Southwest Airlines Community

@pomarcel, don’t be like me and forget toothpaste!  I have had to buy many a toothbrush too.  Guess it’s the last thing I use so I am always thinking of leaving rather than packing.  Just mentioning it bc I didn’t see it in your list of toiletries.  Have a great trip! ... View more

@Porter570, I want to say thank you for heading to the back to save seats.  As an A-lister, I do the same when traveling with family because I find it reduces confrontations about seat saving.     I never understand why people would confront someone with a comment about “no seat saving” because that seems like a lose-lose situation to me.  Who wants to sit next to someone that they just angered?  It is only ten minutes to empty a plane, so why would anyone want to spend a miserable hour plus to save ten minutes?  But from the posts on this website, I can see that people are passionate about it, so I just wanted to say thank you for heading to the back third.     Safe travels to you and yours. ... View more

In addition to other suggestions, the system definitely needs two different email addresses.  I hope you get it resolved soon. ... View more

@Guerry,   I acknowledge that the SWA email receipt system can be somewhat frustrating.  However, I have a reply/issue on your comment about the IRS only caring about what you spend and not caring if you go.  Internal Revenue Code Section 162 allows a deduction for “ordinary and necessary” business expenses. So if one does not travel on the ticket, it may not be considered a necessary expense (except for an occasional missed flight due to specific emergency circumstances).     Different businesses have different documentation requirements, but in my company, in the old days, we had to turn in the paper boarding passes to prove we actually traveled.  Now they will accept some other type of documentation such as a hotel or transportation receipt from the the destination as proof that travel actually took place.  Keep reading for the reason I think SWA set up the “past travel” receipt system.   For tax purposes, the travel costs have to be ordinary and necessary, so an auditor will be looking for not only the expense but also documentation for the business purpose of the travel including names and titles of meeting attendees and/or description of work performed at the travel location.   Unfortunately, refundable tickets can make documentation requirements more challenging because an unscrupulous person might book travel one day and refund it another day, so there would be no ultimate expense (yay, no change fees on SWA!).  So if that unscrupulous person had to only produce expenses for tickets, they could run up a lot of inappropriate deductions that may not ultimately have cost the person/business any money after being refunded.     SWA gives a receipt via email to say what is paid when the ticket was booked, and it can be challenging to research if not immediately captured when booked.  I seem to remember that SWA’s “past travel” receipt was set up when they had reusable plastic passes and businesses wanted their employees to provide more complete documentation that they actually traveled.   Please excuse the long reply but I wanted readers to know that the IRS requires more information than just what was paid (and most of that responsibility lies with the business and not the airline).  The airline was helping business travelers with the “past travel” receipt rather than trying to make it more complicated.   Hopefully this information helps explain why the system may have been initially set up that way.  “Ordinary and necessary” are the key words when documenting travel expenses for tax purposes.  Actual cost is often viewed by businesses and the IRS as not just what was paid but that the travel actually took place.   SWA, maybe a specific searchable word in the subject line at purchase to cut through the other emails that push hotels/rental cars, etc? “Payment” is probably too common. SWAReceipt as one word? (But new passengers won’t know to look for that.) I do not have the perfect solution unfortunately.   @Guerry, I am wishing you safe travels (and simple yet thorough documentation) in the future. ... View more

I hope that all goes well for you.  I sit in airplane seats probably 100 times per year, and although I cannot promise there won’t be a problem, especially with weather issues, I can say that I personally have gotten home every time — sometimes with delays, but that is part of the business.  The odds are in your favor, the crew is trained for your safety and I hope you have a great, relaxing flight.  Bring something that will distract you from thinking about the flying, and I truly hope all goes without a hitch — like so many flights every day. ... View more

@SWAtravelGuy1, my mistake.  I meant the suggestions posted by @chgoflyer. ... View more

@SWAtravelGuy1, I can only speak to my personal experience, but I have not had problems, and I am very glad that I have not because I fly frequently.  If @DancingDavidE‘s Suggestion does not work, then I suggest calling at some off rush time and maybe a different SWA customer service agent can figure it out.     @mesummerlin,  i realize that it is too late now, but if the ticket was booked first, then you got the number and entered it in, the system uses the data from the original booking.  I had that issue once with a family member — ticket booked, KTN put in, no TSA pre on boarding pass.  I think we called and were able to get a new boarding pass but we had to call and they cancelled and rebooked so that flier got TSA Pre, which meant a later boarding number.  It has been many years but that is what I remember. I hope your trip went well. ... View more

