Southwest is a major US airline known for its low-cost, no-frills approach to air travel. It offers flights to over 100 destinations in the US, Mexico, and the Caribbean, with a focus on point-to-point routes and short-haul flights. Southwest is known for its friendly customer service, streamlined boarding process, and lack of assigned seating.
Founded in 1967 as Air Southwest Co. in Texas
Changed its name to Southwest Airlines in 1971
Began operating in 1971 with flights between Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio
Introduced the 'Love' advertising campaign in 1998
Acquired AirTran Airways in 2010
Became the largest domestic carrier in the US in 2013
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Southwest offers flights to over 100 destinations in the US, Mexico, and the Caribbean. It is known for its low fares and no-frills approach to air travel, with a focus on point-to-point routes and short-haul flights.
Rapid Rewards is Southwest's loyalty program, which allows members to earn and redeem points for flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and more. Members earn points based on the fare and class of service, with higher fares earning more points. Rapid Rewards also offers elite status tiers for frequent flyers.
Southwest Vacations is the airline's vacation package wing, offering package deals to destinations across the US, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Packages include flights, hotels, and activities, with options for all-inclusive resorts, family-friendly vacations, and romantic getaways.
Southwest allows each passenger to bring two free checked bags and one carry-on bag, as well as a small personal item such as a purse or laptop bag. Bags must meet certain size and weight restrictions, and additional bags or overweight/oversize bags may incur a fee.
Southwest offers several options for check-in, including online check-in via the Southwest website or mobile app, airport self-service kiosks, or agent-assisted check-in at the Southwest ticket counter. Passengers can check in up to 24 hours before their flight and must be checked in at least 60 minutes prior to departure.
Southwest offers a variety of snacks and beverages for purchase on board, including chips, cookies, nuts, beer, wine, and spirits. In-flight meals are not offered on domestic flights, but may be available on longer international flights.
Southwest employs an open boarding process, where passengers are assigned a boarding group (A, B, or C) and a number within that group based on when they check in. Passengers board the plane in numerical order of their boarding group and number, with A1 boarding first and C60 boarding last. There are no assigned seats, and passengers can choose any available seat once they board.
Southwest allows passengers to cancel their flight up to 10 minutes before departure with no penalty. The cost of the flight will be refunded as a credit to the passenger's account, which can be used towards future Southwest flights. Refunds to the original form of payment are not available unless the flight was a refundable fare.