Southwest Airlines: Flights, in-flight services, routes, and loyalty programs 

Southwest is one of the prominent airlines in the USA and a highly preferred Airline due to its low-cost carrier, which also makes it the fourth largest Airline in North America based on passengers carried. Southwest Airlines was founded on 9 March 1967. The airline started operating flights on 18 June 1971, and since then, the Airline has been serving flights to more than 100 destinations within 42 states. To make the booking, change, and cancellation process convenient, airlines follow flexible policies like Southwest Airlines' Cancellation Policy, refund policy, and more. Being a low-cost carrier doesn't mean the Airline compromises with the In-Flight services, although Southwest ensures to provide extra legroom space, Entertainment choices, and plenty of other services to make traveling relaxing. 

Southwest Airlines Hubs and Base Airports:

To ensure smooth connectivity and flight operations, Southwest primarily uses nine Hubs and base Airports to boost its network and provide flight connectivity to/ from numerous destinations. Usually, Southwest Airlines operates domestic and international flights from the Airports listed below, which also serve as the airline's Hubs.

• Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta Airport ATL.
• Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport BWI.
• Chicago-Midway MDW.
• Dallas-Love Field Airport DAL.
• Denver International Airport DEN.
• Willian P. Hobby Airport HOU.
• Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport LAS.
• Oakland International Airport OAK.
• Phoenix Sky-Harbor PHX. 

Popular International Destinations Served by Southwest:

Southwest Airlines serves flights to over 100 destinations, including both domestic and international destinations. Here is the list of some popular international destinations served by Southwest, as well as a few seasonal and high-demand routes with their IATA codes.

• Orlando - MCO.
• Houston - IAH.
• Denver - DEN.
• Las Vegas - LAS.
• Chicago -ORD.
• Nashville - BNA.
• Atlanta - ATL.
• Costa Rica - SJO.
• Bahamas - NAS.
• Belize - BZE.
• Cayman Islands - GCM.
• Dominican Republic - SDQ.
• Jamaica - KIN.
• San Jose - SJC.
• Fort Lauderdale - FLL.
• Austin - AUS.
• Kansas City - MCI. 

Code Share Airline Partners of Southwest Airlines: 

Currently, Southwest Airlines primarily focuses on domestic routes, due to which they do not have signed codeshare partner agreements with multiple Airlines; likewise, other renowned Airlines do. Significantly, Southwest has signed up international partnership agreement recently with two Airlines to facilitate international routes and boost connectivity.

• Iceland Air.
• China Airlines. 

Travel Classes and Onboard Services: 

Basically, Southwest Airlines offers mainly four types of classes on all its aircraft, while the onboard and on-ground services of all classes may vary. Four types of classes may include - Business Select, Anytime, Wanna Get Away Plus, and Basic. 

1. Business Select:

Southwest Airlines Business class is the premium class available on all aircraft that offers elite In-Flight services to make the passenger's journey experience unforgettable.

• Fully Refundable.
• Priority Boarding, Check-in.
• Complimentary beverages.
• Free In-Flight Wi-Fi.
• Two free checked luggage.
• Earn 14 rapid reward points. 

2. Anytime:

Anytime fare type is another premium class fare; however, it offers fewer perks and is cheaper compared to the Business Select fare.

• Refundable fare.
• Earlybird Check-in.
• Earn 10 Rapid reward points.
• Priority and Express Lane.
• Checked bag fees are applicable. 

3. Wanna Get Away Plus:

Southwest Airlines' Wanna Get Away Plus fare offers enough In-Flight services on a budget. Here is the list of benefits travelers can enjoy.

• 12 months transferable flight Credit.
• Changes are allowed, but fare differences are applicable.
• Complimentary same-day confirmed change.
• Earn up to 6 reward points.
• The checked baggage fee is applicable. 

4. Basic:

Basic fare is the standard fare class of Southwest Airlines, which is also the most selling fare type as it is budget-friendly but most restrictive. 

• No Cancellation fee.
• Flight change permit with fare upgrade.
• No same-day changes are allowed.
• The checked luggage fee is applicable.
• Earn 2 Rapid Reward points. 

How to Book a Southwest  Airlines Flight? 

Generally, there are various methods to book a Southwest Airlines Flight, such as directly via the airline's official website online, calling the customer service phone number, and at the Airport. However, numerous travelers prefer to make new reservations on Southwest Airlines online as it is a convenient and quick option instead of other methods. To book the desired flight tickets, passengers should follow the steps below. 

