It may not be a big deal to to you one way or the other but you should at least be aware of it.Ĭouple other things to note about this “feature” on Southwest Airlines. Travelers should simply look a little deeper when booking a flight to see if their segments fall into this category. And yes, you don’t get off the plane – it’s usually a tight turn – it is annoying if you weren’t expecting it. This can make a direct flight appear shorter than it is (or just appear like a direct flight). And the stop isn’t always apparent when booking the flight (it is, to be fair…you just have to look for it).įor example, if I am flying to Dallas from say Ontario, it might appear like a direct flight, but in actuality it stops in Tulsa (yes, this is route I’ve done), briefly, before heading on to Dallas. The “through flight” (which is what I call it…I am sure there’s a proper name for it) is essentially a stop at an airport where you don’t get off. This is one of the things I do NOT like about Southwest. And it’s the boarding process that ultimately plays the largest role in the quality of seat you get (more on this later).ĭirect Flights that aren’t actually direct (the Southwest “through passenger”) Nope…it’s your boarding group and position. More than a time or two novice Southwesties (is that a thing!?) will conclude their boarding number and zone (e.g. When flying Southwest for the first time this can be a little disconcerting. Passengers are free to choose any seat they want (first come first served) and with the exception of the exit row and bulkhead seats every seat is the same. And there are entire pricing models and rewards program benefits built into most airlines around this model. Most airlines allow / require / assign you a specific seat on the plane. Perhaps the most visible and interesting thing Southwest does (besides great customer success) is not assign seats to passengers. No Assigned Seats (a bit unnerving when flying Southwest for the first time!) With that foundation in mind let’s dive into some of the unique things to know when it is your first time flying Southwest. It’s truly a cultural thing with Southwest and with rare exceptions embodies almost everything they do. Bags Fly Free, their unique boarding process, a laser focus on customer service and so much more). The wildly popular airline has become more than a fringe player over the years by doing things a little differently (e.g. “If you get your passengers to their destinations when they want to get there, on time, at the lowest possible fares, and make darn sure they have a good time doing it, people will fly your airline.”Īnd fly they have. The premise is best captured by the statement still present on the Southwest website: It’s different than other airlines.įounded in the late 60’s by the now legendary (and recently deceased) Herb Kelleher, Southwest prides itself on outstanding customer service, timely arrivals, and affordable prices. When flying Southwest travelers must first understand the cultural and philosophical perspective that Southwest approaches its business model from. While I was NOT compensated by them for this post, I feel like I should be □ First Time Flying Southwest Airlines – what to know We explain all here!Ī quick note: As a disclaimer of sorts, I am unabashedly a huge fan of Southwest Airlines and have been for years. So, if it is your first time flying Southwest there’s a few things you need to keep in mind. It’s true that Southwest DOES do business a little different and that could make your first Southwest flight a little unnerving – if not prepared. Discount airline Southwest is frequently feted for its customer service and unique way of doing business…and it’s reasonable prices.
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