Southwest Airlines

To be fair, before Saturday I would have given Southwest 4 out of 5 stars, but the customer service on Saturday was fantastic.
This was my first time flying them. This past Wednesday, I flew DTW to Midway to LAX, for a blogging conference. On the first leg of my flights (DTW-​MDW), someone apparently got on the plane that was flying direct to Phoenix (that flight was technically DTW-​MDW-​PHX, for those not getting off at MDW) and it took about 45 minutes to find that person and reroute them … at that point I wasn’t super impressed with Southwest, but IMO it wasn’t their fault. We left about 45 minutes late for MDW but whenever I have connections I always allow 2 hours or so in between, so that was fine — I still made my MDW-​LAX flight with time to spare.
Yesterday, I was supposed to fly home through LAX (LAX-​BNA-​DTW). However, I had heard that LAX is under construction, and because of that, you can spend 30 – 60 minutes just waiting in line outside to get into the airport. A friend at the conference told me that Southwest was rebooking people for free (ie, you could change your flight time OR airport), so I called to see if I could rebook through Burbank — I had found a flight on the app that would route me through Vegas (BUR-​LAS-​DTW) and get me in about 45 minutes earlier to DTW, to boot.
I mentioned the flight when I called, and was put on hold. About 5 minutes later, the SWA employee was like «Okay, it’s all taken care of.» SUCH good customer service … I usually fly Delta, but you KNOW Delta would have charged you an arm and a leg to change that. SWA did it for free and without complaint.
Burbank was about a ten minute drive from my hotel and was super convenient — LAX would’ve been about 50 – 60 minutes with traffic.
You now have made a Southwest devotee out of me, lol, and I am flying them next month to Atlanta too. I do still prefer nonstop flights, which Delta is sometimes better at, but for the cost ($ 275 RT to L.A. vs. about $ 400 – 450 for Delta), Southwest definitely lives up to the hype.

Its an Airline, what can I say! They all suck! At tip here… with SW if you book the cheap ticket, then pay the extra for the «auto check in» you get bumped up to the A boarding line without paying full fair for the aisles and windows!

I remember why I never fly Southwest! Rudest Check-​in agents ever in Detroit. Although I check-​in online, still had to wait over and hour in line to check a bag. I told the gate agent I was traveling alone and only had 15 to make my plane. Over an hour in line, have to be on board at least 20 minutes before takeoff, and 2 hours is clearly not enough time!
Then I was told I should have planned better! I’m executive platinum with American, Gold with Delta and fly around 160 segments a year… I’ll give you one guess who isn’t prepared and who isn’t. I’m standing in line before the airport even opened!
How about an announcement to let people who are flying before 7 am (within 2 hours) to the front of the line? If you don’t fly until 9am (like the 2 groups in front of me), maybe there should be a second line. OR how about an Express Lane?
Bottom line… A little everyday courtesy… And more Attitude like you speak of in the the commercial, and less like this agent (tall thin dark skin lady)… Maybe you should take lessons from the flight attendants!
Of course, absolutely no help from TSA at all either! Thank God for late-​running flights!
Southwest has some of the worst agents ever in Detroit!
1 STAR

SWA has come thru for me many times, they helped, for instance I was called to a loved one’s death bed, and the steward asked if anybody minded waiting for my husband who had to park the car so could we travel together. If you pay for the Earlybird Check-​in you’ll be upgraded to A group even if you bought the cheap fare. And if you get to the airport the standard 2 hrs early you’ll have No Problem with staring-​eyes…

