Southwest Airlines Reviews

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About Southwest Airlines

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Southwest Airlines operates domestic and international passenger air travel. Established in 1967 and based in Dallas, the airline serves over 100 destinations across the United States, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. Southwest Airlines features low-cost travel options, flexible policies and a focus on customer service.

Pros
  • Friendly and helpful staff
  • Affordable flight options
  • Flexible change policies
Cons
  • Frequent flight delays
  • Poor communication during issues

Southwest Airlines Reviews

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    Page 10 Reviews 1436 - 1636
    Customer Service

    Reviewed July 5, 2016

    I have flown with Southwest a number of times, and I have yet to be disappointed. I love the fact that I can check in two 50-pound bags for FREE, as well as bring two carry-on items with me on the plane. I can also choose my own seat upon boarding, which is a really nice. I never get stuck sitting next to someone I don't want to sit by. Aside from the perks that Southwest has to offer, I have been thoroughly impressed with their excellent customer service. I can always count on Southwest to offer the best deals along with the best service.

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    Punctuality & SpeedStaff

    Reviewed July 1, 2016

    Southwest delayed my evening flight 3 hours, and then told me that I could hop on a flight the next day at 5:30 am instead. They only offered to refund the points I originally paid (a small amount compared to the cost of buying another flight now) - not like that's going to do me much good at this point. They don't seem to understand that it's not about the points for me, but it's about getting where I need to go on time. I have a very tight schedule and leaving the next day is not an option for me. Because of this delay, I had to break countless plans that I cannot remake by taking a flight the next day. I should have flown with a larger airline that could have transferred me to another flight the same day. The customer agent said that I should choose to fly with another airline if I'm not happy with this sort of treatment. I think I will next time.

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    Customer ServiceStaff

    Reviewed June 30, 2016

    I booked the flight on Monday June 26th, and purchased 5,500 points for a total of $151.25. The next day I received an e-mail message that there is a promotion effective June 28th, 2 days later, for a 50% bonus. That would be 2500 points. When I called they refused to give me any credit for the promotion. THE SUPERVISOR AT CORPORATE said that they do not control their own promotions. There is a company called Points Plus that is in charge. Therefore Southwest obviously farms out a lot of their business. I am surprised that a company as large as Southwest has little or no control over their point system. Be warned that this can happen to you at any time. And when you speak to the customer service representatives they sound like they're reading from a book. What a joke!!

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    Customer ServiceCoverageStaff

    Reviewed June 28, 2016

    I booked a flight recently with my 2 children, ages 12 and 9 through Southwest. I was not able to sit by my kids because there is not assigned seating. My 12-year-old had to take a seat in the middle of 2 strangers, and also my 9-year-old girl was forced to sit in between 2 unknown men in which she was very uncomfortable, not to mention scared of flying anyway and wasn't expecting not sitting near her mother during a nervous situation(flying). We were all separated on different parts of plane. I understand now this is the way they seat. I never expected this though as I have never flew with Southwest. I even checked in early online approx. 20 hours prior but was still one of the last to board the plane, so this is how it goes.

    Their policy only allows families to board first in order to sit with your kids if your kids are 6 and under, so be aware if you have a 7-year-old or up you may NOT get to sit with them! On one of the flights (we had 4 flights) a man offered to move in order for me to sit by my daughter, which was very kind of him. But because he did the stewardesses were in return very rude to me and made me feel like I was a horrible person for taking this gentleman up on HIS offer even though it was his suggestion, not mine. So yes, this was my fault for not checking out the seating policy - first come, first serve (which I will now be aware of), but to all who may want to sit with their children be advised! I will make sure I fly in the future only with airlines who have seating where I know I will be able to sit with my kids.

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    Price

    Reviewed June 25, 2016

    On September 17, 2015 I bought a plane ticket for my son from Seattle to Austin for $127. I later decided to extend his trip and paid $282.98 to extend him on December 3rd. The money from his original flight was applied to the extension and I paid an additional $102. Then December 4th I saw they had a better deal and changed his flight again for the original price of $127 leaving me with a credit for $102. So today I went to purchase him a ticket using the $102 in funds however, they are telling me that those funds will expire on September 16, 2016. The fund are supposed to be good for a year. They want to say they're good from the date of original purchase but I spent those funds and purchased a new ticket on December 3rd.

    They are stealing my money and refuse to allow me to use them 5 days after they supposedly expire (9 months after issue). I want him to fly on September 21st. This is ridiculous. The money was spent on December 3rd not September 16th. I am so disappointed in Southwest and want everyone to know they are stealing my money.

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    Customer ServiceSales & MarketingStaff

    Reviewed June 25, 2016

    I have flown this company for 15 years and I have sang their praises for the last 10. I have supported them and even had my friends fly with me so they could see how good this airline was. But... So on Tuesday SWA screwed up my reservations... I got it resolved by an employee named Roger... Strike 1. Thursday I show up to fly home and the walk flesh would not accept the "ticket" that they issued to me. I have to go back to the gate and the supervisor of customer service takes my ticket to go argue with the flesh at the walkway that yes it is a ticket... Strike 2.

    I call to file a complaint with customer relations (what a joke). The flesh on the line Tiffany takes my complaint and assures me that she will call me back at 10 am on Friday... She didn't. Turns out they can't return the calls. She was lying to me... Strike 3. I talk to customer service today which is a subordinate of customer relations and the flesh named Elaine who is a "supervisor" tells me they don't call back, that Tiffany misspoke and that the only way they will investigate and return a call is if I put it in writing... Strike 4. DO NOT FLY this airline has I have made it my personal mission to let the public know how bad this company is!!! I know that this unethical company just a scam on TEXAS. Shame on SWA!!! Shame on Gary C Kelly. This is not the same company that Herb Kelleher strived to build!

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    Reviewed June 24, 2016

    I set my luggage a certain way for a reason. I will lay clothing a certain way for a reason and zip my bag to a certain spot for a reason. Once getting my luggage, I realized that it was lighter, and a sizeable portion was open. My flight was an early morning arrival so my husband grab the luggage and we were off. The next morning I made certain that the luggage was in fact open and unzipped it to find that my items were shifted, big spots were open and the strategically placed items on top were not in the correct spot. Mind you, my luggage was packed to capacity after spending 7 days of shopping.

    Anyway, I filed a complaint immediately to be told that Southwest is not responsible which is amazing since I have no clue who would be responsible. Certainly I am not responsible for them employing thieves. I was responsible right up until I turned my bags over to them. This has left a bitter taste in my mouth as well as wasted money from the hundreds of dollars I spent while shopping. I promise you that I will let every site that is a site to review, know of my bad experience. Southwest was always my go to airline but I think I need to run away because I don't have money to just waste, especially since no one is responsible. Southwest needs to do a better job with screening before hiring. You never want to be represented and looked upon as thieves.

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    Customer ServiceOnline & AppStaff

    Reviewed June 21, 2016

    I made 2 reservations for 2 tickets each to LA and had 2 web browser open to do it since Southwest doesn't allow you to do Points and cash on one reservation. Put through the first reservation for cash and it went through. Went back to the second reservation and it showed points. Put it through. Got my emails but didn't check them until the next day and the points reservation went through as cash. If you ever tried to do this with 2 browser you'll notice that southwest recognizes that and tends to change both browsers to the same thing. I checked the second browser and it said points but when I submitted it, it went through as cash. I called them right away and they said since it had been just over 24 hrs there was nothing they could do for me.

    I'm a very good Southwest customer. I do all my flying with them and charge everything I buy with their credit card. I also do my rental cars with them and sometimes hotels. Since the mistake was made by their website I and I was such a good customer I was sure they would make the change for me but they would not. I asked to talk to a supervisor and they said "won't do you any good they won't change it." They gave me the number for headquarters but said they weren't open until Monday, this was Saturday. I called Monday morning and got the same response. Nothing they could do. Not a very good way to take care of a good customer. I'm going to rethink my airline choice and not use them any more!!!

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    Price

    Reviewed June 17, 2016

    Went to Harlingen last week and flight attendant forgot to tag our car seat for our 6 week old which was also part of her stroller. Flew today back to Harlingen and we get to Houston from Dallas and there was no plane change. They said they needed to move us for a mechanical issue so we moved to gate 27. We ask them if we could go eat and just give us a updated time but they said plane would be there in 10 minutes.

    So then 2 hours later we run to get something to eat and sit by the gate. They then tell us this plane has mechanical issues, to go to gate 50 and if we were on the plane then just use our Id. We walk across airport and sit at the gate. We hear our name on the intercom saying to go back to gate 27. So we think the plane is leaving, we run back to get 27 only to be give our pass for gate 50??? So then we go back to gate 50 and then that plane has mechanical problems.

    Let me mention my wife flies companion because of my cc. And I fly business select, so remember if you get moved by Southwest you lose your business select but still have to pay for it. They offered everyone 100 dollar certificates. Really??? My daughter had a function at 5pm, I missed the whole thing. Thanks Southwest Airlines for being cheap and full of excuses. Anyone flying to Harlingen beware. Southwest has done this numerous times and my opinion is they like to delay them to fill flights up. One other thing after 3 flights later which all had mechanical problems. The plane we are on now feels like the ac is broke.

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    Customer ServicePunctuality & Speed

    Reviewed June 16, 2016

    I flew from Vegas to Texas May 31st, returning June 9th. First, the first flight was canceled which was a great inconvenience for me and mostly for my family who have already asked time off at work to pick me up at the airport. This was a nightmare because I was not able to get on time as scheduled. Then on my way back to Vegas, the flight was delayed for two hours and this is not acceptable this time. I miss my shuttle (that was already paid) that would take me back home.

    In both flight they send me the flight notification just few hours to my email which I can not see on my phone, they never call me to make sure I was aware of the situation. Plus in one of the emails I got they were very apologizing saying to call to a 1800 number to ask for a refund for the inconvenience. When I finally did the call they were just rude and did not help me at all even when they knew it was their fault I missed my shuttle from Vegas to St. George. Unbelievable that they made me go through the same situation in both of my flights. Southwest, it was a pleasure to met you as you really are.

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    Customer Service

    Reviewed June 15, 2016

    I am an A List customer and I have about $1084.00 that Southwest should have either refunded or give voucher. But soon I realized that Southwest have decided neither to give me voucher or refund as it has exceeded the expiry date. When I called them they said, "It is our policy". When I said where is the Policy written, they said it is not written for public. I asked the relationship associate to tell me how can I get refund or what are my options. He said, "There is no options, sorry". I am totally disappointing by Southwest. Thanks.

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    Verified purchase

    Reviewed June 12, 2016

    My wife went to a funeral in Boise this weekend, and her 3 PM flight to Denver on Sunday June 12th was canceled 2 hours before leaving due to "weather, etc" which is a lie - there was/is no bad weather between Boise and Denver. Southwest has no more open flights to Denver until Tuesday! They've already checked out of their hotel rooms and returned the shared rental car, so they had to figure out what to do. SW offered no compensation for lost wages or the hotel 4 people, and was fairly unsympathetic to their plight. They had to book a flight to Las Vegas leaving at 8 PM tonight, connecting to Denver at 7 AM tomorrow, fortunately for the same price except for paying for another 2 hotel rooms at the Vegas airport tonight.

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    Customer ServicePunctuality & SpeedStaff

    Reviewed June 12, 2016

    Flew Southwest for the last time! The prior time I flew Southwest the flight was delayed 5 hours because the plane hadn't arrived yet. They were gracious enough to give us travel vouchers as an apology but I don't think a travel voucher will work this time. Got on the plane and there was this person wearing khaki shorts and a navy blue polo shirt who was standing in the aisle doing god knows what. I say: "Excuse me"; Turns out, this man is one of the Flight Attendants (though one wouldn't know it by what he was wearing). He turns around with this disgusted look like I said something completely appalling and insulting to him.

    After a long silence he replies that he's busy with something and to wait a minute. I said I was sorry so okay, no problem. I thought that was that. I get to my seat all the way in the back of the plane near where all the Flight Attendants sit during takeoff. Then I hear his voice talking about me and what happened earlier with a fellow Flight Attendant and calling me an idiot. Like, I'm sitting RIGHT in FRONT of you! Am I invisible? Very unprofessional and rude. Yes, I used to work at a job that I hated and would talk about customers too but at least I'm careful not to do it in earshot. I would have confronted him but I was in disbelief that this actually happened to me. Never flying at this rude, unprofessional and ** airline any longer.

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    Customer ServicePunctuality & SpeedStaff

    Reviewed June 7, 2016

    I just was coming back from a business trip and found out the my grandam was sick en-route on way home. My loving husband and I were having a private conversation about her future health and I got emotional and started to cry. Being a great man, he bought me a Jamba Juice and grabbed a slice of pizza. My Jamba started to leak on my shirt right before boarding. The unempathetic stewardess would not allow me on the plane because she said I was drinking too much. I said yeah... I have been... Jamba juice but not alcohol. I asked if she could bring an officer or security to prove her misjudgment and she refused to. They rescheduled me for another flight 8 hours later which in all costed me $400 more for taxi fees and another night at a hotel. As a result I got to work really late and was not able to be there for my grandmothers needs.

    This women is out of hand and should not have the position she does because she clearly does not know how to make a good judgment call. Just because I have a work trip in Vegas does not mean Im drinking, and even if I would have, what would have been wrong with that. Southwest serves drink on the plane. She never gave me an explanation on what it was that I exactly did that made her think I was out of hand. I do look ugly after crying and with no make-up on, but I don't think that should be cause for me not to be allowed to board.This flight was out of Las Vegas on a Monday night at 7:30pm.

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    Reviewed June 1, 2016

    Wow! Southwest used to be my favorite airline... Just tried to use a voucher for a flight I cancelled last May because my voucher expires in two days (first time I ever had to cancel a flight) and I just found out that you actually have to fly by the expiration date! They give you 1 year from when you BOOK the flight to actually FLY! So enjoy my $396 donation Southwest! I think I'll drive from now on...

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    Customer ServicePunctuality & SpeedStaff

    Reviewed May 24, 2016

    We flew on Southwest on May 20, 2016. Our flight originated in Ft Myers scheduled to connect in Baltimore to our final destination of Islip Long Island. When we checked, the gate agent said the flight was delayed but there was still enough time in Baltimore to make our connecting flight. When the plane arrived at the gate in Ft Myers we were instructed to line up and prepare for a quick turnaround. The gate personnel repeatedly assured questioning passengers that they would make their connections. Shortly after we lined up to board an announcement was made to relax and sit down because there was a mechanical problem with the plane and they were waiting for the mechanic. Several minutes later an announcement was made that we were changing to a different gate so we would not have to wait for the mechanic and could be sure we would make our connection in Baltimore.

    Many passengers asked to verify this before boarding and were again assured that connecting flights would be held in Baltimore and we all would make our connections. In preparation for landing, the flight attendants instructed us all to go directly to our connecting gates. After landing, we ran straight to our connecting gate only to be told by the gate agent, "Sorry, the flight left on time". It was now after 11:00 pm and the airport was basically empty at this hour. We asked what we should do and we're instructed to go out through security to the Southwest ticketing and they would re-book our flight.

    When we got to the ticketing area there was a group of approximately 15 angry passengers looking for some accommodations. The only answers we received were, "We are sorry but there is nothing we can do". They did not have any rooms to offer so our only alternative was to stay all night in the Baltimore airport until our reschedule flight at 10:45 am the next day. We tried to lay down in a corner on the cement floor which we gave up on after an hour. We spent the night in those uncomfortable waiting room chairs (with arms so you could not lay down!).

    Needless to say, our assessment of Southwest Airlines Customer Service is a "ZERO". Most of the group were senior citizens and two were in wheelchairs. The way we were treated should be classified as criminal. The biggest indictment of Southwest is that they did not take any proactive actions at the time to assist stranded passengers (because of their actions and intentionally misleading instructions) or have not attempted to contact us since. They basically mislead passengers knowing they would not make connections and that they would be stranded overnight in Baltimore. Customer Service? REALLY???

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    Reviewed May 23, 2016

    On my return flight I did not have any check on bags as I wanted to make sure I could leave as soon as possible. I got on the plane and then they said they had to check my bag as there was no room available. When I got my new bag back it was scuffed and damaged and when I got home I noticed that they had thrown it around so hard that it broke my award I received. Devastated. They offered a limited $50 voucher... disgusted!

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    Customer ServiceStaff

    Reviewed May 20, 2016

    (5/18/2016) I purchased flights tickets and I was charged twice so altogether was $1300. I called the airline spoke with customer relations to get this matter taken care of - the agent advised me they're not showing 2 transactions and advised me to call my bank. NEXT I call my bank, after 2 HOURS of going back and forth RushCard agent and Southwest Airlines rest assured me I will be credited within a few hours, and I was very pleased. (5/19/2016) I check my balance and nothing has been credit to my acct which at this point I'm piss. I'm very frustrated so this morning I'm calling my bank - I speak to an agent who advised me I have to wait for Southwest to release the hold.

    Today 5/20/2016 I'm still going back and forth. I'M VERY FRUSTRATED. I'M NEVER FLYING SOUTHWEST EVER AGAIN. I beg, cried, and plead. I can't afford to pay for daycare. My car will be shut off so therefore I'm not able to work!!! I am very piss and I'm don't doing business with RushCard. I never been this piss in my life. I would love to speak to corporate to expedite my request - ASAP!!!

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    Coverage

    Reviewed May 16, 2016

    In an effort to make my personal travel experience better and as suggested by the airports, I took the time and paid the money to get TSA Pre. I went to check in to my Southwest flight today for tomorrow, and got an error message that I'd be required to go to the counter for my boarding pass. I'm not checking a bag and have TSA Pre and therefore no reason to go to the counter and wait in line! Now some arbitrary Southwest policy is making me do just that! So be forewarned with this airline. Their policy makes zero sense and will absolutely result in my choosing other airlines over Southwest in the future.

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    Customer ServicePunctuality & SpeedStaff

    Reviewed May 12, 2016

    Flight on May 4, 2016 at 8:10pm from FLL-TPA-MHT. We arrived at FLL and see that all but 2 flights are delayed or canceled - but not ours. However, as time ticked away, we learned the flight to Tampa was delayed (although the board still showed ON-TIME right up until we boarded!). The gate rep was nice and announced twice that "all 18 of my Manchester-bound passengers don't worry - they know you are coming in Tampa and they WILL hold the plane". I think you know what happened - no plane in Tampa.

    They tell us to walk only a short distance to the reps at another gate to be re-booked. That rep (and soon several other reps that joined her) told all 18 of us that they called FLL and were told that they never said that the plane would be held. So it got a little ugly, and I eventually chimed in saying "so are you saying that all 18 of us conspired in the short walk over here, making up a story, when we have never met each other?". That seemed to set off a whirlwind of other complaints boasting the same thing, to which the rep finally said "we do not offer free anything for weather related issues (some folks asking for free hotel stay), but we will give you all $200.00 vouchers for another flight. That was nice, but after reading all of these other complaints I fear how easy it will be to actually use them in the future.

    So now we are re-booked for 6am but have no hotel. When we finally get one, we only stay for 4 hrs since we need to be back at 4am. Well here is the real kicker - our tickets didn't show it and the rep didn't say that we were making 2 stops before getting home. May seem like no big deal, but we thought we had a super long layover in Baltimore and planned to eat there... We were so damned tired and Tampa had very little to offer at 5am for food. So we were shocked when they announced we were landing in Raleigh-Durham. We were scared that we were on the wrong plane. We find out the reason but had to bed the flight attendant to let my husband off so he could run and get something to eat and board before they boarded everyone else. They did let him and he ran fast and got back, but this was very upsetting and added to the whole crazy ordeal.

    Reading all of these other reviews, though, I realize that our situation was not bad comparatively. What I am sad to learn is that Southwest is not a good airline to fly after all. If my complaint was the only bad one, then I would not say they are bad, but given everything else I am reading I think I will join the others and not fly with them again... That is after I attempt to use these vouchers they gave us. Perhaps I will be back on this site again after that trip with more "fun things" to report. More to come...

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    Price

    Reviewed May 11, 2016

    I had purchased a ticket for a friend and I. We cancelled our ticket and repurchased the same date and time for a higher price. I wanted to use the credit from the previous ticket applied. It only applied one ticket price, but not my friends. They charged me for another ticket. I called patient relations to let them know that I wanted the other ticket applied to the current ticket and have my money refunded instead of charged to my account. They wouldn't do it! I've been flying with them for years and they couldn't even apply a credit for a ticket already purchased. Will not fly with them again. They will not have my business anymore.

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    Customer ServiceCoveragePricePunctuality & SpeedStaff

    Reviewed May 4, 2016

    On Saturday, April 16, my two sons and I were scheduled to take a Southwest flight from Salt Lake City to New York, connecting through Denver. The primary reason for our trip was that my oldest son has been admitted to Columbia, and the university was holding an admits weekend on April 17 and 18. Besides accompanying Sam, my reason for going was so I could spend two days researching in the Morgan Library (I'm a university professor). And since my younger son had never been to New York, we decided it would be a good experience for him to come along as well.

    A half hour before we were supposed to leave from our home in Provo for the airport, I received an e-mail from Southwest saying our flights had been cancelled due to storms in Denver. I immediately called the airline to see what our alternatives were, and they told me our best option would be to drive to the airport and meet with a Southwest representative there, who would be best equipped to help us out.

    So we made the hour-long drive to Salt Lake, waited in line, and met with one of their agents at the check-in desk. Despite her genuine efforts to be helpful, she said the best she could do was get us on a flight 48 hours later. In other words, we would arrive on Monday night, after Columbia's new-student events were over. When we told her this wasn't an option for us, she apologized and said that Southwest would refund our fare but company policy prohibited her from attempting to book us a flight on another airline.

    When I told her that the best same-day alternative flight would be a $595 one-way flight on Delta, she suggested that, were I to contact Southwest's customer relations department when it reopened on Monday, they might be willing to compensate me either in flight credits or actual money for the difference between our original fare on Southwest ($195 per person) and the replacement fare on Delta ($400 per person higher). With this encouragement, I went ahead and booked the Delta flights, assuming that Southwest would cover most or all of the extra $1,200 I was paying because of their inability to get me on a flight sooner than 48 hours after my original scheduled departure.

    After arriving in New York on the Delta flight, I followed the airport agent's instructions and e-mailed Southwest's customer relations department to request compensation for the $1,200 in additional fare I had paid. The next day (Monday, April 18), I received a form letter of sorts saying that they regretted my inconvenience but that Southwest had a firm policy against compensating its customers who were forced to rebook because of weather-related cancellations. If this weren't disappointing enough, the e-mail came from a "no-reply" address, essentially suggesting that this wasn't open for discussion.

    Still hoping I hadn't been misled by Southwest's airport agent, when I was back in Utah three days later I called the customer relations department to explain the situation. Unfortunately, the results were the same: they were very sorry for my inconvenience but, despite other airlines' practice of rebooking bumped passengers with seats on rival airlines, paying for a seat on a rival carrier was something Southwest would never do.

    Galled by the disconnect between my experience and Southwest's much-vaunted reputation for putting the customer first (e.g., their webpage boasts, "We like to think of ourselves as a Customer Service company that happens to fly airplanes," - on schedule, with personality and perks along the way). I took my case to their corporate head of customer relations. Once again, I received a response from a "no-reply" e-mail address saying that they felt my pain and hoped I would give them another chance but they would under no scenario consider covering the difference between my original and rebooked flights or offering any other sort of compensation.

