Southwest Airlines

[gp0560]

Southwest is coming to our local airport. What are your suggestions and tips for someone who has never flown on Southwest before?

[unsub2O17]

I use Southwest almost exclusively. Lately, I haven't found that they're particularly cheaper than other airlines, but they're remarkably prompt and efficient. Baggage is handled roughly, but they're very generous with carry on so go that way if you can. If you want your pick of seat, opt for what's called the "early bird" offer (usually $10 each way). Otherwise, be sure to check-in as close to 24 hr. before take-off time as possible. Their rewards card (Visa) does give free flights, but, again, not particularly generously. They do serve drinks, but only small snacks for food (peanuts, pretzels, cheeze-its), so bring your own for a longer flight. There's only one class of seats, but they're roomy enough for me. Not that many non-stops unless you're only traveling about 500 miles. They're informal, but I find them fun.

[jimboivyo]

you fly with the 'kettles' when you fly SWA. their fuel hedge is gone and so are their cheap fares

[+ azdr0710]

sign up for their Rapid Rewards frequent-flier program at their website and opt in for email announcements....they are now having a killer sale thru Thurs the 7th, announced in an email....sales are often, but restrictions apply....as unsub says, their "early bird" program automatically checks you in at 24 hours ahead of time so you get early boarding and you don't have to be at your computer or smartphone to check in....but I usually check myself in for the outbound flight and only use early-bird for the return as I'm usually not near a computer during my trip....all planes are 3 and 3 across, so late checker-iners will have to sit in the middle if the plane is full....formerly well-known for being nearly fee-free, Southwest is now very slowly joining the extra fee camp, much to the chagrin of regular fliers....slightly nicer snacks on longer flights....their affinity credit card mentioned by unsub is hobbled by a high annual fee and free flights don't come as easy as they did a couple years ago with the card....I was lucky, two years ago, to sign up for their card with NO annual fee, use it once for a tank of gas, and receive two free round-trips to anywhere they go....and, of course, being Pa Kettle, I cancelled the card before the annual fee kicked in at the end of a year

 

despite jimboi's perennial stuffy attitude, the airline is legendary for friendly service, efficient operation, and quick turnarounds....almost no airline can only cater to non-Kettles these days.....you'll stand in line to board based on your boarding letter/number....

[EZEtoGRU]

I've never been on Southwest as there's no first class cabin. Having said that, as economy class travel goes, they're meant to be pretty good. I understand one can check at least one bag free and also make flight changes without a penalty. A friend of my that travels infrequently and in coach quite likes them.

[KMEM]

Don't be so elitist, EZE. Regular folks do lots of things to achieve their goals and that includes riding on SW.

 

Best regards

KMEM

[Frequentflier]

I wonder what the economics for airlines would be if they 1) reduced the number of seats & increased their size 2) eliminated frequent flier freebies including flights 3) served a decent meal on every flight over XX number of minutes/hours 4) eliminated the baggage fees for the first bag per person under a certain size/weight (the bag - not the person) 5) eliminated those dumb 4 cylinder (haha) planes that nobody finds comfortable regardless of how short the flight is and 6) possibly adjusted fares (if necessary)? Everyone would then have a better travel experience - including those in first class (who deal with for example people in economy trying to put baggage in the first class section). I've spent extra money to fly United to keep some Elite status which helps reduce the cattle like flying experience. Even First Class in United is no great experience anymore - one just keeps comparing it to Economy and it therefore feels better. Going to Europe I fly Lufthansa Business (and they don't upgrade "free" like United does) and its a good experience - the way First Class used to be when I was a kid.

[EZEtoGRU]

Don't be so elitist, EZE. Regular folks do lots of things to achieve their goals and that includes riding on SW.

You seemingly did not read my post as I gave Southwest a thumbs up for what it is. I know lots of folks that don't fly Southwest because there is no first class cabin. I don't consider them to be elitest. I also know folks who do fly Southwest and I do not consider them "kettles". We all make choices in life and how one flies is one of them. Get over it.

[KMEM]

You seemingly did not read my post as I gave Southwest a thumbs up for what it is. I know lots of folks that don't fly Southwest because there is no first class cabin. I don't consider them to be elitest. I also know folks who do fly Southwest and I do not consider them "kettles". We all make choices in life and how one flies is one of them. Get over it.

 

I am long "over it". I was only trying to point out what was seemingly an elitist attitude and you have said nothing to presuade me otherwise. Making choices is an elitist attitude of its' own. I do whatever is necessarly to get the job done regardless of the class of flight, etc. Personally, I "choose" to not ride any airlines if I can accomplish my task otherwise, but, if it requires riding on SW or Air Trans or whoever, I shall. Otherwise, you may look for me at any friendly FBO where I can avoid all airline BS.

 

Best regards,

KMEM

[EZEtoGRU]

I am long "over it". I was only trying to point out what was seemingly an elitist attitude and you have said nothing to presuade me otherwise. Making choices is an elitist attitude of its' own. I do whatever is necessarly to get the job done regardless of the class of flight, etc. Personally, I "choose" to not ride any airlines if I can accomplish my task otherwise, but, if it requires riding on SW or Air Trans or whoever, I shall. Otherwise, you may look for me at any friendly FBO where I can avoid all airline BS.

Sorry KMEM you've lost me with this post. Have a great day.

[EZEtoGRU]

Personally, I "choose" to not ride any airlines if I can accomplish my task otherwise, but, if it requires riding on SW or Air Trans or whoever

KMEM

BTW, what is Air Trans? Is that a new airline for shemales?

[jimboivyo]

Sorry KMEM you've lost me with this post. Have a great day.

 

i think he was directing it all to me. while snarky, my comments were true to myself

 

elitist yes, but I've never admitted to less.

