Southwest Airlines Community

"But for what it's worth, I don't think *any* airline is serving alcohol at this time..."   Small correction: I just enjoyed a delightful Woodford bourbon in FC on a late night flight on Alaska (my second favorite airline 😉).  In fact, I believe they were serving alcohol throughout the Main Cabin.   That being said, I don't choose my flights based on alcohol service. ... View more

A little off-topic! Just in case (since flight cancellations and delays are on the rise right now): If your flight is cancelled during a layover... And if the next available flight is the following day... And if the cancellation is not weather-related and you are given a hotel voucher for the night... ...be aware that you will not be able to use the voucher since you are underage.   This happened to my son twice in the last month, once during a gate change and once on his return flight.   Being stranded as a young traveler can be a PITA.  My son was prepared to spend the night in the terminal with a neck pillow, a super light blanket, and a toothbrush.  It made his experience a bit less miserable.   Hope you have a safe and pleasant trip. ... View more

@FlyALot This is completely on you.   If you didn't think this rule was "right," then you should not have agreed to SWA's Contract of Carriage when you purchased your ticket using Travel Funds.    You need to read the rules.  Few people do, and then whine about it...falsely claiming that they were "robbed."   If I screw up because I didn't read, for instance, a return policy in its entirety, and am later denied a return on an item...then the mistake is mine and I own up to it.  I don't blame the company and call their policy "disgusting."   ... View more

Mine is 8 digits.   The gauntlet has been thrown...  😏 ... View more

Not that I'm a fan of saving seats, especially five of them.  But...SWA does not have a policy for or against saving seats.   One parent could board with the two-year-old during family boarding, between Group A and B.  That parent could then save seats for the rest of the family.  I would only do this toward the rear of the aircraft.  Maybe even give the FA a heads up.  Be sure to have five items (sweater, purse, toy, etc.) to place on each seat so it's apparent that you are saving them.  Be prepared for some scowls, but it will probably work.   People, don't hate on me for this suggestion.  She has already purchased tickets on SWA and is in a bit of a pickle.  I wouldn't want my two (yikes...two!) seven-year-olds that far away from me or the other adult.  Early Bird most likely will be a waste of money and not helpful with regard to a better boarding position. ... View more

Did he have an actual disability? Was SWA informed of his disability at check-in or at the gate so that he received Priority boarding? Was he present at the gate at the appropriate time or was he late?   More information is needed...   Here is SWA's Policy: Advance notice of disability Customers with disabilities are not required to provide advance notice of the need for assistance; however, doing so helps us better prepare for the number of Customers who will need our help. We give Customers the opportunity to proactively notify Southwest Airlines of any specific disability-related needs during and after booking. When booking a new reservation, Customers may use the “Special Assistance” link on the Passenger & Payment Info page to indicate that he/she requires assistance. When booking online, Customers may notice that there is a link (identified with an italicized "i") that directs the user to the details of our policies for assisting Passengers with disabilities. After the Customer has selected his/her option(s), the Customer should scroll down and complete the booking process. If a reservation has already been created, simply click on the “FLIGHT | HOTEL | CAR | VACATIONS” link located on the top of our home page. Then, select “Manage Reservations” from the “Flight” column, input the required information, and select “Search.” From that page, click on the "Special Assistance" link under the Passenger name. Once a Customer has added his/her option(s), the Customer should click “Update Information” and the information will be saved to the Customer’s reservation. Customers may also advise us of any disability-related travel needs at the time of booking by telephone or, if a reservation has already been made, by calling 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) prior to travel. We recommend that Customers arrive at the airport no later than the recommended airport arrival time. If traveling with a power wheelchair, in the event that we need to prepare the wheelchair for stowage, we may ask that Customers relinquish his/her power wheelchair up to an hour in advance of departure. In this case, the Customer will be transferred to an airport wheelchair until boarding begins. If traveling in a group of 10 or more Customers who use wheelchairs, please advise us at least 24 hours in advance by calling 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) so that we can ensure adequate staffing and room in the cargo compartment of the aircraft for the wheelchairs. ... View more

