Southwest Airlines Community

So sorry you have to explain yourself to insensitive people without any information on your disability. If someone is discriminating against you for your disability, you can file a complaint with the ADA.  ... View more

Only slightly worse than the flu? Get the vaccine and mask up. SMDH  😩 ... View more

Did you know that you can book a flight by calling 1800-I-FLY-SWA?  ... View more

Thank you @NicoleAshley . I am planning to fly in March for my mom's 65th birthday? Can I count on Southwest to allow me to keep my plans and fly with my ESA dog at that time? ... View more

This does not mean all airlines will ban emotional support animals. It means that airlines now have the option to regulate their ESA policy. Unlike some other airlines (ahem D and U), Southwest has been so amazing to people with disabilities. Hopefully they will keep their current policy. I know that I would not have been able to take as many flights without having my trained emotional support dog with me on my trips.  ... View more

People with large emotional support animals will usually sit up in the bulkhead. The animal should not spill into the aisle and be in control of the owner at all times. From reading the Soutwest Airlines ESA policy, there are no breed restrictions at this time. People who do not want to sit next to an animal may sit anywhere else on the plane since SWA does not have assigned seating. Southwest is one of the most compassionate airlines that make it easy for people traveling with service animals or emotional support animals to travel without excessive requirements and unnecessary documents that other airlines may require. However, you do have to contact SWA 48 hours in advance and submit your ESA letter to them via their website, phone or email. ... View more

Will Southwest stand with people with mental disabilities or corporate profits? We know where Delta and United stand. SWA is for the people.  ... View more

This is sad to hear. SWA is usually really good about ESAN customers. Southwest's ESA policy  is one of the best and one of the only airlines that do not require additional documents to fly with an emotional support dog.  ... View more

I think you have a decent chance of sitting together. You will be the 93rd and 94th person on the plane that usually has around 150 seats.  ... View more

I love the open seating policy at Southwest. Keep it up SWA!  ... View more

So many people repeat what they hear without seeing for themselves. I have flown with other ESAs and service dogs on over a dozen flights and I haven't seen the sensationalized stories of animals biting, pooping, etc. on any of the flights. For every 100 flights with a service animal on board, I am willing to bet less than 1 flight has issues.    Just because someone needs their animal to fly, it doesn't mean they are treading on your rights or ability to enjoy the flight. Relax and enjoy your life people. ... View more

The Southwest policy clearly states that if the animal causes disruptive behavior, it can be denied boarding. Disruptive behavior can be the following:   Scratching, excessive whining or barking Growling, biting, lunging Urinating or defecating in the cabin or gate area However, the airline representative should have informed your parents that they wouldn't allow the animal on board earlier. It sounds like the employee followed the rules, but didn't act overly courteous.    https://www.southwest.com/html/customer-service/unique-travel-needs/customers-with-disabilities-pol.html ... View more

This happened to a friend of mine too. She didn't have any activity for over 24 months. This may be the reason for your loss of points too.    Southwest RR Rewards Activity  ... View more

You should arrive at the airport 2 hours before your flight so that you can get to your gate before your flight starts to board. Then go to the desk at your gate and request a preboard pass so that you can get on the flight and sit in the bulkhead. We just flew Southwest and got to the gate after they started to board and it was a stressful situation for us. Bringing a blanket that our dog is familiar with also helps. Here are some tips on flying with a large ESA dog.    Reddit on Flying with a large dog How to fly with a large ESA dog   ... View more

ESA dogs and service dogs are not the same. ESA dogs need a letter from a psychologist or other therapist and service dogs do not need any documents. I have been asked about my service dog and have even been asked for certification/registration from an agent at the desk. This is not needed.  US Government on the Air Carrier Access Act FAQ on Service Dogs Southwest Emotional Support Animal Policy  Southwest Pet Policy      ... View more