    Increasingly realizing my case was futile, on Monday, May 2, I e-mailed Southwest's CEO, explaining that it was impossible for them to treat customers like I had been and to still call themselves a "Customer Service company that happens to fly airplanes." This time, I received a call the next day from a customer relations representative, but his message was the same: "We're so sorry, but there's no chance whatsoever we're going to make this right, regardless of what our rivals do in similar situations."

    So here's where this becomes a public-interest story rather than one man's crusade. Sometime in the coming months a family in America is likely to book a family vacation on Southwest and then have their flights cancelled because of a tornado in Oklahoma or lightning in Dallas. They'll then have the choice of waiting for Southwest to rebook them (which, at least in my case, would have taken 48 hours and would have resulted in two non-refundable nights of expensive pre-paid lodging in Manhattan) or paying for exorbitantly priced last-minute seats on a rival carrier and hoping that Southwest will abide by its code of putting the customer first.

    If it's a large family, this could mean that their original decision to book with Southwest could end up costing them thousands of dollars in unexpected charges. Meanwhile, had they booked on another major carrier, they perhaps would have paid a bit more upfront, but they could have rested easy that that carrier would get them to their destination with relatively little delay, even if that meant purchasing seats on a rival carrier.

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    Reviewed May 3, 2016

    Southwest has had my money for a trip that had to be cancelled. The credit with them expires on June 12th. I am trying to use the money, they have had for 11 months, as partial payment for a trip I am taking on July 1st. I'm buying the ticket almost two full months in advance. They are taking my money two months in advance of the flight. The $240 credit is valid until June 12th. But they won't let me use the money they have been holding to partially pay for the trip today because the actual fight is the 1st of July. They are bandits stealing my money!

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    Customer ServicePunctuality & SpeedStaff

    Reviewed April 30, 2016

    My sister had decided to visit. I have flown Southwest many times in the past and found it satisfactory. Not this time. She boarded a flight in Salt Lake City with a layover but no plane change in Dallas on her way to Charleston SC. The flight took off from SLC with a storm raging over Dallas. They didn't mention any trouble. This is only a few hours away from SLC. They had to have had an inkling there was a problem in Dallas as these storms had fired up to be severe several days in a row. They took off anyway. They had to land in Lubbock a couple of hours later, and advised the passengers they would continue the flight as soon as possible.

    About four hours later, they flew to Dallas and then offloaded the passengers to tell them that they would not be continuing to Charleston SC, the flight had been cancelled. My sister who was alone and inexperienced was told to stand in line. After a long period of time she was then told that they had no flights available until 24 hours from then, and that was iffy. They had made no effort to rebook her. They would not set her up with another airline so she could get to Charleston. She decided to go home the next morning at 6:45 AM rather than wait days at the airport. They told her a hotel was available only to find out that wasn't true either. My sixty two year old sister spent the night on the floor of the airport, alone.

    I tried to reach customer service this morning to query about a refund as I am not sure what her state is at this point. I was told if the ticket was used in any way they could not help me. I had to talk to Customer Service that was only open 7:00AM to 6:00PM Monday through Friday CT. The was the frosting on an absolutely inexcusable flight experience. Never again. American has a 24 hour Customer Service Line. My Sister finally got home at noon today, with no compassion or humanity to be found anywhere.

    UPDATED ON 05/12/2016: Southwest refunded $218.00 of my $454.00 fare. I have talked to Southwest several times with the same response. "The remaining $280.00 of your refund is in accounting getting approved and they are about 30 days behind, and we don't work weekends." Wow.

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    Customer ServicePunctuality & SpeedStaff

    Reviewed April 30, 2016

    This was our first time traveling on Southwest and will likely be the last!! Although we reside in Syracuse, we chose to fly from Buffalo to Orlando, FL; enticed by Southwest's most reasonable fares for a family of four. To say this was a horrific experience is an understatement!! Prior to leaving (on 4/23) we received a text message en route to Buffalo that our flight was delayed approx. 40 minutes. However, when we arrived, we were informed the flight was now miraculously on time...BTW, there was no subsequent text message or call informing us to disregard the text; and when we arrived the SW Rep. was CLEARLY annoyed we were late. We were the last to board (understood) and as a result, had to separate for the flight - again, understood but was shocked to say the least by passengers that try to save seats and are annoyed when they're needed. Anyway, we made it; but the return was a living hell/nightmare!!

    EXTREMELY long story short, we waited in line and due to the amount of people waiting, checked our bags 43 minutes before our flight. We were concerned about the amount of people in line at security; but were REPEATEDLY told, "Southwest knows you're here..." i.e., we checked in, so you'll be fine and ultimately arrived at the gate FOUR MINUTES late, with six other passengers, to find our flight back to Buffalo WAS GONE!!!

    To say the Southwest Reps. could care less is again, an understatement!! We were offered NO OPTIONS... Other than to fly standby, but were informed all remaining flights were full and it was unlikely we'd get "home" anytime soon. We eventually decided to fly to Philly, rent a car and drive from there. At the end of the day, the time, money and inconvenience of flying Southwest was NOT WORTH IT!! We could have flown first class on another airline out of Syracuse and been "ahead"!!! PLEASE consider the "self serve" seating, lack of communication and "demeanor" of their reps...before choosing Southwest simply because their fares are reasonable!!

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    Punctuality & SpeedStaffReliability

    Reviewed April 29, 2016

    I have been a loyal Southwest customer for years; I have sung their praises and recommended them to everyone. But lately the flights I take are never on time. The airfares have increased at an exponential rate and the reliability has decrease at the rate.

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    Verified purchase
    Customer Service

    Reviewed April 26, 2016

    I had to cancel my trip in June 2015. I ask if I could get a refund and was told that I had to wait one year for a refund. I waited one year and want to purchase a new flight after one year. I was told it would take 24 to 48 hours to have my account refunded. It has been 10 days and still nothing. I have made many calls to Southwest and I am still waiting for my refund. Can anyone help me. As I was writing I was on hold with Southwest and I just got off the phone with Josh ID number ** who by the way was very nice BUT now I find out it is going to take 14 days. First it was 24 to 48 hours then 7 to 12 days.

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    Sales & MarketingPunctuality & SpeedStaff

    Reviewed April 19, 2016

    Southworst sells upgrades to business class pre flight and in advance of flight telling people they get early boarding in the first 15 people. What they don't tell you is they have a very liberal policy on pre boards and let pre boarders take any seat even exit rows. So if you pay to 'upgrade' and there are lots or pre boarders you are not boarding in the first 15. Today I took a flight to BWI from SAN and there were 14 pre boarders including 8 perfectly healthy people in their 30's and 40's and even though I paid extra and was A3 by the time I got on there were no bulkhead or exit rows left. Total scam.

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    Punctuality & SpeedStaff

    Reviewed April 10, 2016

    First of all let me say that I am a huge Southwest fan. I have never had a bad experience with Southwest... until yesterday. We arrived in Phoenix to get our connection to Detroit and things went downhill from there. The Phoenix staff didn't seem to have the ability to share correct information relative to the series of delays that occurred. First we were told the delay was 40 minutes. The final delay was actually 3 hours, which included an hour and a half sitting on an airplane that had been sitting on the tarmac for at least one and one half hours prior to our boarding. The parting shot was the flippant remark from the gal who had been feeding us the misinformation to "not party too hard" on our flight that was originally scheduled to arrive in Detroit at 12:55 am, and finally arrived at 4 am. Not cool Southwest. Not cool!

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    Punctuality & Speed

    Reviewed April 9, 2016

    Every time I fly I pay extra to board in A. Every time I fly, my flights are delayed, I miss my connection, they rebook, and I lose my A boarding. Therefore lose my extra fee I paid. Southwest pockets my money!!!

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    Sales & MarketingStaff

    Reviewed April 8, 2016

    I have acquired approximately 110,000 frequent flyer points. I have always been told that these points do not expire. Southwest advertises this point when promoting this program. Today I tried to use points to buy 2 tickets to California. When I pulled up my account it showed I had 0 points in the account. I spoke to a representative who claimed that my points expired March 15, 2016. They said there has been no paid activity on my account for two years, so the points expired. I explained that I had used the account, but paid for the flight using points. Southwest claims that I must pay cash to preserve the account.

    For 30 years I flew this airline. I held the highest reward, which is a complain pass for a year. My history was before the SW representative and she acknowledged the facts. The SW representative had received the complaint before, was sorry, but could not do anything about it. I think it false advertising to say points do not expire, and then take them away from you. HAPPENED TO OTHERS?

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    Customer ServiceStaff

    Reviewed April 7, 2016

    April 6, 2016. 8:10 pm flight. Flight back from Sacramento to LAX was delayed 1 hour. Cool, no problem. Happens all the time. We are all seated on the plane. An elder African American gentleman to my right across the aisle was on the phone with his doctor about the medication he needed which was in his luggage. The luggage Southwest misplaced & lost. He mentioned this situation to the flight attendant. She started to raise her voice asking him to get off the phone once again. He pleaded again saying he needed to talk to his doctor about the medication. He then proceeded to explain that the only reason he was on the phone with his doctor was due to the fact that his luggage was lost. Flight attendant then threatened to kick him off the plane if he did not shut his phone off. Her words, "Sir please turn off your phone or I will have to ask you to leave".

    That's when the Persian woman in front of me said "Give him a chance". That's when I chimed him and said "Please give him one minute, he needs to talk to his doctor". I repeated again "Just give him a chance". Neither of us were yelling or confrontational. We just felt bad about the situation the man was in. That's when the other flight attendant walks into the situation. That's when the original angry flight attendant threw her hands up in the air and said "I can't deal with these people". Here are my problems:

    1. Have sympathy. We did not take off until a good 10-15 minutes after the fiasco, which probably lasted about 5-7 minutes. So what is the big deal about 1-2 minutes on the phone with his doctor? If his luggage was not lost, there wouldn't be a phone call. There wouldn't be a situation. Should he have to risk a possible health mishap because of Southwest? And what if something did happen on the flight? How would that reflect on Southwest?

    2. Paying customer should not be talked down to like a mother scolding a child. A flight attendant's tone should not be threatening. A flight attendant should not refer to paying customers as "these people". I can't help but to look at the situation without considering the obvious physical facts. He was African American, other woman was Persian and I am Korean. All minorities. So is that what she meant when she said "these people"? A detail I'm going to add... the man was a Vietnam War Veteran.

    3. I approached both flight attendants about my concern after the dust settled. The other flight seemed to be understanding and was very good at trying to diffuse the situation. However, the angry flight attendant, was until the end, very confrontational and kept arguing with me. Not professional at all. I have flown Southwest many times, I participated in a sponsored design branding experiment with my class in college for Southwest Airlines... I always held Southwest in high regards because of how they treat their employees, passenger, and general public with such love and humanity.

    4. As we were leaving the plane another gentleman said to me. "You know I agree with the flight attendant, it's her protocol and she is doing her job". I said "fair enough". But if Southwest did THEIR job, the flight wouldn't be delayed, the man's luggage wouldn't be lost and I wouldn't be writing this complaint. Booo. What a let down.

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    Customer ServicePunctuality & SpeedStaff

    Reviewed April 3, 2016

    We were traveling from Ft. Myers to Milwaukee on April 2 and as soon as we had checked out of our hotel to head to airport we got the first of 15 email notifications that our flight time had changed. Delayed from 4:25 p.m. until 8:50 p.m. Noon with no place to go, we bought movie tickets and went to watch. As soon as movie started, the 2nd email. Delay is now only until 4:45. We had to leave, run to airport. Lines were awful. Not nearly enough staff. After 13 more emails at 4:00 p.m. flight was cancelled. A battle to get our luggage back. First flight home available was Tuesday night! 3 days later. No reasons, no apologies. Now, we had to get accommodations for 3 more nights, and food.

    I cannot believe we have been treated so poorly by an airline that I already hate for their market take over in Milwaukee, offering less non stops each year, awful boarding methods, cramped seating, pricing that is through the roof. It's not like Milwaukee has much choice anymore. This airline experience the worst in the 40 years I have been flying.

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    Reviewed April 2, 2016

    I have been flying for 40+ years and this experience with Southwest is by far the worst experience ever. Not only did we miss our connecting flight from Ft. Myers because of 'bad weather' but we were never rebooked on a new flight to Detroit. We had to wait in line for 2 hours to find we could not get out of Atlanta for 3 days. Long story short - way too many inconsistencies to believe a word Southwest says. While waiting in terminal the majority of the day to catch our flight to Detroit can't tell you how many times heard there were delays from all across the country because of bad weather but the radar showed no issues. I will never fly this airline again!!!

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    Customer ServiceSales & MarketingStaff

    Reviewed April 1, 2016

    My keys (including a fob) were picked up and sent to L&F at Oakland International. My fob is worth $60 - $140 on eBay or other. I had a tracker attached to keys. The tracker stopped tracking within an hour of losing my fob and keys. Interestingly, its last location was at the SW Airlines L&F offices at OAK airport. SW staff I went there as soon as I could. Here is what SW staff at L&F say and this was confirmed by Leanne from SW HQ: a. SW employees in L&F do not log anything lost item delivered to them. b. SW ships all lost items to a subcontractor warehouse in New Mexico. I was told the subcontractor logs items it receives from SW L&F.

    SW Airlines finally called me after I reported to Oakland PD that SW Airlines employees received my keys and fob and stole it. SW Airline HQ employee (Leanne) said the airline has no liability and their L&F operations are a cutesy. She repeated "no liability" several times. Since I have never seen this statement in any SW Airline advertisement, I must assume SW Airline attorneys required this to be written in microscopic font and put it somewhere only they can locate. Finally, when pressed on why SW employees are not required to log or photograph what is delivered to them, I was told that it would take a full time employee to do this.

    I doubt that. A photo and automatic entry into a database would take all of 30 seconds and would reduce the amount of time people like me would take grilling them over their lackadaisical system. Which I believe is one of gross negligence which, due to no checks or balances, encourages their employees (and their subcontractor's employees) to steal. SO BE WARNED! SW Airlines is doing us a favor by dumping all our lost valuables into a system that encourages theft.

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    CoveragePrice

    Reviewed March 30, 2016

    Southwest Airlines may be cheap but has zero flexibility and makes no attempts at making customers happy or even retaining them. I understand they have a nonrefundable, nontransferable policy. But the "bend you over" policy is ridiculous. We had to make a change to one of the 4 tickets purchased through Southwest, oh wait, they don't allow changes. You can't transfer the ticket to another name, but if you want someone else to use the seat you already bought and paid $190 for, we can resell you the seat at the new low price of only $585. And as if the lack of lubrication wasn't good enough, we'll give you a voucher so you have to fly with us at least one more time if you don't want to lose the original money paid, since we also won't let you apply the amount you already paid for the first ticket towards the new ticket because the voucher takes 7 days and your flight leaves in 5. Thank you for attempting to fly Southwest.

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    Reviewed March 30, 2016

    Policy on no show policy is a RIP OFF. I suggest you booking with this airline to book one-way tickets so they don't keep all your money if you can not show for your flight. I miss my flight going to PR AND THEY CANCEL A FLIGHT COMING BACK, AND OF COURSE KEEP THE MONEY IS A RIP OFF. I understand that I miss the flight and I would have to pay for a new outbound flight, but canceling and keeping the money on the return flight that's just unjust and a big RIP OFF. I would never book another flight with this company and I would suggest to any customer booking to just use the one-way option, that way they would not rip you off with this policy.

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    Verified purchase

    Reviewed March 27, 2016

    They are sometimes ok, but just today, my flight got cancelled, and I wanted to go home SO BAD and all the flights for the next day? FULL! Oh my god... It was supposed to be at 10:10PM, got delayed up to 2:15AM then cancelled. I am mad and I hate this airline for this experience. They also cancelled multiple other flights that night that got delayed a lot. Jesus Christ, please help me.

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    Punctuality & SpeedOnline & App

    Reviewed March 24, 2016

    Do not rent a car from Southwest.com!!! Southwest states that there will be no charge for the car rental until pick up, but SOUTHWEST authorizes a third party to make a charge to your credit card to hold the reservation. The charge from the third party does not appear as SOUTHWEST OR a car rental service (Budget, Hertz, etc.) but a RETAILER!!! Because SOUTHWEST did not inform me of the hold from the third party during or after the reservation on their website, Capital One notified me regarding the possibility of a fraudulent charge. Not being able to verify who the third party was, Capital One cancelled my credit card and sent me an emergency card.

    However, I was not able to rent a car at all when I needed it because my card wouldn't arrive in time. I notified SOUTHWEST, after first DENYING the charge, they finally admitted it! Referred me to their Customer Relations department and did NOTHING but apologize for the inconvenience. All of this happened a day before my flight and car pick-up, so SOUTHWEST basically kept me from renting any other car, because I had to get a new credit card! So again I warn you, do not rent a car through Southwest.com or southwest period!!

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    Customer ServiceStaff

    Reviewed March 19, 2016

    I have a family emergency. I have been at the airport since 8 pm for a 9:55 flight. It's 12 midnight and we are just now leaving. The flight attendant was very rude, when I asked what time we were leaving he told me I could get off of the plane!

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    Verified purchase

    Reviewed March 18, 2016

    Flight 2227 from P.R. to Orlando, Mar 18 - During this flight the flight attendants did very little to accommodate, but were quick to point out anything that displeased their strict unwritten rules. They stayed hidden the entire flight. Shame, shame! Never again will I fly Southwest.

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    Customer ServiceSales & MarketingPunctuality & SpeedStaff

    Reviewed March 18, 2016

    I called this morning to request information about this service, which as described by their employees, online and advertisement sounds awesome. So I purchased it because my daughter is underage traveling alone, really is you're still not guarantee to be check in early. I made B23 which I could have done better if I had made it without trusting the Southwest airline employee that said do not check in, the system does it automatically for you. Last time I'm traveling Southwest, one thing is to purchase without informing yourself and another is calling ahead and being lied to.

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    Customer ServiceOnline & App

    Reviewed March 16, 2016

    I paid for a roundtrip ticket to Florida. I had to cancel my trip so I went on the app and cancelled my reservation. They took my money anyway and there is nothing they can do about it. This is the second time they have done this to me. They used to be a customer service company. Now, not so much.

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    Verified purchase

    Reviewed March 16, 2016

    Gift Cards not able to be used like the cash Southwest was given in good faith. My wife and I received Southwest Airline gift cards totaling $400 for Christmas 2015, to be used for our daughter's April wedding in Las Vegas. I found a Flight/Hotel vacation on the Southwest Airlines website, and then found I was unable to use the gift cards for a vacation package. I had to purchase the flight and hotel separately. The difference in price was $200. Southwest Airlines was given $400 cash for $400 in gift cards. The gift card is a more personal gift and ensures that is used for its intended purpose. It was a very nice gift and was received with some excitement of the upcoming wedding.

    I did not try to use a % discount on a sale item or try to use two discounts on one purchase, or try to use reward point or miles. The gift cards were not expired. It was cash that was given in advance to Southwest Airlines in good faith that it would be available for us to use at a later date. This practice that Southwest uses devalues the gift cards and in essence steals money from the consumer. If we were given cash to use towards the wedding we would have received the $400 savings on the vacation and Southwest Airlines would not have lost any money in the transaction.

    I would understand not being able to use the full amount if the gift cards total of $400 was more than the flight portion of the vacation package. However this was not the case, the flight portion exceeded $400 (even if the complete package discount was applied to the flight portion). And even if that was the case that should have left us with a balance on the gift cards to use at a later date. Southwest Airlines wasn't losing any money on the vacation package by letting us use the money they were given in advance. I'm not looking for a voucher or a $200 gift card, I want the money to apply to my credit card balance.

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    Customer ServiceContract & TermsPriceStaff

    Reviewed March 15, 2016

    Beware of hidden fees. When purchasing a ticket for my son to travel, I used my Rapid Reward which overwrote his name with mine. When I noticed, I immediately tried to change the names, then I emailed SW, then I called them. They refused to change the name. They offered to send me a voucher for the amount of the ticket - $100 for "taxes and liabilities". When asked, they outright refused to tell me what those "taxes and liabilities" were for. If I had called during the grace period of 48 hours or if I banked the ticket price and used it for myself, those taxes and liabilities would not exist.

    This suggests this is an attempt to disguise a fine for breaking a contract. Should I have agreed to the voucher, I would not receive it for 7-10 days, after the travel date--which would render this diminished refund useless. The customer service agents were rude, laughed at me, put me on hold for long periods of time, then picked up the phone with "Are you still there" suggesting the motive behind the wait was to get me to hang up, and refused to put me through to any higher level manager. This would be a swell class action lawsuit. Think of the sheer number of people who are being charged $100 in fees, if the refund department is backed up 8 days per the customer service department's claims.

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    Customer ServiceCoveragePunctuality & SpeedStaff

    Reviewed March 14, 2016

    I had a fairly rough day before getting on a late flight, when the young college student sitting next to me started coughing all over me. He was really young and having a hard time and not really covering his mouth well. I asked if he was ok and he said he was getting sick, so I called for the stewardess to bring some lozenges or ice for his throat. I don't know what about my request she found inappropriate, but she told me, "That is just the rudest thing I've ever heard" (I was just trying to help us all as he was obviously very uncomfortable and was making me very uncomfortable as well).

    I asked her what she meant and she refused to answer me. I started to have a panic attack. I've maybe only ever had one before but I've been trained in first aid and recognize the symptoms. When she brought him back some ice, I said "I think I'm having a panic attack", to which she replied, "Well what do you want me to do about it?" while she rolled her eyes and flipped her hair. It really was the most outrageous behavior I've ever seen from someone who is supposed to be in the service industry.

    At this point I started hyperventilating and needed a bag. The bag in the seat in front of me was not paper, but plastic, and smelled of some sort of deodorizing chemical. The gentleman in the seat next to me (not the coughing kid, but on the other side), recognized my distress and asked if I would like to get up, he was very kind. I did and went to the restroom. When I got out of the restroom (which was very dirty and still only had the smelly plastic bags), the same stewardess confronted me about being in there so long. I asked her for a ginger ale and she obliged, and tried to explain to her that I was not trying to be rude, that I had a hard day, a compromised immune system, and that kid was coughing all over the place without a tissue or anything and he needed help as well. She just shook her head at me and said, "I am DONE, I am DONE with you, go back to your seat!"

    I screwed up my nerves and went back to sit down. The rest of the flight was just completely miserable with that kid coughing all over me. I mean he didn't even have a tissue. When it came time to land, the same stewardess, instead of asking me to please raise my seat, came over to me and banged on my seat back as hard as she could three times and shouted "I NEED YOUR SEAT BACK UP MA'AM" like I had been asked but refused, which was absolutely not the case. I mean is was really just awful. When I got to the front of the plane I complained of how awful she had treated me to the pilot who was sitting and laughing up front with her, and they both just laughed in my face as loudly as they could. I mean it was really just outrageous, the worst experience I have ever had on an airplane, and I will certainly never be using Southwest EVER again.

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    Customer ServiceStaff

    Reviewed March 13, 2016

    I called the night before a return flight home to upgrade my seat. They charged me 22.00$ and said I was "all set". When I arrived at the window they said they had no record of the upgrade. I showed them my bank text statement showing a 22.00$ charge. They refused to upgrade OR refund my money. They were extremely rude especially the manager. They offered to upgrade me for an extra 30.00$. I told them it would be the last time I flew Southwest. They didn't care. They robbed me of 22.00$, so pathetic. This seems to be the norm with the company. NEVER AGAIN. There are other companies glad to take my business. Good riddance.

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    Customer ServicePunctuality & Speed

    Reviewed March 13, 2016

    Recently traveled on Southwest Airlines from Orlando to Washington, DC on March 11, 2016. My luggage was picked up at the resort. I checked it with the SW airline resort check-in staff. Applied the stickers to my luggage. Watched them carry it away. I boarded my plane at 5:00. Surprise, I made it my destination at Reagan National Airport at 7:15 but my luggage didn't.

