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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.

Visit www.southwest.com
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 5 Reviews 376 - 526
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    Punctuality & SpeedRefunds & PayoutsStaff

    Reviewed April 28, 2024

    My booked flight was to be from Chicago to New Orleans with change in Dallas. The Dallas to NOLA leg was cancelled due to adverse weather (just a storm lasting a few hours). SWA Cancelled the flight and offered a replacement flight for two days later. NOT a viable option. I declined the replacement flight and rented a car and drove to NOLA. SWA refuses to provide ANY KIND of credit for the cancelled flight. Noteworthy: all of the SWA employees were courteous and patient, as was I. My issue is after the ordeal. Horrible policy and position to not offer credit.

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    Customer ServiceRefunds & Payouts

    Reviewed April 24, 2024

    I had things stolen from my checked baggage. I also don't like that they don't assign seats. You are put into a group and one group at a time goes on the plane and you can sit where you want. I paid for business select and didn't get a good seat. I paid $125 to get upgraded and it was for nothing. Also, one of the luggage check-in guys was very rude to me and I only asked a reasonable question. I will NEVER fly this airline again.

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    Customer ServicePunctuality & SpeedRefunds & PayoutsStaff

    Reviewed April 15, 2024

    Don't waste your money on early bird check-in. My wife and I used Southwest to fly to San Jose Costa Rica. One-half hour before boarding our return flight, we got rebooked. We went from the A group that we had paid for, to the C group which is the last group to board. We rode crammed center seats on both very long legs of our return. The gate agents in San Jose were the most rude, arrogant and discourteous people wearing a southwest uniform I have ever dealt with. I called southwest customer service twice and both times was told there were no supervisors to speak with. I have requested a refund for this early bird and it is pending. I plan to close my southwest visa card and southwest will never be my first choice for any flight travel.

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    Refunds & PayoutsStaff

    Reviewed April 6, 2024

    I was flying from Seattle to San Jose. I’m sitting by window on the plane and noticed the person handling the baggage before we left. I saw him picking up some glasses that looked just like mine. He looked around and he put it in a box where they drive the platform that put the luggage into the plane. Now it never made to my bag or lost and found. I get to San Jose and made a complaint and filed a report. They tell me they won’t pay for my glasses nor they don’t have them in lost and found. Even though I described what the guy looked like and what time of day it was. Southwest you suck! I lose my glasses by your employees and have to pay another 400 bucks for my prescription glasses. I will never fly Southwest again. Even if you gave me a free flight!! First impression is last impression!!

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    Staff

    Reviewed March 28, 2024

    Every experience I’ve ever had has been positive. I’ve had flights delayed and canceled, but I’ve always found the staff were willing to work with me and very professional. No airline is perfect but I believe that Southwest goes above and beyond. I always fly with them when I can.

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    Staff

    Reviewed March 17, 2024

    I was in window seat, other passenger in aisle. The other passenger moved his backpack from under the seat in front of him to the floor where the middle seat was for the entire flight including during landing, blocking my emergency exit path. Flight attendants ignored his s backpack and never asked him to move it. Dippy amateur airline didn't care if my safety was compromised. Avoid.

    -Greg **

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    Customer ServicePunctuality & SpeedStaffResolution

    Reviewed Feb. 27, 2024

    Don't purchase. We purchased early bird check in to hopefully get a better boarding position, but the boarding positions we were assigned were just as far back if not farther than when we do standard boarding. It's a joke and I was on the phone with their customer service for over an hour trying to sort it out and the regular person and supervisor were both less than helpful. DO BETTER Southwest.

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    Customer ServicePriceRefunds & PayoutsStaff

    Reviewed Feb. 15, 2024

    I was very disappointed with the flight attendants. They were complaining about their lack of pay and that they didn’t get paid equally to the pilots. They were also complaining about the fact that they didn’t get paid until the passengers were all seated and the door was closed. I don’t think they should have been complaining about the airline not taking care of them. Let alone in front of customers. This went on for almost the entire 3 hours of the flight. It must be a big problem as the connecting flight was also a discussion the same topic. Including the union not able to communicate with the airline to resolve the issue.

