Is Southwest Airlines a Good Airline? (My Honest Feedback)

As a travel blogger, I’m always looking for the best airline to fly with.

I recently had the opportunity to fly with Southwest Airlines and I wanted to share my honest feedback.

Is Southwest Airlines a good airline? Let’s find out.

Southwest Airlines Review - Pros and Cons
Noah Wulf, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Table of Contents

Overview of Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines is an American low-cost airline based in Dallas, Texas.

It is the world’s largest low-cost carrier and the fourth-largest airline in the United States.

Southwest Airlines operates 3,800 flights a day to more than 100 destinations in the United States, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.

Southwest Airlines Fleet

The Southwest Airlines fleet consists of Boeing 737-700s, 737-800s, and 737 MAX 8s.

The airline also operates a fleet of Airbus A320-200s and A321-200s. The average age of the Southwest Airlines fleet is 12.3 years.

Pros of Flying Southwest Airlines

Low Fares

One of the main reasons why I love flying Southwest Airlines is because of their low fares.

I’ve been able to fly to multiple destinations for a fraction of the cost of other airlines.

I recently flew to Florida for a vacation and was able to save hundreds of dollars by flying Southwest.

I’ve also found that their fares are often the lowest in the market, so I’m always able to get the best deal.

Flexible Booking

Southwest Airlines also offers some of the most flexible booking policies in the industry.

I’ve been able to change my flight times and even cancel my flights without any penalty.

This has been especially helpful when my travel plans have changed at the last minute. I’ve also been able to rebook my flights for free if I’ve had to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances.

Friendly Service

I’ve always been impressed with the friendly service I’ve received from Southwest Airlines.

The flight attendants and ground staff are always willing to go the extra mile to make sure I’m comfortable and have a pleasant flight.

I recently had a flight attendant who went out of her way to help me find a seat with extra legroom. It was a small gesture but it made a big difference in my overall travel experience.

No Baggage Fees

One of the best things about flying with Southwest Airlines is that they don’t charge any baggage fees.

This has saved me a lot of money over the years and I’ve been able to travel with more luggage without worrying about extra costs.

I’ve also been able to bring my pet on board for free, which has been a huge plus for me.

Rewards Program

Southwest Airlines also offers a great rewards program that allows me to earn points for every flight I take.

I’ve been able to redeem these points for free flights and discounts on future bookings.

This has been a great way to save money on my travel expenses and I’ve been able to take advantage of some great deals.

Southwest Airlines Review - Pros and Cons
Kevin Dooley, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Cons of Flying Southwest Airlines

No assigned seating

Southwest operates on a first-come, first-serve basis for seating, which can be inconvenient for travelers who prefer to choose their own seat.

Limited international destinations

Southwest’s route network is primarily focused on domestic destinations in the United States, with limited international destinations.

No premium classes

Southwest does not offer premium classes such as first class or business class, which may be a drawback for travelers looking for a higher level of comfort and service.

Fewer in-flight amenities

Southwest’s focus on low fares means that in-flight amenities are minimal, with no free food or drinks, limited legroom, and no in-flight entertainment options.

Limited baggage allowance

Southwest has a strict baggage policy, with a limited allowance for carry-on bags and additional fees for checked baggage.

FAQs

What is the cost of tickets on Southwest Airlines?

The cost of tickets on Southwest Airlines varies depending on the route and the time of year.

Generally, the cost of a ticket is based on the distance of the flight and the demand for the flight.

Southwest Airlines also offers special discounts and promotions throughout the year.

What are the fees for checked baggage on Southwest Airlines?

Southwest Airlines offers two free checked bags per passenger.

Any additional bags will incur a fee of $75 per bag. Oversized and overweight bags will incur additional fees, up to $100 per bag.

Does Southwest Airlines have a loyalty program?

Yes, Southwest Airlines has a loyalty program called Rapid Rewards. Members of the Rapid Rewards program earn points for every flight they take, which can be redeemed for free flights, upgrades, and other rewards.

What is Southwest Airlines’ baggage allowance?

Southwest Airlines allows passengers to bring two free checked bags and one personal item per passenger.

Each checked bag must not exceed 50 lbs in weight and 62 inches in size.

Passengers are also allowed to bring one carry-on bag, which must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of them.

Does Southwest Airlines offer any promotions or discounts for booking flights?

Yes, Southwest Airlines offers various promotions and discounts for booking flights.

Customers can sign up for the Rapid Rewards program to earn points for every dollar spent on flights.

Customers can also take advantage of Southwest Airlines sales, which offer discounts on select flights.

Additionally, Southwest Airlines offers discounts for military personnel, students, and senior citizens.

What is Southwest Airlines’ policy for changing or canceling flights?

Southwest Airlines allows customers to change or cancel their flights without any fees or penalties.

Customers can make changes or cancellations up to 10 minutes before their scheduled departure time.

However, any changes or cancellations made after this time may incur a fee.

Additionally, customers may be required to pay any difference in fare if the new flight is more expensive than the original flight.

How comfortable are the seats on Southwest Airlines’ planes?

Southwest Airlines offers comfortable seats on its planes.

The seats are designed with ergonomic features and are equipped with adjustable headrests.

