Grab Southwest Airlines Flights on a Budget

When it comes to air travel, Southwest Airlines flights stand out as a top choice for savvy travelers looking for a blend of affordability, comfort, and excellent service. Known for its commitment to customer satisfaction, Southwest makes flying not just a means to get from point A to point B, but a pleasant experience in itself. With a reputation for low fares, no hidden fees, and a generous free checked baggage policy, it's no surprise that Southwest has become a favorite for both leisure and business travelers. Book your next flight with Southwest, and enjoy a seamless, stress-free journey that leaves more room for what matters.

Southwest Airlines Baggage Allowance

Fly smart with Southwest Airlines and enjoy unbeatable perks! However, the airline is rapidly evolving, and so are its guidelines and policies. With new initiatives on the horizon, the airline will be introducing new benefits for its passengers. The allowance depends on the fare option you choose and is categorized as follows.

As per the new changes being applied -

• A-List Preferred Members and Business Select® travelers get 2 free checked bags.
• A-List Members and select others get 1 free checked bag.
• Rapid Rewards Credit Card holders can get a free bag.

Changes apply to flights booked after May 28, 2025. With flexible fares and no change fees, flying just got easier. Now, take a look at other baggage allowances.

Carry-on and Personal Items

Every passenger in your itinerary can bring bags along on Southwest flights. You can carry one bag and one personal item, with the bag’s size limits up to 24*16*10 inches. The personal item can be a small purse or briefcase that goes under your seat.

Checked Items

You can bring two free checked bags, which you can check digitally or at the airport. The maximum weight and allowed size are 50 pounds and 62 inches each, respectively. 

Oversize or Overweight Bags

Pack smart with Southwest Airlines! For oversized bags (over 80 inches), the fee is $200. If your bag’s a bit heavy, it’s $150 for bags weighing 51–70 lbs, and $200 for those tipping the scale at 71–100 lbs. Keep it light and save; your wallet will thank you!

Southwest Airlines Fare Options

There are four fare types offered by Southwest Airlines, each with a fair share of amenities and services for you to enjoy. The fare rules also vary depending on these types for each of you.

Wanna Get Away

It is the basic fare which does not include many services, but one benefit has recently been added to this option is Free same-day standby service. You may need to pay some taxes or fees, but there is no additional charge.

Wanna Get Away+

It is an upgraded form of the Wanna Get Away fare by Southwest. You get transferable flight credit and free same-day changes in this version to enjoy your vacation plans without worrying about emergencies.

Anytime

Southwest Anytime fares are exciting and come with all the benefits of the Wanna Get Away Plus fare. What’s unique is that you get EarlyBird Check-in, access to priority and express lanes, as well as your Rapid Rewards miles earning is better.

Business Select

It is the best fare option available on Southwest Airlines that comes with every benefit of Anytime fares. The unique services with this fare include a priority boarding facility and free in-flight internet with a complimentary premium drink on flights over 176 miles.

Note: Each Southwest Airlines fare allows two checked bags free of cost; no change or cancellation fee applies to any, and your flight credits do not expire.

Southwest Airlines Meal Options

For every customer and in every fare class, Southwest Airlines has an amazing food and beverage menu that also offers exclusive meals and caters to the special dietary needs of the customers. If you wish to fly with the airline, you can enjoy:

Snack Service

Southwest Airlines provides a selection of snacks, including snack mix, Remy's Grahams™ offered on select flights, and Sheila G's Brownie Brittle® available specifically on longer flights.

Complimentary Beverages

Passengers can enjoy a variety of complimentary drinks, including water, soda (Coca-Cola®, Diet Coke®, Sprite®), juices (Minute Maid® Orange Juice, Cranberry Cocktail, Apple Juice), as well as coffee, tea, and hot cocoa.

Beverages Available for Purchase

Southwest Airlines offers alcoholic beverages for purchase, featuring spirits like vodka, whiskey, rum, and tequila, as well as wine, beer, and cocktails such as margaritas and hard seltzers.

Food To Purchase

Unfortunately, Southwest does not sell food on planes, but you can always count on pretzels and other small bags of carb-based products. But you can bring something onboard as well.

Southwest Airlines In-Flight Services

Other than the simple snacks & beverages, you can also enjoy plenty of in-flight amenities on a Southwest flight. Here are some of the details:

In-flight Entertainment

You can enjoy amazing shows and movies through Southwest Airlines’ comprehensive Inflight Entertainment Portal, featuring a selection of movies, TV series on demand, and live TV, all complimentary. 

