03-12-2024
10:43 AM
03-12-2024
10:43 AM
We have been through about five of these!
Southwest Stroller Bag (swathestore.com)
They usually have them at the counter though, you don't have to buy them online.
I don't mean to say they aren't durable - they are definitely getting a workout.
Now we are only bringing the booster seats so on the tail end of it. No more strollers.
... View more
@RobbyKC wrote:
I am on a flight that is “not eligible for mobile pass”. As a result I can’t access my 2 free drinks for being A List Preferred. I don’t use them when traveling on business and finally on vacation and can’t use🙄
Ask the FA and they may be able to hook you up anyway if you explain the situation.
... View more
03-11-2024
03:29 PM
03-11-2024
03:29 PM
@BearInThere wrote:
I fly Southwest weekly and typically purchase an additional seat to be more comfortable. I’m a big guy and the seats have only gotten smaller. I don’t pre-board(it’s not on my boarding pass) and I don’t need a seatbelt extender.
I typically sit in the exit row and haven’t had a problem until this week. I was told I can’t sit in the exit row and forced to move even though I meet all of the criteria to sit in the exit row.
Can anyone provide clarification on this policy and point me in the direction of some documentation that prohibits me from sitting in the exit row?
Thanks!
The terms of the Customer of Size offer includes preboarding, there could be some mix-up here.
I'm not sure why it would or wouldn't print on your pass. That's an interesting wrinkle of course that you are obviously getting A-list status by flying weekly so you don't need preboarding to guarantee finding a spot with two seats.
I'm thinking as opposed to someone walking up and buying COS tickets that would have regular boarding position in the B or C groups and potentially not find two spots together.
I'd pursue the angle of whether the COS implies preboarding or not. Preboarding passengers are also not allowed to sit in the exit row regardless of disability.
Personally I'm a big but not too big guy and the empty middle seat tends to take care of itself.
Also make sure if the FA is there to help direct traffic move over and sit in the middle seat yourself while they stand in the aisle, then they'll hold the aisle for you at the same time it isn't possible for anyone to take the middle until the very end.
Or if you are taking the window encourage anyone who wants that aisle to take the middle temporarily while the FA is there.
... View more
03-11-2024
03:19 PM
03-11-2024
03:19 PM
@dfwskier wrote:
SW changed the app and chat s now "hidden," but here's how you can find it.
click on "helpcenter" click on "day of travel" cliuck on "I want to fly standby or make a same day change"
and then a "chat" bubble will appear - allowing you to chat
I have to admit this is not a positive change.
Is the chat limited to those activities?
I really enjoyed the chat when it first rolled out and was staffed.
Then when the bot came in it was no longer able to handle my "deep dive" requests, I already know how to do most of the basic activities that it was trying to help with as a bot.
Twitter still my go-to.
... View more
03-11-2024
03:03 PM
03-11-2024
03:03 PM
@SoCalFlyer97 wrote:
@dlockesf wrote:
I'll be arriving from Mexico at LAX and transferring to a domestic flight.
I presume immigration and customs is at the Bradley terminal and the domestic flight leaves from T1.
Do I recheck my luggage at the Bradley terminal or do I have to take it to T1 myself?
Once you clear CBP, there appears to be a spot where you can re-check baggage there according the LAX map:
TBD on that one - since Southwest doesn't fly any international flights into LAX please clarify @dlockesf what airline you are bringing into LAX - since that may not be Southwest I wouldn't plan on having a Southwest luggage counter inside Bradley Terminal necessarily.
I would plan on taking it with you to T1 unless I'm mistaken.
... View more
@Friasz1 wrote:
One of the things I loved most about SW was that you could change flights at no cost. I knew this had changed, but not in the way I experienced last week. I booked what I thought was a flight for my kids from Denver to Las Vegas on Mar 10th. When I went to give them the checkin info I so I made a hug mistake and put it for the Mar 9th. I had to change the flight as my son was still in the middle of his baseball tournament. Originally I paid $150.42 for the 2 one ways. To change to the next day I had to $351.54. Totaling $501.96. This was a very expensive mistake. I expected to have to pay to change as I know you guys change that, but not pay over double what I originally paid. Unfortunately SW is no longer my favorite airline as this charged completely modified our family vacation.