I’ve flown Southwest a few times over the past 10 years or so, and I just can’t come to liking them all that much. They aren’t the worst airline out there, but I’m just not a fan. Let me give you a little background on how I came to this assumption.
I’ve always considered them a «B» rate airlines, secondary to certain other carriers. They used to offer discounted airfare, and even though it’s cattle call getting on the airplane, you used to be able to fly for substantially cheaper then others (Delta, American, etc.)
But, in the past few years they’ve really hiked their air fare, and don’t offer really any good rewards to flying. Their as expensive as the major carriers, and not worth what they charge for. Also, I dislike their point system and how they expire. One time I was 2 points away from getting a free ticket, and I couldn’t take time off before I was obligated to fly again and lost all my points. Big fail. My Delta miles never expire as long as I’m alive.
Secondly, the seating is cramped and uncomfortable, especially for longer flights. If I were flying to Chicago or New York, I would take this guys because their short distances, but not for anything farther then that.
Thirdly, and most importantly, the cattle call for getting seats. I HATE THIS. I want an assigned seat. PERIOD. I hate standing there staring at people wondering if they are really supposed to be ahead of me. I want to know that I have a seat in the front of the plane (for easy on and easy off) with a window view so I can stare endlessly out the window. This is how I roll.
Also, we have left late before due to boarding taking forever. We left an hour late out of Detroit going to Phoenix via Las Vegas, and spent extra time in Vegas due to a luggage cart that the staff didn’t know if it was supposed to go on our plane or not.
Here are the benefits of flying Southwest:
NONE.
Okay, maybe a few. First off, they offer free Wi-​Fi on some of their planes, and you can watch TV and see the route that your flying on their log in page. I love this! OMG AWESOME! Sure breaks up the monotony of reading and making endless small talk with the guy sitting next to you. So I whip out my computer to watch shows provided by Dish network at no charge. Channels like bravo, and a few others are in there, with a decent selection.
I also love seeing the cockpit page, where I can look at the computer and see where I’m flying over so I know what I’m staring at out the window. Which mountains are those? Denver? COOL. Is that a cornfield? In Oklahoma? Even cooler! Love it!
For the most part, I love the staff on Southwest. They have their awesome attendants and their grouchy ones, but overall they mostly provide pretty good friendly service. I’ve had a snarly attendant in my day on most other airlines as well, southwest is no exception. (nor delta, American or any other airline.)
Overall, I would not prefer to fly them for long distances, only within a short distance. Sometimes you win with them, sometimes you don’t and it just depends what your looking for in airfare I guess.

Got to say wow! I’ve always wanted to fly This Airline because I have heard many great things,
I loved the flight yea We were A Little late getting where I needed to be but It was due to bad weather and the Turbulence in Chicago.
So Not their fault, Flight Attendants where awesome, got my window seat which was A plus, I read one guys review before boarding At Metro that he was old school and loves the assigned seat policy !
I have to disagree.
I’m glad I don’t have to pay an extra $ 15 $ 16 dollars for A seat plus the $ 25 for carry-​on, which This airline does not have the bag fees, if you want to sit with your loved one just check in 24hrs in Advance and not wait till the last Min as The Airlines website said! Well that’s what I’m saying but The Airlines website does say to check in 24hrs in advance so you have A better seat selection.
I was lucky to be in Group B 1 – 30 section as I was #23, I will for Sure fly them again.

Southwest is rocking it as usual. It’s always nice to interact with well trained and friendly agents and crews.

Best airline by far! I have never flown with another airline because they are always to cheapest and their staff is so friendly and funny. And as an added bonus you don’t pY for your 1^st 2 bags and the fares are still cheaper than other airlines. I live that you can pick your own seat and all the seats are first class quality! Keep up the good work SWA and you’ll keep a loyal customer.

I am a huge Southwest fan! I LUV them!
Boarding is always quick, and every time I have flown with them, we land early because we boarded so quickly!
Staff is always great! In-​flight crew tried to throw some laughs in during the pre-​flight presentation to make it a little less routine and more personable. No two are ever alike. :)
Free Wi-​Fi in-​flight allows you to watch FREE streaming TV, and use the flight tracker.
Prices are great. Rapid Rewards is the best. FREE checked bags makes this a winner-​winner chicken dinner!

Ok… I’d hope by now you’d know that I’m a fan of Southwest Airlines. I was catching the morning direct flight home to Vegas. It was this crews first flight of the day. They arrived at the gate on time to get the plane ready for our flight. The Southwest employees handling the counter and tickets were amazing. Everyone was boarded quickly and efficiently. But this is the normal for Southwest. Fricken awesome!
I had a ‘C’ boarding pass which means I’m one of the last ones to board. I think luck was on my side since there was an empty seat waiting for me in the exit row! Woo Hoo! Upon takeoff, one of the flight attendants sang a little tune pertaining to our flight. Her voice was awesome! She actually sang again once we landed in Vegas. It was an incredible talent she holds! All of the flight attendants were quick with getting us drinks and snacks. I still think it’s one of the last airlines that you don’t have to pay for bags, drinks and snacks… or exit rows! They even came back through about 3 or 4 times refilling drinks and bringing more snacks. I’m lovin this!
Another fantastic perk they offer is free tv provided by DISH network. It was Sunday and I was able to watch the NFL network the whole flight home. There are also other channels such as NBC or Bravo. I can’t remember all of them since I was hooked with my football info! This was great since I didn’t buy the wifi on the flight. It’s only $ 5 for internet but I decided just to watch tv.
I guess I just can’t say enough great things about Southwest Airlines. They always provide the best service in my mind and wouldn’t even think of flying anyone else!