• To book the itinerary online, passengers should visit the Southwest Airlines official website.
• Now, the travelers should click on the Flights icon given in the menu bar.
• The passenger should fill in the details like departure/ arrival destination, travel dates, and number of travelers.
• The screen will display the available flight options, among which the traveler must choose a suitable option. 
• To confirm the reservations, the passenger should fill in their details in the field.
• After that, move to the payment page and proceed to pay the airfare to get the booking details at the registered email address. 

Southwest Airlines Cancellation and Flight Change Policy:

When travelers need to change or cancel their booked flight tickets because of a plan change or any uncertainty, there are always several queries in the traveler's mind whether Southwest Airline allow changes or cancellations. Thus, to discover adequate information, travelers should check the basic terms and conditions of the Southwest Flight Change Policy and cancellation policy to understand when passengers are liable to pay additional charges. Otherwise, take notes of the Southwest Airlines policy from the data given below.

• Southwest Airlines provides a free change/ cancellation policy that allows passengers to change or cancel their booked itinerary for free within 24 hours of purchase, but the departure must be scheduled after seven days.
• Southwest Airlines' 24-hour flexible policy applies to all non-refundable and refundable fare types; however, to change the flight ticket passenger needs to pay the fare difference. 
• When the passengers initiate the flight change or cancellation request after the grace period, Southwest Airlines is liable to impose the applicable change or cancellation fee, and there is no hidden fee.
• As per the Southwest Airlines policy, the Airline flight change or cancellation fee may vary subject to various aspects, including departure/ arrival destination, types of fare, and time of request. 
• Travelers can change or cancel the existing booking either through the Southwest Airlines official website, by calling the airline's customer service phone number, or at the Airport. 

How to Change or Cancel Your Southwest  Flight?

Travelers who are looking for How to cancel a Southwest Flight ​​​​​or change the booked flight. There are numerous ways through which travelers can effortlessly update the required changes or cancel the booked flight tickets; however online method is the quickest and most convenient way. 

• Firstly, Passengers should visit the Southwest Airlines official website.
• Then navigate to the Flight icon and select the Manage Booking option.
• Here customer should fill in the booking confirmation details to retrieve the booking.
• After that, select your flight number and then click on the change/ cancel icon.
• To confirm the changes or cancel the booking passenger must follow further instructions.
• Once the traveler has paid the penalties Airline will send the change/ cancel notification to the valid email address. 

Southwest  Airlines Loyalty Program:

Southwest Airlines' loyalty program is also renowned as the Rapid Rewards, which lets their members earn miles for every flight ticket purchase, and they can also redeem earned miles to get a discount on the original fares. Besides flight fare, members are also eligible to redeem these miles to get discount deals on hotel stays, car rentals, and more. To learn more about how to join and the key benefits of the Airline Loyalty Program, check the following data.

How to join the Southwest Airlines Loyalty Program?

Travelers can easily join the Southwest Airlines Loyalty Program - Rapid Rewards by following a few simple steps.

• You should navigate to the Southwest Airlines official website.
• Now go to the Rapid Rewards section, and select it.
• Here, select the Sign me up now option to join the membership.
• Passengers should be required to fill in the relevant details in the given form and click on the submit icon.
• When you join the Southwest Airlines Loyalty Program, you will start earning miles. 

​​​​​​​Benefits of the Rapid Rewards: 

Undeniably, Rapid Rewards offers plenty of benefits that are only accessible to loyalty program members. To know what benefits members can enjoy, take a look at the data below.

• Redeem miles for flights, hotels, and car rentals.
• Unlimited reward seats.
• Reward points don't expire.
• Earn points for flight booking and shopping using the Southwest Airlines co-branded credit cards. 

Southwest Airlines ​​​​​​​Refund Policy and Eligibility:

If you need to cancel the booking for any reason, and are wondering does the fare is refundable or not, then make sure to check the basic points of the Southwest Refund Policy that is discussed below. 

• Southwest Airlines does provide a complete refund when the travelers request the refund within 24 hours of purchase, and the flight must be scheduled after seven business days. 
• The airline does provide a refund of the flight ticket if passengers have purchased a refundable fare, whereas for non-refundable no refund for the flight ticket will be credited except the applicable fee and service charges. 
• Southwest Airlines' refund process will take a minimum of seven business days to credit the flight ticket value to the original payment method only. 
• To request a refund, passengers can contact the airline's customer service officials or visit the airline's official website to make an online request. 

​​​​​​​Seat Upgrades with Southwest  Airlines: 

To experience the premium services, passengers can request a seat upgrade with Southwest Airlines up to a few hours before the flight departure time; however, the seat upgrade is based on availability, and passengers need to pay the difference in fare difference to confirm the upgrade. 