Internet Services

Passengers can also purchase internet access for $8 per device during the flight, with exemptions for A-List Preferred Members and Business Select Customers. You can also use a flight tracker to text via iMessage and WhatsApp (limited availability)

Power Ports

Southwest Airlines is in the process of installing in-seat power ports on their aircraft, which will feature USB-A and USB-C ports on each seat back. However, this feature is not yet available on all flights until the fleet-wide implementation is completed.

Bring Your Own Device

Seatback screens or rental devices are not provided onboard, and headphones are not sold. Passengers are required to bring their own headphones for audio entertainment.

Which Airport Facilities Can I Get with Southwest Airlines?

There are several airport benefits offered by Southwest. You can enjoy many services mentioned as follows:

Check-in Counters

You begin your journey at the Southwest Airlines check-in counters, which provide a streamlined process for ticketing, baggage check, and seat assignment. Staffed by friendly attendants, these counters ensure an easy transition for you.

Baggage Claim Areas

Southwest Airlines baggage claim areas are designed to help you easily get your belongings upon arrival. Equipped with conveyor belts and staffed by attentive personnel, these areas ensure a hassle-free retrieval process for travelers.

Priority Boarding

Southwest Airlines allows Business Select passengers to board the aircraft before general boarding, typically providing more time and space to settle into their seats.

Early Bird Check-In

This service provides the option for passengers to check in earlier than standard check-in times. You can therefore secure earlier boarding positions and potentially better seat choices.

Express Lanes

These lanes expedite the security screening process, allowing passengers to bypass long queues at airport security checkpoints.

Southwest Airlines Check-in

You can check in for your Southwest Airlines flights under their simple policy, where an online option is available from 24 hours before the departure, and the offline one requires your early arrival at the airport premises.

Website Check-in

This option lets you check in for your flights 24 hours before departure through Southwest Airlines official website. You can provide some details to access your reservation info and check-in/

App Check-in

You can also download the Southwest Airlines mobile app to check in for your flights. The option opens 24 hours before your flight departs and closes one hour before.

Self-Service Airport Check-in

Southwest self-service kiosks are available at select airports which allow you to print your boarding pass and access more options to fly without worries.

Airport Counter Check-in

This facility is available at the check-in counters 30 minutes to 3 hours before your flight’s scheduled departure. You can go straight to the airport and ask a desk agent for help and a boarding pass.

Top Southwest Airlines Destinations

Domestic

• Denver, Colorado
• Las Vegas, Nevada
• Phoenix, Arizona
• Chicago, Illinois
• Orlando, Florida

International

• Cancun, Mexico
• San Jose del Cabo, Mexico
• Montego Bay, Jamaica
• Nassau, Bahamas
• Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

In Conclusion

Choosing Southwest Airlines for your next flight is more than just booking a seat—it’s making a smart, value-packed decision. From flexible ticket options to free Wi-Fi and a customer-first approach, Southwest Airlines ensures that your travel experience is as smooth as possible. Whether you're flying for work or play, this airline's reputation for reliability, comfort, and affordability makes it a standout choice. So, why wait? Secure your ticket today, and discover why Southwest Airlines is trusted by millions of travelers who know a great deal when they see one!

Start planning your adventurous escapes through Lowfarescanners and enjoy the best features from Southwest Airlines. Book tickets right away for an expedited process.

FAQs

1. What is Southwest Airlines' baggage allowance?

Southwest allows two free checked bags (up to 50 lbs and 62 inches). You can also bring one carry-on and one personal item. Oversized or overweight bags incur extra fees.

2. What are Southwest Airlines' fare options?

Southwest offers four fares: Wanna Get Away, Wanna Get Away+, Anytime, and Business Select. Each comes with different perks, like priority boarding and free internet with Business Select.

3. How do I check in for my Southwest flight?

You can check in online 24 hours before departure via the website or app. Early Bird Check-In offers earlier access to better seats, or you can check in at the airport.

4. What food and drinks does Southwest serve?

Southwest provides free drinks (soda, coffee, juices) and snacks (pretzels, Grahams™). Alcoholic drinks are available for purchase, but no full meals are sold onboard.

5. Does Southwest have in-flight entertainment?

Yes, Southwest offers free movies, TV shows, and live TV. You can stream content on your own device, and Wi-Fi is available for purchase (free for A-List and Business Select customers).