Question 1

What is the Southwest Airlines reservations phone number?

Accepted Answer

Southwest Airlines reservations can be reached at +1-800-435-9792, 24 hours a day. Baggage tracing has its own line at +1-888-202-1024. CheapoTrav also publishes phone-only fares that are not loaded into online inventory — call us first to compare.

Question 2

Where does Southwest Airlines fly from?

Accepted Answer

Southwest Airlines operates from 7 primary hubs — DAL, LAS, MDW, BWI, DEN, PHX, plus 1 more — and serves roughly 121 destinations worldwide with a fleet of about 820 aircraft. Founded in 1967 and headquartered in United States, Southwest Airlines is one of the larger carriers in the North America region.

Question 3

Is Southwest Airlines part of an airline alliance?

Accepted Answer

Southwest Airlines is an independent carrier and is not part of Star Alliance, oneworld or SkyTeam, though it does maintain bilateral partnerships for codeshares and frequent-flyer earning.

Question 4

What is the Southwest Airlines carry-on baggage allowance?

Accepted Answer

1 carry-on (22 × 14 × 9 in) + 1 personal item, free in most fares. Items that exceed those dimensions are gate-checked and may incur a fee, so it is worth measuring your bag at home — including wheels and handles — before you fly.

Question 5

How much does a checked bag cost on Southwest Airlines?

Accepted Answer

Two free checked bags up to 50 lb each. Elite Rapid Rewards members and passengers traveling in premium cabins typically receive a higher free checked allowance — check your fare class on the booking confirmation for the exact entitlement.

Question 6

What is Southwest Airlines's cancellation and refund policy?

Accepted Answer

Free 24-hour cancellation. Main cabin non-refundable; refundable fares available. Refunds are issued to the original form of payment and typically post within 7 business days for credit cards or up to 20 days for cash and check purchases. Travel-insurance or trip-protection plans can broaden the reasons that qualify for a refund.

Question 7

Does Southwest Airlines charge change fees?

Accepted Answer

No change or cancel fees on any fare. Same-day flight changes are usually offered as a flat-fee option (subject to availability in your original fare bucket). Note that any fare difference between the original and new flight is always payable on top of the change fee.

Question 8

What cabin classes does Southwest Airlines offer?

Accepted Answer

Southwest Airlines sells the following cabins: Economy (31–33 in). Cabin availability varies by aircraft type and route — long-haul widebody routes generally offer the full premium line-up, while short-haul narrowbody flights typically operate with Economy only.

Question 9

Does Southwest Airlines have Wi-Fi on board?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Southwest Airlines offers Wi-Fi across most of its fleet. Availability by cabin: Economy — Paid. Connectivity is typically fastest on widebody aircraft equipped with Ka-band or Ku-band satellite service; older regional jets may still rely on slower air-to-ground systems.

Question 10

What in-flight entertainment and meals can I expect on Southwest Airlines?

Accepted Answer

Entertainment ranges across the cabins as follows: Economy — Streaming to device. On the catering side, Economy passengers receive snacks + drink. no first class.. Pre-order meal selection is available on most long-haul routes if you book at least 24 hours before departure.

Question 11

How does Southwest Airlines's Rapid Rewards loyalty program work?

Accepted Answer

Rapid Rewards is Southwest Airlines's frequent-flyer program, with elite tiers A-List → A-List Preferred. Miles can be earned on paid flights, partner airlines, co-branded credit-card spend, and partners including Chase, Marriott, Hertz, and redeemed for award tickets, cabin upgrades, and ancillaries. Elite status typically unlocks priority check-in, free checked bags, complimentary upgrades when available, and lounge access on international itineraries.

Question 12

Does Southwest Airlines have airport lounges?

Accepted Answer

Southwest Airlines does not operate its own branded lounge network. Premium-cabin passengers and elites can typically use partner lounges, third-party Priority Pass clubs, or a credit-card lounge such as Amex Centurion or Capital One Lounge, depending on the airport and your fare class.

Question 13

What aircraft does Southwest Airlines fly?

Accepted Answer

Southwest Airlines's fleet of roughly 820 aircraft is built around 2 core types: boeing-737-800, boeing-737-max-8. Equipment is generally assigned by stage length — narrowbodies cover short and medium-haul routes, while widebodies are reserved for long-haul intercontinental flying. You can confirm the exact aircraft type for your itinerary at booking and again 24 hours before departure, since substitutions do happen.

Question 14

Can I travel with my pet on Southwest Airlines?

Accepted Answer

Small pets in-cabin $125 each way. Cargo program for larger pets. Carriers must fit fully under the seat in front of you, the pet must remain inside for the duration of the flight, and only a limited number of in-cabin pets are permitted per flight — book early. Service animals trained to assist passengers with disabilities travel free with documentation submitted at least 48 hours before departure.

Question 15

Does Southwest Airlines accept unaccompanied minors?

Accepted Answer

Ages 5–14: $150 fee each way, dedicated escort. An adult must complete a release form at the airport, present government-issued photo ID, and remain at the gate until the aircraft departs. The same identification is required by the receiving adult on arrival. Connecting itineraries and overnight flights are usually restricted for the youngest age band.

Question 16

How do I request special assistance on Southwest Airlines?

Accepted Answer

Wheelchair, mobility aid and medical equipment carried free with 48-hour notice. Requests can be added during booking, in your account profile, or by calling reservations. For mobility devices, give battery and dimension details ahead of time so the airport team can pre-stage the right equipment. Pre-boarding is offered to passengers who self-identify at the gate.

Question 17

When does check-in open for Southwest Airlines flights?

Accepted Answer

Online and mobile check-in opens 24 hours before scheduled departure and closes 45–60 minutes before departure for most domestic flights and 60–90 minutes before international departures. Airport baggage drop and ticket counters typically close 30–60 minutes before departure depending on the route. Plan to be through security at least 90 minutes before a domestic departure and 2–3 hours ahead of an international one.

Question 18

How can I find the cheapest Southwest Airlines flights?

Accepted Answer

For published fares, search 4–8 weeks ahead for domestic and 2–6 months ahead for international, fly mid-week (Tuesday/Wednesday) and avoid peak holiday windows. CheapoTrav also negotiates phone-only consolidator fares on Southwest Airlines that are not loaded into public booking engines — call +1 (815) 473-8090 to have an agent compare them against the best online price before you commit.

Question 19

Are checked bags really free?

Accepted Answer

Yes, every Southwest fare includes two free checked bags up to 50 lb each. There are also no change or cancel fees.

Southwest Airlines

Cabin experience

Policies

Fleet

Boeing 737-800

Boeing 737 MAX 8

Notable routes

Loyalty program

In pictures

Awards & recognition

Frequently asked questions about Southwest Airlines