Southwest Airlines Community

Whew, flying with a youngster who's got a case of the jitters can feel like wrangling a happy hurricane! But fear not, fellow traveler, there are ways to navigate this adventure. First things first, a big thumbs up to pre-boarding. Getting settled in before the stampede calms the chaos and gives your little adventurer some space to breathe. Think of it as a VIP entrance to the funfair! Second, pack a toolbox of tricks. Fidget toys, noise-canceling headphones, and a favorite stuffy can be lifesavers. New environment got them overwhelmed? Distraction is your friend! Travel games, drawing pads, or even a pre-downloaded movie marathon can work wonders. Here's where I might get a little off-book. If anxiety is a regular travel companion for your kiddo, consider talking to a pediatrician or therapist. There might be some relaxation techniques or mindfulness exercises that can help them face their fears with a superhero cape, not a backpack full of worries. Mental health hotlines are also a great resource, offering tips and support for anxious flyers of all ages. ... View more

Priority had 0.... Regular had 1 maybe 2. Was a slow Saturday afternoon. But it was the lackadaisical attitude that got me the most. Not the typical SWA can do attitude. I don't consider myself high maintenance but expect a certain level of basic service. ... View more

@CupCrusher40 wrote: learned Yes, I saw that this weekend as well. I think it was there before, although I avoid the kiosk if possible.      ... View more

@k5hdu45 wrote: My wife and I are redoing our will and wonder how SWA handles the miles that we accumulate ? The account is in my name, and if I pass, do the miles transfer to my wife ? If we both pass, can the miles transfer to my children ? What is SWA policy ? The account can continue to book travel with the points for the survivors as long as it is active and has credentials to log in. I don't know the official policy.    But my main suggestion would be if this is a significant amount of points is to start using them for the family members now.    And just for reference at the estimated value $0.015/point you'd need over 300,000 points to be worth $5,000 in the estate. Transferring the points at $0.01/point fee would be $3,000 cash that someone would have to pay to make the transfer. I don't believe it can be deducted from the value of the points themselves. So leaving someone $5,000 worth of points would cost that person $3,000 out of pocket.   Besides the transition you are describing (hopefully a long time from now) there is only the chance to lose the credentials, have a fraud issue, conflict over who is using them in what quantities, and the points generally devalue over time.    There are only a few opportunities for redeeming a big amount of points at once for special events otherwise it will be thousands or tens of thousands of points at a time for flights, or tens of thousands of points at a time for other redemptions.   Start taking those trips with the family now.      ... View more

Perhaps we got bad information, but Chase told us they would notify Southwest 6 to 8 weeks after we met the threshold.  I hope you are right. Thank you for responding. ... View more

Thanks for your reply. I only added Early Bird for me since everywhere I had read led me to believe that my Companion would still receive a boarding position next to me. As I said, it worked like that on the MDW to SAV flight but not on the return. Makes me think that even if I had paid the extra $25 to add EB to my Companion she might have been given a position nearer to mine but not necessarily with me. Either way I'll just play it safe and go with manual check-in from here on out. ... View more

@jcusackjr wrote: Costco has the SW airlines gift cards on sale again, $449.99 for  $500 gift card!  @jcusackjr  Thanks for the tip!     I checked it out and my Costco also showed an additional $20-off e-delivery on top of the $50-off deal for today. That added up to 14%-off my next $500 worth of Southwest flights in addition to any Southwest %-off or low-fare promos.   SOLD!   Travel Tip: Most Gift Cards are delivered within 1-2 hours of purchase but could take up to 24-48 hours of processing time for the e-delivery. Keep those redemption codes in a safe place so nobody else uses them. I store these and any flight credit confirmation codes securely in a password manager. ... View more

