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Baggage Policy

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

Carry-on Baggage

Southwest Airlinebaggage requirements are that 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 inches (46 x 22 x 34 cm). You musn't pack any prohibited items in your carry-on as they will be removed and thrown away at airporrt security. Prohibited items include liquids over 100ml, sharp objects, illegal substances and explosives.

Checked Baggage

Passengers are allowed two items of checked baggage free of charge. Southwest Airlines checked baggage weight limit is 50lb (22kg) per piece and its overall dimension is62 inches (157 cm) (L x W x H).

Cabin Classes

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

Economy Class

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 seats 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 has larger-than-average seats 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 that 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 for alcoholic beverages.

What is 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-class offered on this airline.

In-Flight Entertainment

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Southwest Airlines offers free in-flight entertainment for its passengers to sit back and enjoy the journey! You can watch live and on-demand TV, watch movies or listen to music on Southwest flights.

Food and Beverage

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

Wi-Fi

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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 services, 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

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Online and airport check-in is available for flights with Southwest Airlines.

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 the scheduled Southwest Airline departure time and generally closes 30 minutes to one hour before.

Frequent Flyer Program

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Southwest Airlines has a frequent flyer program called Rapid Rewards.

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

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Southwest Airlines is not a member of any airline alliance.

Payment Plans

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How to book a flight with Southwest Airlines

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Destinations that Southwest flies to

As of September 2022, Southwest Airlines travel destinations include over 100 domestic destinations in 40 states such as Chicago, Baltimore, Washington, Midway, Las Vegas, Denver, Dallas, Phoenix, Houston, Orlando, Atlanta and Los Angeles, as well as more than 15 international destinations across Central America and the Caribbean. Why not book a one-way flight with Southwest to the following destinations?

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Frequently asked questions

Can I book flights for an unaccompanied minor with Southwest?

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Yes, you can, Alternative Airlines makes it easy and straightforward to book flights for an Unaccompanied Minor or Young Traveller with Southwest Airlines. Take a look at our full guide to booking flights with Southwest for an unaccompanied minor.

Where does Southwest Airlines fly internationally?

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Southwest Airlines flies to more than 10 international destinations including Aruba, Bahamas, Belize, Cayman Islands, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

To begin your search for Southwest international flights, use the search form at the top of the page.

What are Southwest Airlines’ rules regarding COVID-19?

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With Southwest Airlines, you won’t be required to wear a face-covering or mask on the plane, however, you'll need to check with the specific airport you'll be travelling to for their own policies regarding COVID-19.

If you’d like to wear a face-covering or mask on the flight, Southwest Airlines can provide one for you onboard.

How does Southwest Airlines seating work?

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Southwest Airlines has an open seating policy, meaning seats are not assigned ahead of time. Passengers are split up into three boarding groups (A, B or C), along with a boarding position (1-60), which can be found on the boarding pass. This determines when you'll be able to board the plane and which seats you can choose from.

What other airlines fly to similar destinations?

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There are many other airlines that fly similar routes to Southwest such as American Airlines, Continental Airlines, United Airlines, Delta and more!

Can I buy Southwest Airlines refundable flights?

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Yes! When you book through Alternative Airlines you can purchase Southwest Airlines refundable flights. With a Southwest refundable flight ticket, you can receive a full refund minus the cancellation fee.

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