@DancingDavidE, I see your point.  If people buy EBCI anyway and they still get mid B, there could be even more disgruntlement at the airport.  People who are already angry about the pre-boarders could really ramp up the anger.   ... View more

Thanks for the travel tips.  Here are some other family friendly tips for planning.  The Adventure Science Center has good exhibits for kids of all ages with the sweet spot probably being 1st to 4th grade.  Enough information to keep adults from being bored (which can happen at some museums geared toward children).   Pancake Pantry is another good spot for a very late lunch.  Too crowded for breakfast for my preference but at 2pm, one can typically glide right in.   Finally, the Goo Goo Shop provides info on Nashville’s richest candy treat. Contains nuts so skip that visit if anyone has allergies.  Clusters are oh so tasty.   Nashville is a great spot to spend a day or a weekend or as a base to stay longer and explore surrounding areas.  Tennessee Walking Horse Museum, Tennessee Whiskey Distilleries, Mammoth Cave and Dinosaur World in KY or the Space Center in Huntsville AL are all spots accessible from Nashville. ... View more

I always bring a water on board just in case I get choked up.  I figure the person next to me won’t want me hacking and coughing (because I would not want that).  Many airports now have water bottle filling stations so if you have a connection and need to refill, you can and it is cheaper too.  Some people bring empty water bottles through TSA and fill them, so it is more environmentally friendly too.   I like to find the room temperature water to purchase for the first flight though so it doesn’t condensate in my bag or on my leg.  It sometimes confuses the store clerk when I ask if they have any water that is not refrigerated but I must not be alone because it seems easier to find these days. ... View more

@vetriselvan,  If you are staying at a hotel, I suggest calling and asking if you can ship 2 or 3 boxes to them before you leave so that they arrive while you are there.  Less hassle for you and probably less cost.  Most hotels will accept shipments because they are used to hosting meetings.   Good luck and safe travels.   ... View more

Agreed.  In addition to layers for the cold planes, I keep a tiny fan that can be plugged into my I phone power socket for the hot planes.  Temperature extremes usually do not last the entire flight thankfully although  they can make a flight very uncomfortable.  I fly enough to try to be prepared for either extreme.   ... View more

Speaking of age 21, my daughter has had her RR # since below age 1 ( because of out of town grandparents).  She just received her first set of drink coupons—the first quarter that she was the eligible age.  As a regular recipient of the quarterly envelope myself, I found it a bit sentimental when hers arrived.  Reminded me of all the flights to all the places we traveled on my miles and companion pass with Southwest Airlines.  Many miles and 21 years together so far.  Thanks, Southwest! ... View more

@eam121612, Quite a trip you are planning.  I suggest that you arrive early.     you didn’t mention their age but some airlines have restrictions on how many passengers under age 15 can sit in one row (and all airlines say never under age 15 in an emergency row).     I could not find any info on the SWA website but please confirm with them.  If the lone adult, you probably wouldn’t want them sitting in two different rows (that is, one without you), though you could probably get across the aisle.  I didn’t see anything on a quick search but I once remember a flight attendant explaining that there are only 4 oxygen masks and if someone has to get their own on, then help others, that one adult likely would be challenged with two youngsters in an emergency.  (They measure emergency response in seconds.)   If you had to be in a different row, then if across the aisle, an adult in the opposite row could help.  I realize that the odds are extremely small that an emergency would occur but the FAA and the airlines set their guidelines for the emergencies not the everyday travel.   It it may be another airline that has this rule But I would not want you to be surprised after boarding (when no options).    Safe travels.  I would volunteer to come help you but January is 7 days a week work for me unfortunately. ... View more

@Jaycelynn, Terminal B, MSY airport, in the mornings.  Check out the air meals shop by B8.  Most times, there is a lady working there with a similar name as you.  I would see her almost every Monday on my commute to Texas.  Safe travels to you. ... View more

Congrats, Bill!  Enjoy your upcoming free time. ... View more

Ha! Good description.  Nice to know that I am recycling when I change flights (as A-List preferred).  Keeping it green! ... View more

Yes, the Wright Amendment is gone now.  Things are finally right with Love Field. (Former DFW resident) ... View more

