Southwest Airlines

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Overview

Southwest Airlines was founded in 1971 offering its first service between Dallas, Houston and San Antonio, Texas. Since then the airline has expanded to serve 64 cities across the country with 3,400 flights each day. The airline has carried over 101.9 million passengers to date, and continues to be one of the most-recognized airlines in the United States.

Where do they fly

Southwest flies to 64 cities in 32 states including Ontario, Orange County, Orlando, Sacramento, Providence, Pittsburgh, Phoenix, Albany, Cleveland, Detroit, El Paso, Houston, Manchester, Lubbock and Salt Lake City amongst others. Top airports include Las Vegas, Chicago Midway, Phoenix, Baltimore/Washington, and Oakland.

Contact information

Phone number
Reservations: 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792)

Website
www.southwest.com

Check in

Customers may check in for their flight and receive their boarding pass and Rapid Rewards credit online, at the Skycap Podium (in select locations), Ticket Counter, Departure Gate, or E-Ticket Check-In kiosk. Passengers can obtain an e-ticket to check in at the airport using a check-in kiosk service station. Boarding passes can be obtained at the Departure Gate 20 minutes before the scheduled flight.

Baggage

Carry on
One piece of carryon and one personal item are permitted on each flight; carryon bags can not be larger than 10x16x24 inches, and must fit securely in an overhead bin.

Checked
Southwest offers no first or second checked bag fees. Each passenger may take up to two checked pieces per flight, with a maximum weight of 50 pounds and maximum size of 62 linear inches.

Additional bags
Excess bag charges of $25 for the third bag and $50 for the 4th through ninth bag will be incurred on all flights. Customers who take any additional bags beyond the 9th bag will be charged $110 per piece. Overweight items weighing between 51-70 pounds will incur a charge of $25, and items larger than 62 inches but less than 80 inches will incur a charge of $50 per item. Items weighing more than 100 lbs. must be shipped as cargo.

Passenger change details

Passengers may make cancellations online using their confirmation number and first and last name; changes can only be made on fully-refundable tickets.

Child fares

Children under 2 years of age can travel for free if they can sit comfortably on an adult's lap. Youth fares are available for passengers between the ages of 12 and 22, and these vary by destination and must be booked through a reservation center.

Senior fares

Senior fares are available for individuals who are 65 years or older, and fares vary by destination and route. Discounts are available when booking through the reservations phone number or online.

Pets

Service animals are accepted on board Southwest Airlines, but other animals and pets are not permitted on any flight.

Carrying Musical Instruments

Musical instruments that do not meet carryon sizing requirements can be strapped into a seat if the seat has been paid for. Otherwise, musical instruments will be taken aboard as checked baggage.

In-flight service

Southwest Airlines offers non-alcoholic beverages at no charge; these include Coca Cola products, juice, hot cocoa, tea and carbonated water. Energy drinks, beer, wine and cocktails are available for purchase on every flight.

Air miles

Rapid Rewards

Airline food (menus)

Southwest Airlines serves light snacks on flights that are at least two hours long, and packaged snacks on non-stop flights. Beverages are always complimentary, with the exception of alcoholic drinks and energy drinks which cost between $3-$4 per serving.

In-flight Magazine

Southwest Airlines publishes the Spirit in-flight magazine.

Airline Alliances

None.