[KMEM]

EZE-

 

Sorry that you do not "get it". You remind me of folks who say the "garbage collectors" do a great job but I would never do that. Why not? Someone has to do that job and why should you be "too good" to do it? You aren't, of course. Now, I am not calling you a garbage collector or saying that you can not do something to make more money and/or contribute at least that amount to society.

 

But, there is not doubt that you have an elitist attitude. Try to get over it.

 

Best regards,

KMEM

[+ deej]

http://www.dfapam.com/pics/troll.jpg

[Steven_Draker]

I understand one can check at least one bag free

 

... make that TWO checked bags free of charge :-)

 

I fly Southwest quite often when I travel domestically in the US. SW had pretty interesting fares when I used them back in 2012. Haven't checked their fares recently. The service they offer is friendly, efficient, the flights are (mostly) on time and the folks from SW get things done. Having said that I'm not looking to be "pampered" on a short domestic flight. I'm looking for the most direct flight possible (I'm not fond of connections) and getting to my destination in one piece. ;-)

 

Tip for gp0560: Check in online as much closer to 24 hours ahead of your flight to get in the first (group A) boarding the plane.

[Frequentflier]

Does Southwest have a cell phone APP that can be used to check in when someone doesn't have access to a computer? Might help with that "24 hour thing". United does and I use that frequently.

[whipped guy]

Southwest does have a cell phone app. Plus, Steven's post is right in the mark. I have been doing the SW thing for over a year now. Their staff is as friendly as it gets at 35,000 feet...

[EZEtoGRU]

I'm surprised KMEM hasn't raised the evil TSA yet in this thread.....it's bound to happen.

 

Back on topic. What US airline provides the best economy class experience domestically. My gut tells me it would be Virgin America, Southwest, or JetBlue? I haven't been on any of them.

 

To Steven's point about Southwest being friendly during the flight, I've heard that as well. They seem to try having an upbeat and fun atmosphere during the flight. One of my friends flights with Southwest saw one of the flight attendants lead the plane in singing the Beverley Hillbillies theme song mid-flight. My friend thought it was a hoot.

[KMEM]

http://www.dfapam.com/pics/troll.jpg

 

If you are trying to persuade me to move on you are doing a reasonable job of same. You are the biggest troll on this site. I am having fun on another site so keep pushing.

 

Best regards,

KMEM

[gp0560]

Back on topic. What US airline provides the best economy class experience domestically.

 

Mmm, not exactly. This is my thread and I'm looking for suggestions about Southwest. I'm getting some good ones, so please take the more general question elsewhere.

 

One of my friends flights with Southwest saw one of the flight attendants lead the plane in singing the Beverley Hillbillies theme song mid-flight. My friend thought it was a hoot.

 

Oh Lordy, the last thing I want on a flight is this group jollity shit. Just leave me alone with my Kindle, thank you very much.

[EZEtoGRU]

Oh Lordy, the last thing I want on a flight is this group jollity shit. Just leave me alone with my Kindle, thank you very much.

Then Southwest may not be for you. It's all fun and games on those birds.

[corndog]

From my perspective, Southwest used to be considered the "no frills" airline because they didn't serve meals, and offered limited amenities on flights. However, in the last few years, the level of service on most U.S. domestic carriers has gone so far downhill that I consider Southwest's service superior to most "full service" carriers. On Southwest, at least they give you peanuts and friendly service; most other carriers now charge for snacks (as well as luggage and anything else they can think of).

[down_to_business]

Southwest is coming to our local airport. What are your suggestions and tips for someone who has never flown on Southwest before?

 

I fly on southwest often, mostly because its the only airline that operates a direct flight between my home city airport and Las Vegas, the city I visit the most. If all things were equal, I think Southwest would be my second choice to Jet Blue, but definitely above United, American, and US Air. Southwest no longer has the best fares and their fares are not searchable on travel sites like Expedia, Travelocity and Priceline. This is for reasons discussed (their fuel hedging strategy) and more recently because all other major carriers have gone through bankruptcy courts allowing them to slash labor costs while heavily unionized southwest has not. Southwest does have competitive fares in some markets.

 

Most of the high points have been discussed on this thread already and several good suggestions were made.

* join the frequent flyer club

* first 2 bags free

* check-in exactly 24 hours before your flight to get the best possible boarding pass number (they board numerically in groups of 60 in the following order- preboarders, business select (AKA A1 - A15) then the rest of A group (A16-60), family boarding, B group 1-60 and lastly C group 1-60).

 

The best aspect of Southwest, not discussed, is the ability to change reservations with out penalty- even on the cheap fares by simply paying the difference in fares. This is such a good thing that they will actually give you a credit if the fare is lower when you re-book. You then have a certain period of time to apply the credit to future travel for the named passenger only. You will not get a cash refund and you will not be able to make a reservation for someone else using such a credit in your name- but this is the most liberal credit policy of any other airline I have seen with regards to non-refundable fares.

[whipped guy]

Being able to switch flights due to changes in plans or fares is one reason why I have been flying SW. In fact I know someone who changed flights numerous times due to various family issues and never lost a penny...

[rvwnsd]

Southwest has grown up. Rarely do they lead their passengers in sing-alongs. In fact, in the last ten years I have never been on a flight where a sing-along occurred. I find their baggage handling techniques to be no different than other carriers, aside from the fact that they rarely mis-route them. Regarding checked vs carry-on, I think the airlines ought to charge extra for carry-on and allow two bags to be checked without charge. Why? Because passengers (like me) who check their bags put a coat or small backpack in the bit and sit down and when the flight is over they get up, collect their few belongings and are ready to de-plane. The people who carry on their suitcases take more time to load and unload the compartments, which wastes everyone's time.