Southwest Airlines is one of the biggest airlines in the United States, and the largest low-cost airline in the world. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, it now flies to more than 120 cities in the US, plus destinations in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. Although Southwest Airlines stands out for its cheap and affordable fares, it is one of the only budget airlines in the US that offers complimentary food and drinks. It also offers more leg room than some of its closest rivals. Although it does not strictly offer first or business class tickets, travelers can be upgraded to bigger (and more comfortable) seats.
October 01, 2022
Southwest Airlines flies to 121 locations in eleven countries. 106 of these are within the U.S - including holiday favourite Hawaii. Options outside of the U.S are focused on South and Central America, as well as the Caribbean; destinations include Costa Rica, Jamaica, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Cuba. Every day, Southwest operates around 4,000 flights and last year transported 123.3 million passengers, making it the second most popular U.S airline. Unlike most other carriers, Southwest does not have dedicated hubs, opting instead for a point-to-point approach.
Southwest Airlines passengers would be wise to sign up for their free frequent flyer scheme - Rapid Rewards. Like other airlines' loyalty programmes, passengers earn points in several ways. While purchasing airfare is the most common, customers can also rack up miles by shopping with one of Southwest’s credit cards, eating at specific restaurants, taking surveys and, in some cases, changing electricity providers.
Points can then be redeemed on flights and services provided by Southwest’s Partners. While options such as experience days and gift cards exist, the value of the miles is generally skewed to make spending them on airfare the only realistic option.
Passengers who fly enough in one year can become eligible for A-List status. Once this has been achieved, customers can take advantage of various benefits without spending their hard-earned miles. To do this, Rapid Rewards members need to rack up ‘tier qualifying points, ’ which are points gained from spending on a Southwest credit card or booking flights only. There are two different types of A-List status
A-List
Eligibility - 35,000 tier qualifying points or 25 eligible qualifying one-way flights in one year
Perks
Early check-in
Quick boarding
Free standby
25% more points per flight
A-List Preferred
Eligibility - 35,000 tier qualifying points or 25 eligible qualifying one-way flights in one year
Perks
Early check-in
Quick boarding
Free standby
Double points earned per flight
Free Wi-Fi on flight
Southwest also offer a companion pass, which becomes available after racking up 125,000 points or flying 100 qualifying flights. The companion pass allows eligible passengers to bring a guest on certain flights free-of-charge, minus small fees like tax.
Southwest Airlines has four different fare classes:
Wanna Get Away
One carry-on + one personal item
Two checked-in bags
Cancelled flights reimbursed as flight credit
Last to board
Standard seating
Six points earned per dollar
Wanna Get Away +
One carry-on + one personal item
Two checked-in bags
Cancelled flights reimbursed as flight credit
Last to board
Standard seating
Transferable flight credit
Same-day confirmed change
Same-day standby list
Eight points earned per dollar spent
Anytime
One carry-on + one personal item
Two checked-in bags
Refundable flights
Priority check-in
General boarding
Standard seating
Transferable flight credit
Same-day confirmed change
Same-day standby list
10 points earned per dollar spent
Business Select
One carry-on + one personal item
Two checked-in bags
Refundable flights
Priority check-in
Priority boarding
Standard seating
Transferable flight credit
Same-day confirmed change
Same-day standby list
12 points earned per dollar spent
Complimentary alcoholic drinks
Despite being touted as a low-cost airline, Southwest have one of the best baggage policies available. All fares come with one carry-on and one personal item, with more generous dimensions than many other carriers.
Carry-on dimensions: 24 x 16 x 10 (inches)
Personal item dimensions: 16.25 x 13.5 x 8 (inches)
Even more impressive is their allowance of two carry-ons per passenger. This policy means the complimentary luggage should be sufficient even for longer trips. Fees apply for any bags outside this allowance or that do not meet size/weight regulations.
Third bag +: $75
Overweight bags: $75 (max 100lbs)
Oversize bags: $75 (max 80 linear inches)
Unlike other airlines, there are no differences in baggage allowance for different fares.
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