03-20-2024
03:34 PM
03-20-2024
03:34 PM
Firstly, as mentioned by @05bardic this is a customer to customer forum so do as that user suggested and Contact Southwest Customer Service with your feedback.
This sounds extreme and I'd have something in mind if you call that would make you happy, i.e. $100 LUV Voucher or at least equal to the EBCI value.
That said 1) and 3) are the current rules, so as you mentioned the situation would be improved with stricter implementation. (I feel like they are, your case sounds extreme...was this an Orlando flight by any chance?)
#4 is going to be a "no" - family boarding can't go before the Business Select group or compete with the pre-boarders who need to sit in a specific location. Families are given the accommodation to sit together but it isn't meant to be "favorable" locations necessarily. Going at the "A61" position has historically been more than enough of an accommodation.
Point #2 seems plausible? That would take the guesswork out of it for the gate agent. I like this suggestion.
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03-20-2024
02:15 PM
03-20-2024
02:15 PM
@ZevSupport wrote:
You can toler-ate it 😉
Kidding. Shouldn't affect anything for SWA
Stop winging it 😃
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03-20-2024
10:58 AM
03-20-2024
10:58 AM
@kencarl04 wrote:
Hello. We will have a flight this June. From OMA to MO then 40 minutes layover then MO to FL. Will that be enough time, which is 40 minutes layover to look for our boarding gate for our next flight? Do we need to get our luggage and check in again?
MO being St. Louis? The concourse is fairly straightforward with all the gates in a row so you shouldn't have to go a long ways or take any long route to the departure gate.
It's enough time to make a connection, you can verify at OMA that your luggage will be tagged through to your final destination in Florida. You won't have to go back through security.
40 minutes is on the shorter end of connections though, so you'll want to head straight for the departure gate with minimal stops.
Do you have any boarding constraints - Business Select, preboarding, A-list, family boarding, etc? These would be the only issues that you may get to the gate and boarding could have started.
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03-19-2024
04:39 PM
03-19-2024
04:39 PM
@travelmum42 wrote:
I see I wasn’t clear/provide all the details. I will counter check one car seat (oldest), luggage, and lotus crib. I want to gate check the stroller and one car seat (baby). It just breaks down into 3 pieces. Then we would have three carry ons as well. I’m not worried about the counter checked or the carry ons as we are within limits. It’s just if the stroller becoming three pieces is a problem.
Definitely clear if the lotus crib gets counter checked as a luggage item. Then your luggage totals four pieces. Then you would still have three remaining baby gear items after checking the toddler car seat.
No one will worry about it when they see you with three items and two kids at the gate.
If you did have four luggage items, the crib and the toddler car seat, and then also the three pieces of baby stroller and car seat you'd have to explain that the two items together are one stroller, and that each kid is allowed a stroller and a car seat.
I think you'll be fine.
Remember to go to the gate counter and get a gate checking slip for each bag before boarding time is scheduled so you are ready to line up and drop that item in the jet bridge.
Last thought in a worst case - if the uppa bags are small, you can put both pieces of the stroller inside of a Southwest blue bag safely packed inside of their own uppa containers.
Southwest Stroller Bag (swathestore.com)
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@bballflyer wrote:
I would add that having pre-boarders also have to wait to get off the plane until last would curb those that take advantage of the rules and policies. If they need special assistance to board then it makes sense to me to wait until everyone is off to get that same special assistance to de-board off. I have seen this at other airlines and it seems fair.
They don't all need assistance to board, some need a specific seat.
But I see what you are saying, when traveling with my mom we will wait until it is confirmed that there is a pusher there with a wheelchair.
But that goes both ways, with the wheelchair crew there in the way the preboarders that are using them should go. If there isn't one ready, then wait.