Southwest Airlines continues to attract customers despite facing challenges due to several key factors that set it apart from other airlines. Here's why customers still choose Southwest Airlines: 1. Affordable Pricing: Southwest Airlines is known for its low-cost fares and transparent pricing structure. Customers appreciate the affordability of Southwest's tickets, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers. 2. No Hidden Fees: Southwest is renowned for its no-frills approach and lack of hidden fees. Unlike many other airlines, Southwest does not charge for services like checked bags, flight changes, or seat selection, which can significantly reduce the overall cost of travel for customers. 3. Flexible Policies: Southwest offers some of the most flexible booking and cancellation policies in the industry. Customers can change or cancel their flights without penalty, and unused funds from canceled flights can be applied to future bookings, providing peace of mind and flexibility for travelers. 4. Extensive Route Network: Despite being primarily a domestic airline, Southwest has a widespread route network that serves numerous destinations across the United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean. This extensive coverage makes it convenient for customers to travel to a wide range of destinations within Southwest's network. 5. Reliable Operations: Southwest has a strong reputation for reliability and operational efficiency. The airline consistently ranks high in on-time performance and has a track record of minimal flight cancellations and delays, earning the trust of travelers who value punctuality and dependability. 6. Quality Customer Service: Southwest prioritizes customer service and is known for its friendly and helpful staff. From booking assistance to in-flight service, Southwest employees strive to provide a positive and enjoyable experience for passengers, enhancing customer loyalty and satisfaction. 7. Unique Amenities: Southwest offers several unique amenities that differentiate it from other airlines, such as open seating, where passengers can choose their own seats onboard, and the Rapid Rewards loyalty program, which rewards frequent flyers with perks like free flights and priority boarding. 8. Commitment to Safety: Safety is a top priority for Southwest Airlines, and the airline has a strong safety record. Customers trust Southwest to prioritize their well-being and adhere to rigorous safety protocols, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. 9. Company Culture: Southwest has a distinctive company culture characterized by a fun and friendly atmosphere. This unique culture extends to the customer experience, with Southwest employees often going above and beyond to create a positive and memorable journey for passengers. 10. Environmental Initiatives: Southwest is committed to sustainability and has implemented various environmental initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint and promote eco-friendly practices. Customers who prioritize sustainability may choose Southwest for its efforts to minimize environmental impact. Despite facing challenges common to the airline industry, Southwest Airlines continues to attract and retain customers through its affordable pricing, transparent policies, reliable operations, quality customer service, and unique amenities. By prioritizing the needs and preferences of travelers, Southwest maintains its position as a top choice for domestic and international air travel. BenefitsCal ... View more

@bballflyer wrote: So for example if you earn the $4k by May 12th, but your statement closes on May 31st, you would likely see it in your account on Jun 1 or 2nd.    I don't recall though, did this promotion have a specific time period for companion pass?  I recall some promotions the companion pass was only good for specific months.  If this is the case you may not see companion pass until that time period, I have not had experience with this situation so someone else may be able to advise you better. There is also usually a time limit to earn the $4k spending which might be three months? So earning it cumulatively in either one, two, or three months for example.   Usually you would get a confirmation email "you've made it" or something to that effect, but the pass itself won't show up until the specified period. If that was immediately then it would be there to nominate a companion, if it was July for example the pass won't show up in your account until 7/1 at midnight:01. This can be a little inconvenient if you are flying later in the day 7/1 but book your ticket now and add the companion then.     ... View more

@SWAsince98 wrote: An interesting scenario that taught me a lesson but may be helpful to others going forward. I recently booked a Wanna Get Away fare with points and added my wife as my Companion. I thought that if I added Early Bird we would be placed together in the boarding process. On the outbound flight it worked perfectly with A29 and A30 assigned. However on the return I also had Early Bird and checked in about 22 hours before our flight to check our boarding position and I was A44 and she was B48 so we had 60+ people between us. Since she and I always take a window and center seat this wasn't an issue but still slightly disappointing and I was surprised that it worked for one leg and not the other.   It is supposed to work the way you described it for your first trip, and regardless of EBCI, and fare type except that we know it doesn't work for Business Select fares only.     ... View more

