Southwest Airlines Passenger Reviews and Southwest Airlines Customer Trip Reports

As a family of four, with children ages 7 and 11, we had to sit in 3 different locations both on our flight to Florida, and our return trip. This was unacceptable, and staff simply shrugged and said there was nothing they could do about it. They did ask a single passenger to move so that our 7 year old be permitted to sit with his mother on the return flight. I would very highly recommend against any and all families ever even considering to fly Southwest airlines.

In the past two weeks I flew Southwest cross country and also another major airline. The contrast between Southwest and this other airline was unreal. Friendly, courteous, organized, on time, generous with baggage check (no fees for first 2), generous with snacks/drinks. The only reason I took another airline in the first place was because Southwest didn't fly to the location I had to visit.

We flew Southwest with our 3 young boys. Extremely nervous because my older son is peanut and peanut dust allergic. Flight attendants were aware and made the flight peanut free. Our 1st plane was freshly cleaned, we were able to pre-board. Seats are leather, so made it easier to clean. Our return flight, flight attendants also made sure no peanuts were served, the check-in counter confirmed his allergy was in the system and everyone was aware. We also pre-boarded and on both flights sat in bulkhead seats. Southwest was great, extremely considerate and very professional.

Besides the obvious advantages of reasonable prices, 2 free checked bags, and free coffee, tea, water, soda and snacks on flights, what you need to know about Southwest is that they are almost always on time and quite often arrive early. We have never had a problem with luggage - checked or carried on. Flight staff are pleasant Seats aren't the roomiest ever, but flights aren't that long.

I fly Southwest frequently and until my most recent flight I have been a satisfied customer. Last flight was my first on a plane with their redesigned/reconfigured interior. There is simply less legroom with the new seat configuration. I was cramped and uncomfortable. The seats themselves are very nice but if you are 6 ft or taller you will be uncomfortable. The purpose of this review is to simply give a heads up to people whose height might make a long trip very uncomfortable.

Recently took 7 Southwest flights within the USA and could not complain about one of them. They don't have select seating but as they are usually short flights, it doesn't matter. All flights were on time and the staff very friendly.

LAS-OMA-LAS. I like flying Southwest, because it's the most hassle-free airline in the US. However the plane I took yesterday was filthy and I am not talking about dirt from the last flight. This dirt was on the carpet and side of seats. Food particles, dried up soda, chewing gum etc. Keeping a cabin clean is easy and should be paramount.

Newark-Denver return. Outbound flight on time, checked in easily online and bag drop and boarding was swift. Cabin crew were excellent and very attentive. Complimentary drinks were great and snacks were good. A meal for the 3.5 hour flight would have been more substantial. Flight back was 3 hours late. We checked in online without difficulty. Bag drop and boarding was just as swift and the crew were excellent. Legroom both ways was well above what you get with most low cost airlines.

My wife and I recently flew from Newark to Reno via Chicago (Midway) and then Reno to Newark with a connection in Phoenix. The boarding process was simple and quick, flight attendants on all 4 planes were very courteous. Our plane from Phoenix was delayed 15 minutes, however we landed on time. The other 3 flights all landed early. Pleasant experience, highly recommended.

Roundtrip between Baltimore and Greenville, SC. Had to leave very early and change in Chicago on the way out, which does not make sense. Dislike the general admission seating cattle call. Some passengers were very rude about it on the return flight. Will be sticking with United or another legacy carrier from here on out. Might pay a little more, but would rather have a more comfortable flight.

SMF-ONT. Southwest is the only airline non-stop on this route. Check-in was fairly quick. We paid $10 for early check-in and still weren't near the front of the line, but managed to get emergency row seats. Service was fine. Nothing special, but flight was just an hour long. Flight was on time and our luggage arrived safely.

We recently traveled as a family of 4 with children aged 7 and 11. Due to the fact that there is no reserved seating, we were forced to sit in 3 very separate places throughout the plane on both outgoing and incoming flights. Both flights were very miserable. Their rates may be low, but do remember the old adage "you get what you pay for"!