I didn't know you could use your own 🤔 ...   As per SWA COS policy: Once onboard the aircraft, if necessary, please request a seatbelt extension from our Flight Attendant. Only one seatbelt extension may be used, and only seatbelt extensions provided by Southwest Airlines are approved for use onboard our aircraft. (underline emphasis mine). ... View more

Won three times during the course of the promotion for a total of 250 points...always the gray duffle bag 🤔.   Same login procedure today.  I won nothing but my husband received this message: Your entry has been recorded.  Due to extremely high volume, your entry has been placed in a queue.  You should receive an email containing your results within a couple hours.  Thanks for entering!   I'll be on the edge of my chair until the aforementioned email arrives...🤣.   Happy Birthday 🎉 and Thank You SWA for the 250 points.  It could absolutely make a difference someday when I'm just shy of the required points for a trip.     ... View more

@ghigbee  I like your attitude!!  I truly do.  You took responsibility, learned from it, and moved on.  I wish there were more people like you.  I hope you have a wonderful trip in November!! ... View more

161069484 wrote: "...75 flights last year during COVID"   Since you are an experienced flyer, you must know what nonrefundable tickets are.  You got good pricing when you were doing this nonrefundable ticket purchasing.  You knew the risks of these inexpensive tickets, COVID or no COVID.   And why weren't you using those travel funds on these 75 flights in 2020??   I sympathize with a $900 loss, but this is all on you. ... View more

Psychiatric Service Animals are very different than Emotional Support Animals, as they are trained for specific work or tasks.  Not everyone is aware of this at the airport.  When you have this noted on your reservation, be sure they note a PSA, not an ESA (as ESAs are no longer allowed).  Be ready to describe what work or task your animal provides.  You do not need to disclose (nor should you be asked) your psychiatric disability.   Glad to see that you have been so proactive.  Happy flying! ... View more

@TPALMER wrote: I'm a planner so these were booked on 6/11/2020 before covid was controlling our lives.   Hmmm...I'm pretty sure COVID was controlling our lives last June.  Instead of being upset with SWA, maybe the responsibility lies elsewhere.  Just food for thought. ... View more

Brown556 said: "If you arrive at the airport without a seat assignment..."   Brown, what are you talking about?  SWA doesn't have seat assignments.    And what's this "we" business.  Pretty sure you're not a SWA employee.  Perhaps you have your airlines or airline forums confused??   I would hate for folks reading your comment to think part of what you wrote is true. ... View more

Well...I do agree with this: "Airlines are not doctors."     ... View more

Why would you think this is a poor policy?  SWA is in the business to make money.  I want them to make money so they can succeed.   We live in a capitalistic society where the pricing of services is determined by supply and demand.  There is always a demand for flights around the holidays.   ... View more

Although I have mixed feelings about it, there is not a policy against saving a seat for your companion. ... View more

As you said, it's your opinion... But making such a broad statement as, "We should be staying home..." isn't helpful.     Some people need to travel and can't, simply, "stay at home" for a myriad of work-related or personal reasons.   ... View more

As posted on another thread:   Wearing an N95 mask with a valve doesn't do much to protect those around you, as it permits droplet release, negating the whole point of wearing a mask. I was wondering why it took so long to ban them...   I have to wear N95 masks (I'm immunocompromised).  I simply wear a disposable surgical or cloth mask over it.  Double-masked!  I'm protected and I'm protecting those around me.   No one knows I have the N95 on...they just think I'm overly concerned about contracting COVID.   ... View more

Wearing an N95 mask with a valve doesn't do much to protect those around you, as it permits droplet release, negating the whole point of wearing a mask. I was wondering why it took so long to ban them...   I have to wear N95 masks (I'm immunocompromised).  I simply wear a disposable surgical or cloth mask over it.  Double-masked!  I'm protected and I'm protecting those around me.   No one knows I have the N95 on...they just think I'm overly concerned about contracting COVID.   ... View more

