Southwest Airlines is known for its flexible policies and friendly atmosphere. Flying with Southwest can save you money if you know the right strategies.
This article provides 17 tips to help you maximize your Southwest experience. Whether you’re a first-time flyer or seasoned traveler, following these tips will help you choose the best flights and enjoy a smoother trip on Southwest.
1. Open Seating Policy
When you fly with Southwest Airlines, you get to experience their unique open seating policy. Upon boarding, you can choose any available seat instead of having a preassigned one. To get a preferred seat, check in exactly 24 hours before your departure to secure a higher boarding group number.
Boarding Groups and Positions:
- A1-A60: Best chance of window or aisle seats.
- B1-B60: Good seat selection, usually together if you’re in a group.
- C1-C60: Limited selection; middle seats more likely.
2. Check-In Online Exactly 24 Hours In Advance For Best Boarding Position
To secure a good boarding position on Southwest Airlines, you need to check in online right when the 24-hour window opens before your flight. Here’s how to maximize your chances of getting an earlier boarding group:
Set a Reminder: 24 hours before your scheduled departure time, online check-in becomes available. Set an alarm so you’re ready to check in right at that 24-hour mark.
Be Prompt: The earlier you check in, the better your boarding position, as passengers are typically assigned spots in the A, B, or C groups in numerical order based on check-in time.
3. Two Free Checked Bags
When traveling with Southwest Airlines, you can check two bags for free as part of their customer-friendly luggage policy. This generous allowance can save you money and make your journey less stressful. Here’s what you need to know:
- Weight and Size Limits: Each bag must not exceed 50 pounds and 62 inches (L+W+H).
- Overweight Fees: If your bag weighs 51-100 pounds, expect an overweight charge of $75 per item.
- Oversized Fees: Bags measuring 63-80 inches will incur an additional $75 fee.
4. No Cancellation Fees
You can cancel your Southwest flight up to 10 minutes before the departure time and receive either a travel credit or a refund to your credit card depending on the fare you booked.
5. No Change Fees (Only Difference In Fare)
When flying with Southwest Airlines, you’re allowed to change your flight without paying any change fees, which is a unique offering compared to many other carriers. If there’s a fare difference for your new flight, you’ll only be responsible for that additional amount.
6. Book Early For Best Prices
When planning your trip with Southwest Airlines, it’s wise to book your flights early to take advantage of lower rates.
Southwest’s fare structure, which includes the “Wanna Get Away” tier, typically offers the cheapest prices, but these fares sell out fast.
By using Southwest’s Low Fare Calendar, you can easily spot the most affordable rates for your desired travel dates and lock in the best deals.
7. Buy Upgraded Boarding For Best Seats
To ensure early boarding and access to the best seats, you can buy Upgraded Boarding, which gives you a boarding position in the A1-A15 range. The cost is $30 per segment, but prices can vary.
8. Best Seats On Southwest
If you have an A Boarding Group number, you have a good shot at grabbing some of the best seats.
My favorite seats are the Exit Rows (must be above 16 years old) and the first 5 rows so you can quickly get off the plane.
9. Earlybird Check-In
EarlyBird Check-In is an optional service offered by Southwest Airlines that you can purchase for $15-$25 one-way. This service automatically checks you in at 36 hours before your flight, giving you an earlier boarding position even before the standard 24-hour self-check-in opens.
10. Family Boarding
When you’re flying with Southwest Airlines, Family Boarding allows families with children six years old or younger to board between the A and B boarding groups.
If you didn’t secure an A boarding position, don’t worry; this perk helps you find seats together without the stress.
11. Snacks And Nonalcoholic Beverages Are Free
When flying with Southwest Airlines, you’re treated to complimentary snacks and nonalcoholic beverages to make your journey more enjoyable. Your options include a variety of sodas, juices, coffee, and tea, ensuring you stay hydrated throughout your flight.
12. Entertainment Is Free
When you fly with Southwest Airlines, you have free access to an array of inflight entertainment. Your options include:
- Live TV: Stay current with live broadcasts.
- On-demand TV Channels: Select from a variety of shows.
- Movies: Watch new releases and classic favorites at no cost.
- Music: Enjoy a range of tunes with iHeartRadio and Southwest.fm.
To enjoy these features, connect to the Southwest inflight entertainment portal using your own device—there’s no need to purchase Wi-Fi for entertainment access.
13. Wi-Fi Is Reasonably Priced
When you fly Southwest, staying connected is easy on your wallet. You’ll only pay $8 for Wi-Fi access, which covers you across all your same-day flights—you won’t be charged again once logged in.
14. Earning A Companion Pass Saves A Ton Of Money
Earning the Southwest Companion Pass is one of the most rewarding perks you can take advantage of. With the Companion Pass, you can choose a companion to fly with you for just the cost of taxes and fees, which are typically only $5.60 for one-way flights.
15. Southwest's Fare Categories
Southwest Airlines offers four distinct fare categories that suit various budgets and travel preferences. Wanna Get Away fares are your most economical choice, offering the lowest prices with fewer benefits and minimal flexibility. The next tier up is Wanna Get Away+, providing more perks than the base fare, like additional Rapid Rewards points and better booking flexibility.
Moving further up, Anytime fares are priced higher, but they offer the flexibility to change or cancel your flight with ease. At the top, Business Select is the premium fare with priority boarding, more Rapid Rewards points, and a complimentary drink.
16. Southwest Only Flies Boeing 737s
When you choose to fly with Southwest Airlines, you’re selecting a carrier with a uniquely simplified fleet. All the aircraft in Southwest’s lineup are variants of the Boeing 737: Boeing 737-700, Boeing 737-800, and the Boeing 737 MAX 8.
17. Free Alcoholic Beverage On Certain Holidays
Southwest offers free alcholic drinks to passengers on certain holidays and Southwest’s Birthday. The dates vary by year, but the list is in your in-flight menu.
The dates for 2023 were:
- Valentine’s Day 2/14
- St. Patrick’s Day 3/17
- Southwest® Birthday 6/18
- Halloween 10/31