    Many phone calls later, I have spoken to 5 people and I get the same response, "Did you file a complaint. It's a pending status. When we find it we will call you. There is nothing else we can do. If it doesn't show up after 5 days, call us back". What am I supposed to do without my luggage? Someone needs to tell me where my luggage went. It should have been on the same flight. Don't tell me the excuses that maybe the plane was full so they put it on the next flight. Well, they didn't and it is now missing. Don't tell me you are sending an alert to the baggage claim office to check the incoming flight, because you didn't. Several flights later, no one knows where it went. This is disgusting. Never again!!!

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    Danielle increased rating by 2 stars.
    Customer Service
    After a positive interaction with Southwest Airlines, Danielle increased their star rating on March 8, 2016.

    Updated review: March 8, 2016

    After some effort and going higher up, they made things right regarding my prior complaint.

    Original Review: March 3, 2016

    I had some unknown funds that expired due to a mix up on a flight they were responsible for, not me, approx 50.00. I became aware of that 1 day prior to exp. I was told they only extend amounts over 100 and that would be the amount over a 100 like 175 you get 75. So a hidden fee and only extended to high amounts. I have flown them for over 40 yrs. This is not the way I was ever treated in the past... Free bags, yes. Acting like Delta, no! I see a hundred dollar fee here. What do you think. A lot of us seniors can't afford this... Next time put my bags on the right flight if there is a next time! I am livid. I fly for my med care regularly and would have used this had I known! Southwest customer service made you #1, lack of can take you down also!

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    Verified purchase
    Coverage

    Reviewed Feb. 21, 2016

    I saw someone else made this complaint. I purchased a ticket for my sister's wedding. I did it one month before because I just KNEW she was going to mess something up and a week before she asked me if I could get my money back. I had no idea about Southwest's cancel policy so I was happy that I was able to use those funds on a further trip. That was a $350 ticket.

    I took another trip and I had $21.99 left. I used that trip for travel and I was supposed to be visiting a friend in prison. The prison went on lockdown so there would be no visits. I cancelled that trip and just found out that even though I paid $405 for this ticket, ALL of that needs to be used before my August expiration date, instead of when I purchased this most recent ticket in January. I swear I'm never flying with them again. It was a good deal, but I feel like this is bad policy when you consider that your new trip gets its own confirmation number. They could easily track that I only used $21.99 from the previous voucher and I have $380 that I put on for this trip. It's ridiculous. I'm done.

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    Reviewed Feb. 16, 2016

    I bought a round trip ticket for my son to fly home from Atlanta. An emergency situation came up and could not use the flight on the way here. Did not get any notice from them whatsoever, just thought since we paid for it we could at least use the return flight. Not so. The morning he was going to use the flight to fly back they cancelled his ticket, forfeited the entire amount of money we paid and he had no way to fly back. Called them and they told me since it was Sunday call customer relations on Monday and I did. They would not do anything about it since it is their no-show policy. First I think this is ridiculous. No one should have to go through buying a ticket and not even be able to use a portion of it. Second, if this is really their policy, they should at least give grace one time for someone who did not know. This is the LAST time I will fly with Southwest!

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    Reviewed Feb. 13, 2016

    You've seen the Southwest Airlines commercials, "no hidden fees/transparency" - well it's a complete lie! If you have travel funds from a previous cancelled flight, and you then buy a new ticket, using the travel funds from the first cancelled flight, and then you cancel the 2nd flight, ALL the funds from the 2nd cancellation will assume the expiration date of the 1st cancelled flight. This greatly reduces the 1 year window you have to use the travel funds. It's a FEE, undeniably, and it's one of those "gotcha" legalese tricks Southwest uses to take your money, but not given you anything in return. It's a avaricious, capricious and cold-hearted policy that sucks millions of dollars from consumers every year! Shame on Southwest!

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    Reviewed Feb. 8, 2016

    My mother flew between Dallas and Las Vegas on 2/7/16, flight #296. She is prescribed oxygen by her doctor, has the required and legal portable oxygen system. When she got to the ticket counter and presented her letter from her doctor and on the doctor's letterhead, as stated on Southwest.com, she was told she could not use that letter, that it had to be the SW airlines form printed on the doctor's letterhead. Look online and read the 3rd bullet point, that is NOT what it says. My mother was told to go home and try to fly the next day or go onboard without her oxygen. She went on the flight and her oxygen fell to 56. I cannot believe they did that to her. It nearly killed her.

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    Reviewed Feb. 8, 2016

    Every experience I've had with Southwest was horrible. The most frustrating and annoying feature about their flight is the first come first serve seating, so if we are traveling as a couple or group, we rarely are able to sit together after the first half is seated. The seats are small and cramped already and to have to be squeeze in between two strangers is a pain. We are never flying Southwest again until they get rid of this policy!

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    Staff

    Reviewed Feb. 7, 2016

    SouthWest Airlines is not safe! My husband and I traveled from Tucson to California and had a return flight from California to Tucson. While going through security in Tucson my husband's boarding pass was lost in the x-ray machine. He told the security attendant who seemed to treat the event as a normal occurrence. The security attendant said, "you can get a new one from the gate attendant." My husband was then told he had to go to a different gate than the one our flight was to board in order to obtain a new boarding pass.

    The attendant, at a different gate, gave my husband a new boarding pass without requesting ID and then, asked, "does your wife need one too?" I was not present at that gate for, I was seated in the gate area where we were to board our plane. Our return flight in California, we went to check our bags and receive boarding passes. The attendant gave my husband both our boarding passes without looking at my ID. With two airports lack of security we don't feel comfortable to fly SouthWest ever again.

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    Reviewed Feb. 2, 2016

    We had direct flights from Washington DC on Jan 24th to Orlando. On Monday (18th) we were being advised from local news that flights would more than likely be cancelled on Friday and Saturday due to the magnitude of the pending storm. Upon calling Southwest, we were advised to change our flights and pay the change fee. Once the flight was officially cancelled we could call customer service and have the fee reversed. We switched the flight to the following Monday.

    We called once again on Saturday (23rd) to see if the flight had officially cancelled and again were advised that once it was officially cancelled we could call customer service to have the additional booking fee reversed. We have since called twice and were told this is not true and they will not refund our difference. We were told they don't refund for customers attempting to be proactive. It would've been nice to train your customer services reps on your policies as we would've cancelled our trip that day and banked our funds.

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    Customer ServicePriceStaff

    Reviewed Jan. 26, 2016

    I travel a lot, mostly business and some pleasure. Whenever I can, I fly Southwest. I booked several business flights for some trade shows I was vending. Somehow, I got my return date wrong. Without the excellent customer service, I would have been stuck in a town an additional two days before I could get home. When the representative told me she could change my flight as a "one time goodwill gesture," I literally had tears in my eyes. Those of us who travel frequently know how good it is to finally be home. Southwest has been at the top of my list of airlines for years. The personnel is always friendly and helpful. The prices are always the best, and being able to check in (2) large suitcases at no additional charge is a big help in keeping my overhead costs down. Thank you, thank you, thank you, Southwest!!!

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    Reviewed Jan. 21, 2016

    I was rewarded through Southwest's Rapid rewards program, 2 free flights. When they changed the name of their new rewards they would not honor my 2 free flights. I have emailed twice and it doesn't look like they will honor what they initially gave to me for being a loyal customer. I will no longer fly with this terrible company. Just be aware that whatever they will give you, they will try anything to not honor it. Go fly on another company is my advice to you.

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    Customer ServicePunctuality & SpeedStaff

    Reviewed Jan. 18, 2016

    We booked a flight from NYC to LA with connection in Nashville on Wednesday Dec 30. Weather in Atlanta caused our flight out of NYC to be hours late and miss connection in Nashville. Southwest could not book us on another flight to LA until Friday. Tried again on Friday, Jan 1st. NYC to LA via Dallas. Airplane to Dallas had fuel leak. Delayed until new aircraft arrived at 3pm, again missing our connection to LA. Flew to Dallas and only because passengers spoke up were we provided with overnight accommodations. Again only by passenger action were we all able to retrieve our bags at Dallas. Southwest customer service employees at LGA in NYC were overworked, understaffed and generally unhelpful. A very poor performance by an airline that loves patting itself on the back for their "LUV."

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    Reviewed Jan. 13, 2016

    I am disabled. I flew to Spokane WA to pick up a service dog. The 1st flight from Spokane to Las Vegas went well, of course my dog was somewhat stressed as this was her 1st flight and I had not seen her in over 3 years. I got off the flight from Spokane, was wheelchaired to the boarding ticket booth where I was given my pre-board pass. I had about a 2 hour layover in which I had something to eat with my service dog laying quietly at my feet. I went to the gate when it was time to board the connecting flight to Phoenix and at the last minute was told by a very rude woman, that she was the manager and my dog was not going to be able to fly the 43 minute flight home. I got very upset of course and almost needed the paramedics as my already high BP was getting dangerously high.

    This "manager" when I asked why they waited the 2 hour layover to tell me this, her response was "we wanted to wait and see how your dog was doing"?? She clearly violated my ADA rights. One excuse she said was the dog had cried on the previous flight. THE DOG WAS A BIT STRESSED! I got her calm and quiet. She also mentioned that the dog "had to sit on a seat" which is incorrect as the flight was not full and I had 2 empty seats next to me. NOBODY on that crew asked me to put the dog on the floor in front of me which I would have been happy to do so. Her "reasons" were absurd. I had to get a cab and stay at a hotel, book a flight on American Airlines the next day in which my dog was perfect and was laying at my feet and perfect on this flight. The staff at American Airlines took exceptional care of me. I have always flown SW Air, with and without service dogs. I have never been treated so bad as I was at the gate in Las Vegas!!!

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    Customer Service

    Reviewed Jan. 12, 2016

    On a recent flight from Atlanta to San Diego with a stop in Houston Hobby Airport, our Southwest flight was delayed leaving Atlanta because of a thunderstorm. This delay caused our leg from Houston to San Diego to be missed by 20 minutes. We had to spend a night in Houston but were not compensated except for a small discount at a nearby hotel. Several of us were upset that Southwest could not hold the flight for 20 minutes instead of leaving us in Houston for the night. Southwest was a good airline in the past. This and other recent problems with Southwest customer service tells me to SELL, SELL, SELL your Southwest stock. When good customer relations no longer matter to a company whose reputation was built on great customer service, it is time to go to another airline.

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    Customer ServiceStaff

    Reviewed Jan. 11, 2016

    The flight attendant came down the aisle to tell everyone to put tray tables and seats forward. My husband was sitting in end seat. He had his armrest up. The flight attendant said "put your armrest down" and proceeded to put the armrest down as he was saying it. The armrest tore a hole in my husbands expensive leather jacket. This happened in Oct. on our way from FL to NJ. We had to call today - Dec. 11 to find out what is going on with our claim. The customer service rep offered us a $100 voucher for this incident. Hmmm, a $100 voucher to replace a $600 jacket just doesn't sit well.

    When we asked the customer relations person, Becka, what the next step is she said that there was no other step. This is their first and final decision. I asked Becka why we had to call Southwest for an outcome and why they had not tried to reach us. She said they did on Nov. 6th. I said "we did not get a call and was a message left." Her response - "yes". I said "what was the message?" She said she didn't know because they don't have a record of that. Becka also informed us upon questioning about an appeal there was no appeal process and we couldn't speak with anyone else because, per Becka, she reports to the VP of Customer Relations and this is the final decision. Well folks, how about that! No appeal process and a $100 voucher. Shame on you Southwest - very poor customer service!

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    Reviewed Jan. 11, 2016

    I recently purchased a set of round trip tickets from Southwest online. I ended up having to cancel my flight and was fine with the refund, knowing I would re-book the flight and use the credit visive the 12-month time limit to use the travel funds. When I went to book a new flight two weeks later I had trouble so I called the sales number, where I was told that a $8 credit I applied from a previous flight moved my refund date for the $600 ticket up 11 months, effectively taking it away. Southwest Airlines is ripping you off if you buy a ticket and try to get a refund. Do not consider their refund as anything other than an opportunity to give them money. Once the ticket is purchased you will get a credit for another flight under specific policies and regulations that you may not fully understand. Treat this and all airline purchases as something that you may lose.

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    william increased rating by 4 stars.
    Customer ServiceCoveragePrice
    After a positive interaction with Southwest Airlines, william increased their star rating on Jan. 14, 2016.

    Updated review: Jan. 14, 2016

    Southwest's customer relations department did a great job of resolving the problem and adjusting the voucher situation in a surprisingly short amount of time. All the customer service and customer relations reps were very helpful. My thanks to everyone!

    Original Review: Jan. 8, 2016

    Beware voucher screw-up at Southwest. We can't do anything about it!!! I recently booked a 2/3/16 trip to Charleston that attempted to use vouchers Southwest had given me. I booked the flight online, entered the voucher numbers, saw the ~$90 balance for fees/taxes (not covered by vouchers) that was charged to my Southwest credit card, and thought I had only paid $90 out of pocket for the flight. Instead, three weeks later, I discovered that the entire price of the trip was charged to my credit card, defeating the use of the vouchers for a vacation.

    I called customer relations to have the situation corrected and they said that if I had contacted them within 24-hours of booking, they could have done something about the system snafu but that they couldn't make changes retroactively since weeks had gone by. I said there was no way of knowing there was a voucher/billing problem until the credit card bill arrived. They told me that the flight itinerary would have indicated in red ink that X amount of the cost had come from vouchers and that I could have flagged the problem then. The problem is that there is nothing on the print-out of the itinerary that says that "if you're using vouchers and they are not reflected in the bill, call us with 24 hours or words" to that effect.

    So they tell me that there's nothing they can do about it short of me canceling my flight and re-booking at the risk of not getting the same flights/times/price. So I tried to cancel the original booking and re-book using the voucher and was surprised to learn that the tickets were non-refundable. In other words, they would only give me a Southwest credit, not a cash refund applied to my credit card even though I was trying to book the same flight with Southwest.

    They not-so-helpfully suggested that if I can't use the vouchers, I can always give them to someone else. And lose the opportunity to use them myself. Thank you very much. The $500 of vouchers that I have, while still valid for a while, would require booking another flight that I may or may not need (at hundreds of dollars in additional cost for hotel, food, etc.), in order to take advantage of the vouchers that I got for previous inconveniences (delayed luggage, bumped flight/seat). Talk about adding insult to injury. This was a very disappointing experience.

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    Customer ServiceContract & TermsPricePunctuality & SpeedOnline & AppStaff

    Reviewed Jan. 2, 2016

    Southwest Airlines recently cancelled my flight due to weather. I understand that, it happens. They sent me an email so I could request a refund for my flight. When I clicked the link and entered the code they provided, it indicated this was for a reservation that was in the past (of course it's "in the past", they delayed my flight nearly 3 hours before it was cancelled).

    They also provided a phone number for me to call and request reimbursement. Why on Earth should I need to REQUEST reimbursement? I paid them for a service they did not provide; reimbursement should be automatic. I called the number (a couple days later, as that night the wait was way too long and I was more concerned with my immediate travel plans) and the agent asked if I had gone online and cancelled the reservation. No, I told her, "I did not cancel the reservation, they cancelled it for me." She said I was still supposed to go online and cancel.

    I told her I tried, but their website wouldn't allow me to do anything because the reservation was "in the past". She said I should have dealt with customer service via phone or in person that night. I told her the estimated phone wait time was 90 minutes that night, and I wasn't about to wait that long to request reimbursement when I needed to deal with my immediate travel plans that evening. The agent told me she would submit my reimbursement request "for consideration", then I should follow up in 7-10 business days to check the progress. What is there to consider? I paid Southwest Airlines for a service they did not provide. I paid for it in anticipation that they would actually provide the service I was paying for. It's a contract.

    I understand the cancellation due to weather, it happens and is generally beyond their control. They should reimburse their customers in these situations automatically. I wasn't paying for the mere opportunity that--by chance--they would actually provide the service I was paying for. This isn't the lottery. Why should I have to mark my calendar for 1-2 weeks for now to follow up with them to see if they've actually done their job?

    Only an airline would have the bald-faced audacity to charge you for a service, not provide the service, then make you take positive action and further waste your time for the "consideration" of receiving a refund for the service they did not provide. Any other business would simply reimburse you automatically when the service was cancelled. Why do airlines make you do this? It's 2016; they have the technology and could automate this process. The only logical answer is that they know they can get away with this. They know (probably) every other airline will do the same thing, and you have no recourse (try driving home for Christmas when the drive will take 3 days each way... They know you will book a flight rather than drive).

    If you were at an electronics store and swiped your card at the checkout to purchase a new TV, then they found they did not have that TV in stock and could not order you one, the store would immediately refund/cancel your purchase. No need for you to follow up weeks later. If you signed paperwork to purchase a new car, then when the salesman went in back they found out they didn't have the car, and were no longer able to order you one, they would cancel your transaction/refund your money.

    You would not need to call a different number, and schedule a follow-up weeks later to make sure they've done their job by reimbursing you. I recently ordered something online from Walmart, and from Kohls, and in both cases the products were found to not be available. Both stores automatically refunded me my money back to my credit card and sent me an email to notify me of the situation. Easy and painless. That's 2016 customer service.

    Only airlines would look you in the eye, make you do their work for them, and act like this is normal business practice and pretend to be surprised when you are upset at their lack of customer service and obvious "shell-game" type tactics. They want it to be convoluted so they don't have to refund you. This way, they get your money for doing nothing at all. Shameful, Southwest Airlines. Simply shameful. Unfortunately, I predict most other airlines would do the same thing. I'll update this post if Southwest delivers in some truly professional and respectable way regarding this matter. I don't expect I'll need to.

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    Staff

    Reviewed Jan. 1, 2016

    Our family of 5 is from Australia. I have an 11 yo daughter that they did not let sit next to a family member. We all sat in separate seats. They do not let this happen in Australia! Will never fly with this airline again and will not recommend it to anyone else I know. Totally unacceptable.

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    Customer ServicePriceStaff

    Reviewed Dec. 31, 2015

    Let's start this by saying I am a fairly frequent flyer. I have, over the years, experienced lots of cancellations and delays, but the airline usually cares about that and makes reasonable accommodations. Just this year, I started flying some Southwest legs. Everything worked pretty well, so I booked a Southwest ticket for my son to come home for Christmas from South Florida. We live in Nashville.

    Now, I understand that things happen outside an airline's control. Flights get canceled. But what happened in this case is that my son's Monday night, Dec. 28th flight was canceled. The best Southwest would offer was to get him on a flight on Thursday night, Dec. 31st. This is not reasonable. They should be able to do something within 24 hours or buy you a seat on another airline. He had to be at work the next day so the only choice I had was to rent a car one-way for him to drive back. So, not only was I out an airline ticket, I was out a rental car which cost just as much.

    He was one of the lucky ones. He was still near home. There were people there connecting who Southwest would not even help out with a hotel room. So, basically, their connecting flight got canceled and Southwest could care less what they do for three days. What really irks me is the response I got from Customer Service when I complained about it: "We can only imagine how disappointing it was to encounter irregular operations during your December travels." Really? They refunded the one-way fare which was missed, but would not help with any other arrangements, and told me that in the response.

    Bottom line is this: My business travels will go back to Delta and American. I cannot be stranded any place for 3 days waiting for Southwest to get me home. I would think that a company as large as Southwest would realize that, from time to time, it just might be better to spend a little to help a customer out than to lose that much future business. Bags fly free, yes, but customer service is abysmal.

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    Customer ServiceStaff

    Reviewed Dec. 30, 2015

    Since September I've been calling their customer service and they just give different numbers to call and when finally. They ask me and I answered all their questions. I was supposed to receive via email my incident number. I've been waiting and when finally, I spoke with a supervisor she told me that because I'm claiming some things from September they cannot do anything. And for some reason none of my calls were on their system. Southwest you lost a client.

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    Customer ServiceStaff

    Reviewed Dec. 29, 2015

    Our direct flight #2993 Cleveland to Las Vegas was cancelled this morning, Dec. 29th. However, all the other Cleveland to Las Vegas Flights went out today. I'm really upset because we could not be put on another flight until Jan 2. That was the day we were to return home. I realize things happen, sometimes there are delays or other issues. This is the first time in my life, that a trip had to be completely cancelled because, an airline couldn't put them on another flight for 5 days. We were meeting friends from Columbus flying Southwest in Vegas. We also didn't receive email notification until we were at the airport, maybe a switch could have been handled earlier if we were notified earlier. We also spent 2.5 hours in line, when there were no flights available. No help getting on another airlines either. This was a truly uncustomer friendly experience.

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    Customer ServicePunctuality & SpeedStaff

    Reviewed Dec. 28, 2015

    Southwest canceled my flight 4 times, and to make matters worse my connecting flight was cancelled. You would assume that the airlines would put me on the next flight out but you would assume wrong. I had to talk to a different agent to find out about a flight that was leaving sooner. I get to my destination late, and you would assume that this couldn't get any worse, WRONG!!! These people lost my luggage. It was so bad the only thing I could do is laugh to keep from crying. You would assume that the employees in luggage would be sympathetic but they told me if I call back to check on my luggage, they're not going to answer because they were swamped. You can't even make this stuff up.

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    Punctuality & SpeedStaff

    Reviewed Dec. 28, 2015

    Let's skip the 3-hour delay because of overcrowded air space! Which I was not notified about until I got to the airport even though I am signed up for text alerts. I would have rather stayed at the resort than in a hot airport with a small child. Then we finally get to Orlando and there is no wheelchair waiting for my mother. Sure I can push her and load 5 bags of luggage because I had to, have my older daughter keep with her little sister, then I was told my mother COULD NOT use the chair throughout the entire airport!!! Seriously, I always request a wheelchair. My mother cannot walk long distances. And on top of that I was told I could not borrow their luggage rack!!!

    Geesh SW, not to mention your staff had the worst attitude EVER. I mean showing up for work is crazy, no wait it's not!!! SW you have truly disappointed me and trust. FREE bags doesn't make up for poor customer and rudeness, but no worries, I tell everyone I know and few strangers, choose ANY airline EXCEPT Southwest!!! TERRIBLE.

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    Customer ServiceStaff

    Reviewed Dec. 25, 2015

    We flew from Salt Lake City to Denver to make a connecting flight to Atlanta. Arrive in Denver to find out that our flight was cancelled. We, along with the 100+ other passengers were clawing for another flight to Atl. We ended up getting on a flight to Austin which eventually took us to Atlanta. SW said it was due to weather, which is understandable, but all the other airlines were landing and taking off in Atl... no problem. SW was backed up due to weather on Wed. and randomly cancelled ours... still ok, we were in route to Atlanta. The huge problem came when we arrived in ATL at 10 on Christmas Eve. I never dreamed there would be a problem with our luggage. I figured that it beat us by hours... wrong, or was I? Who knows?

    There was ONE customer service rep in the baggage office to filter many, many, many incidents of missing luggage. I actually felt sorry for her. Why would you leave her alone to handle all of these passengers? Where was a manager? Nowhere in sight... home with his/her family for Christmas Eve? There was luggage everywhere, there was no system at all. It was as if this was their first busy travel day rodeo. If SW truly cared about customer service they would have been staffed and prepared. It is not genius level to know that if you cancel flights that you are going to have to have staff to help the passengers. Traditionally, if you come in on a particular flight then your luggage is on a designated carousel, but there was luggage spread out among three different carousels with no apparent rhyme or reason. We waited for four hours after our flight landed to see if our luggage would show up with incoming flights... NO!!

