Flying is already more stressful than 50% of things on Planet Earth on many occasions.
Southwest at Orlando International Airport
You’re juggling making sure traffic will get you to the airport hours ahead of takeoff, making sure you didn’t accidentally pack some prohibited weapon or substance in your bag without knowing (just me? Okay then, moving on), ensuring you make it to your gate in plenty of time with all your people and bags intact, among 14 million other things. On top of that, some airlines have different rules or function differently than others, and you may be caught off guard. If you’re flying with Southwest soon, here are some rules you need to know before you get to the airport.
No Change or Cancel Fees!
Did something happen and now you need to change your flight, or worse, cancel it all together? No worries, Southwest has you covered with no change or cancel fees!
©Southwest Airlines
Now, there are a few exceptions here. If you cancel your flight within 10 minutes of your takeoff time, you may be facing some fees. If you’re changing your flight and your new one is more expensive, you likely will have to pay the difference between the two.
What to do if your flight to Disney World is canceled AGAINST your wishes
Open Seating
On Southwest, unlike other airlines, they have completely open seating. While this means you can choose where you sit, it also means you’re not guaranteed to sit with your family or friends.
Southwest Cabin
On Southwest, there is no such thing as Economy and Business Class/First Class. Here they have Wanna Get Away (the lowest tier), Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, or Business Select (the highest tier). But these don’t decide where you sit, only what additional perks you get on the flight, such as free internet, automatic check-in, the express lane, etc. While open seating is often great for solo travelers, for families and larger groups, it’s not as ideal.
Southwest unveiled their newest seats, and the Internet is roasting them
REALLY Pay Attention To Your Boarding Information
Southwest’s boarding process is also different than most other airlines — instead of only being assigned a boarding group and rushing the gate with everyone else when that group is called, you’re assigned a Boarding Letter AND a number, and they both matter.
Sunset on a Southwest plane
You’ll either be in Boarding Group A, B, or C, and also be given a number between 1-60. When your letter is called, you’ll need to line up in order on either side of the boarding pillars, which have numbers on them. It’s a process that’s worked for them for years, but many people who haven’t flown with them before are a little surprised!
Southwest CHANGED its boarding process last year — read about the changes here
Flight Credits Don’t Expire!
Now this one’s really exciting — if you’ve received flight credits from canceled flights, being a rewards member, etc., those points don’t expire!
Southwest airplane
Like, they NEVER expire! Now, there is a little caveat here — it’s only for points received after July 28th, 2022. If you have points from before that point, you can contact Southwest to see when they expire. These points can be used towards future flights, which can take a large chunk off your final payment.
Check out the big changes Southwest announced were coming to their Rewards Program!
ALL THE BAGS!
One of Southwest’s main bragging points is that they offer 2 free checked bags to all their passengers, no matter what tier they’re flying.
©Southwest
Additionally, you’ll be able to bring a carry-on and personal item onto the plane for free as well. The carry-on must be able to fit in the overhead bin, and your personal item is considered to be things like a purse, briefcase, laptop computer case, backpack, pillow, blanket, or small camera.
Southwest is cracking down on carry-on bags — read more about it here!
We’re always here to bring you the latest travel news, tips, and tricks, so your next vacation goes as smoothly as possible. So stay tuned to our blog!
Check out the new $49 ticket deal Southwest announced!
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I always fly Southwest everytime I go to Florida. I just love the flight attendance. There always very kind & helpful. When I fly i always bring them a little something going & coming. They always say that’s so nice. I think other flyers should do the same. Sometimes they put up w/ alot of crap & it’s unacceptable & disrespectful. They are only doing there job. Give them a break. Great job all & be safe flying. See you in July 2024.
Lately I’ve noticed a trend that annoys me. People traveling in groups have one passenger purchase priority seating or possibly get to board early due to a disability then they save all 3 seats in a row for the rest of their friends who can board at any time and have great seats. Perhaps flight attendants can somehow discourage or disallow this trend