How is flying on southwest airlines?

[kennyssenorita]

I haven't flown in many years and last night I bought tickets to fly to Florida on southwest airlines. Just wondering how everyones experiences with them were, good and bad. Please let me know.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

We've used SWA for the past 5 trips, we're hooked on their prices, policies and service.

 

[cajunfan]

For the most part they are fine. If you can get past the no assigned seat cattle call business, you should be fine. THey are very good about being on time. Remember to print your bording pass early and get in group A, and you should have no problem getting decent seats. We fly them all the time (one of the few direct flights between where I live and FL and LA...other than wjat I call Barbie planes )

 

[kbnovak]

I've always walked away from each landing, and they get to re-use the airplane, so I guess they get the job done.

 

[blessedby3]

We just used them for the first time this past Nov. We had a great experience with them. Our flights were on time, we got A boarding passes and had 8 in our party and we all got to sit together (in 2 rows) each flight. The stewards/stewardess were very friendly and helpful. The planes were clean and they served 2 snacks each way instead of just peanuts. On our morning flight down we got peanuts and a granola bar and on our afternoon flight back we got peanuts and a bag of snack mix. This was a plus because we had 4 kids with us and they loved the snacks/sodas. We didnt mind waiting in the A line. We just got in line after the first person who went up and waited there. Quite a deal for $28 each way tickets. We would fly with them again no problem!!

 

[melanie18]

We've flown them out of Philly the last 3 trips and have had no problems. We print out our "A" boarding passes the night before we fly and don't kill ourselves getting to the airport. It's a little roomier than Spirit Airlines which we previously flew (but not by much). Their flight crew, while very professional is always a lot of fun too. We usually get serenaded as we land!

 

[keishashadow]

don't mean to hi-jack thread...does SW change departure times often (& do they actually notify you if they do?)TIA

 

[PA DISNEYLOVER]

I flew them for the 1st time in November for a 6 hour flight from Philly to LAX. For the price I thought it was great. Both going and coming back our plane was not full so no problem gettings seats. Most people had a row to themselves. We also got in to LAX earlier then planned and we got home 45 min quicker then planned.

 

[plutolovr]

My experience is that almost never change their schedules. This is the reason their schedules don't come out until about 3 months prior as opposed to airlines that put out their schedules at 11 months.

 

[mousecrazy2]

accidentle post. please ignore.
(posted under wrong user, and I cannot delete it, lol)

 

[rkmassa]

We flew with them for the first time in December. We were really worried after hearing horror stories about the cattle call. It was far from that. Very orderly lines of A, B, and C. We had A boarding passes, so we had seats together. Preboarders are not allowed to sit in the exit row, so if you are one that loves to sit in the exit row, get an A pass and get in line first. You will be able to sit there. My DH and mom had a seat between them, but supposedly it was a full flight. They enjoyed the extra room--I on the other hand had to endure taking care of the kids, with one on each side of me. The service was great. Friendly at the gates and in the air. We plan on flying with them whenever we can. The rates are hard to beat.

 

[Tinkerbell_Girl]

I have used them twice and I really like them! Their prices are good. Now I just have to wait until their Oct flight come out! I am very impatient!

 

[Slapster]

Love Southwest! I've probably flown SW 50 times and have had a flight late /delayed only once (this was during Thanksgiving break).

As others have said, print your pass the night before to ensure first boarding. There are 4 lines, for pre-boarding and then A - C. Passenger loading has always been orderly and efficient. Just make sure you are there early - they WILL be taking off on time!

There's a reasont they are one of the only profitable airlines...

 

[lovevacations]

Another big thumbs up for SWA!! We fly them a lot from Houston to Chicago and recently to Las Vegas. You can check in online 24 hours in advance. It used to be day of departure but that changed this summer. To get the best airfare book asap. They are currently booking until June 9th. Good luck and enjoy the ride!

Sorry I just noticed you already purchased tickets, but for others, the key to the fare is book as soon as your dates come out!

 

[cjsmith]

We've flown them a few times and my parents fly them constantly. They have a great track record of being on time and everyone who works there seems to be very friendly. My husband hates them due to the unassigned seats and cattle call mentaility. If you can get past that and having to line up, they're great.

 

[Disney Spaz]

Wow I love to hear all these great reports. Can I ask if anyone has flown with an infant. Right now we are looking at driving for our trip but if we can get better rates flying I may look into that. Thanks.

 

[DVC-Don]

Southwest is the only airline I'll fly since they came to our airport several years ago.

 

[Hannathy]

I've flown with an infant. No problems actually I think they were more helpful. The attendants are always friendly and usually happy.

DO bring proof of age if not buying a seat they are very strict about checking.
Had to get a supr. once to allow my son on without birth cert. (emerg. flight for my Mom's Hospitalization and left without it) The supervisor just laughed when she got there because my son was 2 months old ! I am glad they do check because so many people try to cheat the system and at Disney.

 

[MickeyHereWeCome!]

The flights have been wonderful for us. The only thing that always concerns me is the boarding system. I would love to take advantage of SW fares for our next trip, but dh is so worried about not getting seats together (he'll be flying down to DW with our two oldest kids, the other half of us are driving down a little earlier). You can print out the boarding pass from home. Dh is worried our computer will act up or something, and he'll be stuck with "C" passes. As long as you print off your boarding pass at the 24 hour mark, you should be fine.

We've flown SW many times over the years. The flights have been on time and we had no problems. I give them thumbs up if you're willing to deal with the guesses at boarding time.

 

[kennyssenorita]

What is the earliest that I can print off our boarding passes? How do I know what line is line "A". I take it that line 'A" gets to board first? We are traveling with two boys and need to be seated together, at least 1 parent with 1 kid.