Southwest Airlines Community

Thanks Southwest and Alan for giving Randy such a special day! ... View more

I've seen this before but handled much better...in that after the pre-board situation has been evaluated for the next flight, the FA would then allow you to move, They also should have allowed at least one of the bulkhead rows to be used by the through passengers after the headcount...really burns you when the bulkhead is held for the fake ESAs... ... View more

Now I'm confused reading the thread - it used to show gate info in the wallet as of the time you downloaded it, but the argument to remove it completely since it will often be out of date is interesting. The same logic would apply to people with paper passes though, somehow they (mostly) manage!   I can't verify my last trip since I had downloaded the boarding passes early, and they do show blank now.     ... View more

To clarify @Carlosjchavez if you are a little bit over but using a "standard" suitcase it would be fine to pay the overweight fee $75 for one item, but the limit is up to 100 pounds, so you wouldn't literally be getting 4 people x 2 items each x 50 lbs allowance = 400 lbs into one suitcase.   In theory you could use four suitcases at 100 lbs each for $75 each overweight fee = $300 extra or any combination less than that.   Unless you are getting reimbursed for luggage fees from work or from a credit card, most people would be trying to use their free luggage allowance and get these items into fewer smaller suitcases, either three for your group or four at < 50 lbs each.   Basically the luggage needs to be able to be carried by a human being and loaded into the aircraft, on and off the luggage carts, etc.   Instead since you may have baby gear coming with you with only two adults to pull the items, I'd suggest you plan on spending the $5 or so for a "Smart Carte" that are prevalent at airports in the US to help you get things back and forth from parking and check-in/baggage claim.   Double-check if you are taking the family internationally, some of the destinations have luggage limitations that are more strict on overweight or quantity per person.   I hope this helps - let us know what airport if you want any tips about how to navigate with excess baggage quantity.       ... View more

This is a pretty good explanation of how to proceed. The link refers to a method of notifing the airline of a special needs passenger. The link is not intuitively obvious. A better solution would be to call the airline and mention the special need: 1-800-I-FLY-SWA    https://www.southwest.com/html/customer-service/unique-travel-needs/customers-with-disabilities-pol.html?clk=GFOOTER-CUSTOMER-ASSISTANCE     ... View more

@MauiWowi57 Southwest just announced that they've completed the schdule updates through August 5th.  Blog post is here. ... View more

Thank you!!     ... View more

I joined February 2018 I just miss the hiring process. So I am now waiting for the next hiring opportunity. So hopefully I will hear something this year.  As I understand  there are many applicants and it’s a very long process. Good luck to all. ... View more

@sirjeff, are you referring to the latest sale announced for “random holidays”?  An internet search tells me that it is a day that has a name but not much else,...and it shares the spotlight with Couples Appreciation Day.  Guess I better go shopping to appreciate my significant other now (even though I did not it was a holiday five minutes ago.). I will have to choose something that represents the weight and magnitude of the day, so I am thinking a pack of gum or an ink pen.   I enjoyed what I interpreted as the humor of the ad for the sale, and I hope you do too.   ... View more

@sarahb3589 , yikes.  So sorry that this happened to you.  Like @bec102896, I suggest contacting them but I would probably opt for a letter.  It would be up to you to consider whether the letter should be instead of a call or in addition to a call. Southwest may not be able to immediately provide compensation but they may be able to provide something at a later time, and having the request in writing (versus only a phone call) will increase the likelihood of them being able to get back to you.     I am thinking that it may be later because Boeing finally released a statement about the Max 8, so I tend to think there will be some settlement between them and the airlines in the future.    Retooling the flights and crews, etc, usually could be done in advance of that 8 hour window of notification in most cases, so the money aspect is bad and the timing is worse.   As you have been a customer for years, I especially hope that you will give them another chance once all the Max 8 challenges get worked out.  This situation is not the norm for the company and, like weather delays, the rescheduling, the extra costs, the inconvenience for their customers is not typical.   Again, so sorry that this happened to you. ... View more

@ErinP wrote: I received this message via email: Hello friends, We've confirmed the change to your trip. Below you'll find your updated itinerary.   I didn’t change my flight. It appears to have been cancelled...it no longer shows on the website.  I can’t even make the less expensive, twice as long (with layover) flight that Southwest rescheduled me for without consultation or even apology or offer of a credit.  Incidentally, I’m signed up for text notifications and didn’t get one.  I’m lucky I noticed this email given the regular promotional ones I receive.  Now, I can’t get a hold of anyone. Wait times were long and when I finally input my phone number for a call back “in 45 minutes” I did not receive one. This is ridiculous...how can I reach someone? Hello.   You might want to try e-mailing the company. When I've done that in the past, I've gotten a return call within an hour from the airline. To e-mail the company click on "contact us" at the bottom of this page, and then select e-mail from the choices at the top left of the ensing page. ... View more

