Southwest Airlines Community

@epcot wrote: I had a similar issue and was told this will count as one of the 3 changes, but after explaining in an email to CS they granted me an exception Also if there is no intention to change the companion designation the rest of the year just use one of the changes and be done with it, if you get the extra change back then great but don't worry about it if there were no plans to change it.     ... View more

@negss wrote: I was flying alone to Chicago for work. I picked an aisle seat to get off quickly. I had paid to upgrade to the A group so I could make sure I got my carryon on with me. I was able to pick an aisle seat in row 4. Toward the end of the flight boarding, a large person got on and sat in the middle. They struggled to get in . I actually helped with their belt. They needed an extension. I don’t mind any of it. I am fairly small. I had cancer so I am also a little more fragile. This poor person didn’t fit so they sat partially on my leg and hip the entire flight. They kept their arms halfway in the air because they couldn’t put them down. Needless to say, I actually was in some pain during, directly after, and for a few days after the flight. I didn’t want to complain or embarrass them. I also don’t want to be in pain again. What would you do? Ask the FA to assist, if you don't want to mention it in front of the person then go up front to have the conversation in private.    I'd be open to mention it with your seatmate though, although there could be some embarrassment the situation would be obvious if approached in a factual manner and let the FA help re-arrange the seating for everyone's comfort.     ... View more

@Cancelled_Vacay wrote: Thanks for reminding me. I just received an email from SW about buying A-List points. They were selling the Brooklyn Bridge the day before it was scheduled for demolition. They are still figuring out the logistics of the transition and the schedule for sale as-is goes out quite a ways.   I'm not completely clear on the expected timeline but if an announcement comes in early 2025 that assigned seats are for sale it will be 6-9 months from then that the schedule is available.   In my best estimate A-list benefits should be good as-is through mid-next year at the earliest and then even after the changeover there will be some benefit for having it, it will be different but still recognized.   The "buy A-list" only works out if you are really close anyway, so if someone was only a few flights worth of points away I'd still go for it but really this is for the person that flies 15 to 19 flights per year otherwise less than that it will be cost prohibitive and you won't use it often enough and if you fly 20 times then you'll earn it naturally.     ... View more

@SoCalFlyer97 wrote: Hello!   Nice suggestion to ensure those with special needs diets are accommodated, especially aboard longer flights, except I would have the gluten-free snack option be a complimentary substitute to the pretzels or Remy Grahams. Feel free to let SW know directly in an email or DM via Twitter/X so that your suggestion will reach the proper staff as this forum is customer-to-customer and may not reach the proper staff personnel: https://support.southwest.com/helpcenter/s/email-us   For now, I would continue to pack and bring your own food if you have special dietary needs. SW currently offers premium drinks and I would support SW offering gluten-free snack substitutes and premium protein-based food for sale too. My solution is that if the Remy grahams are available i eat them and just hope it doesn't kick in until we land.   I'm kind of joking, but I know many people feel the effects more seriously than I do and I do hope there can be a return of a gf selection, but unfortunately other than peanuts.   I would definitely plan to grab a bag of something at the airport or bring from home if this is needed.         ... View more

@SoCalFlyer97 wrote: @fgerm1 wrote: Wouldn't it be great to know your lifetime miles flown on Southwest? I think it would be really cool if we could see that as a feature on our profiles as Rapid Rewards members. Hello-   Interesting suggestion. I have a travel log and agree it would be cool to know how many total actual miles I flew aboard the LUV airline since I started flying with Southwest. However, SW is currently devoting its resources to implementing Assigned Seating and a bunch of other enhancements for 2025 and I'm not sure if they'll even be able to consider this suggestion until after the 2025 launch.   Either way, I would give SW Customer Service an email or DM via Twitter/X and submit your comment there so that it reaches the proper staff personnel as this forum is customer-to-customer: https://support.southwest.com/helpcenter/s/email-us   As for now, this may help:   For your flights taken within the last 18 months, log in to your RR profile via the SW website (full desktop version), go to My Account.   In the blue header area, click on "Trips"   Click on the white "Past" button to view your trip history.   As mentioned, 18 months worth of travel is available via the self-serve tools. If you need history beyond the 18-month marker, give SW Customer Service an email: https://support.southwest.com/helpcenter/s/email-us   The next step will involve some work but once you have your entire flight history, calculate the miles in between your city pairs and add them up. FlightAware may be your best resource to determine a route's actual distance in lieu of the direct (flying-crow) miles.   Hope this helps! I log on JetLovers but the record isn't lifetime for me and if I forgot to check in once in a while so it may not be a complete record.    As long as I remember to check in at the connection airport it would account for the "actual" miles instead of origin and destination miles only, but should be close to what Southwest could track, if they chose to track it.   https://www.jetlovers.com/profile/28392 This includes a handful of flights with the other guys, mainly due to flying internationally on one recent trip and a trip to Newark where LGA wasn't really a substitute.     ... View more

