Is Southwest Airlines Good?

Southwest Airlines travelers love Southwest Airlines because of its easygoing approach and customer-first philosophy. As of the 2023 records Southwest had a whopping 137 million passengers on board, with the trend on the rise with every passing moment. 

Various aspects make Southwest one of the best airlines to travel, which we will look into as the article progresses. 

Southwest does not assign seats; instead, you can choose any available seat when you board, unlike most other airlines! Additionally, you receive two complimentary checked baggage, which is practically unusual these days. Changes or cancellations can happen without paying major penalties due to their extremely liberal cancellation policy. 

Below, we will go over the main factors that make Southwest a great option and what you should know before making your next travel reservation. Prepare yourself for a more pleasurable and seamless journey!

What Makes Southwest Airlines Good? 

Southwest Airlines has been in operation for over 50 years and has been going quite strong since its inception. A recent survey in 2024 ranked Southwest first in economy-class customer satisfaction. Moreover, Skytrax has certified it as a four-star low-cost airline based on service ratings, cabin cleanliness, availability of foods, and beverages, etc. So, let’s take a look at the aspects that makes Southwest a good airline to fly with. 

Open Seating Policy

Southwest Airlines stands out with its open seating policy, which differs from most airlines that allow passengers to select seats in advance, often for a fee. Rather, Southwest gives each traveler a number between 1 and 60+ and a boarding group—A, B, or C. 

When passengers board the aircraft in this manner, they are free to select any seat that becomes available. It is essential to check in precisely 24 hours before departure to guarantee a better boarding location. 

EarlyBird Check-In, which automatically gives an early boarding place, is available for $15 to $25 per one-way ticket for those who would like an even earlier spot. A boarding location between A1 and A15 is guaranteed for Business Select prices. 

Priority boarding is available to members with elite status, such as A-List and A-List Preferred. For increased convenience, active-duty military personnel in uniform and families with children under six are permitted to board before Group B.

Pricing and Affordability

One of the biggest selling points of Southwest Airlines is its affordable pricing. There are four different fare options available to travelers, each with unique advantages – Wanna Get Away, Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, and Business Select. 

The most affordable is Wanna Get Away, which has the lowest costs but the least amount of flexibility. Additional benefits offered by Wanna Get Away Plus include same-day verified modifications and transferable flight credits. 

Anytime tickets come with priority boarding privileges, Early bird check-in, and are 100% refundable. 

With priority boarding in seats A1–A15, a complimentary premium drink, and more Rapid Rewards points for each dollar spent, Business Select provides the utmost convenience. 

Pet-friendly Policy

Southwest Airlines allows small, vaccinated cats and dogs in cabins only on domestic flights. They should be in a proper pet carrier. Pets must be at least eight weeks old and UMs (unaccompanied minors) can’t travel with pets.

You must pay the pet fare at the ticket counter of the airport with a credit card and is refundable in case of cancelation of reservation. Each ticketed Customer may bring one pet carrier with up to two small pets of the same species. 

Reservations should be made in advance. Pets must remain in a carrier throughout the journey –  at the gate, while boarding and deplaning, and throughout the flight.

In-Flight Services Overview

If you are a Southwest passenger, free snacks and nonalcoholic beverages are provided, but there is no complete meal service. Southwest provides free streaming for entertainment, allowing you to view films and television series on your laptop, tablet, or phone. Just remember to bring your headphones! If you require Wi-Fi, you will have to pay $8 per device per flight, but it is available. 

Flexible Cancellation Policy

Travel adjustments are simple with Southwest’s cancellation policies, which are among the most accommodating in the airline sector.  Transferable flight credits (for Wanna Get Away plus fares), flight credits (for Wanna Get Away fares) or a complete refund (Business Select or Anytime fares) are offered for flight cancellations made up to ten minutes prior to departure. Additionally, if you need to change your flight, you only need to pay the cost difference; there are no change penalties.

Generous Baggage Policy

Each traveler on Southwest Airlines is entitled to two complimentary checked bags as part of the airline’s liberal baggage policy.  These bags have to weigh no more than 50 pounds and not more than 62 inches.  When compared to other airlines that charge for checked baggage, this benefit can save passengers a lot of money.

Earning and Redeeming Rapid Rewards

Travelers are rewarded by Southwest’s Rapid Rewards program based on their spending rather than their flight distance. Wanna Get Away tickets earn six points per dollar, Want to Get Away Plus earns eight, Anytime earns ten, and Business Select earns twelve. 

The more expensive tickets earn more points. Members with elite status have extra advantages. Members of the A-List receive priority boarding, same-day standby, and 25% more points. Travelers can increase their rewards and have a more rewarding, seamless flight experience by selecting higher-priced classes or achieving elite status.

Unlike many airlines that restrict when you can redeem points, Southwest has no blackout dates. If a seat is available for purchase, you can book it using your Rapid Rewards points.

Regarding Safety Protocols

The FAA had reviewed Southwest Airlines’ safety measures in 2024 after there were reports of some incidents. One of the alarming incidents was when a Southwest flight flew at an extremely low altitude from sea level, as low as 400 feet increasing the chances of a devastating hazard. However, the FAA didn’t find any safety concerns with Southwest upon assessing the situation. 

Conclusion

Southwest Airlines is a great option for passengers seeking reasonable prices, big luggage allowances, flexible cancellation policies, and an easy boarding procedure. The airline’s emphasis on customer-friendly practices, low costs, and a lucrative loyalty program make it one of the most popular in the United States, even though its open-seating policy and lack of meal service may not be to everyone’s taste. Southwest Airlines can be the ideal airline for you if these characteristics suit your preferred method of travel!

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