    I really didn’t want to hear about their problems of work. I did contact customer service to find out that they were not willing to listen and referring me to the airline website. So I did, only to receive an automated email back. Stating they were sorry for any inconvenience. Needless to say, I am not going to make the return trip with this airline. It may cost more but I guess you do get what you pay for. I just wanted to give a little feedback to the airline. They are just like a lot of other companies, “It’s all about the dollar, not the customer experience."

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    Punctuality & SpeedMaintenanceStaff

    Reviewed Feb. 9, 2024

    The flight started out in Tampa Fl going to Indianapolis 45 minute delay. On the way back from Indianapolis to Tampa another delay. Looking at the flight board Southwest Airlines had 7 out of 10 flights delayed, this isn’t due to weather. Got to Tampa late Waiting for baggage to arrive and it was an hour later the luggage started to come on the conveyor belt. That’s not the issue. The issue was the baggage handler(s)? Only loaded one bag every minute and a half. Then it stopped for 10 more minutes…. The point is that Southwest Airlines hires the bottom of the barrel for its employees and has broken pieces of crap they always need repair. This ruined me from ever flying Southwest Airlines again.

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    Customer ServicePrice

    Reviewed Feb. 7, 2024

    Southwest delayed my flight way past making the connection, wouldn't change it on the phone and made me go to the airport (Uber cost) 45 minutes away to rebook it. That was after they informed me 3 hours after they delayed the flight. Four calls, same response. I wouldn't fly an airline with this policy unless it's my only option. Fly Southwest at your own risk.

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    Customer ServiceStaff

    Reviewed Feb. 2, 2024

    I just had the best experience with Dell at SWA. I made a mistake with a reservation. He was patient, kind, and quite helpful. He cancelled my flight and made the correct one. He then told me to feel free to call SWA anytime.

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    Reviewed Feb. 1, 2024

    Okay so I had a flight from Atlanta to St. Louis to Las Vegas. Well the flight was delayed then now it's canceled due to weather. But at the time I am to arrive there is to be no rain in Vegas. Then they only have one flight out and they put me plus several others on stand by. And even crew but they get first choice and seats over paying customers. No compensation or even decent apology. I used to brag onSouthwest...Not anymore. And if I could do a commercial about them and their prim a Donna service like their plans can't fly in rain..

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    Reviewed Jan. 2, 2024

    So the girl at the counter wanted no part of explaining why the flight is delayed. Says State of Florida air traffic control into Tampa is the issue for 2.5 hour delay?After flying millions of miles this is a new and suspicious excuse! Since the current CEO took control the company has a steady downhill Progression throwing air miles around to appease customers. The board of SW needs to wake up!!!

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    Staff

    Reviewed Dec. 8, 2023

    I forgot my travel pillow and the terminal after boarding the plane the for everyone. The board in someone went and got it for me. The flight attendants and Harold specifically went and got it. I has sentimental value to me. Caring and understanding to say the least.

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    Customer ServiceTechPrice

    Reviewed Nov. 4, 2023

    I flew to Chicago, worked in a non cell working area. Worked time went over with no access to call Southwest and change flight. They took it as a no show and said nothing they could do. So no access to call them was a good reason. No sympathy for the customer situation. On the flight here my bags were overweight by one pound and they demanded $100 surcharge. I had to sit there and adjust my bags to clear the one pound. Then at boarding I get hit again about my bags overweight issue of one pound. That almost made me miss my flight. The plane was half empty from Texas to Chicago. So I stripped Southwest as a vendor in my company. By being treated this way they do not realize what this cost them in additional revenue. They will not get it from me.

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    Customer ServicePricePunctuality & SpeedStaff

    Reviewed Oct. 24, 2023

    I went to Detroit from Houston. I had a layover in Chicago. I checked in two bags. One suit case and one Tote Bag. My Tote bag was left in Chicago. When I filed claim, Agent told me that my bag was left in Chicago. It will come next flight. I had to leave because from Detroit I was traveling to Canada by road. My bag arrived two days later. I checked my bag and my jewelry was stolen from my bag. Every single piece of my jewelry was gone. It was $100 Worth. Southwest Airlines rejected my claim. I had a $1000 dollar worth of Jewelry. Service was Ridiculous. Staff is very very rude. Please be careful flying with Southwest Airlines.