@TheJules2019 ,  Blake summarized my thoughts on departure, and I wanted to add a comment about the return.  Nashville TSA lines can be very unpredictable.  The town draws a lot of tourists and a lot of conventions, so I suggest making sure you arrive at the two hour mark.  I use BNA a lot, and I never can predict when the line will be 10 or 100 deep.  The TSA group really understand that they have to be diligent and as quick as possible, so they seem to hustle the lines along.  I have not missed a flight there yet but I have cut it terribly close from time to time.   Have a great trip!   ... View more

Fear of flying was a challenge for me for a long time.  One suggestion may be to sit next to a dead heading crew member so that all of the noises and movement can be explained to you as they occur.  There are certain things that seem wired that are just normal operations during a flight.  Noises like the lifting and locking of the landing gear, movement of flaps and engine noise changes are just part of the mechanical actions of the plane.  The landing approach often starts a long way from the airport in major cities.  If you sit next to a pro you can ask questions and better understand the dynamics of the flight.   Another nice thing is to open the SW site on your WiFi device and watch your flights progress in real time.  That feature is free on board.  Also, focus on where you are headed, not how you are getting there.  By the way the views are great.   Have fun! ... View more

@heilenak ,   hmm, I have to line up with @TheMiddleSeat on this one.  I have probably exchanged tens of thousands of dollars of tickets (sorry, SWA schedulers) and have never had a problem (except that they have to be used within one year).  Also one has to cancel at least ten minutes before the flight departure.     Normally I get “travel funds” for the exchange and I have to track the original confirmation number, but I would not get a voucher (or be offered one).  If you can share more details without revealing private info, we might be able to help.    Sorry this happened.  Don’t lose faith!  All airlines can be frustrating; and although SWA give me great customer service in my opinion, there are some things that many folks would like to see changed.  I would like to see my travel funds when I log into their website, but I have to track them separately at this point, and it is not a computer glitch that causes that.     ... View more

If you do not want to board as a disabled passenger but want to come as close as possible to guaranteeing seats together, I would suggest buying early bird check in.  It is not a guarantee though, especially if a crowded route.  However boarding together before the A group boards is probably gives you your best chance, especially if you know you need it.  You might add extra anxiety by not knowing, and you could even do both to reduce worry if you so choose.   ... View more

@lorisue you should be able to log in to your account and then search for a flight you'd like to book. Just be sure to click "Points" instead of "$" on the top-right side of the page to book with points: https://www.southwest.com/air/booking/index.html I'm guessing you already have the phone number to call to book a reservation: 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) ... View more

Thank you for sharing! ... View more

@judygolfing, if you are located anywhere around the middle of the country, please keep in mind that many flights are “one stop, no change of planes,” so you might be the first Business Select or Early Bird Boarder and still see a great many passengers in the front rows.  When a plane lands, the attendants usually say “and if you are continuing on to .... with us, please remain in your original seat until we can get a through count.  After that, you are free to change seats and use the lavatory.”  Many through passengers find it advantageous to move to the first few rows during these breaks between landing and boarding.     I know that does not address your specific situation if you see people that board first saving seats for later boarders, but even if you buy early bird (or if you are A-List Preferred), you may not be able to get one of the first seats on the plane.  I occasionally buy early bird for fellow travelers, but it has more to do with getting the guaranteed check-in than getting a specific seat.     And yes, you can buy one and save the seats for others as it is “free range seating,” but when I sit in the back, I time the deplaning, and it is typically less than ten minutes. So I let those folks save their seats if they want to put up with the hassle of being questioned frequently and with some people actually taking the seat.  Not me.  I don’t want to sit by those people and usually ten minutes is not a big deal.  I always secretly hope that they are on a special trip like a family reunion or going to a wedding, because it helps me justify their behavior.  I will never know but for me, it is just another business trip and the seat does not matter.  As others have mentioned, some people feel passionate about it, even though I do not.  I hope you get a chance to relax and enjoy your flying time wherever your travels take you. ... View more

@lrnmnx2 @Seversos1 I'm sorry - we're aware that the callback option is experiencing some technical difficulties, and we're working to get it resolved. In the meantime, Twitter is a great option for reaching out to us @Southwestair.    ... View more