    We gathered our kids, who had been up almost 24 hours to drive an hour South of Atl at 3 in the morning. The best they said they could do was get our luggage to us the following Monday, but probably Tuesday, with no compensation. My husband drove back on Christmas Day to get our luggage. SW offered us nothing for their lack of competency. I learned a hard, but very valuable lesson. I will never fly SW again. I will fly Delta where I receive excellent customer service. There was a total disregard for the passengers and the lonely CSV agent in the baggage office.

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    PriceStaff

    Reviewed Dec. 23, 2015

    I was booked for a 6am flight from Richmond, Va, change plane in Atlanta, Ga, final destination Orlando, Fl. Then a bus transfer to Port Canaveral for a cruise. The plane in Richmond sat on the runway for an hour, then we had to go back to the gate and get refueled. We should have arrived in Atlanta at 7am. We arrived at 9am. During the flight, we were told we could not get up to use the restroom, unless we raised our hand and got permission. I was never able to get anyone's attention so that I could use the restroom. .

    My connection to Orlando should have departed at 8:40am. Many of the passengers were asking, because they too were going to miss their flights. No one on the plane would give us any information until we arrived at the airport. Then the attendants told us they were holding some of the flights for us, Orlando being one of them. My goddaughter and I hustled to the plane. I purchased upgraded boarding for all our flights. One- so I could sit with my goddaughter, two- because I am a nervous flyer and I sit by the window. I always take Valium to fly and am able to sleep with my head rested against the interior wall.

    When I boarded the plane in Atlanta it was packed. My goddaughter had to sit several rows away from me. I had to sit between two strangers. I voiced my dissatisfcation about the seating and also that I needed to use the restroom because I had not been able to since boarding in Richmond at 5:30am. I went to the restroom. While I was in there a attendant told a joke over the pa. "How do you keep a passenger in suspense?" I yelled from the rear bathroom, with the door closed, " fly Southwest". I returned to my seat and buckled in and took my Valium.

    Just before we were leaving, I looked up to see three Southwest employees at my row confronting me. In front of a full plane asking me if I had a problem. I told them the story above, but told them I had taken my Valium and I should be fine (I.e., I wouldn't be nervous flying). One flight attendant said they needed to get the captain because she thought I was impaired and couldn't fly. I told her my medication was taken as prescribed by my doctor, specifically for flying.

    Then the next lady (whom I believed worked at the Atlanta airport for Southwest), started in on me. She kept saying over and over, do we have a problem here, because if we do we need to take you off the plane and get it straightened out. Over and over she made that threat to me. I was powerless to make any complaint because if I did I would miss my flight. Not only that, but all the monies I had paid for me and my goddaughter to go on a cruise. The male attendant that was standing there said nothing, I guess he was there for intimidation purposes.

    I fly at minimum of 6 times a year. I take cruises about twice a year. I am middle class working American, I save in order to take these cruises and go to Florida because my grandmother is in a nursing home there. My sister was also in Florida until her death in September. So, I went to Florida often, to see her and also be with her while she was ill and dying. I have never been treated so poorly. Having airline employees wield power and threats over their customers is beyond words. It is the absolute lowest you can go. I am unfortunately pre-booked on a Southwest flight in February. But, in the future I WILL NOT FLY ON SOUTHWEST AIRLINES ever again. I don't care how cheap they are - you get what you pay for - and it is NOT worth it!!! Go JetBlue or any other airline - avoid Southwest!!!

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    Staff

    Reviewed Dec. 22, 2015

    I will NEVER fly Southwest Airlines again. The way I was treated, and not to mention my son who is military, was treated. The flight attendant asked me to stow my bag under the seat in front of me. I did not have a problem with that but my bag had photos of my son that could not be bent. I guess I was moving too slow for her and she went to grab my bag and said "I don't care what is in there, we won't take off until they are stowed." I proceeded to put them under the seat. Looking across the aisle (I have a picture), they had a bag of food and a backpack NOT STOWED under the seat and that was OK??? My son was embarrassed at the gate by the attendant taking boarding passes. Again he is military and she said she didn't care and what he had was not a boarding pass. However, it was the same item that he used on the first flight??? That was the first and last time I will ever fly with Southwest aka SOUTHWORST.

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    Punctuality & SpeedStaff

    Reviewed Dec. 21, 2015

    Please if you have the chance fly anything other than Southwest!!! The employees are the rudest, they talk to you like garbage. They lose luggage always and never get there or take off on time!! Fly anyone else other than Southwest!!! You won't regret it!!!

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    Customer ServicePriceStaff

    Reviewed Dec. 16, 2015

    I have traveled with Southwest (SWA) for many years with superb service and satisfaction. However, on my recent trip last week from Oakland to Seattle, when I went to check-in the lines were totally empty. A young Latina agent, who identified herself as Beatriz, was laughing and talking with another young employee and both ignored me, only to respond with an annoyed, perturbed look when I asked to check-in. Because I interrupted their gossiping by asking Beatriz to do her job, she immediately responded with a negative, retaliatory tone, putting me "through the wringer" and at-length scrutinizing of my bags' under-limit weight and examination of contents.

    Although I have flown before several times on SWA with baggage carrying carefully-packaged wine without problems, Beatriz insisted this time it was a major issue. Short story... just because I asked an immature SWA counter employee to do her job and act as a professional, she ended up wasting my time and charging me an extra $60 for additional, unnecessary packaging of wine and threatened to tack on another $75 for the extra luggage box necessary to encompass the unneeded packaging (almost doubling the cost of my flight)! My experience with this young SWA employee was disgusting and scam-worthy. Cannot fathom why this highly-regarded airline hires people like this and fails to train them properly?

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    Customer ServiceStaff

    Reviewed Dec. 16, 2015

    SOUTHWEST HAS TERRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPS. First they lost my bag then they are going to tell me that I have to pay for my own luggage to get shipped because I never made a claim when I did! Then they dont have non-supervisor available for anyone to speak to. Ashton in baggage was extremely rude! And I am pissed and will never fly Southwest ever again!!! Its xmas and now I cant get my child his presents because I have to pay for my luggage that southwest lost in the first place!

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    Customer ServicePunctuality & Speed

    Reviewed Dec. 13, 2015

    I am stuck at the San Diego airport sleeping right next to a door that enters from the outside due to Southwest Airlines' inability to get me back to Charlotte. I have been here since 9AM this am. Because flights were cancelled to Chicago, I will sleep here, in an unprotected area until 5 am when they will finally allow me to check my luggage back through security and provide me the privilege to enter their secure terminal. I will then be allowed to fly to Dallas and then to RDU where Vince will pick me up after a 3 hour drive from our new residence north of Charlotte.

    Because it was a fog issue in Chicago, Southwest will do nothing to accommodate my situation. So, I get back to NC a day late, at an airport that is now a 3 hour drive for Vince after sleeping next to an unprotected door. Here's my advice: NEVER FLY SOUTHWEST!!! If you never hear from me again, it is because I was mugged or abducted or whatever from SAN at the ticket booth at Southwest at SAN. That's where police can start the search for my body.

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    Customer ServicePunctuality & Speed

    Reviewed Dec. 12, 2015

    My husband boarded a plane at 6:05 am, central time at Lambert Airport in St. Louis, Mo. He was supposed to reach ATL at 9:10 am. When they arrived they were told they could not land and they rerouted them to 2 different cities in Alabama, one of them being Huntsville. The first one said there was landing room available, the second one said they could not get off the plane but had to sit on the airstrip for over an hour. Then when they finally informed they could return to Atlanta, they had without notification rescheduled my husband for another later flight at 3:30 pm. He was supposed to originally leave ATL at 11:50 am.

    He missed the wedding he was in which started at 1 pm. Oh yes did I mention, that his luggage did not arrive when he did. So he had to buy clothes and the trip was for nothing. I believe that everyone on that flight should have been compensated in some form for the total inconvenience and blatant disregard for a person's reason for travel. Poor customer service. They have thus far offered nothing and I cannot get through to speak to a live individual. You live and you learn.

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    Customer ServiceStaff

    Reviewed Dec. 11, 2015

    During my lay over in Baltimore Southwest, lost my luggage and it didn't make it back with me to Rochester that night. Not a huge deal, happens to everyone. The woman at the desk did her job in getting my information and promising me my luggage the next day delivered since I couldn't pick it up since I work of course. She also promised a $50 voucher to make up for the fact that everything I own that is important to me is lost somewhere in another state.

    So next day it took them hours not only to alleviate my fears and call me but pretty much the whole day to deliver it to me. Then I get home looking for the voucher and it isn't there. Instead they CHARGED ME $50 to deliver MY luggage that THEY lost to my home and said that was the voucher. It baffles me how big companies will nickel and dime a loyal customer who has flown with them for so long while also treating their property like garbage. It's not like it's their job to transport objects from one place to another...

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    Customer ServiceStaff

    Reviewed Dec. 8, 2015

    My 11:45 AM flight from Midway was canceled due to weather - got the automated call. I was rebooked on a 10 PM. Agent told me I could arrive at airport 24 hrs before to check my 5 bags! I said I thought it was 4 hrs prior. She said no, 24 hrs. I asked to speak to a supervisor, she said she was one - I doubt it. She ended call. I called back, got a helpful agent who looked it up for me. She said it was their job to look it up. It was 4 hours, not 24. 1st agent lied!

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    Reviewed Dec. 2, 2015

    I registered three months, confirmed 24 hrs early and check in with my husband. They refused to let us board or sit together.

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    Customer ServiceStaff

    Reviewed Dec. 2, 2015

    Flew from Atlanta airport to Chicago midway airport. Flight back to Buffalo from Chicago was delayed. Southwest left luggage out in the torrential pouring rain for well over an hour. Entire contents of clothing were soaking wet inside of suitcase. Also soaking wet outside of suitcase. Suitcase soaking wet and damaged material outside of suitcase & broke lock off of suitcase even though clothing only in suitcase and cleared through security no problem. Leather handle on suitcase was so wet it softened and tore when I lifted suitcase because it was like mush from sitting in the rain so long.

    When I file complaint I was told Southwest will not do anything to remedy the problem. They said they will not take responsibility for the damage. They were nasty rude and made me cry in airport. I have all receipts and damaged luggage bag. I asked for a supervisor and the supervisor said there was nothing she could do and told me to contact customer relations & she said they're not going to help you either and this was at the Buffalo/Niagara airport.

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    Price

    Reviewed Dec. 1, 2015

    I purchased a ticket in October that I applied a $15 credit to from an April 2015 overpayment. Then the ticket I purchased in October went down in price generating me a $42 credit. I am being told I need to use that $42 credit by April 2016 since it expires when the $15 one did. Policy makes zero sense and screws the customer when we find better rates. I even asked them to unwind the $15 credit as I would obviously prefer to keep a $42 one rather than the $15 one and again, nope! Very frustrated by the lack of service, solutions and willingness to help with such a simple, valid request - even at the VP level!

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    Price

    Reviewed Dec. 1, 2015

    I used $11 of travel funds plus paid an additional $134 for a flight to Los Angeles in September 2015. Unfortunately, the flight had to be canceled but I knew that I would be rebooking another before year-end. So, the $11 of travel funds expired in early November 2015, of which is reasonable considering they were over a year old. Last night, I tried to book a flight with the $134 of travel funds believed to be available. Apparently, Southwest changed the character of the money I paid just two month prior, hooked that amount to my expired travel funds and took it all! I have flown two college-aged children home on a regular basis over the last seven plus years as well as my husband and I flown for both business and pleasure are now shocked at Southwest's confiscation of my money. Their loss will be worth much more than the $134 they think they have gained!

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    Punctuality & Speed

    Reviewed Nov. 24, 2015

    First of all the non assigned seating does NOT same time! I think this has to do more with spending less money which is what this airline is all about. Second flight attendants make up their own rules constantly - sometimes you can't stand for bathroom, sometimes you can stand at row 3, sometimes you can stand behind bulkhead, sometimes you can save 4 rows of seats, sometimes you can't save seats at all. If you dont like your B or C boarding pass you just ask for a pre-board. 2 weeks ago 25 people pre-boarded and all except 4 were walking fine!!!

    The only way to stop this is to STOP flying them. Complaining does NOT work. I have preferred status and my opinion means nothing. The only thing that means anything to this airline is money. They are going to start flying "true" international at some point - Europe, Canada, etc., and with today's terrorism threats not having a passenger manifest with assigned seats will at some point cause a problem and then it is too late! Write to FAA, TSA and whoever else you need to write to because they will not change this policy on their own.

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    Customer ServiceStaff

    Reviewed Nov. 22, 2015

    I usually recommend Southwest because they usually have good customer service and cheap flights. I will definitely take my business elsewhere from now on. My 6 am flight was cancelled after I had already checked in, and after we were already supposed to begin boarding. I didn't receive an email or text about the cancellation, and the staff didn't even announce it at the gate. After a while, I just saw the cancelled status on the airport monitors. After waiting in line for 45 minutes to talk to Southwest staff, they told us we could only move to a 5 pm flight - which of course meant we lost out on our booked activities.

    Our PM flight ended up being delayed TWICE. After finally getting to Chicago, we sat on the runway for an HOUR waiting for our gate to open, all the while six other Southwest planes that arrived after us were docked and unloaded. No explanation, apology, anything from Southwest. Weather delays are understandable, but lack of preparation is not.

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    Customer ServiceStaff

    Reviewed Nov. 21, 2015

    I read a number of the negative reviews for Southwest. While I don't doubt each writer's experience, mine could not have been more different. I go from San Jose to Los Angeles for work about four times a year. I tend to use the Wanna get away ticket since its cheaper. Last time I was there I stopped to visit a friend in the hospital and missed my return flight. When I showed up, expecting to have to buy a return ticket and hoping it was not going to be too much, the ticket agent just put me on the next flight at no charge. A couple weeks ago I booked another flight. Last week I was told a meeting would be in the afternoon not the morning. I called Southwest and they just booked me on a later return flight, again no cost and immediately sent the confirmation. Most of my friends who use Southwest have had similar experiences. Again I'm not doubting what the folks wrote about their negative experiences but mine are just the opposite. Go Southwest.

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    Price

    Reviewed Nov. 20, 2015

    I am completely dumbfounded that you would charge to transfer points!!! This is double charging if I have ever heard of it. We earn the points by spending on your card and then get a charge for transferring them to another family member to book a flight! This is illegal if you look into it. If not it damn well should be. I will be letting all of Facebook know about this practice. I am also looking into cancelling my card with them. I am now having to repay my daughter for these miles and I am seriously upset!!!

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    Customer ServiceCoverageStaff

    Reviewed Nov. 18, 2015

    An airline is only as good as their customer service. Southwest Airline failed at that. When Dallas flight#1297 on 10/23/15 was delayed for FOUR hours due to inclement weather and torrential rain - they left passengers' baggage sitting on the tarmac, IN THE RAIN, the entire 4 hrs, ruining my brother's dress clothing from shrinkage and staining. He traveled to Phx for a wedding. A claim was filed and outright denied by Southwest Airline even though they were blatantly negligent. His wardrobe bag itself is now falling apart, the contents were ruined - and Southwest won't accept any responsibility and cover the $800 damages caused from their mistake. Very disappointed in Southwest. That is not how you treat customers, if you want them to be return customers.

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    Customer ServiceStaff

    Reviewed Nov. 8, 2015

    My friend Kasey received a call from her family that her mother was dying and that she needed to go home immediately to Texas so she could pay her last respects before she passed away. She made a booking mistake in her haste and when she got to the airport the ticket agent told her "too bad" and forced her to pay for a second ticket so she could go home to see her dying mother. They didn't take into consideration the extreme stress when she booked her ticket and that she'd made a genuine mistake under stressful conditions.

    Well, they may have gotten their second ticket, but they'll never get my booking in the future because they took advantage of a grieving woman who made an error. Good on you, Southwest, you ripped off a woman for $500.00, but that's the last money you'll get from our friends and family. And since we shared this story with our friends - we've all agreed - no more Southwest - so you've lost thousands in bookings while gaining $500.00!

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    Customer ServiceStaff

    Reviewed Nov. 7, 2015

    I am a disabled Army Veteran. On 11/6/15, I requested a pre board pass as I have always done. However, the Southwest agent started asking me questions. I showed her VA service connected disability card to no avail. I got a family pass. On the plane a passenger seeing the brace on my leg offered me his seat on the emergency exit which I took. When the plane was ready to take off a flight attendant came by and asked me if I was a pre board and I said no. She then said in a loud voice that they have stopped the plane and I need to leave the seat or they will return to the terminal and have me removed from the flight. I politely asked what was my other option was and I was told there was a seat available in the back of the plane. I took the seat I the back of the plane. Throughout the flight passengers going to the restroom thanked me for my service. It is noted that I was wearing an US Army Veteran hat.

    It was then that several flight attendants started to be nice to me and one day next to me and quietly told me that I was disrespected and discriminated against for how I was treated. I was never so humiliated against as a disabled veteran. I have just got a new iPhone6s and I wish that I video recorded all of this so I could hope it would go viral but I was too shocked by how I was disrespected by these rude Southwest employees. If anyone was on Southwest flight 3173 from Indy to Kansas City on Friday 11/6/15, and seen what happened post your contact info on this site. Thank you Southwest Airlines for disrespecting Disabled Veterans.

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    Customer ServicePunctuality & Speed

    Reviewed Nov. 4, 2015

    I arrived at Sacramento Airport to catch a flight on Southwest to Boise, ID via Las Vegas. I was informed by the desk that flight was canceled with no explanation of why. The desk attendant said I was notified by text. I showed her that I did not get a text while showing her this a text appeared which was sent only 45 minutes before boarding. I was at the desk for over 45 minutes. I had to miss a meeting and take a flight the next day. I asked about my fuel and parking at the desk I was told that it was not her fault and to take it up with Southwest. I have never heard from Southwest on this. Then on my return flight the flight was late to Las Vegas by 1 hour. My flight home to Sacramento was late taking off 4 hours because of a mechanical problem. I have never gotten a apology from them nor offer of ANY KIND FOR MY EXPENSES.

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    Customer ServiceSales & MarketingStaff

    Reviewed Nov. 2, 2015

    I have been traveling frequently from Baltimore to Kansas City to help my ailing 86 year old mother. I have always used Southwest, a loyal customer without any bad experiences. In fact, years ago, if I showed at the airport early enough, they would let me take an earlier flight if they had seats. Well they have really changed and become greedy. Don't believe the do good "people first" bs you read in their magazine. They have really changed and are all about money now.

    A few weeks ago I reported to the gate for a 6 PM flight and did not realize I had accidentally made my reservation for 6 AM. I did not realize it until they scanned my boarding pass and said I had missed the flight that morning. So they sent me over to the desk at the gate. Even though the plane was less than 1/2 full, they charged me over $400 for a new one way ticket home. And would not even credit the $120 I had already paid for the morning flight I missed. So, I thought SW was concerned about people, and as a loyal customer, I was shocked. When I complained to the agents, they showed no sympathy, not a bit.

    As far as I'm concerned, this is a form of extortion. They took my additional money because they could, not because they should. I came home and looked up the corporate address for the CEO of SW, Gary Kelly, and sent a letter addressed directly to him because I knew if I sent it to consumer affairs I would get a standard response. Well, I got a standard response from someone else anyway, with apparently no review of the CEO. So I remain appalled, amazed, disappointed, and will be taking my business elsewhere. SW is not the company they were years ago. And they will screw up their standing with treating their customers as they did me. If you fly with SW, beware. They are not the nice company they present themselves to be in all their advertising and magazines.

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    Staff

    Reviewed Nov. 2, 2015

    My granddaughter Samantha ** was booked on a flight leaving Fort Lauderdale Airport at 11:50 am Friday October 30th. The flight had a layover in Baltimore. She boarded the flight and arrived in Baltimore, checked the flight board for her gate, went to her gate and waited for her flight. At some point the gate changed. She did not notice this and did not hear the announcement the first time. When she did hear it she went to the correct gate. They were closing the doors just as she got there. They refused to let her on the flight and it appears the agents were making fun of her because she started to cry.

    This is unacceptable behavior. If she were an older person they would never have done this to her. There was no reason she could not have gotten on that flight. There was plenty of time and technically the doors were still open when she got there. Southwest has offered a pittance of $50. This is unacceptable. I would like the entire cost of the flight returned.

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    Reviewed Oct. 28, 2015

    I flew with Southwest Airlines with my daughter almost 1 year ago. On my way back, at LAX airport my luggage was nowhere to be found. Submitted claim. Airline denied the claim due to discrepancy. Was unable to understand until now what that means. The company will not tell me exactly what is going on. However when I asked them how do I find out why they tell me through court. However, at the same time the supervisor threatens to counter sue me. Is this normal, airline company threatening a customer because they did not do their job. I am almost sure they have my luggage somewhere but they are too lazy to look for it. Never in million years did I think my trip could turn into a nightmare.

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    Staff

    Reviewed Oct. 23, 2015

    Worst flight ever. Over 2-hour delay. First, the water stopped working so they sent someone to fix that. Then we got down the runway and stopped and then were told there was a problem with the engine and had to go back to the gate. After the long delay, the water stopped working again in the air. To boot, flight attendants weren't very nice either and I paid for Wifi that sucks. Won't fly Southwest again.

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    Customer ServiceStaff

    Reviewed Oct. 21, 2015

    I had two round trip transcontinental flights booked on SWA and we had a personal emergency this morning and we missed the flight. Understanding that we could not get a refund on the flight we missed, we attempted to cancel the return flight and SWA advised that they were keeping 100% of the funds for the entire trip due to the first flight missed! They are charging us for 8 flights because we missed the first one. It is outrageous that they will not allow me to cancel the remaining flights well over 24 hours in advance on the basis that I missed (no show) on the first flight out.

    This has to be illegal but good luck trying to reach anyone. I held on the phone for 20 minutes the first time only be cut off. I called back and held for another 35 minutes, navigating phone menus (that didn't have any options that applied to my problem) to finally reach the customer service department only to be told I need to call ANOTHER number. Literally one hour of pushing buttons and getting the run-around to finally reach "Customer Relations" who said their policy is set in stone and there is nothing they will do. So $1600 in transcontinental flights got charged to my credit card and they refused to allow me to cancel the return flights DAYS in advance. To add insult to injury, they said if I had called just 10 minutes earlier they could have credited everything but the window is 2 hours from departure and I was 2:10 after so I was out of luck.

    Really? Hard to believe but true. So in this one event, after 15 years of very faithful support of SWA, I am all done with them. I'm furious and while I have no issue with the charge on the no-show, refusing to all me to cancel the remaining 6 flights all within their stated allowed time on the basis of the first flight no-show is outrageously criminal. I will never fly SWA again because of this and I was their biggest supporter but it only takes on event where someone takes advantage of a customer relationship to end that relationship for life.

    I have a hand written letter to me from Herb Kelleher, the founder and former President of SWA thanking me for a letter I wrote to him nearly 20 years ago about one of his employees. That was laudatory note from me which he very thoughtfully and personally responded to much my amazement. Herb would be horrified to hear this is how they are now running the airline he founded now, and he should be horrified and ashamed.

    This is the type of outrageous extortion that I would expect in some backwoods treetop airline, but to have this treatment and this level of difficulty from Southwest Airlines after nearly 25 years of flawless service is just astonishing...and it is absolutely relationship ending on a permanent basis for me. I'm so mad I can think but I'm also mad enough to detail my horror story here for others to avoid. I'm done with them. I'll take the bus before I ever take another SWA flight.

