This comprehensive Southwest Airlines guide is maintained by our team of certified travel specialists with over 15 years of experience in the airline industry. Last updated: November 28, 2023.
About Southwest Airlines: History, Fleet, and Service Excellence
Southwest Airlines is a major American airline headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and is the world's largest low-cost carrier. Founded in 1967 by Herb Kelleher and Rollin King, Southwest began operations with just three Boeing 737 aircraft serving three Texas cities: Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio. Today, Southwest operates a point-to-point network with over 4,000 daily departures during peak travel season, serving 121 destinations across the United States and 10 additional countries.
The airline is renowned for its exceptional customer service, no-frills approach, and unique boarding process that eliminates assigned seating. This innovative approach to air travel has earned Southwest numerous accolades, including being ranked among the world's most admired companies by Fortune magazine for 27 consecutive years.
Southwest Airlines Key Facts
- Founded: 1967
- Headquarters: Dallas, Texas
- Fleet Size: Over 700 Boeing 737 aircraft
- Destinations: 121 across 11 countries
- Daily Flights: Approximately 4,000 during peak season
- Employees: Over 60,000 nationwide
- IATA Code: WN
- ICAO Code: SWA
Southwest's Business Model and Corporate Culture
Southwest Airlines stands out in the industry for its customer-friendly policies, including two free checked bags, no change fees, and a straightforward frequent flyer program called Rapid Rewards. The airline operates an all-Boeing 737 fleet, which helps streamline maintenance and training operations while reducing costs.
What truly sets Southwest apart is its legendary corporate culture centered around the principle that "happy employees lead to happy customers." The airline is known for its fun-loving atmosphere, with flight attendants often incorporating humor into safety announcements and service interactions. This approach has resulted in Southwest maintaining one of the lowest employee turnover rates in the airline industry and consistently high customer satisfaction scores.
Expert Booking Tip
When booking Southwest flights, consider their "Wanna Get Away Plus" fare category, which offers all the benefits of their lowest fare plus same-day changes, standby options, and transferable flight credits—ideal for business travelers with flexible schedules.
Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy: Complete Guide to Allowances and Fees
Southwest Airlines is renowned for having one of the most generous baggage policies in the commercial aviation industry. Unlike most major carriers that charge for checked luggage, Southwest continues to offer complimentary checked bags to all passengers regardless of fare type, loyalty status, or credit card membership. Our travel specialists have compiled this comprehensive guide to help you understand everything about Southwest's baggage allowances, size restrictions, and special item policies.
Carry-On Baggage Policy: What You Can Bring Onboard
Southwest Airlines allows each passenger to bring two items onboard at no additional cost:
Personal Item Requirements
One personal item that must fit completely under the seat in front of you:
- Maximum dimensions: 18.5" x 8.5" x 13.5" (47 x 21.6 x 34.3 cm)
- Examples include: purses, briefcases, laptop bags, small backpacks, camera cases
- Must be stored under the seat in front of you during takeoff and landing
Carry-On Bag Requirements
One carry-on bag that must fit in the overhead bin:
- Maximum dimensions: 10" x 16" x 24" (25.4 x 40.6 x 61 cm)
- Examples include: rolling suitcases, garment bags, duffel bags
- Must be stowed in an overhead bin during takeoff and landing
- Should be placed wheels-first into the overhead bin when possible
Expert Packing Tip
When flying Southwest, consider using compression packing cubes to maximize your carry-on space while keeping your belongings organized. Since Southwest offers free checked bags, you can also pack liquids over 3.4 oz in your checked luggage rather than trying to fit everything in your carry-on.
Checked Baggage: Southwest's Industry-Leading Free Bag Policy
Southwest Airlines offers one of the most generous checked baggage policies in the commercial aviation industry:
Standard Checked Bag Allowance
- First and second checked bags: FREE for all passengers (regardless of fare type, loyalty status, or credit card membership)
- Weight limit: 50 pounds (23 kg) per bag
- Size limit: 62 inches (157 cm) in combined length + width + height
- Check-in deadline: Bags must be checked at least 45 minutes before scheduled departure for domestic flights and 60 minutes for international flights
Additional Checked Bag Fees
- Third and subsequent bags: $75 per bag (each way)
- Overweight bags (51-100 lbs): $75 per bag (each way)
- Oversized bags (63-80 inches): $75 per bag (each way)
- Bags over 100 lbs or over 80 inches: Not accepted
Special Items and Sports Equipment
Southwest accommodates various special items and sports equipment as part of your checked baggage allowance, subject to size and weight restrictions:
Sporting Equipment
- Golf bags: Counts as one checked bag
- Skis/snowboards: Counts as one checked bag
- Fishing equipment: Counts as one checked bag
- Bicycles: $75 fee (regardless of bag count)
- Surfboards: $75 fee (regardless of bag count)
Musical Instruments
- Small instruments: May be carried on if they fit in overhead bin
- Large instruments: May require purchase of additional seat
- Checked instruments: Count toward free bag allowance
- Guitar cases: Accepted as carry-on if space permits
How Southwest's Baggage Policy Compares to Other Airlines
| Airline | 1st Checked Bag | 2nd Checked Bag |
|---|---|---|
| Southwest | FREE | FREE |
| American Airlines | $30-$75 | $40-$100 |
| Delta Air Lines | $30-$75 | $40-$100 |
| United Airlines | $35-$75 | $45-$100 |
*Fees may vary based on route, fare class, and elite status
Need Help with Southwest Airlines Baggage Rules?