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    Customer ServicePunctuality & SpeedRefunds & PayoutsStaff

    Reviewed Sept. 26, 2023

    My flight last night was delayed an hour and 23 mins. I grabbed a coffee and worked on my laptop right across from Gate 8 thinking I would hear the boarding announcement. I may have missed it but I got to Gate 8 exactly 10 mins before the delayed time and there was an agent still at the boarding entrance and when I handed him my boarding pass he said, "Go to the counter, two steps away, and ask them to put you back on the flight they just took you off." So I walked up to the counter and told the agent there that the other SW agent told me to ask them if they can add me back onto the flight since the door was still open and I could see the line getting on the plane.

    The agent looked at me and calmly told me that he could try to put me on the next flight out but that he would not add me onto my flight 42 to San Jose because I was late. I responded that they are still boarding and again that the boarding agent told me to come ask and that I hadn't heard an announcement and I reminded him that this flight had been delayed. He looked at me blank stare and said, "We will try to put you on the next flight." I then reacted and said the ** word and he then told me that if I cursed at him again I wouldn't be getting on any flight. I apologized and told him I was not cursing at him. It was a reaction to missing my flight. I then went to sit down and there was another passenger sitting there who looked at me and said, "You know the boarding agent told them to page you and they refused and took you off the flight instead."

    I became so angry and I got up and went back to the counter and asked the ** agent there why no one had paged me and he just gave me a blank stare and did not respond, so I asked him if he spoke English or could hear me and he said NO. I then asked the other agent to call his supervisor. The supervisor, Ms. Latasha C. Walked up to me apparently frustrated and standoffish. The first thing she said was why did I curse and why was I being rude. I told her that I did not curse at the agents. It was an unfortunate reaction to missing my flight while I can see others still boarding and the doors open and that the agent at the door TOLD ME to request to be added back on.

    I also explained what the other passenger had told me about how the gate agent requested I be paged but was refused. She looked at me in anger and said, "You were late and it's their decision and those are the rules." I responded that I could not believe this was happening and she said, "You know what? You are not flying tonight. I will cancel your reservation and refund you." I could NOT believe it and needless to say my two checked in bags left to California. They did not mention anything further and asked me to leave before I was escorted out.

    I have no idea why this all happened and I can only say that I definitely feel like the fact that I wear a Hijab is a factor. The looks I received from the Southwest Airlines agents were all blank stares of ignorance and malice. I've had these kinds of experiences in the past and unfortunately not only I recognized it but the other passenger who told me about the request to page me actually made the comment that they are treating you like this cause they think you're foreign. I would also like to add that I was traveling to see my ill mother who is bed ridden with cancer. I literally cried and so did she because I am supposed to be there caring for her.

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    Punctuality & SpeedHonesty & Transparency

    Reviewed Sept. 26, 2023

    I have been flying SW for years as I fly out of Baltimore and always bragged about it to my friends about how lucky I am to have this airline. For the past 18 months and 5-6 flights I have not had one experience that wasn’t a disaster. “Mechanical Issues”….Waiting to transport “mechanics” that need to be in Charleston…One thing after another. Have never been on time and today caps it off with a 7 hr delay for mechanical issues. I think that they lie to their travelers and I wish I lived somewhere where I be able to not use them.

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    Customer ServiceStaffFollow-Through

    Reviewed Sept. 18, 2023

    My family & I took our first trip as a family of 6 with Southwest and we had the most horrible experience being trapped in our connecting flight which was supposed to be an hour lay over, that turned into a 9 hr lay over. We have twins that were only 5 months old at the time and 2 other children that were exhausted being stuck in an airport for a whole day. After missing a whole day from our first family trip, we contacted Southwest to see if anything could be done for messing with our family trip. And they decided they would give us LUV vouchers that we could use on a future flight as a sorry and to give them another chance.

    Well I just tried booking our flights for our next family trip to California and now they said they cannot honor our request with our vouchers and sorry there’s nothing they can do about it. Once again very disappointed in the “customer service“. Southwest has yet to follow through for us. Tried talking to there reps and all we got was an email saying there’s nothing that can be done. Not only have they done this once to our family but now twice with planning our family vacation. Thanks for nothing Southwest Airlines.