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    Customer ServiceStaff

    Reviewed Oct. 19, 2015

    I asked for flight attendant's name she was very rude. A flight to Las Vegas she spilled drinks on us and didn't get us a napkin to clean it up.

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    Customer ServiceStaff

    Reviewed Oct. 15, 2015

    I was booking Southwest today on the phone. The booking agent was very rude, almost made me feel like not welcome to speak to her. During the conversation even though I speak as clearly as possible she was rude and showing unhappiness serving me. After I booked I told her that I will report this bad experience which I did. I never hope to run across this agent. She was very good at talking down...

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    Customer ServicePunctuality & SpeedStaff

    Reviewed Oct. 13, 2015

    Loved this airline last year, hence why I booked so many trips with them this year but they are not the same. I've taken 8 flights with them this year and 7 of them had issues. Either it was bumped to the next flight (not even delayed) completely bumped or they left 5+ minutes early while people were still getting there. I saw a little old man with his son at the bar having a drink while waiting for his bumped flight. When he tried to get on the attendant aggressively yelled at him and said he was too intoxicated to get on the plane. The guy maybe looked tired but he was also forced to wait an extra 4 hours because of his bumped fight. It kinda seems like they are overbooking flights and looking for reasons to kick people off or make them leave, all at the same time expecting the customers to still pay for their tickets. Customer service is not their strong suit anymore.

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    Customer ServicePunctuality & SpeedStaffProcess

    Reviewed Oct. 10, 2015

    I normally don't mind Southwest. It is still the cheapest airline, but the cattle seating is a pain, especially nowadays with limited bin space since no one wants to check luggage any more. I checked in online, trying to get as close to the start of the 24 hrs so I could use the overhead bins. I checked in and received my number in the cattle line. I went to scan my phone pass. The computer beeped and the gentleman herding the line told me I was Not checked in. How could I not be checked in when I was sent a boarding pass by Southwest? He stated, it sometimes happens and instructed me to go to the Check-in desk. The person I was traveling with had no issues. So now I've lost my place in line and I knew there was no way I would be able to put my luggage in the overhead, as I had to now wait in new slow moving line and the "c" line was already boarding.

    As I approach the plane the bags are being collected because the bins are full. At this point I'm frustrated because I spent my time yesterday trying to make sure to check in soon enough to get an overhead spot. Then I became even more concerned when the attendant was tagging the luggage with napkins. Of course the last seat was between 2 large men and the tiniest middle seat space left over that I've ever seen. As I squish between them, the attendant brings around the luggage tags and asks, "Which one was yours?" As would be expected everyone described their luggage as black, just as was mine. In my frustration of having 2 guys leaning on me I leaned forward onto my lap. Before I know it the passenger in front of me reclines back straight into my face. My verbal response was, "seriously" and he immediately moved his chair back up.

    After an incredibly long 2.5 hrs, the man in front of me decided at the end of the flight to accost me and let me know that I owed him a thank you for not reclining his chair and not inconveniencing me because he really wanted to take a nap. At this point I'm ready to lose my mind. I do process improvement and systems for a living so I can absolutely appreciate no process is perfect, especially when it comes to technology. But the domino effect of this glitch was ridiculous. I'm over this airline and ready to move on to another.

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    Reviewed Oct. 7, 2015

    I suffer from a medical condition that I sent in documents to prove. And they refused to offer even A CREDIT

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    Staff

    Reviewed Oct. 5, 2015

    I am always happy with Southwest Airlines although I've noticed that people take advantage of their pre-board policies. As a A-Board member I see a lot of people who do not need assistance boarding ahead of Business Class and people who do need assistance. Not Pre-Boarding. I'm sure this is because of people being too proud to ask for help and people trying to take advantage of the system. I would like to see Southwest Airlines policing their own policies better.

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    Punctuality & SpeedStaff

    Reviewed Oct. 5, 2015

    I was at the DC southwest one. I had a 6:10 am flight. I came to check my bags at 5:35 am and they said I was late so I would have to take the one at 11 am. I came up at 10:30 am they said I would have to pay for a new flight because I should have rescheduled 2 hrs after the missed flight. The people at 5:35 am didn't let me know that information AT ALL. I wasn't even offered a discount, just basically told to get out of line and pay for a new flight. That was now $245 instead of the $150 I paid for ROUND TRIP.

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    Staff

    Reviewed Oct. 1, 2015

    I never flew SouthWest, now I know why! You get to pick your own seats! If you're class C, like my husband and I were... Don't expect to get to sit together. I even asked someone on the flight home if they wouldn't mind moving and they said "This seat is taken". The seat was NOT taken and they should have rules on SW about doing that... Someone would eventually have to move to make room because it was a FULL flight and everyone was spread out! I will never, ever, ever, ever fly SW again! My husband and I prefer flying United. I hate flying, so having the comfort of my husband next to me would have been helpful, but instead I was next to strangers. UGH! Now, for the service on SW w/ the flight attendants, they were awesome... Very friendly.

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    Price

    Reviewed Sept. 29, 2015

    I booked a flight with Southwest Airlines in August 2014. I canceled the flight December 2014, was told that I had a year to use the credits. Thought that it was a year from the cancellation date, found out that it was a year from the date that the flight was booked, was told by customer services to speak with Corporate that they would probably give me some of the credits back, but probably would charge me a fee. When speaking with corporate was told that because it was an international flight that they were not able to reinstate any of the credits of my $467.00 because they had to pay international taxes, how is Southwest paying taxes when the person did not travel to the country?

    What is the difference in domestic & international credits? I am over 70 years old, $467.00 is a lot of money. It would have been good customer services if Southwest would notify their customers when the credits are close to expiring, rather than to just take their customers money and say "I am sorry." How much money have Southwest made by treating their customers like this? I did not expected to get the total amount back, but I did think the Southwest would be fair and give me part of my credit back.

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    Staff

    Reviewed Sept. 18, 2015

    During my flight on 9/18 departing MacArthur airport at 5:40 to West Palm beach flight number #1335. My mother and my sister had to get pre boarding passes for pre existing conditions. During the beginning of the flight my sister had to use the lavatory. When trying to pass the EXTREMELY RUDE and NASTY flight attendant my sister said politely "I can't fit through there" (being overweight and having a back problem it was hard to fit), EXTREMELY nasty the flight attendant replied "well, you're gonna have to fit."

    I am beyond appalled, angry and very upset about how she was treated on this flight. How dare someone employed by Southwest Airlines make any comment or judgement to a passenger especially about weight. I want an immediate response to this matter and the highest CEO will have an email and a phone call from me AS SOON AS I land. Nobody should ever be harassed or treated this way ever especially on a flight that we are paying for and 4 of my family members hold your Southwest credit card also.

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    Punctuality & SpeedStaff

    Reviewed Sept. 18, 2015

    I had purchased 4 round trip tickets for my family from Indianapolis to Tampa from Southwest. While departing on 11 September 2015 we had no issues, everything went smoothly but on our way back on 16th September 2015 our flight FL#472 was delayed from 7:20 pm to 12:00 am due to some technical issues. Initially I was very upset as I was traveling with two kids - a 5 and a 2 1/2 year old. But the best part was that they kept updating us about the flight status and didn't change the gates also and to top it off they gave each passenger a "$200" gift voucher valid for a year, which can be used in future ticket purchase!!!

    I have traveled through other airlines - in fact last year I went to Orlando by U.S. Airways and my flight was delayed by 12 hours on my way back to Indianapolis. Everything was bad and disappointing. The staff was disappointing and they kept changing the gates and no reason for the delayed was explained and no compensation. Southwest has proved that they really care about their customers. Usually they don't give compensation but this time I guess it was an odd time quite late at night as we landed here around 2:00 am so they gave everyone a reason to be happy!!! At least I was extremely pleased and that's the reason I am writing this review - just a way to say THANK YOU Southwest!!! You are the best!!!

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    Reviewed Sept. 18, 2015

    I received an email that my flight was cancelled by Southwest 9 16 15 out of Ontario CA and was offered a free re booking. I rebooked to an earlier flight via the telephone and spoke with a customer rep. I went to airport only to find out about the power outage in Ontario that affected terminal 2 and 4. Long lines, unable to print my pass or check in luggage. I left the airport and had to cancel my entire trip. I had to call my hotel so I would not be charged 1 night. That outage was just resolved today 9 17 15. When I called to rebook the person on the phone could have said something. As I write this review I do not have a phone. I don't constantly check things before I leave. It's just bs. Southwest has gone downhill. I also flew this airline in June 2015 and was stuck in Phoenix for 3 hours on a layover. I'm done with SWA.

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    Customer ServiceStaff

    Reviewed Sept. 16, 2015

    I have been trying to get a response to why Southwest airlines discriminated my elderly grandparents. Flight attendant asked my grandparents if they spoke English and when their response was no, they sent them to the back of the plane. My grandparents are almost 80 years old and they deserve much more respect than that. DON'T USE SOUTHWEST AIRLINES! POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE AND FOR SURE RACIST! I BELIEVE TRUMP ENDORSED THEM!

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    Customer ServiceStaff

    Reviewed Sept. 14, 2015

    I flew on a plane from Ontario airport to Phoenix last night. As I sat down the stewardess was talking to us about sitting in the emergency exit and helping in case of emergency, you know the routine. I glanced down to push the button on my phone so it was off and she snapped at me like a little child. "Excuse me ma'am but have to pay attention if you are going to sit here." It was loud and all 11 people in the emergency rows were embarrassed for me you could tell. I am 58 years old and felt like a 10 year old in the principal's office. I work in the retail bridal business so I know how to deal with difficult situations. I would never talk to someone like that. Find a kind way to get people's attention. Sorry your job is so boring and repetitive that you are rude to get through it Debi.

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    PriceStaff

    Reviewed Sept. 14, 2015

    I am writing to express my concerns/complaints regarding our recent flight from Charlotte, North Carolina to Phoenix Arizona via a stop in Chicago, IL. The flight from North Carolina to Chicago I have no complaints about. What I do have issues with is the flight from Chicago to Phoenix. First off, I find it completely unfair to have a policy of checking in online to get a preferred boarding group in order to be able to sit with family. I have a service dog which I normally fly with, but Southwest would not allow my dog being that the letter I brought from my doctor was supposedly insufficient. Although my animal is a registered dog with my state, has an ID card, and was in the proper carrier.

    This created havoc for me at the last minute because someone had to return the airport to take my animal to a boarding facility which cost me over $500.00. Not to mention the added stress this caused upon me not being able to have my service animal with me for 6 days. On the flight to Chicago, the plane already had arrived with most of the window and aisle seats taken. We were boarding group B/43 which because the plane already had passengers and although I have no pre-boarding rights due to my illness we were forced into two separate middle seats far away from each other. Not having a service dog, or my help near me is literally torture. We expressed this to the airline stewardess for help in making a switch but she seemed to have NO concern at all for what we were going through. So we sit in our middle seats separated.

    Within 30 seconds of sitting down the woman seated next to Jayson ** was heavily intoxicated and reeked of booze. She was throwing up into her sweater and had dried throw up all over her. She then passed out against the window and was unconscious. Jayson told the stewardess he was unable to even belt because she was sitting on the male side of the seatbelt. Again the stewardess ignored the complaint. The two gentlemen on each side of me explained to me that prior to the flight the woman was sitting in that chair throwing up and slurring and was already making a scene even before we were on the plane. So your airline was fully aware of her behavior.

    The entire time through the flight she was twisting and turning and trying to place her feet against the window and her head in my boyfriend's lap, trying to put her legs over his and her head falling into him to the point where he had to throw her off of him because she was not even conscious. About 3 minutes into the air there were 2 bees in the cabin of the aircraft. I am highly allergic to bees so I let the stewardess know I needed the bag she took from me and placed in the overhead compartment because I had no room under my seat in the front row to place my luggage and that I needed the epipen should I be stung. She responded that she couldn't take the bag down until the pilot instructed she do so.

    I asked her to please kill the bees then because if I were stung it could be really bad for me. They did nothing about the bees. I ended up using my magazine to kill the bees against the side of the cabin when they flew close enough. I only got one, and who knows where the other ended up. When we got to baggage claim after the flight the baggage was changed and took almost 40 minutes to get to us. When my bag arrived my liquid medication that I took at 6AM right before the flight that was checked was removed from my bag and there was NO letter as to why or that the airline confiscated it. I was unable to take my medication right away which is needed every 4 fours and it had now been almost 6 hours. Once again traveling without my REGISTERED SERVICE ANIMAL. I am extremely upset that two of us had to go through this.

    Jayson ** flies with your airline at a minimum of 5-10 times per month for business. We strongly suggest that you look into passengers flying heavily intoxicated and remove the strict qualifications of this letter that my doctor had no idea what to even put outside of all of the paperwork I already have registered with the state and also the ID card which states the animal is a service animal. Right down to taking the medication out of my checked on luggage and bees!! Your airline has placed so much unnecessary stress and anxiety us throughout this entire trip that we were unable to enjoy ourselves even in the slightest.

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    Customer ServicePunctuality & SpeedStaff

    Reviewed Sept. 13, 2015

    Flew Southwest from Rochester, NY to Las Vegas with a stop in Chicago Midway. At Midway there was a delay at take off of 45 plus min. They shut the plane down with NO ventilation to save fuel. On the return from Vegas flight 3804 they held the flight so they could move personnel not need for the flight to Chicago. They were late and caused everyone on the plane to miss their connections. Once the plane pulled away from the gate it had mechanical problems and had to return to the gate. Upon return to the terminal there were two gate agents to handle the mess Southwest created trying to move personnel on our dime. If a paying passenger is late too bad so sad.

    In the terminal we were informed that there were no connecting flights and no hotels in Las Vegas and we all 100 would have to go to Chicago. Then we were told that we would get our luggage in Chicago and stay at hotel and everything would be ready when we got there. It wasn't and they only had two ramp agents who were nasty. They then called the police because people were upset with the way the situation was handled. They had 3 hours to get staff there and they did nothing. Many of us had sit in the airport for 12 plus hours because all of the other flights were oversold. This is the third time this year I have experienced a problem like this with Southwest.

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    Reviewed Sept. 7, 2015

    Plane was pull out of service just before boarding was supposed to start. Poor maintenance of plane. Sitting at airport and hearing same about other plane too. Not next time with SW again.

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    Verified purchase

    Reviewed Aug. 28, 2015

    I purchased 2 tickets from Southwest, one for my daughter and one for my granddaughter, back in May, my daughter ended up canceling the flight. Today I wanted to book a ticket for my granddaughter, and Southwest refuses to issue credit.

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    Staff

    Reviewed Aug. 26, 2015

    I have been flying Southwest Airlines with my wife since the airline has been serving the southwest US. I have never found the occasion to write a review, but the service was so awesome, I decided I had to just this one time. I was on flight number 1493, Tampa, Florida to Phoenix, Arizona, and met Southwest Airline attendant Cheryl, who is the most professional and conscientious attendant I have had the privilege of meeting. She is a consummate professional who went above and beyond what is required. She was so pleasant to the passengers, that people sitting around me commented on how pleasant and professional she was. There are attendants who act like they are doing you a favor when they bring you a beverage, but Cheryl made you feel like you were in first class. I hope Southwest Airlines recognizes what an asset they have. Thank you, Cheryl!

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    Customer Service

    Reviewed Aug. 25, 2015

    Their wait times for phone calls in are completely ridiculous. No business with any concern for their customers, would slap you in the face and be so narcissistic as to have such disrespect for their customers. I would WALK before I would fly this airline.

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    Customer ServiceStaff

    Reviewed Aug. 23, 2015

    I'm posting here the email that I sent to Southwest.com. Probably nothing will ever happen to this, because, like what I said, I was discriminated on, and later it seems like it was my fault because I was hostile! It's true that I was very angry, and I told the flight attendant that he can shove the coke up his **. I'm 5'0", maybe 105 lbs tops. And no, I was never hostile. Here's the story:

    There was this male flight attendant, he said his name is Greg, or Gray. I was seated in the middle seat, between two ** men. I mentioned the race and gender, because I am a woman, and an Asian. When he was asking for drinks, he asked first the gentleman on the aisle. I was looking at him, but he asked the gentleman on my right, the one by the window. Both gentlemen were reading. I was holding a book. I looked at Greg/Gray again, and he asked me if I want a drink. I said "yes, I want a diet coke."

    The second time I saw him, he was distributing the crackers or cookies. Again, both the gentlemen beside me were reading. I was reading too, but I stopped when he came by so I don't miss breakfast. He gave the crackers to the guy on the aisle. I was looking at the flight attendant, but he did not make eye contact with me. Then he gave crackers to the guy in window - both were reading, wasn't even looking at him. Then he left!

    This made me very angry. I feel like he was discriminating on me, because I was a woman, or an Asian, or both. Since he was still nearby, I called him, saying "excuse me," and I asked him directly whether he hates women or Asians. He said "no," he said he likes both, but his actions speak louder than his words. He was apologizing and dangling the crackers in front of me. I refused although I was hungry. My self respect and dignity trumped over hunger. I feel that I was discriminated on, and greatly wronged. I travel with Southwest quite often, but I am not sure if I will fly Southwest again. One with this kind of experience, is one too many. Please tell your staff to be fair. We're all equal.

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    Customer Service

    Reviewed Aug. 18, 2015

    My flight was canceled 2 times and delayed multiple times. The customer service were rude and unhelpful. Please save yourself a trouble and don't fly with this airline. I almost got fired from job because of delayed and they put zero effort to help me. ** this airline.

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    Customer ServiceStaff

    Reviewed Aug. 17, 2015

    Ok - so we messed up. My passport had a tiny water spot over my picture on the ID. So they denied us our way of getting to Jamaica for our HONEYMOON - but the worst part, is that it took over an hour to rebook it and they held us straight HOSTAGE at the desk while the woman behind the counter straight smiled and drank her water while me and my new wife were silently having a complete freak out moment. Our ride is here, but it doesn't matter. She's on the phone, on hold, trying to fix the mistake she made while rebooking our trip. This airline is garbage.

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    Customer ServicePunctuality & Speed

    Reviewed Aug. 16, 2015

    When returning from vacation our flight on Friday was canceled due to "technical problems." We waited on hold for over 45 minutes and finally just had to rebook the flight ourselves online for the next day, over 36 hours later. When arriving to the airport the counter told us this flight was also canceled and that they could not get us home for two days. The counter was very rude and had no empathy for the situation and just kept say "These are your only options." We opted to get a refund and fly home with Delta the next day.

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    Punctuality & Speed

    Reviewed Aug. 15, 2015

    I have recently started flying SWA again, since I am now living in NV and SWA has a non-stop to OMA. I tried EarlyBird check in for the 1st time for a flight in late July. I was very disappointed that passengers with A boarding passes were saving seats for B and C boarding passengers. On the 1st leg of my flight, I took a seat in row 4 next to a woman with an A boarding pass who was saving the middle seat for her son who had a C boarding pass. And she admitted to me that she didn't want to pay the upcharge for him. That isn't cool.

    On the return flight, it was even worse! 3 children (about 7-8 years old) were sitting in the middle seats of row 3 left side, of row 3 right side and of row 4 left side, and had piled coats and bags on both the aisle and window seats, to save them. There were a total of 7 other adults traveling with them, who boarded much later. The last adult was the 2nd to last person that boarded the aircraft and he ended up taking one of the saved seats in row 3. Since I was in row 4, I heard them talking and laughing that they did not want to pay for all the EarlyBird check-ins, so they did it only for the children. They said, no one is going to give the children a hard time for saving a seat and then laughed again. This is NOT cool!

    Those you pay the upcharge (like myself) should have the full and unrestricted opportunity to get the seats in the front of the plane. Southwest flies only one kind of plane, the 737. I can't imagine why assigning seats would be so hard. I do not appreciate paying $25 more RT for a service that SWA doesn't really provide, since there is no policing of passengers saving seats. If SWA is going to charge passengers for the early check-in, then enforce it in the plane to make sure there are no saved seats! Not cool!

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    Verified purchase
    Customer Service

    Reviewed Aug. 14, 2015

    I purchased over 13 tickets over the last several years with SWA. SWA has always stated you don't lose your points. I've been in Afghanistan for the last 4 years and when I called today to check on my points to attend a funeral, I was informed I don't have any points because of a new system that was implemented in 2011. POOR SERVICE and this is totally UNACCEPTABLE.

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    Reviewed Aug. 14, 2015

    On August 13, I was taking a flight from San Jose, the flight was delayed for 4 hours. The funny thing is the company knew the delay before 5 pm. The plane should depart at 8 pm. Josh working in SJC on that day said water might be provided if there is a Four hours delay. Our delay is within four hours so there is no water or anything. That is treating customers like trash. We deserved the flight delayed and deserved no other treatment.

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    Customer ServicePrice

    Reviewed Aug. 12, 2015

    First the customer service lacks the quality expected that would receive from Virgin or any other airline. Hell even Alaska is better and I don't even like them. They pretty much let you on and choose your seat and there are no entitlements as a passenger that you receive from other companies. I have flown every airline as I travel often sometimes in first class and because of my wife booking my flight I had to discover the most hoard experience ever. It felt like the airport seen on World War Z.

    My young kids had to sit separate from me and we almost didn't get a seat as my tickets were billed THREE MONTHS IN ADVANCE!!! I would rather go bankrupt and purchase a higher cost from another airline company than Southwest. I'm not joking. I had better flying experience in third world countries. It is my recommendation to carefully put research in what invest in when deciding how you want your flight experience to be. It can ruin the genesis of your getaway or trip. Southwest put a horrible start to my trip and I was traveling to attend my wedding!!! It was complete **! I rather be shot at back in Iraq before I fly this airline again and I mean it.

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    Punctuality & Speed

    Reviewed Aug. 11, 2015

    Southwest Airlines have no reserve planes and most of their flights are full. When a plane has a problem not only are the passengers on that flight delayed but passengers on all subsequent flights. You get a message saying it will be delayed 30 mins. Then 30 mins later they send another message saying it will be delayed 30 mins and so on. They have no idea if the plane will ever arrive at the airport where you are to take off to where you want to go. In the meantime they are flying other planes to that destination. This is out of San Jose airport hardly one that. They can offer you no assurance despite having an early afternoon flight that you will leave that day. If that is not a problem for you then this is the airline for you. You would think given they fly the one type of plane they would have spare ones located at large airports that could immediately fill the gap of a plane with a problem.

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    PricePunctuality & Speed

    Reviewed Aug. 11, 2015

    My home airport is Austin, Texas. While we have direct flight to most major US cities and some Latin American and European airports, medium-sized airports can be challenging. When I fly Southwest, it is because I can get a direct flight to smaller airports such as Lauderdale, Tampa, Nashville.... Over time, Southwest has gotten much more expensive (to the point I get better deals on legacy carriers at times), but they are perpetually late and the aircraft are not particularly clean. Be sure to look for better pricing on other airlines before you book.

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    Customer ServicePunctuality & SpeedStaff

    Reviewed Aug. 10, 2015

    So I am boarding Southwest Flight 307 from ATL back to SF on Friday morning. Everything is fine until I enter the aircraft and try to find a place for my luggage. I open the overhead bins quickly to find a spot but there is no spots big enough. I slide over into an open aisle seats 4 rows deep and wait. The flight attendant immediately says to me with a rather nasty tone "What are you doing?". I say, "Waiting to find a spot for my luggage but trying to be courteous and not halt the flow of passengers". I say in a joking manner, "The overhead bins seem to be shrinking every time I fly." She retorts, "No, it's the size of the luggage and you know you can check two bags for free."

