Airline
Southwest Airlines Co. (WN)
Discover Southwest Airlines (WN): routes, fares, Rapid Rewards, baggage rules, and onboard experience in this concise, up-to-date traveler’s guide.
IATAWNICAOSWADestinations126Fleet760Skytrax3/5
At a Glance
IATA CodeWN
ICAO CodeSWA
AllianceIndependent Carrier
CountryUnited States
Fleet Size760
Websitewww.southwest.com
Customer Service+1-800-435-9792
Twitter@SouthwestAir
FacebookSouthwestAir
Skytrax Rating★★★☆☆ (3/5)
Founded1971
Hubs
Southwest Airlines Co. Hub Airports
Primary hub and focus city airports.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓Two free checked bags per customer on most fares, which is uncommon among U.S. carriers.
- ✓No change fees on most tickets; customers pay only any fare difference when changing flights.
- ✓Generally friendly, informal cabin crews and customer service culture.
- ✓Simple, mostly point-to-point network that can reduce connection times on many routes.
- ✓Rapid Rewards points are easy to redeem for flights with no traditional blackout dates when seats are available for sale.
- ✓Open seating allows flexible seat choice for those who board early.
- ✓Competitive pricing on many domestic routes, especially when booked in advance.
Cons
- ✗No assigned seating, which some travelers find stressful or inconvenient, especially families boarding later.
- ✗Single-class cabin with no traditional premium economy or business-class seating.
- ✗Limited international network compared with large global carriers and no alliance partners.
- ✗No seatback entertainment screens; reliance on personal devices may be a drawback for some passengers.
- ✗Boarding process and competition for overhead bin space can feel hectic on full flights.
- ✗Service heavily focused on the U.S. and nearby leisure destinations, limiting options for long-haul travel.
