How is flying on southwest airlines?

[bryson412]

We've flown with them 3 times and will be doing so again next week on our way back to Disney.A question about printing off your boarding passes,can you still print them off if you want to check in luggage?We haven't done it before and I'm wondering how you check your luggage in.

 

[CarolynNC]

Here's a link to a Southwest FAQ on flyertalk. It contains lots of great info and will address many of the questions and concerns you might have when flying SW.

You can print your boarding pass 24 hours prior to your flight. If your printer messes up then you can still check in and print your pass at the airport. I believe they can even be printed by curbside luggage service. If not, you can use the kiosk or terminal desk.

I've found it isn't necessary to stand in line. If I have an A boarding pass I usually wait until boarding is nearing the end of the A line to get up and join the queue. I've never had difficulty finding empty rows. Of course if the flight doesn't originate at your airport and there are travelers already boarded you might find slimmer pickings.

I also don't book my flights as soon as the dates are released. I like a little excitement in my life! I usually wait for fare sales or dings. I like to see what WDW is offering before I finalize my dates. My schedule is a bit more flexible than most folks so I can certainly understand firming up arrangements earlier.

Have a great trip. I'm sure it won't be long before you become a SW groupie. You just can't beat their fares and customer service.

 

[keishashadow]

True or False?????

Thought I read that even if you buy a "non-refundable" or sale fare; if a DING comes out you can:

1) purchase it & cancel/apply the fare to a future purchase

2) or even (gasp!) get a CC refund?

 

[Webbie]

Just adding my 2 bits. Have flown SW many times. Hate the cattle call BUT love the price. Can't beat them for fares. I fly nonstop from RI to Orlando and love getting there fast and cheap.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

If you are booked on a flight and the price drops they will credit you the difference. You have to do the legwork on it and there must be seats available at the lower price. I have never done it on fully refundable tickets but on sale tickets I've done it several times and they have credited me the difference in the form of a SWA credit for a future flight. Still great in my book.

I also like the fact that most of the flights seem to be non-stop (also out of Green). We usually arrive in Orlando earlier than expected. We don't mind the cattle call in order to save big bucks. On one memorable flight the FA chose my DD to help her pass snacks on the plane and gave her a signed SWA postcard thanking her. DD was thrilled.

Bryson, luggage is not a problem, just give them your confirmation number when you are curbside or at the counter and they will take care of it for you. Just remember don't overload the suitcases or they will charge you $25 for the extra weight, you're better off taking more suitcases if you're a family.

 

[georgina]

Here's a link to a Southwest FAQ on flyertalk. It contains lots of great info and will address many of the questions and concerns you might have when flying SW.

Thanks for the link! It has a wealth of information. I've never flown SW either, but am going to try it this summer.

 

[SAWYERMAW1]

I love SWA and have never had a problem with schedule changing. I love their reality TV show on A&E, "Airline."

 

[keishashadow]

I get a kick of out the people who can barely walk & talk but, insist they're not drunk. There's another airline school show on (Bravo channel?) It's about flight attendent school.

I love SWA and have never had a problem with schedule changing. I love their reality TV show on A&E, "Airline."

 

[lpbm4]

Supposedly too, SW pilots are the most experienced. Many of my family members only fly SW for that reason alone.

 

[gw_lit]

There's another airline school show on (Bravo channel?) It's about flight attendent school.

I believe its on the Travel Channel. The show is about flight attendant trainees with Frontier Airlines. I've watched all of the episodes so far and its a pretty enteraining/informative show.

 

[cranbiz]

I fly Southwest all the time. The "cattle call" does not bother me as I always print my boarding pass ahead of time.

We have been late a couple of times out of Providence, but that was usually dye to weather delaying the inbound flight. SW is normally very punctual and does not change their schedule once it's published.

I like flying them very much and have been awarded several free flights thru Rapid Rewards, but if I can get jetblue for the same price, I'll fly them instead. It's nothing against SW, but I do like the TV's on jetblue.

 

[simzac]

My comment on SW is that you could give me free tickets on any other airline vs me paying for SW, and I would take the SW every day of the week. Simply the best airline going bar none.

 

[TDC Nala]

I have gotten so I adore SWA. I wish they would move to a closer airport. Being able to cancel and switch flights without paying a penalty is HUGE for me. The only problem I have is that I can't go online at work, so usually the really good flight times for weekends are gone as soon as they're released, well before I can check on them.

I have no problems getting great seats for me with a B boarding pass (and without being first in line). SW is great for a single traveler who doesn't have to worry about having a seat next to anyone in particular.