Southwest Airlines Community

I am A-list, purchased a ticket with my husband who is not A-List as well as a companion ticket for son who is the designated companion for me.  For the last two flights, when we check in, I have the earliest boarding position, my son received the next number, and my husband received the next number after that.  Normally A-list passengers are assigned a boarding position. I typically check in exactly 24 hrs prior, so I was never sure if my companion son was just lucky in getting the boarding position right after me cuz he also was checking in exactly 24 hrs prior. However today he checked in first. And I didn’t check in until 10 minutes later because I couldn’t get cellular or WiFi access due to being in a remote location. When I finally checked it, our boarding positions were me, then my companion son, then my husband who was on the same confirmation number with me. So this tells me that the A list passenger is assigned first, then their companion, then anyone else on their same confirmation number.  ... View more

Numerous reviews have shown that Southwest is very accommodating when it comes to small pets in pet carriers.  Their own pet carrier is 17 X 9.5 X 10 inches (L x H x W) but other carriers are allowed max dimensions of 18.5 X 8.5 X 13.5 inches.  Of course it doesn't make sense that other carriers should only be allowed a height of 8.5 inches.  In my experience flying on Southwest, they didn't try to measure my pet carrier.  I use the Sherpa Travel Original Deluxe Airline Approved Pet Carrier sold on Amazon.com.  They state that their small and medium are guaranteed to fit on most airlines.  Their medium is 17 X 10.5 X 11, which exceeds the height maximum, but I had no problem fitting it under the seat.  There are numerous customer reviews stating that their small and medium fit on Southwest Airlines, and some reviews even said that they were able to get their large carrier onboard.     Of note, the description for this carrier says, "Note: carrier is designed for pets lying down, pet may not be able to stand." However most websites would say that a good carrier allows a pet to stand up and turn around.  If you're traveling short distances, it's reasonable that your pet could lay down throughout the trip.  But for longer distances, you should consider traveling on other airlines which allow your pet to travel in a larger carrier but in cargo (not with you in the cabin), or consider leaving your pet with a reliable dog sitter.   ... View more