This is the same as it has always been - there's not an explicit fee for changing (the legacy airlines at one point charged $100+ to make a change even if the fare was the same) - but you do have to pay the current fare. Especially if you realized the mistake the day before or same day then the fare difference has always had some tendency to be higher on short notice for airfare. If you had realized the mixup three weeks ago the fare may have been available at a lower current price.
In fact it is well-known among Southwest passengers that if the price drops after you purchased a ticket you can re-price it and take the extra as a flight credit.
I'm sorry this caught you by surprise - the last minute fares being high isn't universal but if the route has sold well the airline will be increasing the rate for those last few seats.
Even on partially sold flights the price often goes up in the three days prior to departure.
Here's a live example for ORD-DEN where Southwest is competing with United on this route and you can see the close-in dates are high and the further out are lower with some exceptions for Friday/weekends...but the idea holds.
I'd expect this pattern to roll forward each day with the higher priced flights close to the date and cheaper further out.
... View more
03-08-2024
01:42 PM
03-08-2024
01:42 PM
@SoCalFlyer97 wrote:
4. If that still fails and you still paid the higher amount, it's possible there may be a serious glitch in the booking system related to your reservation. I would then try totally scrapping the original booking (i.e.: Cancel Flight) and do a fresh booking under a brand new confirmation number to see if you can lock in the lower pricing...Thank goodness that Southwest charges zero fees to cancel and rebook flights.
Since points are refundable this would be a great option as long as OP didn't purchase EBCI.
... View more
03-08-2024
11:49 AM
03-08-2024
11:49 AM
@Invisibleman wrote:
But as there seems to be no clear policy it seems every boarding is a crapshoot. Will the Earlybird get me a decent spot? Will there be Business Class upgrade at the gate. Do I have the money for the upgrade.? It shouldn't have to be like this. Personally, I think any Senior Citizen should be afforded the convenience of early boarding, at LEAST the A1-15.
There is a policy - if you need to be seated in a specific location you should tell the ticket counter or gate agent that, and you can preboard. I don't think you need to feel noble for not using the service - it's provided specifically for someone who has needs as you describe, go for it.
@Invisibleman wrote:
Personally, I think any Senior Citizen should be afforded the convenience of early boarding, at LEAST the A1-15. That's my humble opinion. Thanks for listening. Oh, BTW, I recently flew JetBlue out of necessity. I never had before. I ended up the D boarding, which I didn't even realize. I went to the gate and asked if there was any upgrade boarding available. The nice attendant asked for my ID, and handed me back an A boarding. I asked how much I owe, and she said it was no charge. She didn't say why she did that, but I appreciated it. It really should be that simple and stress free.
If the senior has any of the needs for accommodation then they also can go for it the policy is there for people that need an accommodation.
JetBlue a little different though - your seat assignment didn't change, but you can board early since you asked. Southwest obviously a little more complicated in this department since it is open seating and getting onboard earlier gets first access to seating.
... View more
03-07-2024
02:27 PM
03-07-2024
02:27 PM
@tappingmom1 wrote:
This is SWA baggage Policy:
...
In total, a Customer is limited to check 20 pieces of checked baggage per flight.
Whoa! 😳
... View more
@jeremymSM1 wrote:
I had already reached Companion Pass status last year for 2023 thru all of 2024.
Now with my +80,000 miles from the SW business card sign up and achievement... it didn't push me over to all of 2025.
Here's my screenshot with no identifiable details: https://share.zight.com/X6uXXxym
Why didn't my companion pass rocket thru to 2025 like I expected? Seems I shouldnt have gotten the SW biz card until 2025 if I wanted companion pass in2025 if I already had it for 2024. 😞
-Jeremy
It resets January 1st of each year - so earning a big bonus in 2024 and other points already it sounds like you made it for 2024/2025 already - congrats!
Those points are not tier qualifying though, A-list and A-List Preferred are only from flights and with a little bit from credit card spending but not point for point, and none from the bonus points.
... View more
@Pauly1969 wrote:
I have 9 items 2 baggage and 2 boxes under size and under weight 50p it's that free and I have 7 boxes under weight 50p to 90p and under 80inches I taking a one way trip I came across some thing paper that says weight size and allowance it say if it's not over weight 51 to 100 pound and under 80 inches cost $75.00 per item only on a one way flight i just need to know that's is true
As noted below $75 may be out of date. I'm not quite tracking the 9 items but then it says 2 baggage and 2 boxes and then 7 boxes so that's 11 pieces - do you mean 2 traditional luggage items that are "included" as your two free items, and then nine additional items of which two are at the $100 rate as additional complying items and 7 are at the overweight/size category $125...
