Southwest Airlines Community

The situation that you described sounds like this passenger/Spirit employee was traveling on a confirmed ticket purchased by their employer.  Other airlines often purchase SWA Business Select fare tickets to ‘deadhead’ their employees to their destination for work purposes.  ... View more

It's kind of like a television channel. If you don't like it, then don't get involved in the discussion. Don't read them, or respond to them, kind of like an adult would. ... View more

removed ❤️ ... View more

Massive abuse by people gaming the system. These are the parasites of society. ... View more

After 4 flights in 2 days which each had over 25  pre-boarders- I'm over it. And breaking news states that SW has increased the maximum charge for earlybird check-in and upgraded boarding ( up to $149!).  That will surely increase the number of pre-boarders.   Also- SW policy regarding saving of seats ( they don't officially have one)  has also been put out there on social media and now abused. Between the 2 policies- the abuse has gotten out of control.   I used to like no assigned seating  - but now I wish that Southwest had pre-assigned seating.  ... View more

We see people gaming most any system put in place. This is just one such example. I have been in line with a veteran of war that could easily legitimately qualify for pre board but he would not have it. He was pretty outraged at the people he saw clearly gaming the policy. This was going on with emotional support dogs as well. To the people that do this, shame on you. ... View more

@ffflyer wrote: Never book third party! Bood directly with the hotel and directly with the airline. Otherwise you are just asking for truoble. Not worth the few bucks you might save.   While I absolutely agree with this, booking Points Plus hotels through SW Hotels is one of the fastest ways to earn and keep your Companion Pass each year. For that reason I roll the dice on the third-party bookings, and once I have reached the required points for CP for the next year, I go back to booking direct. Luckily I have never had an issue with SW Hotels, but I willingly accept the risk in exchange for CP.  ... 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

This is an open forum and opinions are welcome and do not need to be grounded in facts, as we have witnessed in thousands of posts previously.  Thousands of them. ... View more

From the fine print:   30,000 Bonus Points After You Spend $4,000 On Purchases In The First 3 Months From Account Opening: The product is not available to either (i) current Cardmembers of any Southwest Rapid Rewards® Credit Card, or (ii) previous Cardmembers of any Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card who received a new Cardmember bonus within the last 24 months. ... View more

https://support.southwest.com/helpcenter/s/article/carryon-baggage-policy ... View more

This is a simple misunderstanding of the Southwest boarding policy. You are not assigned seats. It is first come, first serve. A group boards first, B group boards second, C group boards third and last, and by that time, most aisle/window seats are taken. Now you know for the future. You could have gotten around this by purchasing early bird, which gives you a better boarding position (but even then it is not guaranteed, if many others also purchase early bird).    --Jessica ... View more

guess is that if you call southwest and say you would like a refund, they will tell you that there is no policy on seat saving and tell you that you could have sat in that seat.  It's several years after your post and the same seat saving is still being done today.  At this point, I do not think it will ever change.  Southwest got their money and that is where they stopped caring.  ... View more

You cannot, under the law, require a preboard passenger to be delayed at exiting the plane.  In fact, it would be more logical for them to exit the plane before anyone else.   Keeping a passenger on the plane against their will would result in a lawsuit for illegal detention and arrest. ... View more

I would deny the claim too.  If the bag was so full it was ready to pop then that's the traveler's responsibility. ... View more

Your best option, and anyone who cares where or with whom they sit, is to book with an airline that lets you reserve your seats in advance.   SWA is great. Convieneint. Low priced.   But they don't let you reserve seats. How important is it that you sit together?  ... View more

I have been a loyal customer with Southwest for years and fly the airline almost exclusively. More recently, back in October 2023, valuable items were stolen from my checked luggage. I opened a case Southwest and TSA per Southwest's recommendation with all supporting documentation and have been getting the run around since. I will continue to escalate this issue to the highest degree  necessary and have decided to fly other airlines after my last scheduled trip in December.  Is 2 free checked bags worth the potential cost of theft? It's a free for all for airline or TSA employees to do as they please. I am working with both to solve the issue, but nothing is being done.  I have also submitted reviews on multi-sites warning travels of this.  ... View more

