Southwest Airlines Reservations – Complete Guide to Booking, Changes & Cancellations

Southwest Airlines is the largest low-cost carrier in the United States, serving over 120 destinations across the country, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. Founded in 1971 in Dallas, Texas, Southwest has built its reputation on a simple promise: low fares, no hidden fees, and customer-friendly policies. The airline operates exclusively with Boeing 737 aircraft, allowing operational efficiency and consistent service quality across its entire network.

Southwest Airlines Fare Types

Southwest uses a simplified fare structure that eliminates surprise charges. Each fare type includes free checked bags and no change fees:

Fare Type	Checked Bags	Boarding Position	Refund Type	Rapid Rewards Earning
Wanna Get Away	2 free	Standard	Travel credit	6x points per dollar
Wanna Get Away Plus	2 free	Standard	Transferable travel credit	8x points per dollar
Anytime	2 free	Upgraded	Full refund	10x points per dollar
Business Select	2 free	A1-A15 priority	Full refund	12x points per dollar

All Southwest fares include two free checked bags (up to 50 pounds each), a personal item, and a carry-on bag. This baggage policy alone can save travelers over $120 per roundtrip compared to competitors.

Southwest Flight Change Policy

Southwest Airlines does not charge change fees on any fare type, setting it apart from most major carriers. When modifying a reservation:

• Passengers can change the date, time, origin, or destination of their flight at no cost.
• If the new flight costs more, the passenger pays the fare difference.
• If the new flight costs less, the difference is issued as a travel credit for future use.
• Same-day confirmed changes and same-day standby options are available at the airport.
• Changes can be made online, through the Southwest app, or by contacting Southwest directly.

Southwest Airlines Cancellation and Refund Policy

Southwest offers the most flexible cancellation policy among U.S. airlines:

• Wanna Get Away / Wanna Get Away Plus: Cancellation is free. The fare value is converted to a travel credit. "Plus" credits are transferable to other passengers.
• Anytime and Business Select: Cancellation is free with a full refund to the original payment method.
• All fares are eligible for a full refund within 24 hours of booking.
• Flights cancelled by Southwest due to weather, mechanical issues, or operational reasons qualify for a full refund regardless of fare type.
• Travel credits from cancelled Wanna Get Away fares are valid for 12 months from the original booking date.

Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy

Southwest's baggage policy is one of the most generous in the industry:

• Carry-on: One carry-on bag and one personal item per passenger, free of charge.
• Checked bags: Two checked bags up to 50 pounds and 62 linear inches each, free of charge.
• Excess baggage: Additional bags beyond the free allowance cost $75 each way.
• Overweight bags: Bags weighing 51-100 pounds incur an additional $75 fee per bag.
• Sports equipment: Golf clubs, skis, snowboards, and surfboards count as one checked bag and are accepted within the standard free allowance.

Rapid Rewards Loyalty Program

Southwest's Rapid Rewards is widely considered one of the best airline loyalty programs in the United States. Notable features include:

• Points never expire as long as the Rapid Rewards account has earning or redemption activity within a 24-month period.
• No blackout dates or seat restrictions — if a seat is available for sale, it can be booked with points.
• Companion Pass allows a designated companion to fly free (taxes and fees only) on every flight for up to two calendar years.
• Tier status (A-List and A-List Preferred) provides priority boarding, free same-day changes, bonus point earning, and free in-flight WiFi.
• Points can be earned through Southwest credit cards, partner hotels, car rentals, and dining programs.

Southwest Airlines Route Network

Southwest operates point-to-point service rather than the traditional hub-and-spoke model. Major bases include:

• Dallas Love Field (DAL) — the airline's original headquarters and busiest station
• Denver (DEN), Chicago Midway (MDW), Baltimore (BWI), Las Vegas (LAS), Phoenix (PHX)
• Orlando (MCO), Houston Hobby (HOU), Atlanta (ATL), Oakland (OAK)

International destinations include Mexico City, Cancun, Cabo San Lucas, San Jose (Costa Rica), Nassau, Montego Bay, Aruba, and several other Caribbean and Central American cities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does Southwest Airlines assign seats?

No. Southwest uses an open seating system. Passengers are assigned a boarding group (A, B, or C) and a number (1-60). Upon boarding, passengers choose any available seat. Business Select fares receive positions A1-A15, while EarlyBird Check-In provides an earlier boarding position for a fee.

Can I transfer Southwest travel credits to another person?

Wanna Get Away credits are non-transferable and tied to the original passenger. Wanna Get Away Plus credits can be transferred to another Rapid Rewards member. Anytime and Business Select fares receive refundable credits or full refunds.

Does Southwest offer WiFi on flights?

Yes. Southwest offers in-flight WiFi on all equipped aircraft. Basic messaging through iMessage and WhatsApp is free. Full internet access and streaming content are available for purchase. A-List Preferred members receive complimentary WiFi.

What is Southwest EarlyBird Check-In?

EarlyBird Check-In is an optional add-on that automatically checks passengers in before general check-in opens. This results in an earlier boarding position, increasing the chance of selecting a preferred seat. The fee ranges from $15 to $25 per one-way flight.

Does Southwest fly to Hawaii?

Yes. Southwest offers service between the US mainland and Hawaii, with routes from Oakland, San Jose, San Diego, Long Beach, Phoenix, and Las Vegas to Honolulu, Maui, Kona, and Lihue. Inter-island service between Hawaiian airports is also available.

Is there a Southwest Airlines credit card?

Yes. Southwest offers co-branded credit cards through Chase Bank, including the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus, Premier, and Priority cards. These cards earn Rapid Rewards points on everyday purchases and can contribute toward earning the Companion Pass.