    (I shake my head thinking she has offered zero help and is now chucking me underhanded nasty comments.) I say "Hey, you can keep your underhanded nasty comments to yourself. Will you just check this bag and I will take this aisle seat, thanks." Energy shift occurs. The crisis is over. I sit down in Row 4 aisle seat and shove my other bag under the seat in front of me. Two hours goes by, I'm getting along with flight attendant now. So I'm relaxed and currently leaning forward in my seat.

    Another one of the flight attendants walking from the back of the airplane RUNS my head into the back of the seat in front of me with snack tray she is carrying, driving my head about 12 inches forward with serious force into the seat in front of me, and keeps walking. Doesn't say anything to me. (Shaking my head again, saying to myself 'DID THAT JUST HAPPEN?') She turns around at the front and comes back toward me with the tray. I say to her, "You know you just smashed my head into the seat in front of me and didn't say anything to me." She says in the most ** manner possible, "I said excuse me" and walks off. Zero apology and her response leads me to believe that she did it on purpose, which in my book is considered assault. About an hour goes by as she is walking by again. I ask her for her name. She says with a **-eating grin, "Ebony and your name is?" I say, " Dwayne."

    I get home and call Southwest. I wait on hold for an hour to talk to Customer Relations. I talk to Derrick (who also doesn't seem to really care). I explain the situation. He offers a halfhearted obligatory apology for her actions and gives me 75 dollar voucher. I ask him, "Will I hear back about this?" Derrick responds "I'm going to send it to senior management at the airport and my upper management. They will have a talk with her."

    Not sure exactly how this should be handled but this is piss-poor at best. I say, "I think that she needs to get another job that doesn't involve the public if that's how she treats people." Unbelievable. From the Southwest webpage: "Customer Appreciation Day is every day. Customer Service is #1 for us. We like to think of ourselves as a Customer Service company that happens to fly airplanes. From booking your trip to the moment you deplane, it’s our mission to make your travel experience a great one."

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    Customer ServicePunctuality & SpeedStaff

    Reviewed Aug. 10, 2015

    We flew in to BWI from Detroit and then back. We were on vacation so we were not close to BWI, we were 2 hours away. We were 2 hours early for our flight on the way. We waited 1 hour and a half in line for our check in and then went to check in our luggage. They stamped the luggage late. When we got to BWI only one of our luggage were there. We asked about this and were told we checked it in so late that it was probably on the next flight and were told we could wait 5 hours to see or they could set up a account with FedEx, our expense, to send it to our vacation rental. 45.00 later we had it set up all the while wondering how being two hours early to a flight could make our luggage late.

    We got a phone call about 3 and a half hours later that said our luggage was there, thus it had been all the time because the next flight was not in yet. Also they refused to hold the luggage for more than 5 days so we did not have to pay to have it sent. When I called to complain to have a baggage supervisor call me, the customer service rep assured me they would call me back. Never got a call back. On the way back to Detroit, at BWI we got up to boarding and they said there was no more room and we would have to stay. We had booked these tickets in March. Luckily a lady offered to stay for us. We are seniors and are not as familiar with the system but this was so wrong.

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    Customer ServicePunctuality & Speed

    Reviewed Aug. 9, 2015

    I was told by Melinda (flight staff at Southwest) that the doors were closed so I missed my flight. I arrived before the departure time and the flight had not left yet. While I asked her with my bags in my hands standing at the gate, what I need to do to get to my destination, she sat there in silence, barely acknowledging me. Melinda shuffled some tickets around a few times and after 8 minutes she looked up at me. At that time the flight still had not left and two women quickly passed me with their carry-ons, after the flight should have left. The two women board the flight finally departed and I still didn't have an answer as to what I need to do. Melinda nearing ten minutes later gives me instructions. As it turns out the airline gave my seat away. I'm now waiting on standby to get to my destination.

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    Customer ServicePunctuality & SpeedStaff

    Reviewed Aug. 8, 2015

    I arrived at the airport about 1.5 hours before my flight was scheduled to leave only to discover that my flight had been canceled. Once I finally got up to an agent to get rerouted the ticket agent looked in the system and told me that there should be room for you on the next flight which was leaving at 11:35am, not a big deal as my original departure time was at 10:10am. He gave me a standby boarding pass and told me to check in with the agent once I got to the gate and that they would print my boarding pass. Once I got to the gate and checked in with the agent he proceeds to tell me that all flights were completely full until 4:50pm and that there were 15 others in front of me on the standby list. He then asks me if the ticket agent at least confirmed me on another flight I told him no as he made it seem like the next flight had room for me.

    I asked if I had any other options other than the 4:50 flight and he rudely tells me that I can try to find another carrier (great customer service skills). I take the 4:50 flight as that is my only option and go back home and wait for 4 hours only to arrive back at the airport to discover that my flight has now been delayed by 30 minutes. At no point in this entire process did Southwest make any effort to notify me about my initial canceled flight nor my delayed flight which is why I'm so upset as I have missed out on an entire day do to a complete lack of thought for their customers' time and commitments and disregard for customer service.

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    Price

    Reviewed Aug. 7, 2015

    First off, every flight always seems to get delayed hours. Then when you finally get on the plane it is filthy and uncomfortable. Look at the window sills on every Southwest flight and they have a black ring of dirt. Then there is trash in the seat backs and the seats obviously are not cleaned. Every other airline has a clean plane. Then if you try to get on an earlier flight they want to charge an additional fee that is the same amount as the original ticket. Then they will not allow you to use frequent flyer miles to upgrade! I will no longer use this airline for business or personal travel. JetBlue and Delta are always a positive experience and I will use them instead.

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    Customer ServiceStaff

    Reviewed Aug. 7, 2015

    Very unprofessional. We did not hear the call to board because the person speaking was unclear in her instructions. We missed our flight and they NEVER called our name. Usually when a person has not boarded, the airline will page a couple of times before flying off. It was very stressful and we ended up having to spend the night in an airport. I nor my family will NEVER fly with Southwest Airlines again. You truly get what you pay for. A CHEAP flight = CHEAPER SERVICE. Never again. Never again. Never again.

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    Staff

    Reviewed Aug. 6, 2015

    Was "double" delayed to flight to Orlando for my 3yr.old granddaughter's "Make A Wish" as in last wish, who was diagnosed with stage 3 cancer. Our flight was "suppose" to arrive in Orlando at noon. We were stranded at the airport for 10 hours with 3 children under the age of 6, finally arrived at destination at 12 midnight!! We did receive a voucher for the inconvenience but when I tried to redeem it got the "runaround". You people should be ashamed! We really should of received 2 vouchers for the fact that my granddaughter had to miss a full day at Disney and was very sick! Of course they would not put me through to the CEO of the company a Mr. Kelly, but I wish he would reach me and make this right!! I do not think Make A Wish Foundation will be using their airlines any longer after this experience. Make it right and give grandma her ticket, enough is enough!!

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    Customer ServicePunctuality & SpeedStaff

    Reviewed Aug. 5, 2015

    Last night I was traveling from Buffalo to Jacksonville. My flight was supposed to leave at 6:45pm and when I checked in found out there was a 30min delay. I only had a 50min layover in Baltimore so I was concerned whether I would make it to connection. The customer service rep in Buffalo said I would be ok along with many other people who also had connecting flights (about 5 connecting flights in total) who also had short layovers. The plane gets there later than anticipated and it now isn't going to depart till 7:25pm (never an explanation as to why the delay). So I would just have to hurry to my next gate since my plane would leave at 8:45.

    We land in Baltimore approx 8:30 maybe a few minutes before. And we sit waiting to get into the original gate for another 7min. Now we are stopped right behind the plane I was supposed to be getting on. A few of us asked the flight attendants about our connecting flights and she said "they know you are coming so they will be there." Ok sounds good. So they change the gate we are supposed to get off from and I rush to get to my next gate to find the plane had already left. I arrived to my next gate no later than 10min from when it was scheduled to depart.

    So I get in line at the desk as there were 2 people ahead of me. She finishes with the first person and gives them a voucher for a hotel and a voucher for future travel. The next person gets her flight switched to another airport for that night. When I get up there she asks where to and I said "Jacksonville" and in a snarky attitude she responded "you missed it too?" Yes I told her while thinking because there was a delay in Buffalo and then I was told the plane would still be there when I arrived to the gate. So she says "Well I have nothing till tomorrow morning at 8:15!" Which I was already aware of and said that was ok.

    So she sets me up and then hands me my ticket and then says "did I give you everything?" since I hadn't walked away yet. And I said "you handed me my ticket but I'd like to know what I'm supposed to do for tonight," to which she promptly states "well all the hotels are booked in the area already." Doesn't make much sense to me since you just gave away a voucher to the 2 people ahead of me but I walked away and went to another rep from Southwest to see if she was anymore helpful. She hands me a discount voucher that has an 800 number to call for a hotel room, she wasn't any nicer than the first really. Too busy talking to some friend that was at the airport.

    I called the number and lo and behold they had rooms still in 2 hotels even though the other lady just told me that all the hotels were booked. I had to pay $120 for my hotel room still so not sure how much of a discount it really was. Although the staff at the hotel were great and very hospitable. Arrived to the airport this morning and left with no problems. Got to Jacksonville and waited at baggage claim for my suitcase as the lady said it would be put onto this plane this morning. And it never shows up. I head over to their office and find my suitcase that apparently arrived in on my original flight the night before. So they could get my bag on the flight but couldn't hold the plane so I and others could get on. Especially since on the trip to Buffalo they held my plane in Baltimore for 10min waiting on people coming from another flight to board.

    I understand there are flight delays and that is fine I can deal. But when you tell me they will hold the plane and then get my bag on the plane but leave me there that irritates me. Along with the poor customer service at the airport trying to pretend there was no hotels available in the area and I had to argue to get a discount even. Won't fly this airline ever again! I will spend the extra money to fly with another airline.

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    Punctuality & Speed

    Reviewed Aug. 5, 2015

    We left 20 minutes late out of Nashville because the flight crew was late. We are almost an hour late to the gate at Midway because the current flight has not pushed back yet. We are waiting on a runway (not the TARMAC) for the other plane to clear. It looks like a Southwest plane auction yard out here because so many planes are holding... By the way, I'm flying on a weeknight, as opposed to the weekend. I am 30 minutes late so far to pick up my rental car because I'm stuck on the plane waiting.

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    Customer ServicePunctuality & SpeedStaff

    Reviewed Aug. 4, 2015

    Took flight from Atlanta to Maryland. Flight was early but they taxied us for 50 mins - no air no info as to why. I explained that my connecting flight was boarding and flight attendant said they knew. I asked if they were holding flight. She laughed and said I better run as soon as I could get out. I ran from a to b and customer service agent got on loud speaker and told me to stop running. I made my flight to sit there for 45 mins because after doors closed and locked agent kept knocking on doors to let more passengers in. I am a 50 year old woman and the service and the humiliation I encountered was ridiculous. I filed complaint with airline and was told they would make a note for future training purposes. I explained that I wanted a refund for ticket and early bird check in and was told that's not their policy. I informed her that it's not my policy to do business with a company that embarrasses me and made fun of me.

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    Punctuality & Speed

    Reviewed Aug. 2, 2015

    I am literally disgusted with this experience. My flight was delayed 2-3 hours (still waiting). I spoke to a supervisor and she said I only get SOME KIND of reimbursement if it's 3 hours. As if, making me late for my event 2 hours is better than making me 3 hours late. If I was 5 minutes late for my flight I would have been left with no reimbursement, out 300 bucks with no thought by your company. You CANNOT make people miss important life events and do NOTHING to make up for it. Your time is NOT more important than mine. I will NEVER take a flight from this airline again. I am truly disgusted.

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    Customer ServicePunctuality & SpeedStaff

    Reviewed Aug. 1, 2015

    Arrive in Jamaica at Montego Bay airport on July 4th. Everything was going good until 07/16/15. My husband, our 2 sons under 5 and myself was returning to our home (United States). Handed the check in agents our confirmation number and passports. He replied, "I'm not pulling you guys up in our system to fly out today or any other day." At this time I showed him our itinerary confirmation. He acknowledged that he see us in their system but our card decline. That's the reason why he didn't see us in the system the first time. I replied there's no way our bank card decline because we are here in Jamaica with an itinerary to returns to the state.

    Someone heard my conversation and said they sold our tickets. I never felt so helpless and humiliated in my life. I asks him if they sold our seats. He smile and said we’re trying to find a flight for you but the original flight today 7/16/15 departure at 12:40 to Orlando is completely full. I told him our older son need to see the doctor. Both my kids has big sores on their legs from mosquito bites. We've been there since 9 o'clock Jamaican time and it's 10:50 and still nothing. We've only plan on staying two weeks only in Jamaica due to my husband job. Southwest agents in Montego Bay airport that are working with us were laughing at us and very rude, talking about us to other customers during check in. We were so helpless.

    The main agent was on the phone talking with Southwest I believe. He was laughing the entire time. I rudely interrupt and asking what's going on. He put up one finger signaling wait a minute. The agent get off the phone saying, “Well, we could put you and your family on our Chicago to Delaware transfer to Orlando flight.” I told him I have two kids, an overnight layover until the next day in an airport without extra funds, I'm not doing that. I booked a nonstop flight to Orlando for a reason. They said the only thing they can do is wait to see if someone cancel for the flight that I pre-booked from 6/2/2015.

    Another agent ask if we willing to split up. I told her “no, we come as a family and we leaving as one.” The only thing Southwest did was changing our flight to Baltimore/ Washington DC on July 18th transfer to Orlando Fl. Yes, we flew pass Orlando to come back Orlando fl 2:15am on July 19th. I tried calling the consumer number the agents provide me at Montego Bay airport in Jamaica, 1855- 234-4654. No answer.

    I've been trying since July 18. No answer. I'm getting a busy tone. I know you not suppose to say never, but this is my first and last time with Southwest. I was in fear leaving Jamaica. Scared I was going get told I'm not this flight again. I asks if we are being compensate for the inconvenience they’re causing us. I was told by Southwest agents at Montego Bay airport and Southwest customer service personnel over the phone, No, there's nothing they can do. A family trip turn into a nightmare. Stranded in Jamaica without room and funds with kids. Southwest should be ashamed doing two kids like this. Never again Southwest. You can have your 500 rewards points back at no cost.

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    Customer ServicePriceStaff

    Reviewed Aug. 1, 2015

    Our luggage was damaged beyond repair. We called the St Louis hub which we flew out of within the 4 hour window they require. At that time we got a recording instructing us to leave a message and that they would return our call. We never received a call back so we called them back the following day. They informed us they they were having troubles with their phones the day before. The women in St Louis was very kind and indicated we would have to contact the Las Vegas terminal.

    We immediately called them and they said there was nothing they would do because it was past the 4 hour window. I explained the story and they got very rude and kept indicating they would do nothing for us. I then ask for a supervisor and all she said, all I could do is bring my luggage to the terminal and then they determine whether they would do anything. The problem is if I would take a cab to the airport and then return back to my hotel this would cost me in excessive $125.00 with no guarantee. I am extremely upset with the way this was handled. I have Southwest credit cards with my business and also have a personal one but I am sure if this doesn't get resolved I will cancel cards and find another airline that wants my business.

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    Customer ServiceStaff

    Reviewed July 29, 2015

    I had a layover flight in Houston, Texas and asked the flight attendant if I will have enough time to get off the plane and buy myself something to eat. She said yes. When I was ordering my food from Subway they called me back to the gate. The flight attendant said "Where's your food?" and I said "I didn't have enough time." The pilot (Mike **) said "I will go and get it for you." He asked me what I wanted - I said "A 6-inch meatball sub." He left the plane and returned with my food. I said "How much do I owe you?" He said "It's on me."

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    Staff

    Reviewed July 28, 2015

    I was in Kansas City returning to Las Vegas. I ran into unforeseen construction and traffic. I got to check in 10 mins before my flight left so I missed it. So Lindsey started to get me on the next standby flight. There was a problem with the funds being used or something like that. There was mention of me having to pay $460. When I in tears said I didn't have that kind of money Lindsey and Felica went into overdrive trying to resolve the funds issue. They ended up calling Brandon and he was able to get me on the already packed flight and not even on standby. It was amazing how hard they worked for me. Thank you again for your hardwork and getting me home to my husband, mom and kitty.

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    Customer ServicePrice

    Reviewed July 26, 2015

    Made all changes to reservation online. Would not accept number given -- does not answer or work. Impossible to contact through other numbers. On hold for over 25 minutes. Reservation is for tomorrow. Have been trying for the last two days and the fare price is going up with each attempt. This is just rotten, unfriendly customer service.

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    PriceStaff

    Reviewed July 25, 2015

    I am 69 years old and had travelled to Memphis to pick up a new puppy. Southwest airlines sold me the approved travel crate and the ticket for the animal to travel in the cabin. Prior to boarding, the flight attendants approached me and declared "Oh what a cute little puppy" then one of them said "NOT on MY flight." The flight had been delayed over an hour. After boarding the plane, I recognized the flight attendant that had made the remark, and she was quick to see that I had boarded with the pup. All the passengers were seated and then the gate crew came and escorted me and the sleeping pup off the flight.

    Southwest refunded my airfares and gave me a voucher to spend the night and offered to put me on another flight the next day. My comment to that was "What is the difference going to be? Will this happen again?" They said, "I don't know." I accepted the voucher for the hotel, and after calling for a room, I was informed that they were not "pet friendly." I made calls to every "pet friendly" hotel in the area and they were all booked up due to soccer tournaments. I was left stranded in Memphis by Southwest Airlines. I promptly went to the Avis counter and inquired about a "one-way" rental car to drive to Tampa. The cost was a little over $700 - not including the gas expense to get me home.

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    Customer ServiceStaff

    Reviewed July 24, 2015

    My husband and I were flying from MKE to Lax with a stop in Phoenix as standby passengers. We were the last to board the plane. I was in a wheelchair due to a knee problem and when rolled to the plane the stewardess saw me and said, "Oh no." I ignored and proceeded to walk down the aisle. My husband was sent to the back of the plane.

    The gentleman in the aisle really did not want to get out of his seat. He was sprawled out and looked at me as an imposition. Finally got up. And because the seats are so much smaller, my being left-handed, I always lift the arm to make sure I get the right belt. Because they were in a hurry to push back from the gate I struggled a little to connect my belt, lowered the right arm, had stowed my purse and water, and was in the process of putting the arm down on the left side when the stewardess got my attention and told me I needed to get off, I required two seats, that there had been a complaint. I was shocked and didn't really know what was happening until after I was off the plane. The stewardess never even looked and should have handled the whole thing differently. I have flown all over and never have even asked for an extender.

    We are removed from the plane and two other people are allowed on. This was the last flight of the day. The fact that the wheelchair was sitting there at the entrance to the plane waiting for me made me suspicious. Did she decide she didn't want to deal with this gentleman and that it would be easier to remove me from the plane? When we got to the counter is when we found out the whole story. The first flight out that we could get on was going to be two days later -- Thursday, July 24th.

    Southwest gave us an 800 number to call with discounts -- nothing available. Automated machine said, “Call back in 20 mins.” My husband got on his computer to rent a hotel room for the night -- not one in the whole city and no rental cars as well. We were stranded, left to our own devices. No one around to push me through the airport or assist my husband with our carry-ons. After two hours of trying and searching -- thank God for our children -- our son started calling hotels and found a room. They had just had a cancellation. Our daughter got online and bought us tickets using her miles.

    Southwest needs to retrain annually, semi-annually or quarterly its crew. They are a customer service organization and seem to forget that if it weren't for those of us, the flying public, they would have no job. I have been totally demoralized, humiliated and am now fearful of flying. Yes we had tickets on our return flight on another airlines but I was still shaking and fearful. I have also been physically ill as a result. I am scared to death of what these attendants can do to people without justification or pursuing other avenues first. I have an 83 year old mother who is flying this airline next month (August) to visit me. She is wheel chair-bound and usually fearful of flying alone. It takes a lot to convince her to fly. If she knew this happened to me, we would never get her near an airport again.

    I wish the attendants knew what they have done to me -- Yes, I have your names. And do I want an apology? Yes. That will never happen. People today are too self-absorbed and don't care about what they say or how they treat others. I am contemplating legal action but can't afford it. No amount of money can ease the pain I have endured. It is mankind -- They need a change of heart and if they don't like working with people get a new job!!

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    Punctuality & Speed

    Reviewed July 22, 2015

    Southwest has bent over backwards on numerous occasions to accommodate changes in schedules and missed flights. Recently, my daughter was sent to the ER just a few hours before our flight. I called Southwest, and they cancelled our flights and rebooked us a on flight a few days later for no extra fee. This was at Thanksgiving! When I shop for flights, I always go to Southwest first. I'm not willing to deal with the other airlines and their prohibitive policies.

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    Customer ServiceStaff

    Reviewed July 22, 2015

    Southwest sold me an expensive business class ticket with the promise of priority & pre-boarding. When I went to the gate, they laughed and said "there was no first class, no priority boarding, no anything special for me, and that I was ignorant to think I could pay $400 dollars extra and get special treatment". Then laughed at me. I encountered the most rude, uneducated employees - it was unbelievable. I didn't think this really existed, but it does. I complained about being lied to and they got aggressive and nasty with me. Wow, I heard they were the worst airline, but I guess I needed to experience it first-hand. I won't allow my husband now to fly them any longer, nor send any of our employees on that airline. And I will be bad-mouthing them from here on out to anyone who is interested.

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    Reviewed July 21, 2015

    I fly weekly for business. Overall SWA does a better job than most of the airlines. My greatest complaint came when they decided to squash in one more row of seats, thus impacting customer comfort. The good news is that now the seats recline so little that the FAs won't bother you if you're reclined for take off or landing. Their frequent flyer program is reasonable.

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    Reviewed July 21, 2015

    I paid for Business Select for my son who is 6'7" for a 5 hour flight. We got coach and just to get in the flight first. I had an email before the flight stating we'd have WiFi and chargers in our seats. That did not happen, either. I'm being charged double for the same seats. I'm beyond angry.

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    Reviewed July 21, 2015

    I used my LUV Voucher to schedule a flight for November 2015. Two days after I made the reservation the price was lowered $52.01 per ticket. I called and Southwest gave me TKLS funds for future use, but said I had to use the funds by February 28, 2016. I asked if the funds could be extended till March 12, 2016, because we paid cash of $184.02 for the flight. They said they couldn't change any dates. I told them the last time we flew on Southwest the crew let the plane water lines freeze overnight and we had a three hour wait for them to unfreeze them. Still they said “Sorry we cant change the date to March 12, 2016.” That is only 13 days longer. This is not taking care of the customer. I could go to any service store and get my money back. NOT HAPPY WITH SOUTHWEST.

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    Customer ServicePunctuality & SpeedStaff

    Reviewed July 21, 2015

    I wouldn't normally write a bad review but I've had problems with Southwest on multiple occasions now. Let's start with the most recent. I was heading to Denver from LAX on an 4:30 pm flight. Arrived at the gate and found out the plane was canceled with no explanation. We were instructed to wait in line or call customer service to book a new flight. I stood in the line of 100+ people and also called the customer service number to see which would be faster. Customer service line said I'd be on hold for 20 minutes or I could leave my number and they would call me back. I did this. In 40 minutes, I received 3 calls from a 1-800 number, presumably Southwest with no one on the other end. Picked up and said hello, then the phone would hang up. Customer service by phone was no help. Luckily I was still in line. 1.5 hours later, I reached the ticket counter.