@fgerm1 wrote: I would like to see Southwest recognize A-List Preferred members by allowing them to board in between A and B groups, and before A-List members. I don't have a problem boarding after military personnel and such, just thought this would be a good incentive/recognition. I don't get the impression that there's enough ALP vs A-List members jumping in at that time to make the distinction.   I'm on a limited sample since when I'm boarding as A-List or ALP previously obviously I'm not sticking around to observe so I'm only aware of this for when I'm personally using it as well, I rarely saw more than a few others and often it was just me.   If someone said "hey I'm ALP" I'd have been happy to let them go in front of me.      ... View more

@Drbennettpmr wrote: I sometimes have to change my flight time same day and enjoyed the ability to change flights same day.  Now if I do that I cannot board after the As and will get a middle seat.  I have over 1600 legs on SWA and have sat in the middle maybe 15-20 times because was running late for the plane.   I get exit row well over 90% of the time.   You may get some waiver towards the upgraded seat value as A-list - the trick for you will be if any are available at the time you change.    I'm with you though - I like the exit row and I get it very often as an A-list/ALP member or at least a good aisle or window spot. I love the flexibility to change and then still get a good choice at "A61" position.     ... View more

@StAugustine wrote: I have EBCI for a flight at the end of January. If assigned seating is in effect by then do I get my money back? Anything you buy today will be the current system.    I'm not clear if the assigned seating launching in 2025 will be announced for purchase as of a certain date which would then be 6-9 months from the announcement which could be 2026 or if Southwest is planning to get butts in assigned seats in 2025.    They'll also have to stop sales of EBCI, and I don't think Business Select will be offered either since part of the point for BS fares is boarding early, which is for seat position.   So I'm expecting as long as you see Business Select available to buy for that flight and date, it won't be an assigned seating flight.     ... View more

@MKE-ATL wrote: The methodology is a big concern. Preferring assigned seating doesn't necessarily equate to choosing other airlines over SW. One can prefer assigned seating and still be loyal to SW, just as a person who prefers assigned seating may still never choose SW even with assigned seating. The real methodology should address the elasticity of that preference as well. People who prefer open seating are a niche market which SW has a stronghold on, while people who prefer paying for assigned seats have many choices. Is the elasticity of your market that likes the seating policy weaker than the demand that assigned seating can bring. Given that many of SW's most loyal customers are potentially loyal because of the seating policy, does it risk sending them to the competition without wooing enough of the people from the competition.   Also, given that AA had similar financial results, is a knee-jrk reaction the best long term choice given the historical success of SW's Financials. If the industry as a whole is in a similar slump, is SW risking long term financials by trying to fix the short term.   Exactly this as well - was Southwest "not doing it right" when they were cleaning up against the field with their 2019 margins? A lot has taken place since then and maybe the old way of doing things can bounce back or be adjusted work better instead of completely changing everything.   There aren't planes and pilots available to poach a bunch of passengers away from the other guys right now anyway, assuming that the flow of passengers will be a net favorable gain for Southwest.    I hope it works out but I'm nervous.   ... View more

This write-up brings back some memories from being in LAUS about 9 years ago for a trip on the Southwest Chief (no relation). ... View more

@pinchvalve wrote: I booked a flight that had a stopover in BWI, which was perfect because my daughter lives in DC and would be joining the three of us for the second leg of the trip. This allowed us to make a single shuttle reservation from the airport to the hotel, and make dinner reservations for when we arrived. At some point, Southwest canceled the flight to BWI and re-routed us through another city.  Even a few days before your flight you could have still called to try and get on an earlier flight to BWI and then met your daughter as planned for the second leg.         ... View more