" Eugene is closer but it is 4 hours away on treacherous mountain road - in winter it was horrible- we tried"??????  Really?  Eugene is 3 hours away, at the most, and that's driving the speed limit.  I've never known I-5, a 4-lane highway, to be known as a "treacherous mountain road." ... View more

@Munsingerjc wrote: Hey there! Yes definitely. I have a bag in similar size and it fits perfectly! As long as you don't overstuff it, you should be fine, but you can also travel rest assured that in case it doesn't fit, you can always opt to use it as your free carry on that goes above you. Every passenger gets 2 free checked bags, 1 free carry on, and 1 free personal. So there is lots of ways to get that bag on your plane but it should most definitely fit under the seat in front of you! I hope I answered your question!   Travel Agent, Homebase DEN, Frequent traveler to the west coast. Good point, if this is your only carry-on item then you should be good either way, subject to bin space being available.     ... View more

I'm inclined to agree with DancingDavidE.  An original part of the Southwest business model was fly one plane, train crew for one plane, maintain and repair one plane.  This has contributed to Southwest's success and profitability.   Even thinking about the 737 is not something Southwest should have to do anyway, it's a problem not of their creating.   It's kind of the old fork in the road.  What quality of planes would Airbus be making say 20 years from now?  It's like a problem with no solution. ... View more

Sorry, I don't agree with your statement.   I love the "open seating" policy at Southwest Airlines. It is the only airlines that I have used exclusively since 2017. I feel that the boarding process is smoother than on other airlines. I also have several family members who love this policy.   I certainly hope this never changes... if it does, it makes Southwest no better than the other airlines. ... View more

We have been using SWA to fly into Denver and then driving to either Saratoga, Cheyenne, and Laramie. During winter especially with wind and weather, it would just be nice to be able to fly into Laramie rather than drive the 80. I think I left an impression of my fingers on the steering wheel this last trip!  ... View more

Uh...the title to the post includes the words "new gate agent".   At MCO, you can carry on an unlimited number of items including your new refrigerator you got on sale.  No problems!   LOL ... View more

Seems unlikely that will happen since they are cutting 4 destinations in August.  In 10 years, I've mentioned multiple places   that they should go, SWA hasn't listened to me yet.  I et it after a first quarter loss but wished they would have waited to see if things got right.  I fly to 2 of the 4 they are stopping flying to.  ... View more

@Christinky wrote: Sorry for the capitals, but I am obviously livid. And this is happening live right now at 1:25am. SFO - DEN, flight delayed for over 3 hours, then we’re sitting on the tarmac for over an hour, and while driving back to the gate, the pilot says there are too many flights coming in and out and our flight cannot leave and we have to rebook. We’re still on the plane, waiting for a spot at the gates to open! They said they’ll rebook, but we don’t want to go anymore, as we have a baby and this is way too difficult on her/us. What are our options and can we be compensated for anything, as we prepaid for our hotel and car rental? When you get to talk to someone, or if you are automatically re-booked then you'll have to contact Southwest Contact Southwest Customer Service and let them know that you want to be refunded instead of rebooked, and if you are automatically rebooked let Southwest be the one to cancel it and refund, don't cancel it yourself if the only option is Travel Credit.   If you are starting from SFO consider trying OAK which has a lot of routes including to Denver with 5 or 6 non-stops per day.   SFO should still have 3-4 per day though - and if you are there at 2 a.m. now just take the 5 a.m. option first thing, obviously I'm reading this late but I hope you were able to get on that flight after all.         ... View more

Actually, its spelled "yammering" and I mis-stated one adult.  I've corrected that in a subsequent copy/paste of the policy.   The fundamental problem with this policy is its name.  It is not intended to be "family" boarding, but is in fact "child assist".  Too many people hear the term "family" and believe that the policy applies to them.     The proper term should be "child assist" where anyone with a child under the age of seven can board with up to two adults.  And, as stated many times before, an adult is not an older child who has not reached the age of majority.  They board on their own.   Southwest is drifting toward assigned seats because of the mad rush to get on the plane first and also the misguided impression that families and those traveling together can sit together.  When they can't sit together due to seating occupancy during onboarding, they pitch a fit even though they knowingly bought a ticket on an airline that has open seating. ... View more