So I think approximately $1,075 but I'm not confident with the sizes/weights and quantity so please re-review but hopefully this is enough to get you started. (And most likely considering using shipping services, or even Southwest Cargo.)
... View more
03-06-2024
03:30 PM
03-06-2024
03:30 PM
There used to be a group to contact but the last I've seen is that everything is through partnerships and they are not taking unsolicited requests right now.
... View more
03-06-2024
11:37 AM
03-06-2024
11:37 AM
@Niki_G wrote:
I'm trying to find a round trip flight from New York state (on June 27th) to Punta Cana, returning on July 5, 2024. Every time I search I only get flights to Punta Cana and and error message for the return flight. Why is that?
If the flight from Punta Cana is leaving later in the day it may be hard to get a connection back to NY allowing enough time for customs, etc.
Which NY airports are you considering?
Can you use the low-fare finder to see if moving travel by a day would work if there is a different schedule on other days of the week?
... View more
@floridaguy wrote:
If the person was in a public place, whatever they photo is their own right to use as they see fit.
They can take a photo it is a public place (if the airport and gate area don't have any applicable restrictions), but that doesn't mean you can post it without any restrictions, in this case subject to the board's guidelines:
https://community.southwest.com/t5/Welcome-and-Announcements/Terms-of-Use/td-p/4
Pertinent excerpts as chosen by me below...
Prohibited Acts. Users of the Southwest Community agree not to engage in any of the following inappropriate conduct. You will not:
Post, collect, or store personal data about other users;
Post material (including, but not limited to, text, documents, images, photographs, and videos) that is...invasive of another’s privacy...threatening, harassing, abusive, ... or otherwise objectionable.
DDE Comment: had to take out some of the items which are flagged for posting
Just FYI I did also see these two items unrelated to current discussion of photographs.
Post about any litigation or potential litigation (past, present, future, or otherwise);
Post about how to circumvent Southwest’s security or violate Southwest policies or terms; (DDE Comment: I would include recommending people not to answer questions about their request for accommodation in this category)
... View more
03-06-2024
09:33 AM
03-06-2024
09:33 AM
@khudspeth wrote:
It's an Evenflo Dualride Shyft: https://www.evenflo.com/products/shyft-dualride-car-seat-stroller-combo-carryall-storage?gclid=CjwKCAiAxaCvBhBaEiwAvsLmWJ15GjythiRm-Z8PcVSLIREHTS462U5qhA7Eo1M04wV0FpEpJrVjNRoC3twQAvD_BwE&gad_source=1
It is TSA approved and I purchased an extra seat for him. It's similar to the Doona and I've been able to find several posts about people taking Doonas onto the plane, so I'm feeling hopeful that we'll be ok.
I don't remember any front-facing/back-facing requirements, the only requirement is that it is TSA approved.
It is up to you of course to have the correct arrangement for your kid's age and size, it sounds like you are on top of that.
We mostly went as lap children, without car seats and then when kiddos were big enough we used the CARES harness - one kiddo took to it really well, kiddo #2 pretty much straight to the lap belt, YMMV.
... View more
03-05-2024
07:57 PM
03-05-2024
07:57 PM
@bec102896 wrote:
I’ve made a 11min connection from gate 5 to gate 50 in HOU I hope to never do that again I was in row 9 on the first flight and we had a delay getting to our gate which made the connection short I now try to avoid connecting flights with less than an hour because I don’t feel like doing that hike again running style 😂
sitting in The front if I know the connection will be short is the main thing I do. Carry on bag for short schedule connections is also a must in my book because even a slight delay could lead to a checked bag missing the flight and causing a mess go get my bag.
I'm a 2-hour guy, give me time to sit down for lunch somewhere.
... View more
@CarlyeThornton wrote: Sometimes connecting flights comes with short layovers (the shortest I’ve accomplished is 30 minutes at SMF!). What is your best advice for managing those tight turns?
@CarlyeThornton
I use my spidey-sense but others can ask the FA - use the lavatory as you are beginning the descent into the connection airport so that you don't need to stop along the way to the next gate. Don't wait too long and get the dreaded seatbelt sign. Right when you hear the engines back off and a slight change in attitude you have about one minute.
If you know if advance the connection will be tight then bring some food/snacks with you on the earlier leg so you don't have to stop in the concourse.