@SoCalFlyer97 wrote: @tpaul11 wrote: Hello!   We are traveling with 4 kids and are wanting to bring our Jeep Wrangler Deluxe 4 Seater Stroller Wagon with us to the airport but are worried about the size. Here is the information on the wagon we have. Would we still be able to check it at the gate? Greetings!   That's a nice stroller wagon!   Ordinarily, such wagons are treated as strollers which can be brought through TSA (either folded and ran through the X-Ray machine if it fits or hand-inspected) and then checked at the gate with the optional arrangement to have it picked up on the jet bridge upon arrival at your destination. It would not count against the two free checked bags per passenger.   The wagon you refer to certainly appears huge, has a bunch of nice add-on's, and has very high folding dimensions. As this forum is customer-to-customer, I would contact SW Customer Service directly to be sure. I think as long as no separate items are "packed" within the wagon during transport, you should be fine but I would confirm. Email inquiries to them usually takes a few days for a reply, I would instead contact them by sending a DM via Twitter/X with a picture of the wagon, link to the Amazon page, the folded dimensions, and weight.    If they affirm that this wagon is a go, I would also plan on bringing some kind of protective cover for it.    Hope this helps! If it fits in a blue bag you are good.  https://www.swathestore.com/swathestore/Southwest-Stroller-Bag/p-SWA0456     ... View more

@JumpJet wrote: “it’s hot in Vegas and so many of you decided to join us today to HNL”   duh, it’s July and it’s peak travel season.  Again, it’s utterly predictable.   max -7 airplanes could probably make it, but they only have 150 seats vs 175 a max -8 has.   So why not book only to 150-160?   I don't think the difference is only the number of seats, the fuselage is a little longer for each variant as well.    Is there construction at LAS right now that limits takeoffs to the short runways, or weather pattern?         ... View more

@Madisongaget wrote: Hi!  I was wondering if I needed any special documentation or need to consider anything when flying with my 10 year old sibling without either of our parents. I’m married and have a new last name and just wanted to be ahead of any issues that may arise. We will be on the same confirmation number and flying domestic.   thank you!  As long as your name and ID are matching the ticket you should be good.   The other bad advice about ID earlier that had appeared but thankfully moderators caught it - a minor isn't required to have an ID. If she does have something then great, but it isn't required by TSA or Southwest.     ... View more

@sunilpenna10 wrote: Hi   I am planning to book a ticket with 40 min layover in Denver and no plane change. Since I am travelling with 16 months old, I would like to get out of plane and get back in after changing diapers and get some muscle relaxation for infant. I will be travelling with my family of 4. Is this allowed? Double check ahead of time which lavatory has the changing table and ask the FA for a garbage back and you can wrap up the dirties inside a tied-off bag instead of putting it in the general trash.   If the flights are all on time and it is really 40 minutes you can think of this as 10 minutes deplaning, 10 minutes cleaning and paperwork, counting, and transition, and then 20 minutes of boarding and then leaving probably 10 minutes late.   So you don't get the full 40 minutes, you'd realistically be looking at ten minutes to be back and in line to board, with the A group already boarding by then.   Especially if the other two family members are also kids I'd suggest not getting off even if it was offered.   However, stay aware and if the flight arrives on time but gets delayed for departure then I'd ask.         ... View more

@H20skier wrote: Is it me or is trying to save 5 seats for young adult kids over to top?  I felt bad when I told the mom saving a seat or 2 is fine, not an entire row plus 2 seats next to her is a little much?   I'm okay with it but not at the front. Go to the back and do this.   Young adults to me being < 18 years old. If they are in college they can manage being in a separate non-adjacent row.         ... View more

@dfwskier wrote: One cannot use points from two different RR acounts to buy  tickets on one reservation.   But here's an idea   You buy you and your wife a one way flight with your points to your destination  .and.   then your wife buys both of you a one way return flight home with her points.  Great suggestion for @Ampflyer3195 this should buy the tickets on the same reservation numbers, and use points out of both accounts.   It isn't necessary to use points on yourself only - you can buy anyone a ticket with the points so there isn't a need to transfer them or make extra transactions.     ... View more

@Loriappel1 wrote: Thank you for the response. Southwest has always been so considerate. Next time mention to the gate agent that you need to get in the front row (or second row) due to mobility and they can make sure those other pre-boarders if they are able to be accommodated without taking the first row it will be open for you.       ... View more

@nthn345 wrote: I was a long time cardholder as of January 31st of 2024 and received my 10,000 point companion pass boost.    In June of 2024 I closed my account and reapplied to a different version of the SW credit cards. My account says that I should be on the lookout for the 10,000 point companion boost 30 days after opening.    Would I theoretically get this boost twice in one year, for each of the cards? These are both the cards with annual fees? I think maybe yes.    No for the bigger bonuses, but this one might apply.    ... View more