@CareforNOLA wrote: @andreajenkins22, if you do not have a Southwest Credit Card, you might consider getting one for your normal purchases (gas, grocery, etc) as that may add to your “tier qualifying points.”  I have found the annual fee to be worth the cost and I just pay the balance off each month.  Don’t wait until late in the year, however, because the points don’t post until the monthly statement closes.    Good of luck on getting to the next tier!   Unfortunately, most Southwest credit card points are not A-List Tier Qualifying (TQP).   Exception: The Southwest Premier and Priority cards (only) allow you to earn a small amount of TQPs:   1,500 tier qualifying points: You’ll earn 1,500 tier qualifying points (TQPs) for each $10,000 in purchases, up to $100,000 in purchases annually which equal 15,000 TQP.   All Southwest credit card points however are Companion Pass Qualifying (CPQ).     ... View more

@teesa2you wrote: @spacecoastbill wrote: If you are only one person, why the need to save your seat?   If you are sitting in your seat, its no longer open. I just don't want to get up during the flight to use the restroom and come back to someone moving my things to the overhead and occupying my seat. That would be rude. I'm A Lisr, so I normally board early. Sometimes I visit the lav during the boarding process (especially when I expect turbulence that might prevent a lav visit during flight). I put my compuer case on my seat when I go to the lav. So essentially I'm saving my seat for  --- me. I'd be more than a bit upset if someone were to remove my computer case and take my seat while I was in the lav (never happened yet). ... View more

I agree with careforNOLA on the likely cause.   Someone else was likely trying to book the flight, and had booked a seat (maybe 2), thus 2 seats were no longer available.   The same thing happens when someone tries to book a seat at a given price, but when they get to the final step in the booking process the computer tells them that price is no longer available. Why? Because someone else just booked the seat at the lower price, and there are no addiional seats available at that price.   ... View more

@weycosteve , I am sorry that this happened to you.  There are many reasons for flight schedule disruptions, and as a travel warrior, I feel as if I have experienced almost all of them (on every airline).   Weather, computers, attendants accidentally deploying the emergency slide, crew with too many hours of flight time so cannot take off, and even an attack at the arrival airport TSA checkpoint that required us to be held out on the tarmac for hours.  I have had more two hour hotel nights than I ever wanted as well.  ( I call them “shotel” nights because they are really for the shower and not the sleep.  Fortunately I can catch some zzzz’s on a plane when I finally get on one, but only because I had so many chances to try and learn.)   I agree that at times, travel (or trying to travel) can be a bad experience.  I hope you will give Southwest another chance.  I have flown them all, and the potential for delays is there for every airline.  I find the Southwest policies regarding open seating, two bags free and no change fees to be the best option for the majority of my flights.  Like you, I have had some bad experiences with them, but not as many on Southwest as some of the others, especially for domestic flights.  You may have heard a lot of rumors while waiting because I have experienced that waiting crowd crescendo before as well, and I doubt all of what you heard is true.   I would suggest a letter to customer service relating your experience as the best option to try for a refund or a voucher.  No guarantees, but I have had some results with that approach.  I wish you safe travels in the future, and I wish that your experience had been an on-time no-complications flight.     ... View more

Thank you for sharing! ... View more

@aimeec,  sorry that it did not work the way you expected.  Did you think about buying two one-way tickets instead of a round trip?  One with voucher, one with points?   I have a boat load of travel funds, and figured out that I could use more of them booking tickets that way.  Keep in mind that even using points, there will still be money due for the taxes and fees (typically $5.60 each direction). ... View more

@BrandyB wrote: Did you ever get it back?  I just left 2 cell phones on the plane July 5th and I am wondering if I will ever see them again?  Everyone I have talked to at Southwest has not been helpful at all and even stated that they dont know what the process is to retrieve the phones. So sad.   No it is sad because trust in the human race is low.   Someone thinks when they find something it is a blessing but it’s not when you know that person is missing something important to them.   Ok lesson learned.  Thanks for the concern.   Have a great day.   ... View more

Hopefully it came Friday and you'll be able to book your trip.   How far out was your flight? If you are looking out several weeks or months then there shouldn't be much change over the time you were waiting for the gift card.   If the trip would be coming up very soon then you may see the prices go up a bit on some routes.     ... View more

That's a good system and I will probably start doing something similar. Would have been nicer if I'd known it was necessary before losing some of my travel funds.  Already reached out to them with my feedback. I'm a content professional and advocate for the content consumer, so I have a lot of feedback for a lot of companies. Haha.  Adding or changing a few words to make important information more clear and visible doesn't cost much at all, but creates a much better customer experience.  ... View more