Waffling between 3 and 4 stars, deciding on 3 because I’m old school and no matter what the benefits this airline has to offer, I like an assigned seat.
Travel is stressful enough without having to worry about whether or not my wife & I will be able to sit together… which we didn’t for our connecting flight in Chicago because the times were so close. We hustled thru the airport and were the LAST people on the plane looking for any available seat.
Tell me what part of worrying you are going to make your connection, breaking a sweat as you do the 400 meters thru the terminal, panting as you arrive at your gate only to realize there is no one else in line & they are making the final boarding call is not stressful?
THEN knowing that as you & your wife step aboard, every eye is on you as the crowd realizes YOU are the ones holding up the departure. Yeah… now try to find a seat. The only one available is between a Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker and a Sumo wrestler en route back to Japan. Nice. Neither are very happy about adding another big guy to their row. And my wife? Where did she go? Babe? Babe? Oh well, guess she found a seat.
Aside from the no assigned seat, the rest of what Southwest does seems to work and it appears most patrons are very happy & loyal.
Here’s a difference I haven’t seen mentioned yet: When in flight beverage service starts, the flight attendant takes your order then comes back to serve your section from a tray… eliminating that bulky cart that bumps every aisle seated shoulder & knee. That damn cart on other airlines also inhibits access to someone in dire need of the lavatory until the aisle is clear. Kudos to Southwest on beverage service!
I’m not saying we won’t fly Southwest again, but since the whole «find your seat» causes me undo anxiety, I think we’ll be booking thru Alaska or Delta as our first choice… and since Southwest doesn’t fly to Hawaii, it’s all about points & rewards. Sorry, Southwest, you are a distant third for us.

I fly too much. I wish there was another mode of travel. In the years that I’ve been flying flights have gone from half full with ample leg room to more than 100% full with not enough of anything. And yet most airlines haven’t changed their method of «service» since the golden age of flight as luxury. Southwest on the other hand embraces the bus-​like nature of flight these days. They’ve invented new ways to deliver drinks and snacks. They provide the required safety instruction with humor, professionalism or even singing depending on who is delivering and I think that’s what makes this airline stand out. They’ve empowered their people. It showed too when the gate staff decided to rearrange the seating in the airport because they knew the next flight was expecting a large number of people that were going to require assistance and so they made sure that there was enough room for all of those wheel chairs. Its all about service.

Workers at southwest need to learn what customer service is and not be a bitch who needs a drink! Last two times I’ve gone with southwest, the flights are delayed and spent all day at airport! Yes, they give vouchers. Great, but is it worth 12hours plus at boring crazy airports? I had business flights and yet they still didn’t put me first on next standby flights, or offered return so I can get on another flight

Love southwest airlines. They really take care of the customer.
I always fly them when I can. SW or Jet Blue (they have TVs)

update: a few weeks after I submitted all my paperwork/​claim forms, I received a form letter from SWA saying that they apologized for my missing «STOLEN» luggage and that they were reviewing my claims. They continued on by saying that if «they believe everything I claimed» (my own words) a check will be sent to me within a week.
Within a few days, a check came but it didn’t help to soften the blow that someone had the nerve to steal my suitcase and is walking around in MY clothes. LOL I feel violated.
Karma.

Cattle car. Surly, faux southern charm. Flights were late.

As a first time Southwest flyer I was very disappointed on the Detroit side. I flew on a «buddy pass» which is pretty much flying stand by. Since I had never flown this way before I was full of questions when my turn finally arrived at the check in counter (after a very lengthy line). Of course as soon as I made my way to the counter the man behind the counter disappeared. I tried to ask the lady at the next computer for help and she was very rude (I wish I had gotten her name)! Finally, she told me which option to choose & my security pass would print. Getting through security wasn’t bad, moved fairly quick! Upon my arrival to my gate I was told that I would be called up 10 minutes before final board «if» there were any available seats by a not so friendly agent. Well, 10 minutes before & after came & went until finally standing back in the line behind 4 other people I waited. Nervously watching them take their time checking one person in while the other customer service agent looks over his shoulder instead of offering to help someone else in line I started to panic that I wasn’t going to be able to board. Once it was my turn, thankfully I was able to speak to the gentleman at the counter instead of the same rude lady I had originally spoken to. He kept trying to make the flight work for me while she over his shoulder continue to say things like «well go ahead put her on that plane, they’re just going to make her get off at the connecting flight». I was finally let on just before the doors closed. Oh did I mention they have no seating assignments. chaos! My bag was about 9 isles away along with having to stow away my purse. The flight attendants were pleasant for the most part, but nothing to brag about! I didn’t get booted at my connecting flight either, thankfully. On the Houston, TX side everyone was fabulous. Courteous, friendly & helpful from start to finish! Terrible that people have to further convince us that Detroit is full of rude, unfriendly people!!!