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About Southwest Airlines

Southwest (also referred to as SW airlines or SWA) is a major US airline that provides low-cost passenger flights. The airline is based at Dallas Love Field airport operates an extensive network across the US, as well as to international destinations in North and Central America. Overall, the airline flies to more than 100 destinations. At its most popular time of year, Southwest flies more than 4,000 daily flights (pre Covid-19 pandemic)

Southwest Airlines was established in 1967, and originally only flew between Texas' three of its biggest cities: Houston, Dallas and San Antonio. The airline has grown massively since then and is now one of the biggest carriers in the US. It's regularly within the top 3 airlines in the US for number of passengers carried, behind Delta and American Airlines. It's the most popular low-cost carrier in all of North America.

The airline is known for its cheap basic fares, which are sold as seat-only tickets for very affordable prices. Passengers that want extra for their flight can add-on to their fare to give them what they need. Southwest is unique in that it's one of the only airlines to use open-seating. Open seating is when passengers aren't assigned a seat at check-in and choose their seat as they board the flight, on a first-come-first-serve basis.

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Destinations

As of September 2021, Southwest Airlines has scheduled flights to over 100 domestic destinations in 40 states, including Chicago, Baltimore, Washington, Midway, Las Vegas, Denver, Dallas, Phoenix, Houston, Orlando, Atlanta, Los Angeles, as well as international more than 15 international destinations across Central America and the Caribbean.

Domestic Destinations

International Destinations

Southwest Airlines flies to more than 15 international destinations, which a particular focus on central and southern America. International destinations include Aruba, the Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Cuba, Mexico, and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Baggage

Southwest Airlines passengers are permitted to carry two-piece of checked baggage and one piece of carry-on baggage onboard their flight.

Carry-on Baggage

Southwest Airlines passengers are entitled to one item of carry-on baggage per person. This carry-on bag must not exceed 10 x 16 x 24 inches (25 x 40 x 60cm). In addition to this, passengers are allowed to bring one personal item with them on the flight, for example, a small rucksack, a handbag, a briefcase or a laptop. This small personal item must not exceed the overall dimensions of 18.5 x 8.5 x 13.5 inch (46 x 22 x 34 cm).

Checked Baggage

Passengers are allowed two items of checked baggage free of charge. This baggage must not weigh more than 50lb (22kg) per piece and must fit within the overall dimensions of 62 inches (157 cm) (L x W x H).

Economy Class

All seats on Southwest flights are economy as standard; this is the only class on all flights.

Economy Class Facilities

Economy class passengers receive free in-flight entertainment, including films and tv shows. All seating is open-seating, meaning that passengers simply choose their seat once they are on the plane. This avoids having to rush to get to check-in or pre-select your seat.

Economy Class Seats

The seats on the Southwest fleet range from 31-33 inch pitch and 17 - 17.8 inches wide with 2 inches recline and adjustable headrests. This is reported to be one of the most comfortable economy seats on low-cost carriers, as the company have larger-than-average sears with enhanced cushion support in the seat.

Premium Economy Class

There is no premium economy currently available with this airline.

Business Class

Southwest has a booking fare called Business Select, which allows passengers certain privileges when flying with this airline. Although the onboard seating arrangements will be the same as every other passenger, such as being in the same cabin, Business Select passengers get priority features which enhance their experience.

Business Class Facilities

Passengers will get guaranteed priority boarding, which is perfect for the open-seating plan, as passengers can enter the plane first, choose their seat and settle before the rest of the passengers are permitted on the plane. Check-in is also quicker, with lines all being fast-tracked for security and check-in. Passengers in Business will also receive a complimentary premium drink voucher to use on the day of travel, which includes options of alcoholic beverages.

What are the Business Class Seats Like?

The seats for business class are just the same as economy class, which are described above.

First Class

There is currently no first classed offered on this airline.

In-Flight Entertainment

Southwest Airlines does not offer seat back in-flight entertainment but you can download the Southwest app to get access to in-flight entertainment for free.

Food and Beverage

Southwest Airlines offers free soft drinks and coffee onboard but alcoholic drinks are available to buy. Pretzels are free onboard. The menu onboard is available on their website.

WiFi

Enjoy fast WIFI when you fly with Southwest Airlines. Allowing you to stay connected while being thousands of feet in the air, ultra-fast WIFI gives you access to all of your favourite streaming service, emails and messages, so you don't miss out on your favourite shows or important updates at work while you're flying. The airline's WIFI is available on Southwest flights, all-day WiFi only costs USD $8 (price as of 2020).