Houston to Newark, roundtrip. Two free 50lb checked bags and a carry on and large purse. Staff are friendly, planes always clean and leg room is good. They have been updating their fleet with newer restrooms, cabin interior and wifi. They give free soda, juice, water, and snacks. Charge for alcohol and energy drinks.

IND to MSY with a layover in MCO round trip. Flight attendants had conversations with passengers, which gave all 4 of my flights a friendly atmosphere. All but 1 of my flights arrived early. Make sure you check-in as soon as you can so you aren't stuck with a middle seat.

LAX-LAS. Flight left/arrived on time. Quick 45 min flight from LA to Vegas, free drink and snack served. Leg room ok as flight was completely full. Southwest allow 2 free checked bags as opposed to most other US airlines who charge for checked baggage.

BUF-LAX (via PHX), SAN-SFO, and SFO-BUF (with a stop in MDW along the way). Paid $125 each way between BUF and LAX and between SFO and BUF, and $49 for SAN-SFO. Fare included 2 free checked bags. Excellent value for price paid! All my flights arrived early and were operated by newish 737-700's. All flights (except SFO-BUF) were packed, but I got the bulkhead window seats which were very comfortable. FA's were friendly, especially on the BUF-PHX and MDW-BUF legs. Having Internet on my long return flight made the time fly by, and for the most part it worked very well.

SJC to SNA return. I checked in online for both flights early enough to get an "A35" boarding position for both flights, and that was good enough to get seats in an emergency exit aisle, with great legroom. Both flights on time, and flight attendants efficient and friendly. There is no inflight entertainment unless you bring a laptop to use their WiFi and you still get a free soft drink and peanuts/pretzels. Being able to check-in a suitcase for free is fantastic nowadays! I would rate the seat comfort very good.

Chicago Midway to Boston return. Flights operated by a relatively new 737-700. Both on time. Leg room is generous for a low cost carrier. Flight attendants were polite and efficient. I was allowed to check in two 50lb bags for free and to take a carry-on bag as well. Seats were comfortable and leg room decent, especially for a low cost. We were served a complimentary snack and offered non-alcoholic beverages with free re-fills. Boarding was efficient. My only quirk with Southwest is that they do not have assigned seating, hence getting a preferred seat is tricky, unless you pay the extra $10 and get early boarding. I had not done that but in hindsight I think the extra $10 is well worth it (especially if you want a window seat). I highly recommend Southwest due to their efficiency, friendly staff and complimentary beverages.

BUF-TPA return flights on time. B737-700 to Tampa and 737-500 back to Buffalo both quite clean, although B737-500 showing its age.  FA's friendly, especially on the way back to Buffalo.  The extra $10 for early boarding was well worth it on return - ended up with a mid "A" boarding group number and got the Exit seat with about 3 feet of legroom in front - if you're tall, this is the seat you want.   My home airport is Toronto but I'll drive to Buffalo for fares that are generally half the price of flying out of Toronto.

Avoid if you are travelling with children over 4 years of age. My wife, 5 year old son and I were unable to obtain a boarding pass prior to our arrival at the airport, and as a result under Southwest's "open-seat" policy we boarded when only single seats were available. My wife politely asked if any passenger would be willing to move so our son could sit with her and no one responded. The flight attendant did not attempt to assist us despite witnessing our dilemma. Fortunately, a sympathetic passenger finally offered to move to allow my wife to sit with our son. It appears Southwest has decided that 5 year old children are sufficiently mature to sit apart from their parents on 3 hour flights. I recommend that you avoid Southwest if you are flying with children over the age of 4 or your family may be placed in the same position as mine.

BOI-SNA round trip. Took my 4 year old son. We had no problems whatsoever on our flights. Connected in Las Vegas heading to SNA, then Phoenix heading back to Boise. Flight from SNA to PHX was overbooked, but since I was travelling with a 4 year old, we got on right after the "A" group. I thought the boarding process was odd and I prefer assigned seating, but I saved so much money on the lack of baggage fees, it was worth it to me. Seats were more comfortable and I had more legroom than on other airlines I've flown. I'd fly SWA again for sure.