My life is uncertain.  Not being smacked with a $200 change fee because of my workload causing a schedule change is part of what keeps me coming back.     I will never forget the first time I flew the plane of a low cost competitor who shall remain nameless.  I had a trip set in stone so I knew it would not change so I took a chance.  They had people put their carryons inside a bin before boarding to measure.  It was a life lesson to some 20 year-old girl crying her eyes out at the gate because they charged her an extra $100 at the gate when her bag was 1 inch too big and she didn’t know all the rules.  Doubling the price of the entire ticket for 1 inch while at the gate because whatcha gonna do at that point?  I felt so sad for her. Yet, those were the rules.  And the lesson learned is that the fine print of any deal (airline or otherwise) must be read or the deal may not be a deal.   I am thankful to know the rules of SWA so I keep coming back.  And admittedly, no change fees does not mean that the ticket won’t cost more.  It just means I don’t have to pay $200 for something that a computer does in one millisecond on top of the fare increase.     To me, fair is fare only. It is not like the airline changed their departure time or had to add a route because I couldn’t leave when I had planned after booking the ticket 8 months earlier. A change fee feels like I am buying literally nothing.   ... View more

@ekhouston25, sorry to hear that you are having trouble.  I have had the iPhone X for about 4 months and I have not had any problems. Not sure that I have a suggestion other than maybe going through Safari and using the Southwest.com regular website?   good luck and safe travels. ... View more

@AvKrayez, congrats on A-List.  Even if you call the main SWA number, the voice prompts say “if you are an A-List member and would like expedited service, press 1, and then they ask you to enter you RR number.  Unlike many people on this post, I never called a separate phone number.  Though I probably should have on occasion.     Enjoy the bump up in boarding! ... View more

I can also relate.  I find it pretty much impossible to connect right after boarding, but then once we are airborne, I can usually connect.  Has anyone else had that experience?  The pattern has repeated itself so much that I started thinking it was purposeful because we were supposed to be listening to the safety speech.  Once off the ground, connection and speed have been okay for me, but it is frustrating to wait.   ... View more

@Craftychick, I hope your knitting project is one loooong scarf, because it is much harder to bite through yarn than thread, and I have seen TSA confiscate cuticle scissors and even smaller folding scissors.     I wonder if you knit something a couple of rows wide but the length of the plane’s interior?  I would say that is a tall order but it is actually a long order.   safe travels and have a fun time whenever your trip lands you!     ... View more

@Craftychick, is crafty related to hobbies or slyness?  If hobbies, then my advice is to bring some craft to distract you.  I find crafts better distraction than reading, so cross-stitch works pretty well (though I have to gnaw the threads to cut). Makes me feel productive rather than just waiting.   good luck and try to remember that some other people are on flights multiple times per week.  It is just the big bus in the sky (though with better drinks and kinder crews).   It is really amazing and I am so glad that I was not a pioneer woman.  So enjoy (as much as you can).  ... View more

@Tmichelle,  i hope your trip goes well.  First, give yourself some extra time because navigating the airport in a mobile device can be a challenge.  Second, if possible, I recommend an early morning flight.  Usually the airport is a little quieter, but it is up to you on the timing of the flight. Next, upon arriving at the gate, please tell the gate agent, that you would like to pre-board.  Let them know the level of disability, that is, is there any mobility?  Standing?  Transferring?  Then, preboards are called to board first.  an attendant helps speed the process along by getting the person on board and arranging to gate check the wheelchair. Or if assistance is needed for more assistance, the airlines have a special wheelchair that can get on and down the aisles.  It is not ideal but it can work.     If if you go the frequently asked questions in the Southwest.com website, you can find more information.  Safe travels. ... View more

@elijahbrantley, I have to make a correction.  I received an "Action Based Bonus" in August of 2017, and I have no memory of why it was received, so I am still no help.  It was not a flight day for me, and it was a rounded number ending in 00 versus the entries into your account. ... View more

@elijahbrantley, I have not seen that description posting before either.  If you find out, let us know.   My 'other" points such as the Community Coffee promotions show as "Points Received from Business". ... View more

@LisaCH,  sorry this happened to him.  Airline travel comes with a big set of potential problems, and I feel that I have experienced most of them over the years (diversions, delays, 2 hours of sleep between last flight in and first flight out, airplane door that wouldn’t open upon landing, accidental deployment of emergency slide with a long wait for the replacement, but these are from decades of trave).  But I personally have not seen an increase in recent maintenance delays in the last two months.     Was the college running a shuttle back and forth from the airport that he missed?  That was such a kind thing for his roommate to do.     My guess is that they might not have been able to offer drinks because the crew was told it would not taken long.  If they were on the plane at the gate, they would have to pick everything up that they passed out before takeoff, so they may have thought they did not have time.     As for free WiFi, I don’t know if they have a code that they can give out for one-time events but that is a good thought.  Perhaps the suggestion will get noticed on this discussion board.    I hope that your son has a great year at school.  Hopefully this was a one time event for him.  Safe travels. ... View more