How do you rate Southwest Airlines US?

Hi Guys,

Never had any dramas with Southwest - I'd definitely fly them if it's the only direct option vs a stopover.

I've flown them several times before. They are an unconventional airline with no assigned seating. What you gotta watch out for is you need to check in as early as possible to get the best boarding group. You just seat yourself wherever you want. Other than the wierd seat assignment or lack thereof, the staff are INCREDIBLY FRIENDLY. Southwest is like the 'fun' airline in the US and the great thing is they include 2 free checked bags. Onboard, you'll get a snack and a drink. I highly recommend them to everyone.

I've done 90% of my internal US flying with Southwest and found them great. They usually had the cheapest flights and their ticket included checked baggage. This may have changed as its been a few years since i was over there but never had a drama with them.

Get a tick from me

Thanks everyone,

A surprisingly good LCC - Have flown them a few times between Portland OR and places like LAX, Vegas

Having seen some "documentaries" on Southwest years ago, I was a bit reticent to fly with them, but they were the only airline to fly direct on one routing I needed.

Just bear in mind the number of flights being cancelled and passengers being bumped due to the 737 max at the moment

yes families board after group a so you will be ok with your kids, the first on board always go for the first few rows so if you wander down the back a bit there is always plenty of space at that time in boarding. Seating is as good or bad as qantas in economy, you get free drink and snacks but that is all and of course 2 free bags for each passenger.

I flew them this week MSY-LAX. The two checked bags included with the fare is great, as are the snacks and drinks. As the comments have said though, check-in online as soon as you can to get the best boarding position as they do it A 1-60, B 1-60 and C 1-60. Getting a seat as a single passenger is easy, however it can be a bit more troublesome if you are in group C to get seats together. You should be able to get seats with your children though with the family boarding group.

Just returned from the USA a few days ago. A number of Southwest flights included.

Some tips:

1. Consider joining Southwest's 'Rapid Rewards' frequent flyer program. It's generous, has minimal redemption costs (usually just USD $5.40 PFC - passenger facility charge) and has very few 'blackout' periods. You'll be surprised how quickly you accumulate points if you visit the USA regularly.
2. The B737MAX issue was a problem only for the first 2-3 weeks while schedules were adjusted. Southwest has sorted this and routes are now operating at an identical schedule.
3. Crews are friendly and efficient, given that - unlike the major legacies - Southwest is generally 'non-union', so their folks are invested and well remunerated. Results in a better level of service.
4. B737-800 frames have 32" pitch (against 31" for QF/AA/UA etc). B737-700's are 31" pitch.
5. As said by others, 2 free bags (23kgs each) will save you significantly.
   
   
6. Passengers with health issues or elderly (ie: wheelchair access or pacemakers etc) board before Group A. This usually covers around 5-6 passengers per flight.
7. If your flight is a multi-stop, you are allowed to remain on the aircraft (and retain your existing seat) during the de-board and boarding process.
8. Snacks and soft drinks are free onboard. If you make an onboard food / beverage purchase for a more substantial food item or alcoholic drink, your receipt is sent immediately to your cell or email address.
9. If by some chance there is a service delay, interruption or problem (rare, in my experience), it will be dealt with immediately on arrival.
10. Southwest is generally geared towards good customer satisfaction - and it is not 'lip service'.
    
    
11. Just be aware that Southwest flies to smaller airports in some larger cities (ie: DAL vs DFW, MDW vs ORD). However, in cities such as New York, they use LGA like most others .. and California covers not only LAX and SFO, but also many of the surrounding smaller airports.
12. Enjoy! You won't regret the experience.

Thanks everyone for the advice, tickets are booked so off we go!