    I was told there were no flights available to return to Denver that night, even though there was still a 7 pm and 9:30 pm flight to Denver. I had one option to reroute to San Jose but was told the connection time was close and I might miss the connecting flight to Denver and be stuck in San Jose. The only option I had was to stay another night in LA and leave on a 10:30 am flight the next day. Others were sent to Burbank and neighboring airports to reroute on 6 am flights the next day. No one got on another same day flight, yet they did not provide accommodations or even an apology. I asked what options I had, now having to stay overnight. The staff said "as long as we get you there, we don't owe you anything." The next day I arrived back at the same gate and saw some of the same passengers from the day before. Thank you for the inconvenience and wasted time, Southwest.

    On another occasion, my flight from Denver to San Diego was leaving at 8 pm. On the way to the airport, we received a notification that the flight was delayed 4 hours because there was no plane available. We would now be leaving at 12 midnight, arriving at 2 am! Thinking we have 4 hours to kill, we head out to downtown Denver to pass the time. Suddenly we receive another update that the flight is on time. We are now hurrying/scrambling to head home, pick up our bags and race to the airport. When we arrive, we are told they "found a plane." On another occasion, I experienced a 2-hour delay because they "did not have a pilot." I am understanding to weather issues and other unpredictable happenings. I also don't mind waiting for delays, but it is a basic scheduling necessity to have a pilot or a plane. C'mon Southwest! You've been the best for a long time. What happened?

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    Punctuality & SpeedOnline & App

    Reviewed July 20, 2015

    I my boyfriend booked a flight. I wasn’t able to use the funds due to a family emergency. My grandfather discover he has cancer. I was 3 hours late from a full refund. I was given a credit but was not able to use the funds because he is very ill. I feel that is robbery to not get a full refund if you no longer want to use flight. I encourage people to stand up and avoid flying Southwest. Maybe then some changing will be made. Southwest main concern is money. I no longer will visit their website. Priceline kayak gives better deals, full refund.

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    Customer ServicePunctuality & SpeedStaff

    Reviewed July 20, 2015

    Waited five days a total of eight hours and still haven't had my situation resolved... Out over 6000 dollars in lost wages. And it seems no one cares at Southwest. Need help to resolve this problem. Southwest makes millions of dollars daily and can't answer their phones with a real person. Help hardworking people out that help your business. Smh..

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    Punctuality & Speed

    Reviewed July 17, 2015

    I fly for business every week for the last 6 years. 5 years ago I flew Southwest only because they were a customer-friendly and would almost never have delays. Unfortunately I believe they got too big and now care more about high profits instead of the customers that made them. Today when you arrive at an airport and look at the arrival / destination monitor nearly half of the Southwest planes are delayed while the other major airlines are on time. They were the worst of all airlines in 2013 and seemed to be getting better in 2014 but they are once again sliding back. 5 out of 6 of my last flights on Southwest have been delayed, and when you ask them the reason all they say is it got delayed this morning and it never recovered. It's a shame that once a great airline is now the worst of the worst.

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    Reviewed July 17, 2015

    I arrived at the airport with my family for my 5:55 fight to Seattle for vacation from LGA (Laguardia). We went into the line to check in and get our boarding passes. Apparently the flight was canceled and so were 6 others because of "weather". And we had to wait in a gigantic line and we had to wait for like 1 hour and half just so we can hear my family were getting booked on a flight to Houston and then at five in the morning to Seattle. We gladly accepted after hearing this was the only flight until Thursday. We arrived at Houston and then we had to sleep in the airport. Most miserable day ever.

    On the way back, we left as planned and we got upgraded to A seating even though we were B and C. I was happy until we didn't leave until 2 even though planned for 1. We missed our connection flight at Denver and then flew to Newark. Thank god, a friend picked us up at 3 in the morning or we had to spend $100 on a taxi to pick up our car near Laguardia. I would not recommend this airline to anyone.

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    Customer ServiceStaff

    Reviewed July 16, 2015

    They screwed my 76 year old aunt who is on a fixed income. She called to reschedule a flight and the customer service representative person didn't send her an e-ticket for her flight. So.. When she was going to confirm her flight NO TICKET! ld that THEN the agent proceeded to inform her that she missed the flight that she had rescheduled and then she was told that she had to purchase another ticket!!!! WHAT??? She was shaking. Then her niece and myself was helping her for 4 hours. We called once and they told us drum roll... "You will be on hold for 58 minutes!"

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    Punctuality & SpeedStaff

    Reviewed July 15, 2015

    My baggages were nowhere to be found. Which was the issue with more than 20 people on my flight (768 from Orlando, Florida to Atlanta). I went to make a claim when the lady at the counter named Angela made the comment under her breathe that she didn't have time for this crap. Once she began my claim it took over 50 minutes to do. With no one able to speed it up or find my bags. All I was told was that they maybe on the next flight 2 hours later and if not there was a 95% percent chance I would get my baggage delivered the next day. Complete lack of caring and complete lack of results.

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    Customer Service

    Reviewed July 14, 2015

    I have spent 5 hours (three of those on hold) with Customer Relations to try to resolve a $100 Gift Card that I purchased but somehow and no one can explain why it was cancelled by Southwest. And they cannot reissue the gift card and cannot find a resolution. I have had promises for call back from Representative but they never call back. I am frustration and disappointed in a million dollar business that cannot resolve a small $100 gift card.

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    Customer ServiceStaff

    Reviewed July 14, 2015

    I had booked an international reservation in April 2015 from Buffalo to Punta Cana, however due to incorrect information provided by the travel agent, I had to cancel the reservation. I called Southwest Airlines right away and within 24 hours got the reservation cancelled. There were 2 tickets associated with this request myself and my wife, the ticket under my name was refunded back on the credit card within a couple days. The other ticket for my wife wasn't refunded and I was told it will be refunded within a month's time. I spoke to a rep named Alex ** and he confirmed the same.

    Since then I have called numerous times, been on hold for hours but to no avail. I still haven't received the refund for the second ticket under my wife. I am told at all times that it was approved on April 13th, April 15th and other dates, but I still do not see it refunded on my credit card statement. I was initially told it was part of Trouble Funds and what not. It's July now and still no refund. The last rep I spoke to Tamara, after being on hold for like 40 mins told me it's International Departure and dropped me in the queue. When someone picked up they said "this is claims" and when I tried to explain, he hung up on me. Is this the type of service Southwest provides??? It is absolutely ridiculous that we have to go spend hours on hold just to correct a mistake at their end.

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    Punctuality & SpeedStaff

    Reviewed July 14, 2015

    Southwest Airlines cancelled my flight 15 minutes after boarding. They had one person working upstairs and downstairs to accommodate a lot of people. They were extremely slow rebooking flights with insufficient staff. The next day 7/14/2015 I arrived at 4:15 am and discovered my flight had been cancelled again. The reason again according to the supervisor Sam ** was the weather. The line was extremely long there was initially only one person checking people in and the line had formed a u-shape.

    I was told I would have to stay in Memphis until 5:35 am Wednesday 7/15/2015 with no accommodations. No hotel voucher, no water, no food. Even after I informed them I am a wheelchair assisted person who has to have two neck surgeries and has carpal tunnel. I also informed the Supervisor Sam ** at the counter, Customer Services, and their customer relations department and each one of them told me it was nothing they could. I did also contact the news because Southwest Airlines need to be put on notice that they cannot treat their customers with little to no care just because they offer free baggage service. I pray to God that something is done about this company.

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    PriceStaff

    Reviewed July 14, 2015

    Sorry, this is not a quick story unfortunately. I'm sitting here typing this out. My husband and I travel to Las Vegas from Burbank frequently for business. I was coming home on the last flight on SouthWest Airlines Sat. July 11th 2015. The flight was supposed to leave at 8:40 but was delayed. As we boarded the flight around 9 or 9:15 pm there was a young man in front of me in line who started up small talk with me while in line. There were two men behind me (who were inebriated) and started chatting with us as well. We were all making small talk, normal chit chat while in line. The young man in front of me told me he was on standby and was happy he got on the plane, etc, etc.

    As the C class was boarding I went straight to the back, not many seats left. I sat on an aisle seat. This young man sat in the row in front of me, on the left side in a middle seat. I leaned back and closed my eyes when I hear, "excuse me miss would you like to switch seats?" It was an older gentleman sitting next to this young man on the aisle. I said to him "no thank you I'm good" leaned back and closed my eyes. Then I hear the older gentleman say "I'm an **. She doesn't want to switch seats." Then the stewards came by and asked if everything is ok. I couldn't hear exactly what was said but they both looked up and said "yes, everything is fine."

    The older gentleman kept looking back at me, clearly upset. I shrugged my shoulders and sort of quietly said something like "I don't know him. Just don't engage with him. Ignore it." Trying to diffuse their little situation which by the way, was not loud or making a scene, just talking amongst themselves obviously. For some reason the young kid in the middle was trying to provoke an argument.

    No less than 30 seconds after that I hear the older gentleman getting upset again. The stewards came by and asked again, "Is everything alright? We can't leave until this is resolved." The older gentleman looked up at the steward and said "this guy is a piece of **." I don't know what the young kid said to make this man so upset. So they were both asked to grab their bags and come to the front of the plane. I felt bad for the older gentleman, but didn't say anything. I leaned my head back and closed my eyes again when a security man came up to me and said "ma'am you'll have to grab your bags and vacate the plane."

    Yep. Of course I knew there's no changing minds, I'm not going to argue with him or make a scene. So as I get off the plane, the two men were at the front of the plane talking to the captain. I said "I DO NOT know this person, why am I asked to leave" to which the security guy says "let's go." They let the older gentleman back on the plane but the young trouble maker and myself were asked to get off. Now I'm sure this kid must of said god knows what about me for some WEIRD reason. But the captain listened to their side of the story, yet had me leave without asking for MY side of the story? REALLY?

    I am a mother of 9-year-old twins. My husband is a comedian and performed 4 shows that weekend at the Hard Rock Hotel. I was working at a poolside event for our company. Our dog has cancer and is very sick, (which I can prove all of this). I was trying to get home and this was the LAST flight out that night. Outrageous. Really, outrageous. I want Southwest to not only pay for the flight the next morning, but pay for my HOTEL room and cab fares to and back to the airport, plus the cost of the UBER car, plus the cost of having our babysitter stay overnight with our children.

    This is insanity. I'm hoping there was some eyewitnesses on this flight that can vouch for me. I want this captain reprimanded. You throw a woman that's by herself off the plane, which the LAST one of the night by the way, without speaking to me or listening to what I have to say. Which was NOTHING!!! I didn't do a thing wrong. This lunatic started an argument with the poor gentleman sitting next him, and I got dragged into it somehow because why, I have no idea.

    Insanity and an outrage. What if I didn't have money for a hotel? I mean this captain doesn't know my situation at all. And by the way, my husband who at the time this is going down, is on stage at a theater at the Hard Rock Hotel, has a daily podcast (#1 on iTunes). I have a weekly podcast with 100,000 downloads an episode, twice a week. You really think I'm going to start something or cause whatever this kid must of said to get me kicked off the plane? All you had to do is talk to me and look at my ID. Way to go SouthWest.

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    Staff

    Reviewed July 10, 2015

    Departure out of Wichita, Kansas to Dallas Love Field. Flown Southwest for 20 yrs, offered TSA line. Left 80-year Mom alone. Went through full security line even though nothing metal. Security wouldn't let me by. Officer checking scan finally said all is well. Then, luggage was gone through. It was like disappointing to them because no big arrest. Licensed therapist and read body language well, along with facial expressions. Then, stewardess on flight wouldn't listen when I explained my Mom had a drink card and wanted the drink paid for instead of free. Being 80, we never sit together and that's strange also. I'm her caregiver. Flight was at 12:00. I've never had issues until now with Southwest and not what they used to be.

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    Punctuality & Speed

    Reviewed July 8, 2015

    Hard to believe after being over an hour late, and now waiting for a gate, AND they asked everyone to let connecting passengers off first!!! Really, really bad service. Clearly they are doing us a favor letting us fly. Terrible service!!!

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    Customer ServicePunctuality & Speed

    Reviewed July 7, 2015

    They say they don't but a change costs 500 + because I changed flight one week in advance. This is good one person and this is more than other airlines' change fees. I called customer service twice. Then husband trying to return home and all they say is delayed, delayed, delayed flight. It's late at night. No voucher, no explanations, no arrangements, no apologies.

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    Reviewed July 1, 2015

    Friday, June 26th, 2015 we had 3 tickets from NY < LGA through Dallas to Oakland. We discovered before we left our home, that the 6:55 flight was delayed and would leave at 10 am. At 7 am on our way to LGA we were notified that the flight was now leaving at 1 pm. When we checked our bags we were immediately each presented with $200 vouchers for the inconvenience. No explanation was given at any time as to the nature or reason for the delays. The 1 pm departure was changed to 2 pm, finally, at 3 pm, the flight was cancelled. We were told that we could not get a flight out until the following day at 4 pm.

    We opted to get on a USAIR flight from Westchester Airport and arrived in SFO at 2 am, after an arduous journey. We have always flown Southwest and I am extremely disappointed by this. A similar experience happened to friends of ours two weeks earlier. It appears that Southwest is having issues. I think the most annoying part of the experience for me is that I felt as though the airline had no respect for its passengers and their time or money. This type of behavior will lead to the end of a once great airline.

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    Punctuality & SpeedStaff

    Reviewed June 30, 2015

    I had a flight booked from Orlando to Buffalo. I was late to the gate and the galley doors were closing. There were 4 of us late to the gate and they told us it was too late. The plane was still at the gate. Flew to Manchester New Hampshire only to be stranded there and had to rebook the next day via Chicago to Buffalo. We couldn't get any information on delays and another plane breakdown. Many angry, frustrated people had to rebook the next day and fight for a room. Nasty service reps who wouldn't go out of their way to give us information and be helpful. Do not book anything on this airline.

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    Customer Service

    Reviewed June 29, 2015

    I purchased a ticket for my husband and he got ILL so I contacted Southwest Airline and no problem, they cancelled the flight and advised because I cancel the flight, they would issue me a credit to use at a later date as well via email. So when I called them recently to advise I found a flight and would like to apply my credit, they told me I no longer have a credit because they only honor it for a year.. I was so upset, no credit should lapse and especially it's my money. They told to write an email to customer care and I DID. They issued me a case number and until today I have not heard from no one. They tell me every time I call "someone will contact you". They issue me a ref# **. My credit should remaining is $397.80, not even their email states I have a time to use my own money...

    I can't believe this company is allow to do this. I will never refer this airline to anyone and I like my money back. It's my hard earn money, this is appalling how this airline treats customer this way. But I know I'm not allow, I see on the complaint they have 417 unhappy customer. I work for a company that strives to keep the consumer happy. This is not how a company keeps consumer happy by taking what belongs to us. I want my credit or a refund my balance. My confirmation was **.

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    Staff

    Reviewed June 29, 2015

    My husband and I sent our 15 and 13 year old kids on Southwest Airlines. They left Milwaukee, with a layover in Atlanta, before arriving in Ft. Myers. Southwest was very accommodating -- we were able to get boarding passes to walk them up to the gate. There was a delay in Atlanta. I was aware of that through the automated phone system. Very friendly staff to work with. On June 25th our kids were scheduled to leave Florida on the 6:10 pm flight. There were some plane issues that they needed to take care of and needless to say, they did it leave that night. They got on that same flight on Friday night.

    Southwest was very good about keeping us and especially our kids updated with the latest information. I would have given them 5 stars except for the fact on the flights back home, we had paid for the Early Bird check-in and felt like they did not really grant that. I understand that they were put on a different flight but when you pay the extra fee, you should get those extra perks. Overall a good experience with Southwest and we will fly on their airlines again.

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    Punctuality & Speed

    Reviewed June 28, 2015

    I am very disappointed how bad Southwest Airlines has turned out. First we had to stop at another airport before going to our connecting flight, we get to our connecting flight, it was cancelled twice until finally plane got to gate (6 hour wait). Then on return flight we had to run to our connection, our connection flight was leaving at 7:40 pm & we did not get out of the first plane until 8:00 pm. My grandchildren only had lunch, we had no time to go to washroom or feed the children...then the icing on the cake!!! We had to sit scattered because we were late on the plane & seats were taken. I am sooooo MAD! I am writing this on this plane, & we have not moved yet. We have been sitting in the aircraft 1/2 hour.

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    Customer ServicePunctuality & Speed

    Reviewed June 25, 2015

    The airline with a heart has NO HEART. I lost $100 on a travel credit, because I was 9 days late in claiming it. I called 26 times before I got through to CUSTOMER RELATIONS. I was promised by a booking agent and customer relations the full amount would be RE-credited. Wrong!! I am tearing up my credit card.

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    Staff

    Reviewed June 25, 2015

    Notice to parents with children flying alone!!!! Southwest does not offer any special handling and or support to children flying alone. Children have to fend for themselves, board with their regular assigned boarding numbers and find their own seating. They are treated the same as a regular passenger. They may have or have not flown before but not alone and have to figure everything out for themselves. The staff will assist if they are not busy; however, we all know that the staff is busy with all the other passengers loading their luggage in the overhead bins and don't notice children. They are not allowed to board with family boarding so don't think that will happen because it won't. JUST TO MAKE EVERYONE WITH CHILDREN FLYING ALONE OF WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN SENDING CHILDREN!

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    Customer ServicePunctuality & SpeedStaff

    Reviewed June 25, 2015

    Flight 2761 which was supposed to be at 10pm was delayed to 11 then 1:25 due to a maintenance issue which the employees after an hour said was a weather issue. Then a ghetto woman kept going on the loud speaker with no manners. The employees are rude, do not answer any questions. After sitting us down on the plane at 12:45 we waited there until 1:48 for them to tell us that all the crew timed out and we were not going to fly out to Philadelphia until 6am MAYBE because they weren't sure of that time either.

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    Customer ServicePunctuality & SpeedStaff

    Reviewed June 24, 2015

    The worst treatment I ever got from airline company. Could not recognize South West company at all. We fly South West frequently and always were happy. However after today I strongly reconsider that and would not recommend others to use it as well. We were planning to take 6:10am South West flight #2111 on 06/24/15 at Long Island MacArthur Airport. My whole family was anticipating 5 days vacation in SC. There was a huge line for the check-in. When I was trying to plead with the manager that we will be late for our flight she refused to accommodate us. She was extremely rude. My two kids 9 & 12 yrs old had to witness that. Then when I got frustrated and told her that my kids would be very upset to miss vacation she told me that I was confrontational.

    Later on she told my husband in his face that she could have accommodate us, but because she did not like me she made everything in her power for us to miss the flight. The name of that manager is Sandy **. Although we had to stay in the long line we got the boarding passes and checked in our bags. After long line at the security we came to the gates 15 min before the flight departure and personnel told us in our faces that we're late and cannot board the flight. What was especially aggravating that it was clear mistreatment. The gate managers Randy ** and Melissa (she refused to give her last name) let another passenger who was late for the flight to board the plane! I would like South West to improve the quality of service.

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    Customer ServiceOnline & AppStaff

    Reviewed June 23, 2015

    On a morning flights conf number ** Sun from Chicago Midway to Las Vegas flt number ** we were sitting behind a special passenger who had some major deficiencies kept spilling her beverage. Unfortunately as she was dropping this Doctor Pepper twice my wife had her personal purse underneath the seat and the liquid had leaked directly into her bag. She immediately recognized that something was apparently leaking, secured her bag and immediately took out her cell phone, dried that off and it appeared to not be damaged.

    I brought this up to the attention of the flight attendant, she was very helpful and at the time we did not think it had any major effect... As the flight landed and had a change of crew, I brought that up as to we were responsible to at least report the incident in case something did happen where the phone did not work, and they recommended that I at least file a report with customer service at our convenience.

    Just to inform you, I am a retired airline employee with Delta Airlines, serving in passenger service and marketing for 13 years. We did not realize until we got home that the beverage that spilled was not water but apparently it was a soft beverage (Dr. Pepper). My wife did not realize that her NOOK reading tablet was in the bottom of the purse and was drowned with this beverage... Unfortunately, it no longer works. I am very upset because of the irresponsible position of providing this person not once but twice causing this spillage and personal damage to wife's personal belongings, and expensive handbag... I feel that this incident should have been put on record. and knowing Southwest excellent history of passenger service, I feel that we are entitled to compensation for this incident.

    We are business owners and travel on Southwest for over 75% of our travel. I realize that this is not the fault of anyone, but really why should we be suspect to this loss and damage to our personal belongings. I would appreciate an investigation into this matter, and any compensation that would be offered for replacement of this item would be greatly appreciated. Other than that I have nothing but the highest praise for Southwest reputation in the Airline industry. I would hope to hear back regarding this request. Also my next flight will be to San Francisco on Southwest over the 4th of July holidays.

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    Customer ServiceSales & MarketingPunctuality & SpeedOnline & App

    Reviewed June 23, 2015

    The reservation website is always down. They have fraudulent fare advertising that does not exists. They never call you back. From being the Southwest best now they are South-worst Airline. Their flights are always late. They are full of excuses (lies). The truth is not part of Southworst policy. They should change their name to SOUTHWORST AIRLINE!!!

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    Customer ServicePunctuality & SpeedStaff

    Reviewed June 23, 2015

    My son was ready to step on plane to LAX from Chicago nonstop. And Southwest informs them they are stopping unscheduled in Kansas City on a short runway and have to take fuel off plane and delay the flight besides baggage issues. How dare they not tell him they could put him on another flight nonstop to LAX at no charge and find another airline? How dare they not give us back money for this stop over and 2-hour delay? I have been on hold for 2 hours on customer service and they still have not picked up. This is crazy and horrible service. The regular agents would not help me. I did not want him stopping over which is why I booked nonstop. I want my money back and more compensation for this unnecessary delay. I have to drive at night to get him now 2 hours late because of this and cause me anxiety of two flights. Please let Southwest know this and I do not recommend flying this airline anymore.

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    Customer ServiceStaff

    Reviewed June 22, 2015

    June 21 - I was told when I went to check in on a flight to Atlanta that the flight was cancelled and that they could not get me on a flight to Atlanta till June 23! They said they had no pilots available to fly the plane. The agent was harsh and totally disinterested in my need to get to Atlanta that day as I had business meetings to attend and then flights on to Europe. When I asked for a refund, she told me I would get a refund..... in 10 business days. So interesting, it doesn't take 10 business days for them to take my money when I book a ticket. I went to Delta counter, purchased a ticket to Atlanta. I am through with Southwest! When other airlines have to cancel flights, they help you get booked on another carrier... not Southwest. And the agent was just so rude. That was a huge impact on my day.

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    Customer ServicePunctuality & SpeedStaff

    Reviewed June 21, 2015

    My wife, infant child, 9 year old daughter, and I recently were scheduled for a "Father's Day" weekend to Niagara Falls from Baltimore. We were scheduled for the 10:15am flight to Buffalo, NY on June 21st. As suggested, we arrived at the airport 2 hours before our flight. We were shocked to see the BWI airport overflowing with people who had their flights canceled from the night before because of the weather. Although we had already checked into the flight online and already had our boarding passes, we had to stand in line for two and a half hours because we had to check in our baggage. The Southwest employees had eliminated the separate lines for "full service" and "express bag drop" and they made everyone stand in the same line.

    After two hours, we got to the normal cordoned off line (about 15 minutes left before our flight took off), and a Southwest employee was there separating people between the "full service" and "express bag drop". When we were approximately 50 people from the front of the "express bag drop" line, a Southwest employee started redirecting people that were outside of the cordoned off area towards the international counters to be helped. So everyone standing in line prior to those people had to continue standing in a long line, while those who had waited less time were now being assisted before us.

