Southwest Airlines Community

You are asking a question on SWA's community forum and, most likely, will not receive an answer from SWA.   The pet carrier that you are considering is a bit risky to me, especially with the height.  It must completely fit under the seat in front of you.   SWA allows pet carriers that have maximum dimensions of 18.5" (L) x 13.5" (W) x 9.5" (H). Yours has dimensions of 19.5" (L) x 12" (W) x 12" (H)...exceeding both the length and height maximums.  Officially, it's too large.  Will they be that picky at the gate?  Can you mash down on the height with Fido inside?  YMMV and it will all depend on the staff that day...and on your return trip.   Remember, your dog/cat must be completely inside the pet carrier and be able to stand up and move around the carrier with ease.  Yesterday, I actually saw the gate agent confirm that the dog has enough space in the carrier.  I had never seen that checked before.   IMHO, I wouldn't risk being turned away with a pet carrier that exceeded  SWA's dimension limits.  Either purchase the one the SWA sells or find one that's a bit smaller.   Good luck! ... View more

As you are aware, personal items need to fit under the seat in front of you, with the set dimensions of 16.25" x 13.5" x 8".  You will not be allowed to simply hold in your lap, as all items of this size must be stowed/secured for take-off and landing.   I suspect it won't be questioned.  But, once you have it packed, will it squish down to 16"?  If so, you'll be fine.  Maybe make this your packing goal.  If you can squish it into the personal item sizer, then it will be able to squish under the seat.   Have a enjoyable flight!! ... View more

Yes!!  Pack that purse into your personal item carry-on (the backpack)!  It then only counts as 1 item.  I do that all the time.  In fact, they encourage you to do that!!    FYI:  I bring a small purse that will serve my needs during my trip.  It easily fits into my personal item (backpack) or my carry-on luggage. ... View more

Two points to consider:   Be sure your family member differentiates between the need to "self-transfer" with a sliding board or "assistance to transfer" with a hoist.  Notify SWA of this need in advance and as soon as you get to the airport.     A small wheelchair that can fit down the aircraft aisle is available at the gate and can be used if you need help getting into your seat.  Each gate is also equipped with a Passenger Transfer Kit (PTK), which contains a slide board for "self-transfer" and a transfer sling for "assistance to transfer".  The sling is used to lift a customer requiring this type of assistance safely from their wheelchair into the smaller aisle wheelchair and then into the aircraft seat. To make this transfer easier, at least the first one or two rows on most Southwest aircraft are equipped with movable aisle armrests.   Also, consider the length of the flight and the need to use the bathroom.  While there is often an in-flight collapsable aisle wheelchair available, you will need to be able to make the transfer in the very small bathroom by yourself or with the help of your own assistant.  It is a challenging situation and needs to be considered beforehand.  Most fliers with mobility disabilities limit their consumption of fluids beforehand, and use the bathroom immediately before pre-boarding.  Disposables and catheters can also come into play if necessary.   Wishing you a comfortable and seamless flight! ... View more

While I sympathize with your very real medical condition and the possibility of an anaphylactic episode, I wonder if you read SWA's policy with regard to peanut allergies before booking your ticket:   We don’t serve peanuts on our flights. Instead, depending on flight length, we offer pretzels and a few other complimentary snacks. However, many of the snacks we serve may be packaged in the same facility as peanuts, so we can’t guarantee that they don’t contain peanut particles or oil. We also can’t prevent others from bringing peanuts or peanut products onboard and can’t guarantee that peanut remnants won’t be on the plane floor, seats, or tray tables.    While some airlines may still make an announcement regarding a passenger with peanut allergies, many no longer do...and that trend is growing.  It is your responsibility to determine the airline's policy and choose an airline based on that policy.  Likewise, it is your responsibility to be prepared for possible exposure...and it sounds like you are diligent in doing this.  SWA will allow a passenger with an allergy to pre-board so that extra time can be used to wipe down the tray table, arm rests, etc. to help eliminate potential allergens.  Disposable seat and tray table covers can be purchased on Amazon.  Gloves and a HEPA mask during the flight will also help.     If I was made aware of a passenger in close proximity with an allergy, I would do everything in my power to help with reducing exposure for that person.  In your case, I wouldn't eat my nut bar on the plane.  I see nothing wrong with quietly and politely informing your seatmates of your condition.  The majority of people are considerate and will comply.  Others will only think about themselves and their rights... ... View more

If you're within 24 hours of purchasing the flight, you can cancel and receive a full refund to the "wrong" credit card.  Then, simply re-purchase using your SWA credit card. ... View more