Travel news, reviews and intel for high-flyers

Southwest Airlines

Southwest is a major American low-cost carrier headquartered in Dallas, Texas. Established in 1967, it is known for its no-frills approach and free checked bags policy. Southwest operates a broad network of domestic and international flights, serving a wide range of destinations across North America and the Caribbean. The airline is recognized for its distinctive boarding process, where passengers choose their own seats and its all-Boeing 737 fleet. Southwest's loyalty program, Rapid Rewards, offers points-based rewards and benefits to frequent travelers.

Southwest customers can now book onward connections to Europe from Baltimore with its partner airline Icelandair

By Fergus Cole

January 22, 2025

The lawsuit is over two chronically delayed flight routes operated in 2022

By Fergus Cole

January 17, 2025

New overnight routes will launch in June as Southwest evolves under pressure from low earnings and an activist investor

By Fergus Cole

November 5, 2024

The "Match to Mosaic" program has now expanded to attract loyal customers from low-cost airlines Spirit, Frontier, and Southwest

By Enrique Perrella

October 29, 2024

Travelers have taken to social media to complain of price hikes, but airlines deny the allegations

By Fergus Cole

October 9, 2024

Major U.S. airlines are allowing flights scheduled for the next few days to be rebooked at no extra cost

By Fergus Cole

October 8, 2024

Music City will become Icelandair's 18th destination in North America in May 2025

By Fergus Cole

September 30, 2024

Fending off an activist investor, the airline known for its unique approach will make major changes

By Fergus Cole

September 27, 2024

The U.S. could follow the E.U. to require airlines to pay passengers cash when they cancel or delay flights

By Fergus Cole

September 13, 2024

An appeals court has paused the implementation of the DOT rule requiring airlines to be upfront about baggage and cancellation fees

By Fergus Cole

July 31, 2024

FAQ

What is Southwest Rapid Rewards?

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.

What are Southwest Airlines' ticketing options?

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

What are Southwest Airlines' baggage fees?

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.