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03-19-2024
02:21 PM
03-19-2024
02:21 PM
@travelmum42 wrote:
Hi, I’m flying with two kids, couple months and a toddler. We have the uppababy vista, would potentially have the car seat for the baby and the bigger seat for my oldest. I want the stroller past security and plan to gate check. However, we have travel bags for everything. So it would be gate checking a toddler seat in the uppababy travel bag, the stroller frame in the travel bag, and the car seat in the travel bag. upppababy will replace anything damaged while traveling, hence the importance of their travel bags. Stupidly so (or IMO at least), their stroller bag doesn’t work for the seats that work with the stroller so it has to be three bags. Can I gate check three stroller/seat bags? Thanks!
Yes, two items per kid. That's normal to have a stroller bag and a car seat bag per child.
I have also checked a graco pack and play although we did that curbside, didn't need it in the airport although the language may be updated now to say one stroller and one child restraint device.
If the toddler doesn't need their items in the airport you can curbside or ticket counter check their seat and only gate check the stroller and baby seat which then you can get at the arrival gate for use getting out of that airport. The toddler seat will show up at regular baggage claim, probably in the oversize section though and not on the main carousel. (But if you've been through this before with the toddler it will be familiar.)
Plus if the toddler is ticketed that child gets two free checked items as well, which could be additional baby items if not using up the allowance with regular luggage, or if you don't have two items yourself.
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@nlalanne wrote:
I have two trips booked in early May, which includes four Southwest flights. Three of the four of these flights are on a Boeing 737 Max 8, and one flight is on a Boeing 737-800. I'm seeing that Southwest cut the 737 Max from its fleet plans (https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/southwest-airlines-removes-max-7-2024-plans-cuts-delivery-forecast-boeing-2024-01-25/), especially after recent incidents (https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/05/business/boeing-737-max-uncertainty.html).
What's going on here? Is this a safe plane? What can we expect for this flight?
The article is saying that Southwest isn't expecting to get any Max "7" deliveries for 2024 - the Max 8 planes currently in stock are flying per schedule and they are still getting more of that particular version of the 737, the current issues at Boeing are focused on the 7, 9 and 10 variants. Southwest only has "8" variants.
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This was one of the clearest photos I was able to capture.
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Do you post to the internet on #WingletWednesday?
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03-19-2024
11:21 AM
03-19-2024
11:21 AM
@dfwskier wrote:
Courtesy Boeing inc., Southwest is short of planes. Tht forces the airline to pare some routes.
BTW, SW did not leeave NYC, it just left Newark. The chances of the airline just leaving a major city, like Seatlle, are pretty small.
I think they would be holding onto those last three gates and eventually trying to get more if they are available, when there are more planes in circulation.
Agree with @dfwskier the Newark comparison was a bit of trading to get LGA gates. Since they already did the opposite giving up their secondary airport gates in Seattle area they won't be completely leaving Sea-Tac.
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They did add this option recently, not quite the same thing since you'll be most likely at the airport instead of actually on a plane:
Overnight Connections | Southwest Airlines
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03-18-2024
03:39 PM
03-18-2024
03:39 PM
This sounds familiar for travel agents that are managing your flight, they don't want you to have the confirmation number because they are not looking for you to make any changes to the itinerary, they will manage the process until you are at the airport.
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@5280Av8r wrote:
Southwest dropped Mexico City because Southwest limits bookings to their website only and doesn't allow third party sales and was not able to accept foreign currency as payment. That said, looking at Mexico City, most of the demand originates in Mexico City going to the US. That immediately gives the local airlines such as Aeromexico and Volaris an advantage. Second, it meant that most customers were wanting to pay with Pesos rather than US dollars and SWA isn't set up for that. Contrast that with Cancun, Cabo, and Puerto Vallarta where most demand is vacation goers from the US to Mexico paying with US dollars. So, the only way for SWA to add Mexico City back is if the demand shifts to people originating in the US or if their system is developed to accept foreign currencies such as the Peso.
Some constraint there as well due to capacity, limiting it to Houston as a gateway is a disadvantage to other carriers with wider service especially since it is a lot more business flights than leisure.
