How It All Started

• Founding and growth: Southwest Airlines got its start back in 1967, thanks to two ambitious founders, Herb Kelleher and Rollin King. They kicked things off with short, no-fuss flights between Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio. It wasn’t long before the airline took off—literally and figuratively. By the 1980s and 1990s, it had become a major player across the U.S. Unlike most other airlines, Southwest has remained profitable for decades, thanks to a smart business model focused on keeping costs low and flights efficient.

Why Southwest Feels Different From the Rest

• No sneaky fees: One of the biggest perks? What you see is what you get. Your ticket price includes two checked bags, no extra fees to change your flight, and no charges for seat selection—because, well, there aren’t any assigned seats. It’s refreshing in an industry where hidden fees seem to be everywhere.
• Flexibility that actually works: Plans change, and Southwest understands that. They make it simple to cancel or change your flight without extra fees. If your new flight costs less, you’ll get the price difference as travel credit. If you cancel, you can receive either travel funds or a refund, depending on your fare.
• Open seating = first come, first served: Southwest doesn’t assign seats. Instead, they use a boarding group system: A, B, and C, each with numbers from 1 to 60. The earlier you check in, the better your spot in line. It’s a first-come, first-served deal that works surprisingly well once you get the hang of it.
• Entertainment without the extra charge: Southwest doesn’t have seatback TVs, but offers free entertainment through onboard WiFi, letting you stream live TV, movies, and music to your phone or tablet.
• Yes, your bags fly free: That’s right—two checked bags per passenger are included. In a world where most airlines charge for just about everything, this is a big deal, especially for families or anyone who doesn’t pack light.

Where Southwest Flies and What Planes They Use

• Fleet simplicity: Southwest keeps things simple with its aircraft. The entire fleet is made up of Boeing 737s. This makes maintenance easier and cuts costs, which helps keep fares low.
• Destinations: Southwest flies to over 120 cities in the U.S., Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. Their top hubs are Chicago Midway, Denver, Las Vegas, Baltimore, and Dallas Love Field. With a point‑to‑point network, you avoid long layovers and extra detours.

What It’s Like Onboard a Southwest Flight

• The seats and setup: Southwest only offers one class—economy. But the seats are roomy enough, the cabins are clean, and you’re not crammed in like sardines. Most seats have a pitch of 31 to 33 inches, which is fairly generous by industry standards.
• How boarding works: Your boarding position depends on when you check in. The earlier, the better. You can also pay for EarlyBird Check-In, which gets you a better boarding position without having to check in 24 hours before your flight.
• Snacks, drinks, and extras: You’ll get free snacks and soft drinks on every flight. On longer routes, you might get a little more variety. Alcoholic drinks are available, but they’re not free.
• Wi-Fi access: Most of the planes have Wi-Fi. It’s not free, but it’s affordable—just $8 per day per device. It’s good enough for emails, browsing, and even a bit of streaming.

How the Rapid Rewards Program Works

• Earning points: Points depend on how much you spend, not miles flown. Cheap fares earn fewer points; Business Select earns the most. Points never expire or have blackout dates, so you can use them anytime.
• Spending points: You can use your points for flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and even gift cards. Flight redemption is straightforward—the more expensive the flight in cash, the more points you’ll need.
• Elite status and perks: There are two elite tiers: A-List and A-List Preferred. A-List gets you priority boarding, bonus points, and standby perks. A-List Preferred ups the ante with free in-flight Wi-Fi and even more bonus points. But the real prize is the Companion Pass. Once you earn it, a companion of your choice flies with you for free (just pay taxes) for the rest of the year and all of the next.

All the Travel Policies You Need to Know

• Luggage allowance: Two free checked bags, plus one carry-on and a personal item. Oversized or overweight bags incur extra fees, but they’re pretty reasonable.
• Flight changes and cancellations: You can change or cancel free up to 10 minutes before departure; you’ll get a refund or travel credit based on your fare.
• Bringing pets and getting help: You can bring small cats or dogs onboard for a fee. The airline also offers plenty of assistance for passengers with special needs, including pre-boarding and seating support.

The Ups and Downs of Flying Southwest

What we love:

• Transparent pricing
• Two checked bags for free
• Flexible change and cancellation policies
• Free in-flight entertainment
• Easy-to-use loyalty program

What’s not so great:

• No first-class or long-haul international flights
• Wi-Fi isn’t free
• Food options are limited
• The open seating system can be confusing to first-time flyers

Tips to Make Your Southwest Trip Even Better

• Book early for the best prices: You won’t find Southwest on most flight comparison websites. Check their official site for sales and cheap fares. They run promotions all the time, and the sooner you book, the better the deal.
• Consider EarlyBird Check-In: Paying a little extra for EarlyBird Check-In can save you from getting stuck with a middle seat. It’s especially helpful when you’re flying with kids or in a group.
• Watch for fare drops: If you already booked your ticket and notice the price has dropped, you can rebook at the lower rate and get the difference in travel credit. Not many airlines offer that kind of perk.
• Don’t overpack your carry-on: Even though you get two checked bags, overhead space is still limited. If you want to keep your carry-on close, check in early or pay for EarlyBird.
• Know what you’re booking: Southwest has three fare types.
  • Wanna Get Away is the cheapest and most restrictive but still flexible.
  • Anytime fares are refundable and offer more flexibility.
  • Business Select gives you bonus points, early boarding, and a complimentary drink.

Conclusion

Southwest Airlines has stayed true to what it does best—offering low fares, flexible policies, and a travel experience that doesn’t feel like a battle. With a customer-first mindset, two free checked bags, and a reliable flight schedule, it’s no wonder so many people choose Southwest time and time again. Whether you’re heading to the beach, visiting family, or traveling for business, Southwest keeps the journey simple and affordable.

Key Takeaway: If you’re looking for an airline that doesn’t nickel-and-dime you, offers flexibility, and keeps things straightforward, Southwest Airlines might be exactly what you need.

FAQs

Can I upgrade to a better seat on Southwest?

No, all seats are economy, and there’s no upgrade to business or first class. You can, however, get a better boarding position by purchasing EarlyBird Check-In or upgrading to Business Select.

What happens if my Southwest flight is canceled due to weather?

You can rebook your flight or get a full refund. Travel credit options are also available, depending on your fare type.

Does Southwest offer in-flight meals?

Meals aren’t included, but you get snacks and drinks. You can bring your own food, too.

How do I get the Companion Pass?

To get the Companion Pass, you need to take 100 one-way flights or earn 135,000 Rapid Rewards points in one year.

Can I use Southwest travel credits for someone else?

No, travel credits are non-transferable and must be used by the person whose name is on the original ticket.