What Southwest Airlines is and how it differs from other carriers

Southwest Airlines is a U.S. airline that operates point-to-point routes rather than the hub-and-spoke model most major carriers use. This means Southwest flies directly between cities without routing passengers through a central hub, which often means fewer connections and simpler itineraries for travelers.

Southwest's business model centers on a few practices that shape your experience: the airline does not assign seats in advance, does not charge for checked bags, and does not serve meals on flights. Instead of a first-class cabin, Southwest has a single economy class with two boarding groups. These choices keep fares lower than some competitors, but they also mean you board in the order you check in rather than by seat assignment.

The airline operates roughly 4,000 flights per day across the United States, plus service to Mexico and the Caribbean. If you are comparing Southwest to other carriers, the main trade-off is simplicity and lower base fares in exchange for fewer premium cabin options and no assigned seating.

Key Takeaways

  • Southwest does not assign seats; you board in groups based on when you check in, and you choose your seat when you board the plane.
  • The airline includes two checked bags free with every ticket, which saves money if you travel with luggage.
  • You can change or cancel your flight without a fee, and you receive a travel credit for the full ticket price if you do not use it.
  • Southwest operates only one cabin class with no first-class or premium economy, so all passengers have the same seat type and amenities.
  • Boarding happens in three groups: A, B, and C, determined by your check-in time, with A boarding first and having the best seat selection.

How to book a Southwest flight and what the ticket includes

You can book Southwest flights through the airline's website (southwest.com), a travel agent, or third-party booking sites like Google Flights or Kayak. Booking directly through Southwest's website often shows you the lowest fares first and gives you when ready access to your confirmation number.

When you purchase a Southwest ticket, your fare includes one carry-on bag, one personal item (purse, backpack, laptop bag), and two checked bags at no extra charge. Bags checked after the second one cost $35 each for the third and fourth bags, and $50 for each additional bag. This is one of the largest differences between Southwest and carriers that charge for the first checked bag.

Your ticket also includes the right to change your flight to a different date or time without paying a change fee. If you do not use your ticket, Southwest issues you a travel credit for the full ticket price, valid for one year from the original booking date. The credit can be used by you or transferred to another person, though you cannot receive a cash refund.

Checking in and boarding procedures

Southwest opens check-in 24 hours before your flight departure. You can check in online through the website or mobile app, at an airport kiosk, or at the ticket counter. Checking in early matters because your check-in time determines your boarding group and position in line.

The airline assigns boarding positions in three groups: A (positions 1–60), B (positions 61–120), and C (positions 121 and higher). If you check in at the 24-hour mark, you will likely receive an A position. If you check in closer to departure, you will receive a B or C position. Passengers with disabilities, families with young children, and active military personnel may board before the standard groups.

When your group is called, you board in order and choose your seat from those still available. Aisle and window seats fill first, so if you board later in your group, you may have only middle seats left. If you want to may provide an early boarding position, Southwest offers Early Bird Check-In for $15 to $25 per flight, which automatically checks you in 36 hours before departure.

Baggage rules and what you can bring on the plane

Your carry-on bag must fit in the overhead bin, and your personal item must fit under the seat in front of you. Southwest does not weigh carry-on bags, but they do enforce size limits: a carry-on should be no larger than 24 inches long, 16 inches wide, and 10 inches deep. If your bag is oversized, gate agents may ask you to check it at the gate for free.

Checked bags must weigh no more than 50 pounds and measure no more than 62 inches (length plus width plus height). The first two checked bags are free; additional bags cost $35 each for the third and fourth, and $50 for the fifth and beyond. Overweight bags (51–100 pounds) cost $100 per bag; bags over 100 pounds are not accepted.

Restricted items follow federal rules: no firearms, explosives, or sharp objects in carry-on bags, though firearms may be checked if they are unloaded and declared. Liquids in carry-on bags must be 3.4 ounces or smaller and fit in a single quart-sized clear bag. Checked bags have no liquid restrictions. Sports equipment like golf clubs, skis, and surfboards can be checked for free if they fit within the size and weight limits.