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03-18-2024
10:00 AM
03-18-2024
10:00 AM
@Ezriah wrote:
I was wondering, is it possible for a deaf person who cannot hear or speak to be a flight attendant? if a deaf person is actually becoming a flight attendant, I am sure they can find the way to able to communicate.
Is this theoretical or do you know someone?
Definitely going to be some challenges. Especially on the single-aisle aircraft there isn't really a FA duty that doesn't require frequent verbal communication.
If this is serious the candidate may need to look at airlines with larger aircraft there could be a role, or else other positions at an airline if their goal is to work in aviation.
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03-17-2024
10:31 AM
03-17-2024
10:31 AM
@bec102896 wrote:
If there are certain routes that only have a non stop one or 2 days a week I find them to be Saturday or Sunday so first search a random weekday (say Wednesday) if you don’t see a non stop search Saturday/Sunday then if you see a non stop then you will know usually the only non stop for that route is day specific for the schedule then you can just search flights on that particular day of the week. I know it’s a little extra work but once you see the trend of a schedule you can usually figure out what days a certain flight operates during that schedule.
You can also ask here and I’m sure some folks on here can help with telling you if a non stop from A to B exists.
That's a good method @bec102896 unfortunately the online tool can't be limited by day of the week or season (MDW to PNS for instance only during warmer weather but I fly the route only in January).
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@tkimnach wrote:
I fly about 100 one ways a year and while I used to give out "Kick-Tail" cards, I now need to know how to email my compliments to Corporate.
Tracy
I'm sad those were discontinued as well!
Now you can use Contact Southwest Customer Service and also reach out on Twitter if you mention "@SouthwestAir" - don't include any personal information until they ask for a direct message and you can send them your confirmation number then.
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03-15-2024
08:12 PM
03-15-2024
08:12 PM
@Einhander wrote:
But what I’m saying is if you fall let’s say $150 short for the 3 month period, then you would go back to 0 points? And then try again the next 3 months?
No it is a one time bonus. You'll keep earning the regular spending.
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@allisonxo wrote:
Does anyone know if the Graco Extend 2 fit 2-in-1 would fit? I’m traveling for a 1 day trip with my almost 3 year old and would prefer taking her car seat and installing on the plane as that’s safest but I’m unsure if it will be too wide.
Especially if you put the car seat in the window you'll want to be maybe towards the middle of the aircraft, you get a little extra room there compared to the front and back sections.
If kiddo will be flying often you may consider a safety harness - there's only one approved option:
https://www.amsafe.com/kidsflysafe-com/
This may help on-board while allowing you to check the car seat. I had one kiddo that loved it and the second kiddo went straight to lap belt. Ants-in-his-pants couldn't stay in the harness.
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@CarlyeThornton wrote:
Traveling is stressful enough as it is, and that’s why Southwest offers so many flexible policies to make the experience easier. How do you take advantage of these perks?
I’m always boasting our two free checked bags policy to my friends and family. We love to have allllll the clothing options when travelling.
I especially like taking swimwear and workout clothes that I never use. Couldn't take the extra gym shoes without the free checked bag though!
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03-14-2024
11:11 AM
03-14-2024
11:11 AM
@DancingDavidE wrote:
@Niki_G wrote:
I'm looking to fly out of either Buffalo or Rochester. I did check the low fare calendar. And, it just had an X over July 5th. I even checked flying out of Cleveland, but dame thing. Unfortunately, I may have to give up my discount and use another airline as I don't have the money to extend my vacation another day. Thanks!
There must be a scaled back schedule on the 4th and 5th to/from PUJ, probably the planes are needed on domestic routes for holiday travel.
How's PIT for you?
These are the non-stops from PUJ, so you'd be connecting in one of these.
You could also try booking one-way to PUJ, and then "multi-city" on the return way back to get from PUJ through one of these cities, to BUF or ROC. There could be some combinations that open up that aren't on the pre-packaged list of destinations from PUJ.
