Flying with Southwest Airlines can be an enjoyable and hassle-free experience if you know how to make the most of what they offer. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or new to Southwest, these tips will help you maximize your travel experience, making your journey smoother, more comfortable, and more rewarding.
1. Take Advantage of the Free Checked Bags
One of the best things about Southwest Airlines is their generous baggage policy. Unlike most airlines that charge for checked bags, Southwest allows you to check two bags for free. This can save you a significant amount of money, especially if you’re traveling with family or for an extended period.
Tip: Make sure your checked bags are within the weight limit of 50 pounds to avoid any extra fees.
2. Sign Up for Rapid Rewards
Southwest Airlines’ Rapid Rewards program is free to join and offers great benefits for frequent flyers. Every time you fly, you earn points that can be redeemed for free flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and more. The more you fly, the faster you’ll rack up points, and with no blackout dates, you can use your points whenever it suits you.
Tip: Consider getting a Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card to earn points on everyday purchases and receive additional travel perks.
3. Check In Early for the Best Seats
Southwest has an open seating policy, which means there are no assigned seats. Instead, you’ll board in groups based on when you check in. The earlier you check in, the better your boarding position, giving you more options to choose your preferred seat.
Tip: Set a reminder to check in exactly 24 hours before your flight to secure a good boarding position.
4. Use the Companion Pass
If you’re a frequent traveler with Southwest, aim to earn the Companion Pass. This allows you to choose one person to fly with you for free (excluding taxes and fees) every time you purchase or redeem a flight. The Companion Pass is one of the best travel perks available and can save you a lot of money if you often travel with a partner, friend, or family member.
Tip: To earn the Companion Pass, you need to accumulate 135,000 qualifying points in a calendar year, so plan your flights and credit card usage accordingly.
5. Enjoy In-Flight Entertainment and Wi-Fi
Southwest offers free in-flight entertainment on most flights, including movies, TV shows, and music that you can stream directly to your device. They also offer Wi-Fi for a small fee, which is perfect for staying connected or getting some work done during your flight.
Tip: Bring your own headphones and fully charge your devices before the flight to enjoy the entertainment without interruption.
6. Bring Your Own Snacks
While Southwest does provide complimentary snacks and drinks, you can also bring your own food on board. This is especially useful if you have dietary restrictions or simply want to enjoy a more substantial meal during your flight.
Tip: Pack easy-to-eat, non-perishable snacks like nuts, fruit, or granola bars for a quick and satisfying in-flight meal.
7. Use Southwest’s Flexible Travel Policies
Southwest is known for its customer-friendly policies, including no change fees if you need to modify your flight plans. This flexibility can be a lifesaver if your travel plans change unexpectedly. You only pay the difference in fare, if any, when changing your flight.
Tip: If you find a lower fare after booking, Southwest allows you to rebook at the lower rate and get a credit for the difference.
8. Join the EarlyBird Check-In Program
For a small fee, you can join Southwest’s EarlyBird Check-In program, which automatically checks you in 36 hours before your flight. This gives you a better chance of securing a good boarding position without having to worry about checking in exactly 24 hours before departure.
Tip: EarlyBird Check-In is especially useful during busy travel times when boarding positions can fill up quickly.
9. Use Mobile Boarding Passes
Save time at the airport by using Southwest’s mobile boarding passes. After checking in online, you can access your boarding pass through the Southwest app and go straight to security, skipping the need to print a paper pass.
Tip: Download the Southwest app before your trip to easily manage your booking, check in, and access your boarding pass.
10. Stay Informed with Southwest’s Email Alerts
Sign up for Southwest’s email alerts to stay informed about sales, promotions, and new routes. This way, you’ll never miss out on a great deal and can plan your travel to take advantage of the best offers.
Tip: Combine these deals with your Rapid Rewards points for even more savings on your next trip.