Check-in Information

Online Check-in

For passengers flying on Southwest Airlines, web check-in reservation is available on all flights. You can check-in online by visiting the online check-in page and entering your confirmation number, first and last name. Online check-in opens 24 hours before to one hour prior to scheduled flight departure time.

Airport Check-in

Airport check-in can be completed by visiting the dedicated check-in counters at the airport of departure. Airport check-in opens three hours before scheduled flight departure time and generally closes 30 minutes to one hour before.

Frequent Flyer Program

Rapid Rewards

This airline operates a frequent flyer program called Rapid Rewards to reward its regular passengers.

In 2011, Rapid Rewards changed to a points system based on ticket cost. Members earn and redeem points based on a three-tier fare scale multiplier and the cost of the ticket. Changes also included no blackout dates, seat restrictions or expiring credits. It also adds more options to use points.

It's now easier than ever to collect frequent flyer points easily with Alternative Airlines and enjoy the benefits of your chosen alliance. If you have not yet chosen an Airline Alliance, check out our article to find out which frequent flyer program is best for you.

Collecting Points

When making your booking through Alternative Airlines, it is easy to collect your frequent flyer points. Simply select Rapid Rewards from the drop-down option during the flight-booking process and add your unique membership number.

Airline Alliance

Southwest Airlines is not a member of any airline alliance.

Fleet

The extensive fleet consists of Boeing 737-700s, Boeing 737MAXs, and Boeing 737-800s, delivering more than 4,000 flights per day in peak season. In total, the airline has a fleet of almost over 750 aircraft and carried more than 134 million passengers in 2019.

*Boeing 737 MAX aircraft are now being grounded, hence, the airline has 34 more 737 MAX in storage.

Hub Airport

Dallas Love Field

Dallas Love Field is a city-owned airport located 6 miles outside of the city of Dallas. The airport was Dallas's main airport until Dallas Fort Worth International Airport opened in 1974. Other airlines that operate out of the airport include Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Delta Airlines and Taos Air.

Deals and Discounts

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Pay for Southwest Airline Tickets with Paypal

Buy Southwest tickets with Alternative Airlines and pay with PayPal. Alternative Airlines is a travel website that accepts PayPal for Southwest flight reservations. Pay for Southwest with PayPal easily and securely.

Emergency and Bereavement Flights

Buy your emergency Southwest flight with Alternative Airlines. If you are needing to buy a last-minute flight for a funeral or a family emergency, then Alternative Airlines will help you through this stressful process. See all information on flying in an emergency or information on bereavement flights with Alternative Airlines.

Payment Plans

Did you know you can buy your flights and pay for your Southwest tickets in instalments with Alternative Airlines? You can buy your flights now and pay at a later date using a payment plan with Affirm (US residents only) or PayPal Credit. At Alternative Airlines, all flights on Southwest are available to pay off in instalments, no matter what the route. To find out more about these payment methods, as well as all the other instalment options we offer, visit our buy flights on finance page.

How to book a flight on Southwest Airlines

To make a reservation with Alternative Airlines, simply search your departure and destination cities into our search bar above. You can use our filters to select Southwest flights only.

When making a reservation with Alternative Airlines, you can also book a seat on your plane when purchasing your tickets, rather than waiting till check-in.

Alternative Airlines to Southwest Airlines

The following airlines operate similar routes to the ones served by Southwest Airlines:

News

3rd Februry 2021

Southwest Airlines eyes new routes for 2021

Southwest Airlines announced last month that it will be adding an additional route between Kahului (Maui), Hawaii and Long Beach, Calif. From March, Southwest Airlines will also commence an additional six new routes from Long Beach including Chicago (Midway), Dallas (Love Field), Honolulu (Oahu), Houston (Hobby), Kahului (Maui), Reno/Tahoe, and St. Louis. This news follows a difficult year from the travel industry, due to the Coronavirus pandemic, and suggests that, despite this, Southwest still sees continued growth in the future.

3 September 2020

Southwest Airlines new destinations

Southwest is looking to start its flights to Miami International Airport and Palm Springs International Airport within 2020.

24 February 2020

New destination for Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines is planning to start seasonal daily flights between Denver and Steamboat Springs. The route is planned to commence in winter 2020. Currently, United Express is the only operator between the two destinations.

27 January 2020

Southwest to grow Hawaii service in 2020

Southwest is focused on growing its Hawaii service in 2020. The airline operates 14 daily flights from California to Hawaii via Oakland, Sacramento and San Jose. This is in addition to 38 daily departures across its inter-island network.

In march 2020, Southwest will kick off new routes from Sacramento to Kahului, and from San Diego to Maui and Honolulu in April.