Flying Southwest Airlines for the First Time? Everything You Need to Know

If you’re flying with Southwest Airlines for the first time, there are a few things you need to know. Unlike most airlines, Southwest has some unique policies. From its boarding process to its baggage policies, this guide will walk you through everything to help make your first trip smooth and enjoyable.

Southwest Airlines is known for its affordable flights, friendly service, and customer-first policies. Whether you’re flying domestically or to one of their international destinations, Southwest offers a low-cost flying experience without the frills or extra fees many travelers have come to expect from other carriers.

What Makes Southwest Airlines Unique?

Founded in 1971, Southwest Airlines has grown into one of the biggest low-cost carriers in the U.S. It offers services to more than 100 destinations, including Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. The airline is well known for its transparency, particularly in pricing, and its no hidden fees policy.

Some key points about Southwest that set it apart:

• No baggage fees for your first two checked bags.
• No change fees if you need to switch your flight (though a difference in fare may apply).
• No assigned seating, with a first-come, first-served boarding process.

These features make flying with Southwest Airlines both affordable and stress-free for many travelers.

How to Book a Flight with Southwest Airlines

Booking with Southwest is a little different than booking with other airlines. The first thing to know is that you won’t find Southwest flights listed on third-party booking sites. To book your ticket, you need to go directly to Southwest’s website or use their mobile app.

Using the Southwest Low-Fare Calendar

One of the best tools for booking a Southwest flight is their Low-Fare Calendar. This tool shows the cheapest flights available over an entire month. It’s a great option for travelers with flexible dates who want to find the best deals.

To use the Low-Fare Calendar:

• Go to Southwest’s website.
• Select the “Low-Fare Calendar” option under the Flights tab.
• Enter your origin, destination, and the month you plan to travel.

This will show you the lowest fare for each day of that month, helping you make an informed decision. Booking a flight directly through Southwest also ensures you get access to all their benefits, like no change fees and free checked bags.

Southwest Fare Types

Southwest offers three fare types: Wanna Get Away, Anytime, and Business Select. Here’s a brief look at each:

• Wanna Get Away: The cheapest option, great for budget travelers.
• Anytime: A flexible fare that allows for refunds and changes.
• Business Select: The highest fare, offering priority boarding, more points, and other perks.

For first-time flyers, the Wanna Get Away fare is usually the best value, but if you want more flexibility, you might prefer the Anytime option.

Southwest’s Baggage Policy

One of the biggest perks of flying Southwest is their baggage policy. Unlike most airlines that charge for checked bags, Southwest allows you to check two bags for free. This policy is particularly useful for travelers who pack heavy or are traveling with family.

Checked Baggage

• First and second checked bags are free.
• Bags over 50 pounds incur a $75 overweight fee.
• Extra bags (beyond the two free ones) also cost $75 each.

Carry-On Baggage

You can bring one carry-on bag and one personal item (like a purse or laptop bag) for free. Your carry-on must fit in the overhead bin, and your personal item must fit under the seat.

Understanding Southwest’s Boarding Process

One of the more unique features of flying Southwest Airlines is their boarding process. Unlike most airlines, Southwest doesn’t assign seats. Instead, they use a boarding group system.

When you check in for your flight (24 hours before departure), you’ll be assigned a boarding group—A, B, or C—and a position number within that group. Passengers board in order, and once you’re on the plane, you can pick any available seat.

Tips for Getting a Good Boarding Position

If you want to get the best seat possible, you should check in exactly 24 hours before your flight to secure an early boarding position. You can also purchase EarlyBird Check-In, which automatically checks you in 36 hours before departure for a fee, giving you a better spot.

Southwest’s In-Flight Experience

Southwest focuses on providing a simple, no-frills in-flight experience. The airline operates Boeing 737 aircraft, with every seat being part of a single-class configuration. Here’s what to expect when you’re on board:

Seating

All of Southwest’s planes are equipped with economy seats. Seating is open, so it’s first-come, first-served. If you’re boarding early, you’ll have more choices—such as securing a window or aisle seat.

In-Flight Entertainment

Southwest offers free in-flight entertainment, but you’ll need to use your own device. You can stream TV shows, movies, and music through the Southwest mobile app. The airline also offers free live TV on most flights.

Snacks and Drinks

Southwest doesn’t offer full meals, but they do provide complimentary snacks and drinks on all flights. On longer flights, you might be able to purchase snack boxes for a small fee.

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is available on most Southwest flights for a fee of around $8 per device. You can use it for general web browsing or checking emails, but streaming can be a bit slow.

Southwest’s Frequent Flyer Program: Rapid Rewards

If you plan to fly frequently, signing up for Southwest’s Rapid Rewards program is a great idea. It’s one of the more straightforward frequent flyer programs, allowing you to earn points on every flight you take.

Earning Points

You’ll earn points based on the price of your fare, with higher fare classes earning more points. You can also earn points by using Southwest’s co-branded credit cards or through partner programs like hotels and car rentals.

Redeeming Points

Points can be redeemed for flights, gift cards, and even hotel stays. One of the benefits of Rapid Rewards is that there are no blackout dates, so you can book any available flight with your points.

Additional Tips for First-Time Flyers with Southwest

Here are a few more tips to help you make the most of your first experience flying Southwest:

• Set a Reminder for Check-In: Since boarding groups are assigned based on when you check in, set an alarm or reminder for 24 hours before your flight to get a better spot.
• Use the Low-Fare Calendar: If you’re flexible with your travel dates, the Low-Fare Calendar can help you find the cheapest flight.
• Sign Up for Rapid Rewards: Even if it’s your first flight, signing up for Rapid Rewards is free and lets you start earning points immediately.

Final Thoughts on Flying with Southwest Airlines

Flying Southwest Airlines for the first time might be a different experience compared to other airlines, but the perks of free checked bags, no change fees, and a focus on affordable fares make it a great choice for many travelers. By understanding their unique policies, you’ll be able to navigate your trip easily and save money along the way.

For anyone looking to take advantage of Southwest’s low-cost flights, being prepared and familiar with the airline’s offerings can go a long way in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey. Whether you’re traveling for business, a family vacation, or just a quick weekend getaway, Southwest’s combination of budget-friendly fares and flexible policies makes it a top choice for U.S. travelers.