denver airport, Concourse C. I can see with find my that its last certain location is where I left it. I filed reports with both Southwest Denver Baggage lost and found and the Denver Airport lost and found, and have been checking every day to see whether they have my item, to no avail so far. I don't think it was taken because I know no one has tried to use it and it's general location is still the Denver airport. I can see it pinging in bluetooth LE mode every few minutes at all hours of the day, so I know an iPhone user or users are nearby. My guess is it is in the trash or a dumpster somewhere, but I need help to confirm that.    If you have an iPhone 11 or newer and are able to help, I can reach out and share the airtag location with you and hopefully you can use precise finding to determine where exactly the case is.   Here are pictures: https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MUYG3AM/A/magsafe-charging-case-usb%E2%80%91c-for-airpods-pro-2nd-generation When did you lose it? Maybe a screenshot of the location that you see.   If it is in the garbage then you'll need some help from the facilities team.      ... View more

@Ms_Lis wrote: Is it worth paying extra for Priority (A1-A15) or EarlyBird checkin when I'm going to be changing planes midway through the trip, presumably to a plane which already has passengers?   There is a scenario where you will check in at T-24 for your original flight and then you get checked in for the connecting flight also, which may jump you up a few positions for people starting their trip with the connecting flight and aren't at T-24 themselves yet.   However it is possible that a flight has what are called "through passengers" which will take up some of the seats as well and have a first chance at relocating before boarding starts. That's a completely separate issue - that could occur on any flight you book whether or not you have a connection. Maybe not if you are flying first thing in the morning.   Also if your own connection is a same plane no change situation, that would be you who is a through passenger.              ... View more

@Ms_Lis wrote: All the options on my planned route involve changing planes: either in Chicago, or Baltimore.   Any way of telling whether the 2nd leg will already have passengers onboard, or what the earlier stops are? That's a great idea!   Yes, look up the flight number in Google or using one of the popular flight apps (flight aware, flightradar24, etc.) and it will show the flight number through its stops.   That will work for current flight numbers - verify that your future flight number is the same as the one today, they can change over time.    Then you can see if the flight number starts at either of the two connection cities you are considering.        ... View more

@vminium wrote: I am the parent of two young travelers. Each of my children and myself all have our own Known Traveler Number (KTN.) If I am accompanying them through security and to their gate can we all still go through TSA Pre-Check even though I do not have a ticket?   When they arrive at the airport for their return flight the person accompanying them to their gate does have a KTN. Does these mean they will have to go through the normal TSA line or will they be able to go through the TSA Pre-Check since both ticket holders have their own KTN? You can use Clear if you have it, but PreCheck will only be for ticketed passengers. I have tried this before and unfortunately there's not a provision for PreCheck on gate passes.   No reason the kids won't be able to use PreCheck if it is on their boarding passes though, if you don't mind them heading through without you.   That would be a change - they let kids through with PreCheck adults, this would be the opposite.   If the PreCheck line is short give it a try, but you won't have PreCheck on the gate pass.                 ... View more

Our annual visit to Orange Beach, AL is coming up. This year it looks like MDW will be the best option with connections in either BNA or HOU.    Pensacola is our gateway airport to the region and is always very pleasant - cheap parking for picking up family members, free luggage carts, easy security process.   HOU could be a new experience - not sure if the Pappadeaux is still there or not?   BNA always a great spot for a layover with the Party Fowl, Barista Parlor, and many other very nice outlets.         ... View more

@katybrie wrote: We are flying as a family of 4, with 3 purchased seats and one infant lap child. The lap child has already been added to my husband’s reservation. I vaguely recall not being able to check in online last time we travelled with a lap child and therefore getting a horrible boarding position. Is there anyway around this? Can my husband call to check in 24 hrs in advance if it doesn’t let him check in online?   Additionally my son has a purchased ticket but because he’s young his ticket is tied to mine. Will the same issue happen with us that we won’t be allowed to check in online? Do I have to check in first and then check him in?  I’d like to try to get A boarding group seats for our family and not wait until family boarding. I have the southwest credit card and could upgrade our seats but don’t know if I’ll be able to do that if the system doesn’t let us check in online. It should all be fine with the lap child on your reservation in advance.   The credit card upgrade you can do after you find out what your positions are anyway, and you'll also be able to use family boarding at "A61" so you may not need to use upgraded boarding.     ... View more

There must have been a promotion or something if you had it briefly and now don't have it again.   You can go here and click the pull down on "point type" to show tier qualifying points and see what your progress is. Southwest Airlines - My Account - Points Activity     ... View more

@Vjester7 wrote: Hi all, I am flying home for Christmas and have some Christmas Presents that I need to figure out where to put so all help is appreciated!   I have: -3 small wooden signs -small koozies -bracelets / ring   Thank You!   These sound like checked items to mee unless the bracelets/ring are valuable they can probably be carry on, especially if they are small you won't notice them in addition to your other items in the carry on.   Signs and koozies seems like checking would be easier.     ... View more

@tenbitsranch wrote: The cancellation insurance with Southwest Airline Vacations does not cover anything.  ... Beware what is being cover but trip cancellation insurance. Read the fine print.  Agreed - Southwest flights are already extremely flexible so that you can cancel and keep travel credit, or refund in the case of the eight hour changed times.   Book hotels with flexibility to prevent that issue. Same with rental cars if applicable.   The only time I recommend the trip insurance would be a cruise.   I don't know what else you had paid but if you got all of your money back through refunds then the system worked, if slow and aggravatingly. Insurance wouldn't have applied here - it would only be for something last minute that impacts the trip.   You would always pursue a refund first, and insurance second if there wasn't a refund.               ... View more

@afrank56 wrote: I have a reservation departing Dallas for Havana connecting through Ft Lauderdale. The layover is 45 minutes. Does that give me enough time to get to the gate and submit the paperwork needed for travel to Cuba? Yes, you'll be showing your passport at the gate in FLL but I don't think you have much else to do?   Someone else can chime in if there is anything specific for Havana that you'd have to do in FLL.   So if everything is on-time you should make the flight although boarding may have started.   You won't be running too early though - might be worth trying to standby on an earlier DAL-FLL flight if possible, just for comfort or to allow for any minor delays.   You can also check if there is another FLL-HAV flight after yours then that would be your backup in the event of a delay from DAL.     ... View more

@dfwskier wrote: The 75k points from your 12/08 statement will hit your RR account in 2023. So unless you find a way to earn lots of points this year (think hotel bonus points), you’ll miss out on CP. That would be three long Business Select fares to earn 30k points, ugh! Check the Rocketmiles.   https://www.southwest.com/html/rapidrewards/eoy-tier-communication.html     ... View more

@Goodmoto wrote: I JUST got off the phone with Southwest and the agent told me that this is absolutely not correct.   Only if you have A-List will your companion be assigned a sequential boarding number.  This applies to both Early Bird and regular check-in.   There are a number of posts containing contradicting information. I recommend calling SWA directly.  Have to check with the OP if it worked or not - the description of sequential boarding is that it would work with any of the methods.         ... View more