• To purchase the seat upgrade, travelers should visit the Southwest Airlines official website.
• Select the Manage Booking option given under the Flight section.
• Now type the booking reference code and last name and click on search.
• Passenger must select their flight number to retrieve the booking.
• After that, select the seat upgrade and browse the seat map to check the availability.
• Travelers must choose the desired seat and confirm the purchase by paying the difference in fare. 

​​​​​​​Southwest Airlines Pet Policy:

For a smooth journey with your pet with Southwest Airlines, it is important to check the key points of the airline's Pet policy to understand the eligibility. 

• Southwest Airlines allows only vaccinated domestic cats and dogs onboard.
• Pet owners should ensure that their pet is carried inside the kennel throughout the flight.
• To fly with a Pet, passengers should pay the pet fare, which may vary subject to fare type and departure/ arrival destinations. 
• The pet should be at least 8 weeks old to travel with Southwest Airlines.  

Southwest Airlines Name and Date of Birth Corrections:

Southwest allows passengers' names under certain conditions and fare types; however, date of birth correction is not permitted on booked fares, although the passenger needs to cancel a Southwest flight online to update the correct date of birth. 

• To raise a name correction request, travelers should contact Southwest Airlines on call directly.
• Southwest Airlines allows travelers to update only minor corrections, including a few letters.
• To complete the verification, the passenger must attach a valid government ID proof that contains the correct name spelling.
• Travelers can raise the name correction request at least up to 24 hours before the flight departure time. 

​​​​​​​Southwest Airlines discounted fares:

Airlines do provide multiple offers throughout the year. 

• Military discount: Southwest Military discount is available for active military personnel, which allows them to save money on airfares and offers other perks like free extra baggage allowance and more. 
• Special fares: Airlines introduce special exclusive deals on certain routes on the official website; however, these deals are available only for a limited period. 

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​How to Use a Southwest Airlines Promo Code or Coupon?

To use a Southwest Airlines promo code and coupon, passengers should know the basic steps.

• You should open the Southwest Airlines official website.
• Go to the book section and enter the promo code in the respective column.
• Then fill in the details to search the flight options.
• The screen will show the options with discounted fares.
• Select the desired one and proceed to book it.
• To confirm the booking, pay the discounted fare. 

​​​​​​​Tips for Finding Last-Minute Southwest  Flight Deals:

To grab the low-fare last-minute deal on Southwest Airlines, passengers should prefer to use the effective tricks mentioned below.

• Frequent flyers should join the Rapid Rewards program to unlock rewards as well as exclusive travel deals to save money at the last minute.
• Another way to grab the best deal is to subscribe to the airline's newsletter so that you will receive notifications when airfares are low.
• Passengers should book a connecting flight instead of a direct flight.
• To save money on airfares, travelers should prefer to fly on weekdays. 

International Travel Guidelines with Southwest  Airlines:

Travelers should ensure to fulfill the International travel guidelines for hassle-free boarding.

• Passengers should bring a valid passport that has six months' validity.
• For smooth verification, bring a valid Visa.
• Travelers should bring the required health certificate if they are flying to international destinations due to medical reasons. 
• Check the Southwest Airlines baggage allowance to avoid delays. 

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Cheapest Time to Book a Flight with Southwest Airlines:

Nowadays, everyone wishes to make the trip budget-friendly, but it can be possible by applying a few smart tricks as listed below. 

• Passengers should always prefer to book the flight tickets on the cheapest days, like Tuesday–Wednesday, when the airfares fluctuate based on demand. 
• To find the cheapest flight with Southwest Airlines, travelers should consider booking the airfares in advance, at least a few weeks/ months before departure. 
• Another hack to save money on airfares is to book red-eye flights instead of daylight flights, which are automatically cheaper based on demand.
• To avoid compromising the budget trip, it would be best to fly during off off-season. 

Frequently Asked Questions :

Can I get a refund if I cancel?

Southwest Airlines does provide a complete refund when the passengers consider canceling the booked flight within the same day of purchase, and the flight departure is scheduled after seven days. 

What happens if I miss my flight?

When the traveler misses the Southwest Flight for Business select or Anytime fare, the Airline is liable to provide the transferrable flight credits; however, for other fares, no refund will be credited. 

How to reschedule a Southwest flight?

There are multiple methods available to reschedule a Southwest Flight, including the Manage Booking option website/ App, calling the airline's customer service phone number, and at the Airport check-in counter. 

Does Southwest have assigned seating?

Currently, Southwest does not have assigned seating because the Airline follows an open seating policy, thus making the passengers' journey convenient and relaxing. 

Can I bring my pet on board?

Generally, Southwest allows its travelers to bring their pets on board; however, the Airline only permits vaccinated domestic dogs and cats in the cabin when the pet meets the standard eligibility of Southwest Airlines to avoid the inconvenience at the last minute.