@Mariov129 wrote: Youngest is 8 so we can’t do family boarding. This is two adults and three kids?   You can ask the gate agent that you don't meet family boarding criteria but would appreciate some assistance.   2/2/1 may be likely if one of the older kids is okay on their own. And it may work out - head to the back and see what you can get, sometimes people may move a little if you ask nicely, request some help from the flight attendant.    Window seats will start to be taken though even in the back so you may see some 2/2/1 options in adjacent rows or across the aisle from each other.     ... View more

@JodyByers wrote: Sorry, posted my reply in a new box. In their website section about oversized carryon items they allow oversized musical instruments. They say you can purchase a seat for them and they need to be seat belted in. Just don't say how big an instrument is allowed. Thanks for the reply.  The intention is for things like cellos that could be buckled in and not block the neighboring seats.    The exception is pretty specific for instruments so I haven't seen anything online that allows this in general. I think you should call in or contact via Twitter to confirm your specific item.         ... View more

@dfwskier wrote: 6 pm is now gone, but there are now 3 seats available on the 4:30 thru STL and one seat on the 7:45 non stop.   Gotta keep checking the web site and move fast when a seat opens up I'd suggest @raffas to get to the airport as early as you can, the gate staff can get you an empty seat when someone doesn't show that you won't be able to officially take online.   You have plenty of potential routes so you only need one other option to appear and you'll be okay. DAL is a very busy airport for Southwest so you may end up not going through ATL.   Keep checking  to make an official switch as well, there's always movement close to departure time on availability.        ... View more

We did a Surfliner connection to Southwest Chief one time and I do really enjoy the train.   Didn't know about the business class options though.     ... View more

Clarifying that the policy is available but no one is forced to do this, I’m not sure what the FA would do if they saw someone that needed even more room than what you are describing.   Next time don’t take that middle, there is almost always one somewhere in the plane and the worst case is that you end up back at this one in the end having delayed the flight one extra minute.  ... View more

@mrlucky200abc wrote: Are direct flights costing more points that other flights that have the same $ amount.  I did the math on a few different flights and it seems like direct flights are costing more points per dollar.   I haven't check many destinations but it seems that way for me.  If you look at total cost the points/dollars ratio may be thrown off by the government fees that are included for each takeoff and landing, so for the same number of points the $5.60 for each landing may be throwing it off slightly and some other fees are included in the cost that don’t apply to points.      ... View more

@JFalc wrote:   From the responses, I will just book her separately (without companion'ing her).   I am the 'rule-follower type' and don't want or need to get crossways with SWA. This is a good policy to follow. Keep an eye on the fares in case you can make it work as separate tickets for yourself through BNA but otherwise booking separate may be the best path.     ... View more

@kellyac wrote: Was this route discontinued?  I just went in to book and it appears it was.  Try looking at different days or months in case it is seasonal or has a weekly schedule.   There has been a shuffling of routes recently to optimize the use of the fleet of aircraft.     ... View more

@bec102896 wrote: Probably a 5min walk at most unless you are a slow walker but as mentioned moving walkways do exist so you can use those if you want.  Dazbog, +10 minutes ... View more

@SoCalFlyer97 wrote: @KrisV20 wrote:   I know there are several discussions about collapsible wagons and that they are acceptable to gate check. I have this particular collapsible Veer wagon and it is pretty bulky when it is folded, maybe a little bigger than a large stroller when it is folded. Is this acceptable for gate check? I just want to be sure, as I will be traveling with 3 kids under 5 and this is the easiest mode of transportation for us. Appreciate any help! Thanks! Hola!   I'm aware that foldable wagons like the one you're describing are treated like a stroller and I don't see any issue of checking it at the gate. I would strongly suggest bringing a protective cover. SW sells blue covers:   https://www.swathestore.com/swathestore/Southwest-Stroller-Bag/p-SWA0456 Just be sure the specified dimensions of the bag fits the device before purchasing.    When going through the TSA checkpoint, the folded wagon would go through the X-ray machine with your luggage and belongings if it fits; otherwise, the TSA agent would do a visual/physical inspection of it.   Hope this helps! Concur, throw it in a blue bag - if it fits, it flies!     ... View more

@teamwoodlawn wrote: Thanks for the info. Too bad Southwest couldn't provide that info. There isn't any info not to provide, they don't offer an advance purchase option.     ... View more