Check out the concourse maps so you know which way to go and if you will try any strategic stops along the way.
Know if you are on the last trip of the day between the two airports - it won't change the result which is that in most cases you'll make it - but the stress of achieving that will be a little less if you know there's a backup.
Try to take a video when they call your name over the intercom as you run down the concourse, it'll make a funny story later to your friends (if you make it).
... View more
03-05-2024
03:19 PM
03-05-2024
03:19 PM
@sramos01 wrote:
I noticed prices went up significantly in the last couple weeks. It there a reason why? for instance i was looking at purchasing 5 tickets from Long Beach, Ca to Cancun, prices ranged from around $2,900 to $3,400. Now tickets are ranging from $4,200 to $4,800, why such the steep price increase literally overnight. Thanks
How far out are you looking?
... View more
03-05-2024
11:07 AM
03-05-2024
11:07 AM
@Jhonnybravo4321 wrote:
My question is.. I am legally disabled and have and will bring paper work with me to my flight. I require to enter the air craft and sit next to my wife in front of the plane. My disability is invisible but like I said I have paper work stating I am legally disabled. I assume when I check in at the airport I will just tell southwest I am disabled and need preboarding for me and my wife and here is proof. My proof is the disabled documents stating I'm disabled form the state. I assume after this me and my wife will be issued preboarding ?????? Is this how it will go? I don't wanna be judged or questioned.I know people hate diablabled preboarders especially when they themselves can't see the disability but that's not my fault. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
There's no controlling what others think but the preboarding part will work fine just as you've described.
No one from Southwest will want to see your paperwork, they may ask you to describe your need to preboard as far as specific seat, extra time, etc. to describe the accommodation that you need but will not question you about any condition that you have.
... View more
@Jhonnybravo4321 wrote:
How did preboarding end up working out for you due to being disabled? Thanks.
The preboarding passenger can take one person with them so I'm sure it worked out fine.
... View more
03-05-2024
10:28 AM
03-05-2024
10:28 AM
@parpitt1 wrote:
BTW posting pictures of folks on Forums is not cool
Agree - the post although I don't agree with all of the points is allowable - the picture maybe should come down @CarlyeThornton ?
... View more
03-04-2024
01:57 PM
03-04-2024
01:57 PM
@floridaguy wrote:
Yes, there are limitations. Show up with a swing set, toy box, outdoor climbing set, portable changing station, etc. and declare all of it to be "baby gear" and see what happens.
There are limitations - the items have to be car seats and strollers. But no size limit is given.
Do we have to check in her stroller ahead of time or can we check it at the gate?
Customers with children are allowed to check one stroller and one car seat without charge. This allowance applies to any type of stroller and/or car seat and is in addition to the regular baggage allowance.
Customers may check the stroller and car seat at the curb, ticket counter, or gate. If you opt to gate check, you’ll need to get tags with an Agent at the Customer Service desk working your gate.
An optional Southwest reusable car seat/stroller bag is available for purchase at any Southwest Airlines ticket counter for $17.
... View more
03-04-2024
12:14 PM
03-04-2024
12:14 PM
@floridaguy wrote:
Size limitations apply no matter how many bags there are.
Not for baby gear - also the question was if both items fit inside the blue bag (which they do) so it won't be a size or weight issue. Just that two items may bang together inside the same bag.
... View more
03-04-2024
12:12 PM
03-04-2024
12:12 PM
@Arb154 wrote:
We are flying this week and have a stroller and a WayB car seat which is very light and compact. I purchased one of those check bags off Amazon to put the stroller in. Can I put the stroller and the car seat in the one bag if it all fits? Or do I need to get another bag for just the car seat?
We have done this and it was fine, the two items will move around in the bag together as long as that's okay with you (i.e. they are durable and you don't mind any scrapes).
Ours was the Graco stroller with the baby carrier that snaps in and out of it - both items are very sturdy and fit easily into the blue bag.
... View more
@beamreach wrote:
At Logan this morning they were enforcing no clothes in the ski bag. It seems to be so arbitrary, I have skied SW dozens of time with clothes in my ski bag with no issues. I am not sure of the reasoning for the counter person said it is TSA policy with is nonsense. The only bags I take are a ski bag and a boot bag. Out of convenience of travel I use a double ski bag with one pair of skis and clothes. I am not being cheap, it easier with just a ski bag and boot bag. SW should at least be consistent.