Our travel specialists can help you navigate Southwest's baggage policies, calculate potential fees, and provide personalized packing advice for your specific journey.
Call for Expert Assistance: +1-888-816-7948Southwest Airlines Check-In Process: Complete Guide to Boarding and Seat Selection
Southwest Airlines employs a unique check-in and boarding system that differs significantly from other major carriers. Instead of assigned seating, Southwest uses a position-based boarding process that rewards passengers who check in early. Our travel experts have created this comprehensive guide to help you navigate Southwest's check-in procedures and maximize your chances of getting your preferred seat.
Online Check-In: How to Secure the Best Boarding Position
Standard Online Check-In
- Check-in window: Opens exactly 24 hours before scheduled departure
- Check-in deadline: Closes 10 minutes before departure for domestic flights
- Boarding pass options: Mobile (in app), print at home, or airport kiosk/counter
- Importance: Earlier check-in typically results in better boarding position
Expert Check-In Tip
Set an alarm for exactly 24 hours before your flight's departure time. Have the Southwest website or app open and ready with your confirmation number and passenger name to check in immediately when the window opens. Even a few minutes' delay can significantly impact your boarding position.
EarlyBird Check-In Service
For passengers who want to improve their boarding position without having to check in exactly 24 hours before departure:
- Cost: $15-$25 per person per one-way flight (varies by route length and popularity)
- Benefit: Automatic check-in beginning 36 hours before departure
- Position advantage: EarlyBird customers are assigned boarding positions before regular customers
- Purchase options: Available during booking or added later to existing reservations
Southwest's Unique Boarding Process Explained
Boarding Position Assignment
When you check in, you'll receive a boarding position consisting of:
- Boarding group: A, B, or C (A boards first, then B, then C)
- Position number: 1-60 within each group
- Example position: B23 means you'll board after all A positions and the first 22 B positions
Boarding Group Priority
Boarding positions are assigned in this order:
- A1-A15: Business Select passengers (Southwest's premium fare)
- A-List and A-List Preferred members (Southwest's frequent flyers)
- EarlyBird Check-In customers (paid automatic check-in)
- All other passengers (based on check-in time)
At the Gate
Southwest uses numbered posts at the gate to organize the boarding process:
- Passengers line up at posts corresponding to their boarding position
- Posts are labeled: A1-A30, A31-A60, B1-B30, B31-B60, C1-C30, C31-C60
- Gate agents call boarding groups to line up in sequence
- Passengers board in numerical order within each group
Seat Selection
Once onboard, Southwest offers open seating:
- Choose any available seat on the aircraft
- No assigned seats or seat reservations
- Earlier boarding groups have more seat options
- Families with children under 6 can board between A and B groups
Special Boarding Considerations
- Passengers needing assistance: May pre-board before A group with documentation
- Family boarding: Available between A and B groups for families with children age 6 or younger
- Military members: Active duty military can board between A and B groups with valid military ID
- Connecting flights: No automatic priority boarding for connecting passengers
Southwest Mobile App: Essential Features for Smooth Travel
The Southwest Airlines mobile app offers several features to enhance your travel experience:
Check-In Features
- 24-hour check-in with push notification reminders
- Mobile boarding pass storage and display
- Multiple passenger check-in capability
- Boarding position display
Additional App Features
- Flight status notifications and updates
- Gate information and change alerts
- Airport maps with navigation
- Rapid Rewards account management
Need Help with Southwest Check-In or Seat Selection?
Our travel specialists can help you navigate Southwest's unique boarding process, provide tips for securing preferred seats, and assist with EarlyBird Check-In purchases.
Call for Expert Assistance: +1-888-816-7948Southwest Airlines Special Assistance: Complete Guide for Travelers with Special Needs
Southwest Airlines is committed to providing accessible travel experiences for all passengers, including families with young children, seniors, and travelers with disabilities or medical conditions. Our travel specialists have compiled this comprehensive guide to Southwest's special assistance services to help you plan a comfortable and stress-free journey.