Monthly or day of the week filters would be great in my opinion!     ... View more

You could seek assistance from someone at the gate counters or visit the ticket counters before departing the airport. If time allows, try customer service at Concourse C while inside security. If that doesn't work, you can stop by the ticket counter on your way out. This approach may help resolve any issues you're experiencing. ... View more

@DancingDavidE wrote: What's MPC?     Mobile Passport Control https://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/mobile-passport-control   For those without Global Entry, this is the next best option to get through a CBP Border Inspection Station at participating airports. I'm aware that HOU participates: https://www.fly2houston.com/newsroom/articles/mobile-passport-control-program-comes-houston-airports       ... View more

@dfwskier wrote: For a VERY LONG TIME the rule has been that if you no show a flight, you forfeit the value of your ticket. It's the same for every airline. Points tickets used to be refundable in this instance but I believe that is changed as well.   The only exception is Business Select flights that would be automatically made into travel credits, other fare types will be forfeit - including any remaining legs of your same itinerary so if you no-show the outbound trip your return trip may also be affected.     ... View more

@bballflyer wrote: Do you know what type of fare it was?  If it was an I wanna get away plus or higher the credit can be transferred to another rapid reward member at no charge;  If it is an I wanna get away, the easiest way to transfer it is to purchase an I wanna get away plus fare for the same amount using the credit, the cancel the reservation now making it a transferrable credit. If for whatever reason this doesn't work or leaves too much on the table I would suggest to write-in with the description of the situation but hopefully using the WGA+ workaround will solve the issue as a self-service action. It might be granted only for the most exceptional situations.                 ... View more

@nostresshere wrote: Would be great if OP came back and shared the end result. You'll have better results to tag  them if they are still active on the board from that long ago. @atkinsont    Summarizing from other posts the points can be restored sometimes if they can be intercepted based on whatever the hackers are doing with them, but many cases the points are spent in a way that Southwest can't verify what has happened. (You are allowed to book someone else a flight with your points for instance, so having only the example of another person booked with your points isn't evidence of fraud all by itself.)   There seems to be a mixture of examples where the points are or aren't able to be restored.         ... View more

@dfwskier wrote: Arghhh I inadvertantly hit the solution button instead of the comment button , and I cant find a way to remove the solution -- sorry.   When you get your monthly statement, does the statement show that points are going to two RR accounts?    Since Southwest adds points to accounts at Chase's direction, the only way to fix this is to contact Chase.   Just to clarify @dmspen - the credit card points should go into only one of your rapid rewards accounts, and then you each should have separate RR accounts that will show your own points from flights (hotels, etc.)   So for instance your wife may get all the CC points and then see her own flight points, and then you may login and see only your own flight points. (or vice versa)   See if that's the case. You shouldn't both see the CC points from the same credit card on your individual RR accounts.         ... View more

@Kshallene wrote: I wanted to recognize Petta Gay at Fort Lauderdale airport on April 20, 204 for her exceptional service in helping to figure out why my mother in laws TSA preflight wasn’t printing. The previous airport couldn’t figure out the issue but she took the time to work it out!  Outstanding service!     Glad it was resolved - if you'd like to send the kudo's to Southwest then use Contact Southwest Customer Service or reach out on Twitter so that these can be entered into the system. This is a customer to customer forum so although it is great to hear a good report there's no official channel to recognize staff.     ... View more

Hey would you say this still applies to the recent 2024 promo? I spoke to a worker on the phone and she said any change will void it. She also said she has seen it happen before.  ... View more

I Agree Assigned Seating………is necessary…… ... View more