I haven't checked luggage in over 25 years. After the second time my luggage did not arrive, once again with very specific clothing required, a suit for an international presentation & a banquet down the first time, that was the very last time I ever checked luggage.   I do love your thinking. It's a great idea if it works for you. However, never have the luxury to sit around and wait for 30 rows of people to deplane.  But if I had the time it sounds very entertaining.  ... View more

Honestly, I didn't even read that long post you put on here.  I'm just going to cut through the chase and say this, if you're questioning if you should give your business to any company, then NO is the answer.  Best of luck on the other airlines. ... View more

Are you traveling alone? If not, could your companion take your blanket through security? You could go first, leave the area, then in the unlikely event that TSA examines the blanket you won't have to see it happen.  ... View more

Well said!!! ... View more

Is this still the policy on employee vaccinations? ... View more

I have several tattoos that I can't cover up. I have a tattoo near my right ear, another tattoo on my finger and a Persian tattoo on my neck. If I tried super hard, I could hide the ear tattoo by growing my hair long. Lol. And I could hide the tattoo on my finger by wearing a ring, but I can't hide the Persian tattoo even by wearing a turtleneck sweater. You can see how a Persian tattoo looks at Custom Persian Tattoo’s. I love my tattoos, and I don't wish to remove them. But I'm glad I didn't get a tattoo on my face. ... View more

My son was just boarding his delayed flight from Dallas, TX to  to return to his Navy air station in San Diego. Him and another service member neither in uniform, went to board when military was called after priority boarding. The service member in front of him clearly white, showed his military ID and ticket was scanned and he was allowed to board. My son right behind him , who is half white half Hispanic has dark hair showed his military ID and the attendant told him he could not board and needed to return to B 42 position to wait to board. I have never heard of such utter disrespect for our service members , but also the utter display of prejudice that occurred . I am appalled at the gate attendants hatred and disrespect. attendant  was at Gate 2 Dallas Lovefield airport Dallas to San Diego departure at 10:25 (delayed) originally supposed to depart at 10:05 12/29/22. I want answers!!!  ... View more

Hello i read this and thought it was me writing. Did you ever find a solution to this fear?  I am trying now. Any suggestions would be appreciated.  ... View more

@Momojiggalo wrote:   Glad to hear you had a great experience.   However, because this is a customer forum, it is unlikely the crew will get recognition because of anything you post here.   If you really want the crew to get recognition, then you need to contact SW directly. To do so, click on "contact us" below and proceed.   ... View more

In another post, someone got really upset about preboarding.  The discussion turned very toxic and I reported the hostility.   Southwest came and closed the subject.   I really do not get all of the hostility on this board.  Just because someone preboards? ... View more

@GregoryAllen wrote: I am AList, spend a lot of money on this card to get this status and stand there in disbelief as most of the time 10-15 people pre-board and most have no trouble boarding, no wheelchairs etc. It is ridiculous the amount of people who claim pre- board status. Physically disabilities aside it is much more prevalent in this airline than others. Today out of St. Louis people with water bottles and workout clothes are pre- boarding. And it is a sham in most cases, all comments about anxiety, dogs, etc. aside.  Apparently you do not understand that  Southwest is merely complying with federal law. By law:   !) Southwest CANNOT ask anyone why he/she needs to pre board 2) Southwest MUST allow anyone who claims  a need to pre board to do so.   Now I don't pre board, but I do have sciatica. By my disability, I would be allowed to pre board. I don't need a wheel chair. Sometimes my condition causes me a whole lot of problems. Other times it does not. Lots of people with various disabilities do not need a wheel chair.   If you don't like the law, contact your members of congress and tell them you want to see it changed. Until that happens Southwest IS REQUIRED to follow federal law ... View more

Then please dont fly!  The rest of us dont like masks and they really dont do much anyway. ... View more