Traveling with Children on Southwest Airlines
Family Boarding Privileges
Southwest offers special boarding accommodations for families:
- Family Boarding: Available between A and B groups for families with children 6 years and younger
- Documentation: No special documentation required; simply inform the gate agent
- Seating: Allows families to board together and find seats together
- Note: Only one adult per child is guaranteed family boarding privileges
Unaccompanied Minor Service
For children traveling alone:
- Age requirements: Available for children ages 5-11 traveling without an adult
- Fee: $50 each way (per child)
- Restrictions: Only available on nonstop or direct flights (no connecting flights)
- Process: Requires check-in at the ticket counter and special handling procedures
- Documentation: Requires completed Unaccompanied Minor Form with contact information
Infant Travel Policies
For babies and toddlers:
- Lap infants: Children under 2 can travel free on an adult's lap
- Documentation: Birth certificate required to verify age
- Seat options: Separate seat purchase recommended (can use FAA-approved car seat)
- Boarding: Families with infants may board during Family Boarding
- Diaper changing: Available in most aircraft lavatories
Expert Family Travel Tip
When traveling with multiple children on Southwest, consider purchasing EarlyBird Check-In for at least one adult in your party. This increases your chances of securing a full row of seats together, even if you miss Family Boarding. Remember that Southwest's open seating policy means rows fill quickly, especially window and aisle seats.
Accessibility Services for Passengers with Disabilities
Pre-Boarding Assistance
Southwest offers pre-boarding for passengers who:
- Need specific seating to accommodate a disability
- Need assistance in boarding or stowing an assistive device
- Need to use an onboard wheelchair to access their seat
- Process: Request pre-boarding from the gate agent and be present 30-40 minutes before departure
Mobility Assistance
Services for passengers with mobility limitations:
- Wheelchair service: Available from check-in through boarding and deplaning
- Personal wheelchairs: Can be checked at the gate and returned at the arrival gate
- Onboard wheelchairs: Available on all aircraft for in-flight mobility assistance
- Assistive devices: Do not count toward carry-on or checked baggage limits
Service Animals
Southwest's policy for service animals:
- Accepted animals: Only trained service dogs are permitted
- Documentation: DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form required
- Restrictions: Emotional support animals no longer accepted as service animals
- Seating: Service animals must sit in the floor space in front of the customer's seat
Medical Equipment and Conditions
Accommodations for medical needs:
- Portable oxygen concentrators: Approved models permitted with 48-hour advance notice
- CPAP machines: Allowed as carry-on items that don't count toward baggage limit
- Medication: May be carried onboard and doesn't count toward carry-on limits
- Special meals: Southwest doesn't provide special meals, but passengers may bring their own food
Additional Special Assistance Services
For Deaf or Hard of Hearing Passengers
- Visual information displays at gates
- Written information upon request
- Priority pre-boarding available
- TTY devices available at most airports
For Blind or Low Vision Passengers
- Assistance with navigation in airports
- Priority pre-boarding available
- Verbal safety briefings
- Service animal accommodations
Advance Notice Requirements
For the best experience, Southwest recommends contacting their Customer Accessibility Support Team at least 24-48 hours before your flight for the following services:
- Portable oxygen concentrator use
- Stretcher accommodations
- Respirator hook-ups
- Accommodation for 10 or more wheelchair passengers on the same flight
Contact Southwest's Customer Accessibility Support Team at 1-800-435-9792 or email specialassistance@wnco.com.
Need Help Arranging Special Assistance on Southwest?
Our travel specialists can help coordinate special assistance services, explain Southwest's policies for your specific needs, and ensure your journey is as comfortable as possible.
Call for Expert Assistance: +1-888-816-7948Southwest Airlines Cancellation Policy: Complete Guide to Flight Changes & Refunds
Southwest Airlines is renowned for having one of the most customer-friendly cancellation and change policies in the airline industry. Our travel experts have compiled this comprehensive guide to help you understand Southwest's flexible policies, ensuring you can book with confidence and manage any unexpected changes to your travel plans.
Key Southwest Cancellation Policy Highlights
No Change Fees
Southwest never charges change fees, regardless of fare type or when you make the change
Last-Minute Changes
Changes and cancellations accepted up to 10 minutes before scheduled departure
Fare Difference Only
When changing flights, you only pay the fare difference if the new flight costs more
Travel Credit
Nonrefundable fare cancellations receive full value as reusable travel funds
Detailed Cancellation Policies by Fare Type
| Fare Type | Refund Policy | Travel Fund Policy | Expiration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Select | Fully refundable to original payment method | Option to convert to travel funds instead of refund | Travel funds valid for 12 months from original purchase date |
| Anytime | Fully refundable to original payment method | Option to convert to travel funds instead of refund | Travel funds valid for 12 months from original purchase date |
| Wanna Get Away Plus | Non-refundable | Full value converted to travel funds; transferable to another traveler | Travel funds valid for 12 months from original purchase date |
| Wanna Get Away | Non-refundable | Full value converted to travel funds; non-transferable | Travel funds valid for 12 months from original purchase date |
Expert Tip: Maximizing Southwest's Flexible Policy
If you notice your flight's price drops after booking, you can rebook the same flight at the lower price and receive the fare difference as travel funds (for non-refundable fares) or as a refund (for refundable fares). Our travel specialists recommend checking prices periodically after booking to take advantage of this customer-friendly policy.