Also if it was acceptable you might overnight on a multi-city route coming home in BWI for instance instead of staying in PUJ for an extra day, and get back earlier to BUF/ROC.
The graphic below is selecting PUJ as the origin and then checking non-stops to see which cities are directly connected with PUJ. This will show ROC/BUF as options for connections which don't work for you since this map is for all days, not date specific to the fifth which doesn't have service for some reason. *All of these non-stops might not be available on your date either, but there must be at least one open to get you to PIT, hopefully something convenient to BUF or ROC pops up.
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03-14-2024
11:03 AM
03-14-2024
11:03 AM
@Niki_G wrote:
I'm looking to fly out of either Buffalo or Rochester. I did check the low fare calendar. And, it just had an X over July 5th. I even checked flying out of Cleveland, but dame thing. Unfortunately, I may have to give up my discount and use another airline as I don't have the money to extend my vacation another day. Thanks!
There must be a scaled back schedule on the 4th and 5th to/from PUJ, probably the planes are needed on domestic routes for holiday travel.
How's PIT for you?
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Fun staff, companion pass, no change fees, and two free checked bags!
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03-13-2024
10:38 AM
03-13-2024
10:38 AM
@Lisahunt1231 wrote:
Hello! I am looking to book a flight out of ATL on a Friday in May. It leaves at 8:05 am and arrives in Ft Lauderdale at 10:00. Then leaves for Montego Bay at 11:10am. We have always had a nonstop flight so want to make sure this is enough time for a layover in case first flight is delayed. I read international flights board early? Any help you can offer is much appreciated. Thank you!
TL;DR: If there is an earlier one go ahead and book it if it will help you not stress about your trip, but probably not necessary.
Full story - It will be tight if you are delayed. Is there an earlier option to standby from ATL to FLL? This may not be necessary - the timetable is built on Southwest expecting you to make it under normal circumstances. But try for it if you are having anxiety. Call in if weather is bad when the time for the flight comes and you may be able to change without paying for current fares.
An hour is usually enough - the "extra time" you hear about in articles is often with the other carriers flying 787, 777, A380's, etc. that carry many more passengers and it take a lot longer to board those huge aircraft. Southwest flying only 737's so the time might be a little longer for an 800/Max aircraft but generally sticking with the 30 minute time frame for any Southwest flight.
There is a minor extra amount of time for them to check that you have your passport but more like if boarding is 30 minutes prior then maybe it will be 40 minutes.
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03-13-2024
10:29 AM
03-13-2024
10:29 AM
@parpitt1 wrote:
Bummer you had issues, that being said not alot of specific info is provided in your post
When was the flight, March 10th? no date is provided?
Was the baggage on the belt or at lost luggage, I mean if the SWA rep picked up the bag off the belt isn't a legit question for them to ask? Again, no details provided?
Since this a customer to customer forum you might want to contact SWA direct. (And provide specific details with dates, times, and names.
Vagueness won't get you very far.
Safe travels
"Yeah I wanted to grab a sandwich, sorry I'm late." 😁 Have had this conversation a few times. Sometimes I'm not speedy getting to the carousel. It's fine (I'm reading between the lines that the luggage had been moved to the desk from the carousel already, but was there.)
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Is there a six-digit confirmation number listed on your credit card transaction?
Then you can go here with the confirmation number and your name.
https://www.southwest.com/air/manage-reservation/?clk=GSUBNAV-AIR-MNGRES
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@Waco523 wrote:
I would like some help understanding the boarding process, and what to do when Southwest violates their own policy.
Case Scenario:
Saturday 9 March 2024, Flight 2025 LGB-BNA, 737-700 143 seats.
