Southwest Airlines

A major airline in the United States of America, Southwest is expanding its wings domestically across 42 states. It also serves 10 countries internationally, mending distance in no time.

Southwest Airlines- All You Need To Know

Get ready for your next air travel with our Southwest Airlines travel guide. Here we are with a quick and clear path to booking and managing flights, planning trips, and enjoying every moment on board. Plan with us an unforgettable journey where everything is designed with your comfort in mind.

Southwest Airlines Co., or just Southwest, runs an all-Boeing 737 fleet with 803 aircraft that serve 117 destinations. With its headquarters at Love Field in Dallas, Texas, the airline hit US$27.5 billion in revenue in 2024, earning its place as the fourth-largest commercial airline fleet worldwide. Let’s soar to new horizons together.

Seamless Skies: Booking & Check-In

Celebrated for its pioneering customer-first approach, Southwest Airlines transforms travel planning into a smart, efficient experience. Start on southwest.com:

Enter Your Journey Details: Fill in departure/arrival airports, select your departure (and return) dates, and indicate the number of travellers.
Payment & Promos: Choose between paying with dollars or points, apply any valid promo code, and hit ‘Search’ to view your fare options.
Explore Savings: The interactive low-fare calendar displays the best monthly deals.

Pro Tips:

Make sure all details (airport codes, dates) are accurate.
Utilise off-peak booking for additional discounts.

Swift Web Check-In:

Start at southwest.com/air/check-in/
Enter your Booking Confirmation Number, First Name, and Last Name.
Click on Check-In, and you will receive your boarding pass within minutes at your e-mail address.

Note: Online check-in is available 24 hours before departure. Boarding starts 30 minutes prior, so arrive at your gate at least 10 minutes early.

On-the-Go with the App:

Download the Southwest Airlines app from the Play Store or Apple App Store.
Open the app to book your flight using the same details as on the website.
Tap the three-line menu at the bottom right to check in and complete the process.
Or, opt for EarlyBird Check-In. It automatically checks you in, offers a better boarding position, and provides early overhead bin access for a $15 one-way fee.

Flexibility in the Air: Cancellations, Changes & Upgrades

Southwest Airlines is renowned for its customer-first approach. It makes sure you are never stuck with rigid travel plans.

No-Fuss Cancellations:

Easy Process: Visit the “Manage Reservations” section on the website or app. Input your flight/ PNR number and first and last name. Click on Continue to complete the on-screen process.
Timing: Cancel your flight up until 10 minutes before departure (e.g., an 8:00 a.m. CT flight is cancelable until 7:50 a.m. CT). This is an excellent flexibility that is unavailable even for some of the leading global airlines.
Partial Cancellation: For multi-passenger bookings, divide the reservation to cancel a single traveller’s segment; a new confirmation number will be emailed.

Simple Flight Changes:

Southwest’s fares come with no change fees. Simply pay the fare difference if your new flight costs more.

Same-Day Standby:

Open your itinerary at least 30 minutes before departure via the app or mobile web.
Tap “View/Manage” and select Same-Day Standby.
Await notification if an earlier flight opens up or speak directly with a Southwest Agent.

Same-Day Confirmed Change:

Tip: A-List members enjoy an even smoother process with added benefits.

Effortless Upgrades:

Southwest Airlines allows passengers to upgrade their flight tickets for a better travel experience.

Avenue: Start by visiting southwest.com/air/upgrade

How Does It Work? Input your flight confirmation number and first and last name.

Choose from fare options like Wanna Get Away, Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, or Business Select.

Upgrade Cost: Typically, upgrading to Business Select adds between $30 and $100 (Check the official website to find precise price difference). An upgrade introduces delivering perks such as priority boarding and early overhead bin access.

Pro Tip: Use credit card perks that might provide additional boarding benefits.

Carry-On Confidence: Baggage & Young Flyers

Travel with confidence, knowing your bags are in safe hands and your young ones receive extra care. Southwest’s policies combine practical baggage rules with thoughtful measures for unaccompanied minors.

Baggage Guidelines

To travel stress-free, here are some key points that will come under your assistance:

Free Allowance: Passengers can take complimentary checked bags per ticket.
Measurements Matter: Maximum dimensions of 62 inches (total length, width, and height, including wheels/handles).
Weight limit: Up to 50 pounds per bag.

Extra Luggage Charges:

Additional bags (third+): $150 each.
Oversize items (up to 80 inches): $200 each.
Overweight fees: $150 for bags weighing 51–70 lbs; $200 for 71–100 lbs.
Special Equipment: Golf bags and skis count as one bag and are free to carry when within the weight limit.

Passengers can use the digital bag check-in before they arrive or the self-tag kiosks available at select airports.

Should any bag go missing, you can quickly report it at the Baggage Service Office or via a handy QR code. If unresolved after five days, file your claim on our Web Portal using the provided incident number.

For delayed baggage, opt-in for regular text updates or receive phone notifications.

Young Flyers’ Care

Southwest understands the unique needs of young travellers, guaranteeing a safe journey:

Unaccompanied Minor (UM) Policy:

Eligibility:

Children aged 5-11.
Bookings are available online, at the counter, or by phone.

Fees & Preparation:

Service fee: $50 each way (or $100 roundtrip).
Provide itinerary copies and emergency contact details, and prepare your child with a charged device and snacks.

Travel Requirement: Only nonstop or same-plane service flights are permitted for UMs.

Safety Protocols:

Flight attendants monitor overall safety, but continuous supervision isn’t available.
The child must wear a UM lanyard throughout the flight.

In-Flight Delights: Entertainment & Dining

Onboard, Southwest treats you to a dynamic entertainment experience. Passengers can enjoy:

Free live TV
On-demand movies
Music
A real-time flight tracker that keeps you updated—all through an easy-to-use portal.

Note: International flights offer limited free entertainment, though Wi‑Fi remains active once you cross borders. Passengers can connect to “Southwest WiFi” for $8 per device.

Besides in-flight entertainment, Southwest Airlines also takes care of your dining and munching needs. The airlines offer complimentary snacks on flight over 250 miles (unfortunately no meals in the ones of lower duration).

Passengers can pick from delectable dining options such as OREO cookies and savoury pretzel braids. Complement them with multiple free beverages and additional drink options for purchase between $7 to $9.

Destination Dreams: Top Spots to Explore

Dream big with Southwest’s network. From a tropical beach retreat to an exciting city break, the airlines connect to numerous destinations.

Visit San Juan, Puerto Rico, to experience Caribbean charm and modern amenities. U.S. citizens can visit passport-free and explore the historic streets of Old San Juan.
Plan a trip to Cancun, Mexico, for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, picturesque beaches and ancient Mayan ruins.
Or, check Orlando, Florida, a family-friendly hotspot known for its sunny weather and world-class theme parks.

Every flight promises a new destination and a new story. Let your next escape inspire you to explore diverse cultures and experiences with Southwest as your travel partner.