As a dedicated Southwest Airlines passenger for 26 years, I’ve discovered tricks that make every trip smoother and more enjoyable. I am loyal to the carrier because it takes me from point A to point B with good fares and convenient times. Southwest regularly shows me that they appreciate my business. And I feel the “LUV” on every trip.
Southwest does not assign seats. So if you’ve never flown Southwest or are new to their unique value proposition, I’ll share my tricks to guide you.
Quick Rewards
Join Southwest’s Rapid Rewards frequent flyer program and download the airline’s mobile app on your smartphone and tablet. Rapid Rewards points, earned based on the cost of your flight, have no blackout dates or restrictions.
Unlike the elite status hoops you have to jump through on other airlines, Southwest has it pretty simple — earn 35,000 flight points or fly 20 one-way segments in a calendar year and you’re in. For A-List Preferred, that’s 70,000 points or 40 one-way segments. If you’re ambitious, opt for the Companion Pass, which lets you choose one person to fly with you for free for a year – minus taxes and fees – after flying 100 one-way flights or earning 135,000 Rapid Rewards points.
A-list advantages include ppriority boarding, 25% point bonus, free same-day booking and same-day flight changes, no fare difference charges, access to priority and express lanes, and a dedicated phone number for A-List members.
Passengers can choose any seat – with a twist. Southwest uses boarding numbers to determine where you are in the seat selection hierarchy. If you no has A-List status, you must check in exactly 24 hours before your flight departure to increase your chances of getting the coveted A 1-60 boarding pass for more seating options and better overhead bin access.
However, A-List/A-List Preferred members automatically check in with a guaranteed A boarding pass.
You can also pay for early check-in (price is based on distance flown), which gives you a boarding pass up to 36 hours before departure time. But there’s a caveat: Sometimes you can get a B boarding pass or even the dreaded C boarding pass, so it’s best to book Early Bird sooner rather than later. Use your smartphone or a kiosk to pay for a boarding pass upgrade from 1 to 15 on the same day (again, based on distance flown) When available.
Southwest allows pre-boarding for people with disabilities. Families with children up to six years old, active military personnel and members of List A can board before group B. This access can be a lifesaver when I change flights, helping me avoid boarding group C, which usually means a middle seat and zero overhead bin space.
A-List status gives me a much better chance of choosing my preferred aisle seat at the front of the plane. When I’m sitting near the front of the plane on a nearly full flight, I’m more likely to have an empty middle seat because the overhead bins fill up quickly. I bet those passengers don’t want to sit far from their carry-on bags. If you are on a direct flight (a stopover without changing planes), once passengers have disembarked, you are free to move to the seat of your choice.
Southwest offers free streaming of movies, TV shows, music and live television that you can watch on your smartphone, tablet or laptop. I download my own movies or television shows as backup.
Sign up for free texting to keep the conversations going, and don’t sleep on Southwest’s excellent Wi-Fi, a real bargain at $8 a day.
The airline is slowly starting to install USB and USB-C power ports on its planes. But until the rollout is complete, I recommend bringing at least two portable chargers to keep your devices powered up. Note: You cannot carry power banks in checked luggage; they must only be placed in carry-on luggage.
These hacks come from my experience flying Southwest Airlines since 1998. It’s not for everyone, but once you get used to its quirks and charms, you might get hooked – like me.
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Featured image credited to Mary Kirby