There was another post recently about this - it may not be an issue of being arbitrary, it sounds like there is a system-wide focus on this now to not allow the clothes in the ski bag that is new compared to past practices where it was either allowed or not enforced.
... View more
@bballflyer wrote:
As mentioned in other posts you can add the companion now but it does make it a few more clicks if you have to change or cancel your flight because you have to cancel the companion reservation first, make your change, then add the back on the reservation; However, I do think the complication is worth it because if you are on popular flights you will only be able to add a companion if there is a seat on the plane. If you wait and the flight sells out you will not be able to add the companion. If you add it right away, your companions seat is secure. For this reason I always add the companion right away.
This is the best advice. I wish I always followed it myself - instead I have added a companion at the airport before because I forgot and the flight was full a day ahead.
... View more
03-01-2024
02:39 PM
03-01-2024
02:39 PM
@SoCalFlyer97 wrote:
@jihyocheon wrote:
I left my iPad Pro with pencil on the airplane for a flight from LAX to DAL on Feb 23.
So I wrote the lost report and I updated the report every day. That's because my iPad keeps moving.
By the 'find my apple app'
Fed 25, it was in DEN airport. Fed 26, was in Jeppesen Terminal. Fed 27, also was in Jeppesen Terminal(Southwest Airlines Baggage Service)
So I thought that Southwest would send me an email. But it moved to Memphis International Airport on Feb 29.
Finally, now it is in Highlands Medical Center...
I also called the service center, but they told me to just write a report and hung up.
My report number is 2001833.
Hi! Looks like your location tracker is doing its job!
This forum is customer-to-customer and unfortunately, any updates to your claim cannot be provided here. I assume you already filed the Lost and Found Report as you were provided with the Report Number.
To follow up with Southwest, go here:
https://support.southwest.com/helpcenter/s/article/I-lost-a-carryon-item-during-my-travel
Click on "Lost and Found Report", "I Left Items on the Plane", "Manage My Report".
From the login portal, verify your last name with your Report Number. Verify that you're not a robot and it should take you to the portal where you can follow up with your claim. From there, I would provide the staff that your location tracker is reporting that it has been traced to the hospital which signals that somebody may have taken it or mis-claimed it from the airport lost and found.
I would also get a hold of the Highlands Medical Center security and report that you have lost property from a flight that has been traced to the hospital. They may be able to help you directly with this. Hopefully it is currently at the Hospital Lost and Found now. Give this a try.
There is still a chance - the "Aero Services" company that processes all of the Southwest (and other airlines?) lost items is in Scottsboro, AL.
The GPS signal may be off a little bit.
You can try this, I don't know if it is current. Leave a message, they don't pick up: 256-999-0980
You'll need to describe the item hopefully including serial number, date you saw it show up there, and any distinctive case or stickers that may be on it.
... View more
There was obviously something that came up where it was known this would happen in advance, but this isn't typical and I don't expect it was as simple as not wanting to pay for fuel in San Jose.
Southwest wouldn't be able to let anyone off because you are coming from an international destination and have to go through customs, that's probably why the stay on the tarmac.
The crew should have emphasized everyone to use the lavatory before the landing, if they didn't.
... View more
03-01-2024
09:14 AM
03-01-2024
09:14 AM
Everytime I've been in that gate section as LAS it has been complete pandemonium.
Lounges I give it an B, they are nice but over in the D Gates which is a little inconvenient but doable with enough extra time.
We only almost missed a flight one time due to that arrangement.
Overall I'm underwhelmed with the B and C gates restaurants and it is a little crowded so given the choice of LAS or DEN for a layover I'd take DEN, unless it was long enough to get out of the terminal and come back.
... View more
@kcallstate wrote:
My wife is set as my companion passholder. We plan to travel several times in the next few months. Can I reserve her companion pass flights on all of these flights I've booked in advance for do I need to wait until the first flights are completed before adding her to my future already reserved flights? I am not changing the person, I just need to know if I can reserve multiple future flights for the same companion. Thanks in advance!
TL: DR: You can book them all now.
The complication is only if you change the companion to someone else, that would have to wait until your wife had completed all of her trips as you can't change the companion if they have any active bookings.
You could change back to your wife, and again anyone who was the subsequent companion would have to complete their trips before making the switch back.
Go ahead and lock them in! The only other complication is that if you need to change the ticket, you'll need to either call or else cancel the companion while you make changes and then add the companion back to the new ticket.
... View more
Loves Given To