Departing Long Beach, non-stop to Nashville on an almost full flight, a large group (a school orchestra of about 50-60) was boarded immediately after Business Select - before the remainder of A and any of B group. I'm not sure if they all had a boarding group assigned, but several accompanying parents had C-Group on their passes. For additional context, it appeared that all of A & B group were full. The Gate Agent announced that they would be boarding them early, but they would board the back of the plane (a standard practice at LGB) and seating them in the back. Although, this still violates the boarding policy, I chose to be considerate and hopeful that seating would still work itself out...it did not. The flight crew and gate agents were not coordinated, and no one managed this large boarding group. I was able to board with family boarding (w/ my young son), but the rest of my family (3) were the last people to board - all with B35-37 boarding passes.
When I walked down the aisle, that large group had not boarded solely via the back door, but also the front; and they were not filling every seat back-to-front, rather they were fairly scattered throughout the plane ('mostly' toward the back).
What were/are my courses of action?
If I have to pay an additional fee to improve my boarding status, should I request a refund in equal amount for Southwest effectively downgrading my boarding status?
Anyone else experience such a thing?
I have experienced this, it does usually go smoothly as the chaperones want the kids all together, and in light of the A-list and BS fare, etc. Southwest does want to prioritize those.
However I have also observed at BUR where there was front and rear simultaneous boarding that it is a melee, and people could get a better spot if they went to the back while the pre-boarders were still coming up the front entry with the ramp.
Unfortunately the combination of those two scenarios caused an issue this time.
I'd say this isn't the end of the world but feel free to reach out using the Contact Southwest Customer Service methods and you may be able to get a voucher.
As far as violating the rules, there is going to be some fine print about "follow the instructions of the staff" which will allow them to deviate when it is judged to be necessary. you may get a voucher after the fact.
This group boarding of young people on sports teams or school groups does happen occasionally, and probably especially right now during spring break time.
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03-12-2024
01:00 PM
03-12-2024
01:00 PM
@ZevSupport wrote:
Wish SWA points worked for hotels/cars too!
Your wish is my command:
https://hotels.redeemrapidrewards.com/?utm_source=southwesthotels.com&utm_medium=text-link&utm_campaign=partner-placement&utm_term=global-navigation-hotel&utm_content=redeem-for-hotels
But it is also through a third-party, although different than the More Rewards provider:
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@skeeterks wrote:
I booked a flight for some non-members for our trip and they have flight credits. If I book another flight with the same non-members, how can I apply all the flight credits for each of us on the same reservation or do I need to reserve for everyone individually?
You'll be able to use three forms of payment per online booking - how many others were there?
Also you can consider booking one-way tickets instead of round-trip to "increase" the number of methods of payment if you need to combine cash and travel credit.
In that case it might be pairs of two on the booking to use cash plus travel credit pax A and travel credit pax B.
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03-12-2024
12:50 PM
03-12-2024
12:50 PM
The system isn't perfect - but complaining to Southwest won't go too far, the legislation would have to be changed to require any sort of equivalent pre-boarding pass. That isn't a policy that Southwest can implement themselves.
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@Ron072561 wrote:
My wife and I were stuck for more than 24 hours due to cancellations at Tampa and Orlando on Saturday/Sunday.
...
Southwest issued us two vouchers worth $200 each. However, we do not fly frequently and may not get to use them before they expire (Southwest's performance during this ordeal also makes us a little reluctant to use this airline again but that's another story).
At what phone number or to what email address should I address a request for cash in lieu of the vouchers? Thanks.
All we fellow passengers have access to is the Contact Southwest Customer Service information in the link or down at the bottom of the page.
You might also try sending a letter in this case where you have the vouchers in-hand but would like something else. I'd say that since you did eventually get to the destination by flying the airline isn't likely to offer a full refund, that would only apply if the flight was canceled and then you didn't fly.
Otherwise although the vouchers are technically not transferable you can use them to book anyone else you know who may be flying Southwest and they can reimburse you or give you an offsetting gift. (Under the terms you can book someone else with the voucher, you just can't transfer the voucher.)
I hope this helps, sorry to hear about your ordeal.
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