Seat selection and how to sit with your travel companions

Because Southwest does not assign seats until you board, sitting with your travel companions depends on your boarding position. If you and your companions check in at the same time, you will receive consecutive boarding positions and can sit together by choosing adjacent seats when you board.

If you check in at different times, you may receive different boarding groups. In this case, the person who checked in earlier boards first and can hold a middle seat next to an aisle or window seat, leaving a spot for their companion. When the later group boards, they can sit in that held seat. This works best if you communicate your plan before boarding.

If you want may provide seat selection without relying on timing, you can purchase Upgraded Boarding for $15 to $80 per flight (price varies by route), which moves you into the A group and gives you first choice of available seats. Families with children under 6 are often allowed to board with the A group at no charge, though this varies by flight.

Changes, cancellations, and what happens if your flight is delayed

You can change your Southwest flight to a different date, time, or destination without paying a change fee. To make a change, log into your booking on southwest.com using your confirmation number and name, or call Southwest's reservations line. If the new flight costs less than your original ticket, you receive a travel credit for the difference. If it costs more, you pay the difference.

If you cancel your flight, Southwest does not refund your money, but you receive a travel credit for the full ticket price. This credit is valid for one year from the original booking date and can be used by you or given to another person. To cancel, go to "Manage My Booking" on the website or call reservations.

If Southwest cancels your flight or it is delayed more than three hours, you have the right to a refund or a rebooking on the next available flight at no charge. If the delay is caused by weather or other circumstances beyond the airline's control, Southwest is not required to provide compensation beyond rebooking. If the delay is caused by a mechanical issue or crew scheduling, you may be may have access to to additional compensation under Department of Transportation rules, though Southwest's policy on this is more limited than some competitors.

Frequent flyer program and how to earn points

Southwest Rapid Rewards is the airline's frequent flyer program. You earn points for every dollar spent on Southwest flights, and you can also earn points through partner credit cards, hotels, car rentals, and other purchases. Points can be redeemed for free flights, seat upgrades, or other rewards.

The Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card is the fastest way to accumulate points. New cardholders typically receive a large sign-up bonus of points (the amount varies), and the card earns points on all purchases, not just Southwest flights. The card also includes benefits like free checked bags when you use the card to buy your ticket, priority boarding, and anniversary bonuses.

Points do not expire as long as your account remains active (you must have account activity at least once every 24 months). You can check your points balance anytime through the Rapid Rewards website or app. Unlike some airlines, Southwest does not have blackout dates for award flights, meaning you can redeem points for flights on any date the airline operates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pick my seat in advance on Southwest?

No, Southwest does not assign seats before you board. You choose your seat when you walk onto the plane, based on your boarding position. If you want to may provide an early boarding position and better seat selection, you can purchase Early Bird Check-In or Upgraded Boarding.

What happens if I miss my Southwest flight?

If you miss your flight, you can rebook on the next available Southwest flight at no charge by going to "Manage My Booking" on the website or calling reservations. You do not lose your ticket; it converts to a travel credit for future use. However, you must rebook before the original flight departs.

Does Southwest charge for seat upgrades?

Southwest does not have premium seats or first-class cabins, so there are no seat upgrades to purchase. All seats are the same type. You can purchase Upgraded Boarding to board earlier and have better seat selection, but this is not a seat upgrade—it is a boarding position upgrade.

Can I bring a pet on a Southwest flight?

Yes, Southwest allows one pet per passenger in the cabin for a fee of $95 per flight (as of the most recent update, though this may change). The pet must be a cat or dog, fit in a carrier that fits under the seat, and be at least eight weeks old. You must notify Southwest when you book or check in.

What is Southwest's policy on flight delays and cancellations?

If Southwest cancels your flight, you receive a rebooking on the next available flight at no charge or a full refund. If your flight is delayed more than three hours due to Southwest's fault, you may be may have access to to compensation under Department of Transportation rules. Delays caused by weather or air traffic control are not may be able to access for compensation.