The seats also have extra legroom, allowing passengers to stretch out and relax during the flight.

Additionally, Southwest Airlines offers premium seating options with more legroom and reclining capabilities.

Does Southwest Airlines have in-flight entertainment options?

Yes, Southwest Airlines offers in-flight entertainment options.

Customers can access movies, TV shows, and music on their personal devices through the Southwest app.

Additionally, customers can access free Wi-Fi on select flights. This allows customers to browse the internet and stay connected during their flight.

Does Southwest Airlines serve meals on its flights?

No, Southwest Airlines does not serve meals on its flights.

However, Southwest Airlines does offer a variety of snacks and drinks for purchase on board its flights.

Passengers can purchase items such as chips, candy, cookies, and other snacks, as well as a variety of beverages including coffee, tea, soda, and alcoholic beverages.

Does Southwest Airlines offer WiFi on its flights?

Yes, Southwest Airlines offers WiFi on its flights. Passengers can purchase a WiFi package to access the internet during their flight.

The packages range from 1 hour of access to 24 hours of access, depending on the length of the flight.

Does Southwest Airlines allow advance seat assignments?

Yes, Southwest Airlines allows advance seat assignments.

Passengers can select their seat when they purchase their ticket or they can make a seat selection at any time before their flight.

Passengers can also upgrade their seats to a Business Select seat for an additional fee.

Does Southwest Airlines allow pets on its flights?

Yes, Southwest Airlines allows pets on its flights.

Pets must be kept in a kennel that meets the airline’s size and weight requirements.

There is a fee for bringing a pet on board, and the pet must remain in the kennel for the duration of the flight.

How friendly and helpful is the airline’s staff?

Southwest Airlines staff are known for their friendly and helpful attitudes.

They have been consistently rated as one of the most helpful and friendly airlines in the industry.

Southwest Airlines staff are always willing to go the extra mile to ensure that customers have a pleasant and enjoyable experience.

They are also very knowledgeable about the airline’s services and policies and are always willing to answer any questions that customers may have.

Does the airline offer any special services for travelers with disabilities?

Yes, Southwest Airlines offers a variety of special services for travelers with disabilities.

These services include accessible seating, pre-boarding assistance, and wheelchair assistance.

Southwest Airlines also offers a variety of other services, such as priority boarding, which can help make traveling easier for those with disabilities.

How easy is it to book a flight with this airline?

Booking a flight with Southwest Airlines is incredibly easy.

Customers can book flights online, over the phone, or in person at a Southwest Airlines ticket counter.

Customers can also use the Southwest Airlines mobile app to book flights and manage their bookings.

The booking process is simple and straightforward, and customers can find the best deals and discounts on flights.

What is the airline’s on-time performance record?

Southwest Airlines has an excellent on-time performance record.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Southwest Airlines had an on-time arrival rate of 87.3% in 2019, which is one of the highest in the industry.

Southwest Airlines also has a low cancellation rate, which is another indicator of its reliability and commitment to providing excellent service.

Does Southwest Airlines have a good safety record?

Yes, Southwest Airlines has an excellent safety record.

The airline has been in operation since 1971 and has had a perfect safety record since its inception.

Additionally, Southwest Airlines has been recognized by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as a “Diamond Award” winner for its commitment to safety and compliance with FAA regulations.

The airline is also a member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and has achieved the highest safety rating from the organization.

What is Southwest Airlines’ policy for lost or damaged luggage?

Southwest Airlines has a comprehensive policy for lost or damaged luggage.

The airline will reimburse passengers for the cost of the damaged or lost items, up to a maximum of $3,500 per passenger.

Additionally, Southwest Airlines will provide a refund for any baggage fees associated with the damaged or lost items.

In the event that the airline is unable to locate the lost or damaged items, passengers may be eligible for additional compensation.

How extensive is Southwest Airlines’ route network?

Southwest Airlines has an extensive route network, with over 4,000 daily flights to more than 100 destinations in the United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

The airline also offers international flights to the Bahamas, Jamaica, and Costa Rica.

Additionally, Southwest Airlines has codeshare agreements with several other airlines, allowing passengers to access even more destinations.

Does Southwest Airlines have any partnerships with other airlines or hotel chains?

Yes, Southwest Airlines has several partnerships with other airlines and hotel chains.

The airline has codeshare agreements with several other airlines, including AirTran Airways, British Airways, and Virgin Atlantic.

Additionally, Southwest Airlines has a partnership with the hotel chain Marriott, allowing passengers to earn bonus points for their stays.

The airline also has a partnership with the car rental company Hertz, allowing passengers to earn bonus points for their car rentals.

Final Thoughts

I have had a great experience flying with Southwest Airlines.

Alternative airlines to consider are Sun Country Airlines or JetBlue Airways as they both fly similar routes.

Here’s a video review of this airline.

The airline has a great reputation for its customer service, on-time performance, and overall reliability.

The staff is friendly and helpful, and the aircraft are modern and comfortable. The flight routes offered are comprehensive and cover most major destinations in the US.

The prices are competitive and the overall value for money is excellent.

I would highly recommend Southwest Airlines as an airline for anyone looking to travel in the US.