    And then another Southwest Airlines employee started asking people in my line when their flights were leaving. He began pulling people from the line and moving the folks who were greater than 15 minutes from the time their flights departed to the front of the line. He skipped anyone less than 15 minutes from departure because he deemed that we had no chance of making our flight. Where was he 30-45 minutes ago when it could have made a difference for many of us who he could have helped sooner?

    My family and I eventually missed our flight because we were forced to wait in the longest line I have ever seen. When we finally got to the ticket counter, the ticket agent told us that he rebooked my family on the 8:40pm flight, and we could try to get on an earlier standby flight. So, he checked our luggage on the 1:20pm flight and my family and I attempted to get on the 1:20pm as standby passengers.

    After we left the ticket counter, we didn't make it far before we encountered another problem. After standing in line for another 15 mins at the TSA security line, we finally got to the front of that line when the TSA agent asked for my infant child's Boarding Verification Document. The ticket agent forgot to give us the boarding verification document, so we had to go back to the ticket counter to obtain one for my child. I wasn't about to wait in that long line again, so I went straight to the ticket agent that helped us previously. He wouldn't make eye contact with us for at least 5 minutes while we were standing beside his counter, so when the ticket agent beside him was done with his customer, we asked him to help us.

    So, we finally got past TSA and went to the gate for the 1:20pm flight and waited. The 1:20pm flight was completely full, so we went to the next gate for the 5:05pm flight. After hearing the customer ahead of me talking to the gate agent about the number of people on standby for the 5:05pm flight, and the gate agent mentioning that there were only a limited number of people that had not checked in but her boarding pass had her confirmed for the 8:40pm flight. And I thought "Boarding Pass" for the 8:40pm flight? I looked through the papers that the ticket agent gave me and there were no boarding passes for the 8:40pm flight that he said I was confirmed for. He had only given me "Standby Listed" passes for the 1:20pm flight.

    So, I asked the gate agent if he could print me out my family's boarding passes for the flight that I was told I was confirmed for. The gate agent told me that I was not confirmed for the 8:40pm flight, but he said "don't worry, there are at least 15 people that have not yet checked in and you're number 10 on the standby list and if you're not able to get on that flight, then there plenty of seats on the 10:05pm flight." Obviously, it was upsetting to hear that I had not been confirmed for the 8:40pm flight because I had just stood in line for nearly 2 1/2 hours just to be on "standby" when there were seats that I could have been confirmed for.

    This "reassurance" that he gave me was not comforting. I asked him if he could go ahead and confirm me on the 8:40pm flight. He told me that he could not confirm me on the flight because something on their reservation system stopped them from confirming my flights. He said to call Southwest Airlines customer service for help because he could not do anything.

    At this point, we had been at the airport for at least 6 hours. We had already feed the baby the bowl of food and the bottle of milk we had brought with us. And she had already gone through two out of the four diapers we packed. And we had another three hours before the next flight where we were #10 on the standby list for and we had not confirmed seats on ANY flight. At this point, it was time to drive home to regroup and call Southwest Airlines Customer Service to try to sort things out and get a confirmed booking and resupply our baby supplies.

    When I got home, I called their customer service line and waited on hold for 40 minutes before getting someone to answer. When I explained to the CSR our situation, she said she did not see any reservations for us today and that she could only see our return flight. I explained to her the whole story about the ticket agent again. She told me that I needed to go back to the airport and sort this out with the someone at the ticket counter because she could not do anything because my tickets were a discounted fare (a "Wanna Get Away" fare). UNBELIEVABLE! I immediately asked for her manager.

    When ** came on the phone, I briefly explained to her my situation. All I asked for was to get a confirmed seat for my family on ANY flight to Buffalo, NY today. She told me that there was only 1 seat left on the 8:40pm flight so she could not book us on that flight, but she would book us seats on the 10:05pm flight. I was so pleased, but it is like starving someone to death and then giving them a crumb to eat. We just had to go through a torturous day at the airport, and I'm supposed to be grateful that someone finally provided some legitimate customer service.

    We just spent 6 hours at the airport on Father's Day and I lost a full day of vacation with my family because now we will arrive at our destination at 11pm instead of 11am. And I spent $250 a day at a resort that we didn't get to enjoy today and worse yet, my older daughter will remember this day as one of the worse Father's Days ever. Thank you Southwest Airlines. Thank you for the memories. This was the worse example of how to run an operation. I understand that inclement weather caused all of those poor souls at the airport to have their flights cancelled. But a true measure of a good company is how you address those situations effectively.

    Here are a few suggestions: When inclement weather, equipment failure, etc.. causes a lot of canceled flights on the previous night, notify your passengers to expect extraordinary delays and to get to the airport even sooner. A quick text message notification would have been easy and an efficient way to prepare people and reduce these types of chaotic situations. Train your managers to notify employees that due to expected heavy volume of customers, that they need to be on-call and expect to be called in to help out to alleviate the rush. Train your employees to help the customers that have been waiting the longest first. By the SWA employee redirecting folks that had not been waiting as long as my family to the international ticket counters, he exacerbated an already tense situation. You're supposed to be known for your customer service, not by the lack of it.

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    Customer ServicePriceStaff

    Reviewed June 21, 2015

    I was bumped, flying from Houston to New Orleans. Then on the last flight of my return trip out of New Orleans to Houston they were overbooked, as always, and asked for volunteers to give up their seat. I made a comment to the ticket clerk and next thing I knew I had two police officers at my side and was escorted out of the airport. Southwest used to be a cheap and efficient airline to fly, not anymore. I've found that most of the time they are more expensive than most of the other airlines. I've had flights where the attendants had to be asked for service and have noticed that over the years many of the employees have become overly aggressive and rude. When I was bumped/removed from my flight I had done nothing wrong and have a hard time getting over my resentment. I fly a lot and still use them but only as a last option.

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    Reviewed June 20, 2015

    I made reservations for my children to fly Southwest Airlines June 19th 2015 for a 1:35p.m. flight from Seattle to Los Angeles airport. When we made to the airport we were told ticket was canceled, that seat was sold & the flight was full.

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    Customer Service

    Reviewed June 19, 2015

    I will never fly South West again. Our flight was pushed back more than three hours and nobody would give us an honest answer as to what was going on. Everybody was rude and didn't care at all about their passengers.

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    Customer ServicePunctuality & SpeedStaff

    Reviewed June 15, 2015

    Southwest airline employees were lying to me and would not accommodate my need as a service member of US Army Indiana National Guard. On June 15th 2015 I was scheduled to flight to Tampa, FL on a family vacation. I arrived late to the airport around 11:10-11:15 am knowing that I could make the flight depart time 11:25 am. But the issue become more complicated when I stepped up to Southwest self-service kiosk to check in for my flight. I encountered one of the Southwest employee named ** (according to the name tape).

    At first she told me that my check in duffle bag would not make it because I was here so close to the boarding time. I told her I totally understand that; she then told me the other person who was on the same Confirmation number with me has boarded. I then told her that was my wife. She then asked me how many people was on this flight with me, at this time I feel like she is trying to stall me from boarding. I then told her this is none of her business, she is wasting my time and that the question is irrelevant.

    At this point she restated my comment "you wasting my time." She then called her supervisor over who named **. I looked at my watch which is now way too late for me to make this flight# 3220 with my wife and my children. When ** came over, the whole conversation started all over again. At some point ** lied and said that she wants to know how many people that accompany me because she will inform them that I was late and that she does not know who they are. As I recall, she has my confirmation number and she has the name of my wife who was on the same confirmation number with me.

    Furthermore, ** has ** assigned me with different flight # 741, boarding group B, position 55. At the later time, I looked up flights on Southwest website, there were two other flights (2161 depart at 11:50am and 4475 depart at 12:00 same day) which they can put me on. At the end of the conversation, ** said thanks for my service which sounded like a slap on my face. I want to tell you all about my incident so that all the service members of the US Armed Force aware of how they will be treated at Southwest Airlines. I do understand that we are serving our country and expect nothing in return but unfair treatments because of your skin color and of who you are - these need to stop. Please pass it on.

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    Customer ServicePricePunctuality & SpeedStaff

    Reviewed June 15, 2015

    This actually doesn't deserve any stars. First, this was my nephew's first flight experience & traveling with only he & his little brother. His bag was checked in a few hours prior to flight. When he arrived at Phoenix, the bag never showed up. They told us they would deliver it the same day to the address we left. They called & left a message & we called them back. The customer service was so poor. The representative, **, made a stressful situation even worse. Southwest Airlines know that the bag was placed with them to handle & take care of - you were trusted with personal belongings.

    Before **, another representative was helping us. She gave me the wrong delivery address & put me on hold when I asked what city & state they have listed - when she came back on I asked again, what city & state - unknown to me it was not the same representative - it was **. ** snapped at me, told me she doesn't know what I'm talking about & lectured that she can't answer for the other representative - from then on ** remained rude without any compassion or care what we had gone through with the lost luggage. She even made me feel threatened, like she was going to delay my luggage because I was upset and she repeated "Do you want your luggage or not?" as if she was going to keep it from me, however, she did make sure that the luggage would be delivered at the most inconvenient time.

    I asked the supervisor what happened to the bag. She blamed it on the originating location, which I think is a lie. The reason I don't believe this is because both my nephews checked their bags in, early, and one arrived & the other was lost. I think it was Phoenix who made the error and is putting the blame elsewhere, a shame you can't be honest. I wonder if Gary Kelly, CEO, Teresa Laraba, Sr. VP of Customer Service or James Ashworth, Managing Director of Customer Support & Service, encourages their representative to be so uncompassionate with poor character & work ethics. I sure hope that's not the mission they have for their employees.

    I hope something is done with ** because it takes unique people who can interact with customers whose belongings were lost by someone they trusted, of course, people are going to be upset when they're being told their luggage is going to be delivered to some strange address and the stress is already heightened because the luggage is lost, saying the wrong delivery address makes it even worse. I sure hope that the poor service is not a reflection of their low prices... you know, you get what you pay for type thing. Since the prices were low don't expect them to have your luggage when you land or be friendly when you're trying to retrieve it.

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    Customer ServicePunctuality & SpeedStaff

    Reviewed June 15, 2015

    After a long weekend of travel Lacrosse, my 17yr old daughter was flying by herself home, from Hartford, CT (BDL). She already had notified me that there was a delay, but that her flight would still make the connection in Baltimore and she'd arrive late in Tampa, approximately 11:45pm tonight. As a concerned parent, I called to check at approximately 7:15pm and learned that she no longer had a connection. Essentially, she was stuck in Hartford for the night. ALONE.

    I contacted SW on the customer service line to see what appropriations they'd make to ensure she would be safe for the night. The answer was "many people get stuck and sleep in the airport at night." Really?!! Southwest was prepared to leave a 17yr old daughter alone in the airport for the night? My daughter approached the counter to inquire about a hotel voucher, shuttle to a local hotel, meal voucher. The gate agent said, "we don't do that." I contacted customer service and they gave me the same answer or to contact customer service. Hey rocket scientists at SWA, your customer service center is closed on the weekends!

    After a few tense calls to her, she was able to retrieve 1 of her bags – just the one that had her lacrosse sticks and not the one with all of her other personal items. She was rebooked for the following morning and I was able to get a friend to drive up to the airport to retrieve her. When checking her in for the 6:35am flight the following morning, she was auto-booked into B-33. Nice, no A boarding group either.

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    Customer ServicePunctuality & SpeedStaff

    Reviewed June 11, 2015

    I try and avoid Southwest Airlines as much as possible. I fly between Boston and Milwaukee fairly often and Southwest has cancelled all 3 of my past flights, alternating between citing "weather" as the problem or giving no explanation whatsoever. My last flight that was cancelled was scheduled on a Friday and when I called to try and get on a later flight that day they said they would not be able to get me out until SUNDAY. I talked to 2 different people on the phone, the first being fairly apologetic but the second was rude and insulting when I said I wanted to try and fly into Chicago instead. I only had 4 days off of work and wanted to try and get out of Boston to visit my family in Milwaukee as soon as possible.

    The agents on the phone could not help me at all and I had to rush to the airport to try and make a flight to Chicago. I believe Southwest continually cancels flights if they do not deem them full enough, without any regard or concern over if their customers will ever be able to reach their destination. Luckily for me, Delta has just started direct flights to and from Milwaukee and Boston. I will be flying Delta from now on. Deltas prices are comparable to Southwest’s, and even if they were a little higher I would still pay to fly Delta as I would rather not worry about my flight being cancelled.

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    Reviewed June 10, 2015

    We arrived at Albuquerque at 1:45pm and my fight was set to depart at 2:30. All they said was the gates were busy. They kept us waiting with no updates until we miss a flight. Are they serious!!!! No care about passengers -- what happened to the once nice airlines.

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    Customer ServicePunctuality & SpeedStaff

    Reviewed June 10, 2015

    My 18 year old daughter was on a cancelled flight and traveling alone. They would not book her through to another city closer to home so I could drive and get her even though they booked other passengers from her flight, ones we know, to other cities and the final destination. Because of her age she cannot rent a car or hotel room alone and the airline would not assist her nor would they talk to me on the phone. My daughter said "Can you talk to my mom and help me figure this out" and the agent replied "no". My daughter said "I can get a taxi if you can get me a hotel room", the agent said "no".

    The agent told her she would be on a flight at 8:55 pm the following day which was more than 25 hours later. My daughter said "please help me" and the rude agent shrugged her shoulder to a crying 18 year of girl and said "we'll get you a cot" then started shutting down the gate. I just got off the phone with customer service and said to the representative "Just so I understand correctly, it's Southwest policy to suggest to an 18 year old girl traveling alone to sleep on a cot in an unmanned area of the airport" and yes, people, that seems to be just fine with Southwest.

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    Punctuality & Speed

    Reviewed June 9, 2015

    My husband and an associate had to return early from Denver and had to fly back via Southwest due to scheduling. We paid for a seat plus the upgrade to reserve a specific seat. When I asked to be able to use the unused seat for extra room, you'd think I was asking for a freebie. So instead, I was insulted, treated like a piece of garbage, and moved several times while on the plane. Never again. It wasn't the 150.00 for the seat that they sold for a second time, it was the manner in which I was treated that will keep me away.

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    Customer ServiceStaff

    Reviewed June 9, 2015

    As I sit here waiting for someone in customer service to answer the phone, and it's already been 49 mins, why does it take them so long to answer the phone?? The fare has changed twice since I've been waiting, so I guess there won't be any seats left when they do answer, and all I'll have is a dead cell phone. There are still millions of people out of work. Maybe you should be looking to hire half of them to help your company.

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    Customer ServicePunctuality & SpeedStaff

    Reviewed June 8, 2015

    As my title states once again Southwest has taken a plane off a route and used it on another leaving the passengers stranded. This is the second time in a year that I have arrived at an airport on a Southwest flight only to have Southwest take my scheduled flight's plane and use it on another route for a plane that had mechanical problems. In both instances I have looked at the redirected flights and both were flying to destinations that appear to be more profitable for Southwest (Dallas Texas and Florida), and/or on flights that had to serve multiple links later in the day. So if you are taking a Southwest flight that terminates in a less profitable market like Sacramento CA, Southwest has no qualms about displacing those customers and letting them waste their time.

    Now it would be one thing if Southwest was honest about things - but they are not. Multiple requests to find out what was happening were met with "I don't knows" and "Oh your flight will go out shortly." In reality this time I arrived at the airport at 7:30 for a 9:30 flight, only to have it delayed to 10:30 (ok sort of), then 11:30 (started asking questions and getting no answers), then 12:30 (tried calling SW customer relations and was put on hold for 20 minutes before I hung up, followed by calling another number posted online and being told by that little automated voice that because of high call volume that my call would be answered in - wait for it - 71 minutes). Left a callback number and once again went back to the counter where I asked to talk with the Supervisor. Supervisor arrived and was condescending.

    I asked specifically why our plane had been taken and used for the Dallas flight - which she denied - even after several other customers and I pointed out that we saw the plane moved. Finally the flight was cancelled at 1PM. Just in time for a 2PM departure of another flight. Most but not all the passengers were shoehorned into the new flight - but I have no idea how many didn't make it. For my discomfort I was given a $100 travel voucher (SO I could fly SW again - Yeah! That's a great idea) and a middle seat. Arrived at my destination totally pissed at SW.

    This along with Southwest's propensity to have me change planes in Las Vegas on supposed "no plane change" flights - of course I lose my A group seating, and the negative customer service attitude at all levels has convinced me to avoid SW when at all possible. Oh yes. Did I say Customer Service? Talked after-the-fact to several nice people who could not or would not do anything and finally ended up with the head of Customer Relations in the Dallas Corporate Office who for want of a better description was a definite NO IS THE ANSWER person. Uncaring, not really listening and making me feel by the end of the conversation that Southwest has now morphed from the best airline available to one that is only interested in corporate profits - at any cost and damned be the customers. A very very sad ending to what once was one of the very best airlines in the world.

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    Customer ServicePunctuality & Speed

    Reviewed June 8, 2015

    On May the second 2015, I booked a flight for my brother ** out of Midland Odessa to Houston Hobby. Date of departure was to be May the 28th from Midland Odessa to Houston Hobby in which a week later, my brother could not attend the flight. I called the airline, Southwest, to report that my brother could not attend the flight on May 28th 2015. They allow me to go ahead and cancel the flight and stated that they will refund my credit card on the 11th of May 2015. However, May the 27th, I called Southwest Airlines for update on crediting my credit card. I was told the process was still in process so I called my credit card company to go ahead and dispute the charges on June the second 2015. So I decided June the seventh 2015 to contact with airline to find out what was the delay. They begin telling me that my brother had call them on May the 30th 2015 and made some other flight arrangement under my credit card.

    I told Southwest Airlines that this could not be possible because they had given me a confirmation number 2 weeks ago, along with customer relation saying that the charges on my credit card was in process to be back on my card! I was totally dumbfounded, I could not believe that they had done this. When talking with them, I asked, could I give them the confirmation number that they giving me that proves that I cancel the flight altogether in which she said I could give her the confirmation number, which I given it to them.

    They went on to say, "Ma'am, this was a non refundable ticket." I asked them how could they tell me this when I have the confirmation number stated that they were in process to credit my credit card and that I had no idea that ** or anyone else had change anything on my personal credit card, also my credit card company has dispute the charges as well. How in the world could this ever have happened or they allow this to happen?? Please, tell me what I must do. I have all of the confirmation numbers that the count of the ticket purchase was canceled on May 11, 2015. Please help me in this matter. Thank you very, very much.

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    Reviewed June 8, 2015

    After flying with Spirit Airlines, Southwest is heaven sent. I'll call in 24 hours for seating or whatever it takes to have good customer service. I welcome one fee and not one nickel fined. Thanks Southwest.

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    Customer ServiceStaff

    Reviewed June 7, 2015

    I tried to find out fares for a trip to Ca. but the flight info website would disappear before I could read. Then the site said "Sorry, we're having web site problems.. here's a number." I called that number and after almost 9 minutes I was finally connected to a women that told me she's in cargo, but she'll transfer me. Another wait and finally talking to a women who said she's in baggage but will connect me. After another long wait, my cell phone was faltering so I had to hang up. Trying the web site again it came up with a new number and I spoke to a women who said "Yes, it's down but I'll help." She took my info. and gave me a great fare rate and as it was the lowest for all airlines I booked with my Visa. I was told she would email me the confirmation, etc.

    It's been 3 days and still no e mail. Yesterday, after 2 days of so far total incompetence on Southwest's part and me a 'not-so-love-of-flying' in the first place I became worried about Southwest and called to cancel. I was told I can't because it was some kind of 'I wanna get away' thing and was non-refundable. This wasn't told to me over the phone!! I asked for the supervisor and was connected to someone that said I could complain to headquarters. DAMN straight I will! I'll post what happens when I try to get help from Dallas, Tx. supportably their headquarters.

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    Customer Service

    Reviewed June 4, 2015

    This smelly plane allowed a fool to hold six seats on a full flight!? The attendants were rude and the pilot landed so hard my back and neck are in severe pain! I get smashed in the middle with a cougar next to me spilling her baby's milk all on my arm and legs! Worst flight I ever been on.

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    Customer ServicePunctuality & Speed

    Reviewed June 4, 2015

    Wed 6/3 attempts to purchase on web failed. Attempts to call 1-800-435-9792. Resulted in fast busy. Thu 6/4 attempts to purchase on web failed. 1-800-435-9792 wait starts at 0502 and now 3 hours and counting. There SHOULD be a message on the recording (no thanks for calling and appreciate your patience) but an explanation of what the heck is happening. I do understand SWA has been overwhelmed since announcing their WOW fare sale. No information is what frustrates me. A comment "we are working" and all hands on deck posted Wed. are of little value.

    This is now more than 24 hours later. Most "support lines" provide some type of "you are caller # **" or estimated wait time is ** minutes. It would be nice to enter MY phone number and have them call me back. I would love to know how much money SWA is losing. Or is this all a marketing intentional plan for publicity? Since the "sale" ends Thursday, SWA is creating the worst possible press!

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    Customer ServicePunctuality & SpeedStaff

    Reviewed June 3, 2015

    Baggage lost on my return flight. The baggage claim dept. was very uncaring and blamed me for checking in 2 mins late. Other passengers on the same flight who checked in on time didn't have their luggage either. We were in a 9 terminal airport with a two hour clearly told me my 2 minute late check in wasn't the problem! Boy you would have thought the baggage claim rep could have easily figure that out, instead made me feel like a villain.

    SW had my luggage delivered to me the next day. FedEx delivered my suitcase taped in duct tape and my articles were hanging out. It looked like Godzilla was handling them.... Very unprofessional! So as you could probably imagine I'm pretty pissed off! So I call the so called customer service department to SW airline to speak my mind about their services. I now speak with a representative (**) who offers me 100$ South West coupon... It was clear that she had been trained to sweep me under the carpet with this coupon. I didn't want the coupon and she didn't have the authority to help me any further so that was the end of our conversation and my dealing with South West Airlines :)

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    Punctuality & Speed

    Reviewed June 2, 2015

    My flight connecting flight from Atlanta to New York Laguardia first got cancelled on 05/31/15 due to bad weather. The earliest flight they could put me back on was 06/02/15! The flight was from Atlanta to Milwaukee and Milwaukee to Laguardia. Sure enough, the connecting flight to Laguardia has already been delayed by 3 hours and 30 mins. I will in effect be reaching New York (If I am lucky that is), 48 hours late. I used to love flying Southwest, but I have noticed increasing delays and cancellations. I'm going to take my business elsewhere.

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    Customer ServiceStaff

    Reviewed June 1, 2015

    On 6-1-15 I had a flight delayed to where I would not get to my final destination which was from LAX to FNT. We stayed the night in LA. It took over 2 hours to get our luggage. The worker, ** was very rude. She rolled her eyes and gave me the wrong number for customer relations. I asked for a supervisor and she told me they were busy. On top of not getting to my destination I had to deal with someone who was totally rude for no reason. I wish I could cancel my future flights with this airline. Already paid for them but won't anymore with this type of service

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    Reviewed June 1, 2015

    I very rarely fly Southwest but did yesterday. The two suitcases I had checked were both badly damaged. When I went to file a claim with their baggage claim office, I was in informed that Southwest wasn't responsible for damaged luggage. With nearly two million lifetime miles on United Airlines, nothing like this has happen. It's clear Southwest has earned is reputation as a budget airlines. I'll never fly them again nor will anyone in my company.

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    Southwest Airlines Company Information

    Company Name:
    Southwest Airlines
    Year Founded:
    1967
    Address:
    2702 Love Field Dr.
    City:
    Dallas
    State/Province:
    TX
    Postal Code:
    75235
    Country:
    United States
    Website:
    www.southwest.com