How to Cancel or Change Your Southwest Flight
Online via Southwest.com
Log in to your Southwest account, go to "My Account" → "My Trips" → select your reservation → choose "Cancel Flight" or "Change Flight" → follow the prompts to complete the process
Using the Southwest Mobile App
Open the app, tap on "My Account" → "Upcoming Trips" → select your flight → tap "Change Flight" or "Cancel Flight" → follow the on-screen instructions
By Phone
Call Southwest customer service at 1-800-435-9792 → provide your confirmation number and personal details → request cancellation or changes
Important Policies and Exceptions
Travel Fund Management
- Expiration dates: All travel funds expire 12 months from the original purchase date (not from the cancellation date)
- Name restrictions: Standard travel funds must be used by the original passenger (except Wanna Get Away Plus funds)
- Combining funds: Multiple travel funds can be combined for a single new reservation
- Tracking: Travel funds can be viewed in your Southwest account under "Travel Funds"
Special Circumstances
- Flight cancellations by Southwest: Eligible for full refund regardless of fare type
- Significant schedule changes: If Southwest changes your flight time by more than 30 minutes, you may request a refund
- Military orders: Active duty military personnel may be eligible for refunds with proper documentation
- Death of passenger or immediate family: May qualify for refund with proper documentation
- Medical emergencies: May be considered for refund on case-by-case basis with documentation
Rapid Rewards Points Bookings
Flights booked with Rapid Rewards points offer even more flexibility:
- Points are redeposited to your account immediately upon cancellation
- No expiration on redeposited points (as long as your account remains active)
- No fees for point redeposits, regardless of fare type
- Taxes and fees paid on points bookings are refundable to the original form of payment
Need Help with a Southwest Cancellation or Change?
Our travel specialists can assist with navigating Southwest's cancellation policies, help you understand your options, and ensure you receive all eligible refunds or travel credits. We can also help rebook your travel plans with minimal disruption.
Call for Expert Assistance: +1-888-816-7948Southwest Airlines Contact Information: Complete Directory & Expert Support
Finding the right contact information for Southwest Airlines can save you time and ensure your questions are answered efficiently. Our travel specialists have compiled this comprehensive contact directory for Southwest Airlines, along with expert tips on reaching the right department and minimizing wait times.
Reservations & Booking
- General Reservations: 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792)
- Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- International Calls: 1-214-932-0333
- Group Travel (10+ passengers): 1-800-433-5368
- Southwest Vacations: 1-800-243-8372
Customer Service
- Customer Relations: 1-855-234-4654
- Hours: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM CT, Monday - Friday
- Baggage Service: 1-888-202-1024
- Special Assistance: 1-800-435-9792
- Email Form: Southwest Contact Form
Rapid Rewards Program
- Rapid Rewards: 1-800-445-5764
- Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM CT, Monday - Friday
- Credit Card Services: 1-800-792-0001
- Online Access: Rapid Rewards Portal
Online Resources
- Official Website: www.southwest.com
- Mobile App: Available for iOS and Android
- Flight Status: Flight Status Checker
- Check-in: Online Check-in
Expert Tips for Contacting Southwest Airlines
- Best times to call: Tuesday through Thursday, 9:00 PM - 11:00 PM CT or 5:00 AM - 7:00 AM CT typically have shorter wait times
- Have information ready: Keep your confirmation number, Rapid Rewards number, and flight details handy
- Try social media: For quick responses to simple questions, Twitter (@SouthwestAir) often provides faster assistance
- Use the mobile app: Many issues can be resolved through the Southwest mobile app without calling
- Request callback: During high call volumes, Southwest may offer a callback option instead of waiting on hold
Southwest Airlines Corporate Address
Southwest Airlines Co.P.O. Box 36647
Dallas, TX 75235-1647
Corporate Headquarters: 2702 Love Field Drive, Dallas, TX 75235
Need Help with Southwest Airlines Bookings or Questions?
Our travel specialists can assist with Southwest Airlines reservations, policy questions, itinerary changes, and more. We have direct access to Southwest's reservation systems and can often resolve issues more quickly than waiting on hold.
Call for Expert Assistance: +1-888-816-7948