Simply take matters into your own hands!  That's what I do...   Pack a couple of disinfectant wipes in a ziplock bag and wipe down the seatbelt straps and buckle parts, arm rests, air vent, window handle, tray table...anything you might touch.  Leave the surfaces wet and let them air dry, so the wipe ingredients do their job.  On most flights, the flight attendants pick up passener's used wipes before take-off.  You'll have way more confidence if you do it yourself.  Don't touch your mask, face, or eyes during the flight.  Once you land, immediately wash your hands in the first restroom you encounter.   Regarding air quality, this is from SWA's COVID Travel Information: "All of our aircraft are equipped with HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters, which filter out airborne particles as the air onboard is recirculated with outside air. These same HEPA filters are used in many hospitals to enhance air quality within this environment. Our aircraft are also designed with an air circulation system that mixes in fresh air from outside the plane. The HEPA filter and the air circulation system work together to provide optimum air quality while onboard a Southwest plane which, in most cases, exceeds the quality of air that can be found outdoors, as well as a typical office building or similar public venue. On average, a complete exchange of cabin air and outside air is accomplished every three minutes." https://www.southwest.com/Coronavirus/?clk=CORONAVIRUS_TA&cbid=4876032   Flying cross country is safer than driving.  Just think about all of the gas stations, drive-thru restaurants and hotels that you would need to us.  And even more paramount, safety transportation records indicate flying is much, much safer than driving.   And remember, SWA is one of the few airlines that blocks off that middle seat.  Keep your flight and enjoy it!  😀 ... View more

Another erroneous email arrived ...   Now, still on October 1st, I have been scheduled on a flight from San Francisco to Las Vegas.   There's still that pesky problem about how I'll get to San Francisco to take this flight 🤔.   And once again, my original flights are correctly scheduled in my RR account.  I'm not worried, but I can appreciate the concern this could cause with other flyers.     ... View more

While SWA does all that it can to protect its customers, it ultimately is up to you to protect yourself.   1) During boarding, I just wait until the end of the line of my 10-person group so I'm not standing in one place for too long, and then I carefully dodge the others as I make my way up.  I do wish there were repeated announcements asking folks to please sit down or stand back.  My experience is that this is only announced once, during the explanation of the new boarding process. 2) During luggage pick-up, the same thing applies.  I just wait off to the side until the crowd thins.  Yes, I watch my luggage go around once or twice (keeping eyes on it the whole time).  This costs me maybe an additional 4-6 minutes...but well worth it in terms of staying distanced and safe. 3) I don't snack or eat on board.  Period.  Not worth the risk.  My mask stays on.   These are all my choices.  There will always be those who are either not paying attention or simply not caring about etiquette or the "rules."  My stress is reduced and frustration level vanishes. ... View more

KTN = Known Traveler Number issued by TSA ... View more

  As mentioned upstream, there are exceptions/exemptions as noted below. I, too, feel the wording should be changed.   From SWA's FAQs Should I wear a mask in the airport and on the plane? Yes, Customers will be required to wear a mask or a face covering in the airport and on the plane beginning May 11. If you do not bring a mask or a face covering, Southwest will provide you with one. Acceptable forms of masks or face coverings In accordance with the current CDC guidance, any well-secured cloth or mask that covers your nose and mouth will be accepted. Exemptions to masks or face coverings Young children who may not be able to keep a mask on. Customers who have a disability or underlying medical condition that may prevent them from being able to wear a face covering. Anyone who has trouble breathing, is incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the face covering without assistance. When we expect Customers to wear face coverings In accordance with the current CDC guidance, Customers will be required to wear a face covering over their nose and mouth anytime distancing is not feasible—while checking in, boarding, inflight, deplaning, retrieving baggage; and any other time they may engage with a Southwest Employee or another Customer. There may also be times when a Customer needs to temporarily remove their face covering, for instance, to eat or drink. Customers should also remove face coverings if a decompression event occurs and they are asked to use an oxygen mask, or in the event a Customer is supporting an onboard emergency, like performing CPR. ... View more

Flew PDX - LAS - SAN yesterday.   35-40 passengers on the first flight.  55-60 passengers on the second flight.  Everyone was wearing masks.  And everyone had their own row.  Yes, someone was sitting directly in front of me and directly behind me.    Was I concerned?  Not at all.  I had a mask on.  They had a mask on.  I used hand sanitizer during the flight, didn't touch my face, and washed my hands once I landed at my final destination.   Easy-peasy and I felt safe.  Thank you SWA for your new policies.     ... View more