Southwest Newbie needs advice

[funcinderella]

I just booked a last minute trip on SWA from Philly to Orlando for Feb 20. My flight is the last one out at 8:15. Any advice for a newbie? How hard is it to try to get a seat together (there's 2 of us.) Do they often cancel flights, and will they let you go on another airline if they do? Anything else I need to know about SWA as a newbie?

Thanks!

 

[DVC Grammy]

SW isn't known for cancelling flights. Of course, if the weather creates a problem, ALL airlines will cancel.
As far as sitting together and getting a "good seat", make sure you go online 24 hours before your flight, and print out your boarding passes. Then you'll be able to choose almost any seat you want!
Have a good trip!

 

[funcinderella]

SW isn't known for cancelling flights. Of course, if the weather creates a problem, ALL airlines will cancel.
As far as sitting together and getting a "good seat", make sure you go online 24 hours before your flight, and print out your boarding passes. Then you'll be able to choose almost any seat you want!
Have a good trip!

Can you pick your seat when you print your boarding pass? Sorry, I'm not sure how it works. But thanks for the advice!

 

[emilyclaire]

You can't pick your seat when you print boarding passes, but if you print them EXACTLY 24 hours before your flight time, you should get an "A" on your pass, which means you will be in the "A" line at the airport. Arrive at the airport early, and try to be the first couple in the A line. Then you will be assured seats together.

As far as Southwest's reliability, they are the best out there, in my experience. My husband and I flew back and forth many many times between Philly and Nashville when we were dating (long distance thing), and we flew SWA every time. The worst experience I ever had with them was a 2 hour delay in Chicago, but that was because of a storm with tornado warnings. Totally beyond the airline's control. They are also a very friendly airline with a laidback attitude and atmosphere. The flight attendants make plenty of jokes over the intercom and keep things lighthearted. They also do their best to make sure you're taken care of. It isn't first class of course, but it is definitely a pleasant ride in coach (at least every time I flew with them!)

Enjoy your flight!