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    Customer ServiceTechSales & MarketingPricePunctuality & SpeedRefunds & PayoutsStaffTimeliness

    Reviewed Sept. 12, 2023

    Customer Service was poor on my last flight. I was flying from Panama City to New York (LGA) with a connection in Nashville on a Saturday. My first flight was fine (in flight beverages and entertainment not great, but I have come to expect this with Southwest). My second flight got delayed 3/4 times before ultimately being cancelled at 8:30PM. Again, not usually an issue, but they were unable to rebook me until Monday. The service desk was not able to get me on a flight the next day at all and also wouldn't let me get on standby for any of the Sunday flights. I was willing to accept this, however, I had no place to stay in Nashville.

    When I requested a comped or discounted hotel room (especially considering I was going to need somewhere to stay for two nights) they declined citing weather as the reason for cancelation, therefore they didn't need to provide hotel accomodations. While I understand what's in their contract, it is an absolutely awful customer experience to be stranded in a city where you have no connections and are essentially forced to pay for a hotel or sleep in an airport for over 24 hours.

    I would have expected them to either pay for my hotel or try a bit harder to get my on a flight the following day and not two days later. When this has happened to me on other airlines, they have always provided a hotel room free of charge and tried their best to get me on a flight the very next day, regardless of the reason for the cancellation. I ultimately had to cancel my return flight and get a rental car to get myself home. (at an additional cost of several hundred dollars). I will think twice before booking with Southwest again. You could be out much more money than you planned if there is any unexpected weather.

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    Punctuality & SpeedStaff

    Reviewed Aug. 25, 2023

    I see so many bad reviews so I'm here to give a good one. Southwest has continually added more direct trips to their schedule. Being disabled, it is more difficult for me to get around so direct flights are better for me--thank you! I have difficulty traveling and it is very painful for me in general. On my latest flight, it was bumpy the entire way, the flight attendants weren't up much and neither were we.

    At the end, when making their last trash collection, we were very close to landing. My meds had suddenly worn off and I was in a lot of pain. I asked the flight attendant for a small glass of water and even though we were close to landing and she was super busy, she was back within a couple of minutes with that water. By the time we landed, I was already starting to feel better and could function ok. My thanks to your wonderful employees who take their very limited time to help people like me. I'm sorry but I didn't get her name, but she was the older female attendant and awesome. I'm so thankful to you all. (Flt 3591 Aug 22 Phx to Mil.)

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    Customer ServicePricePunctuality & SpeedRefunds & PayoutsStaffRates

    Reviewed Aug. 20, 2023

    I went on my Anniversary/ Birthday trip to Las Vegas..Upon returning back home our flight was cancelled 4 times...We were never informed about flight cancelations..We were notified through other customers.. I missed my family reunion, I also missed my granddaughter's 3rd birthday party..We slept uncomfortably in airport seats. We had to buy neck pillows and blankets,which only did so much. We had no choice but to keep paying for high priced meals because of our location..We had ate dinner before arriving to the airport! My medication was in my baggage which couldn't be retrieved because we were told baggage was already sent off..Not to mention my legs swelled up 3 times the normal size because of lack of medication..Then on top of all that we had to catch another flight to a nearby city in which we had to rent a hotel room because of the late arrival and distance from home...

    From the hotel we had to call a ride to transport us back home..This was not part of our budget..Only to get to the airport and discover we have luggage missing..Our luggage was supposed to sent home, but instead it was sent on the plane to the nearby city which was not mentioned to us at all...The customer service at Las Vegas airport was unprofessional..We called the corporate office only to be told to speak to Las Vegas southwest airport customer service...This was our first time flying and the worst experience and a huge inconvenience.

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    Customer ServicePricePunctuality & SpeedStaffTimeliness

    Reviewed Aug. 16, 2023

    I recently flew round-trip from San Diego to Boise. I have been flying Southwest for decades and prefer to do so because of the no baggage charges, No change fees and the outstanding quality of their employees. On the return trip, there were issues. First, there was a mechanical problem in Boise, which meant I was going to miss my connection to San Diego in San Jose. I immediately called Southwest Airlines and the agent gave me a temporary hold on the next flight to San Diego while I waited in line at the airport. When I reach The ticket counter, the agent not only changed my flight, but gave me a boarding position after the A group (I was on the A group on the original flight.). Because my luggage had to be removed from the delayed flight, one of my bags did not make it to San Diego on my new flight. The people at the luggage office were very helpful. I was given a number to call the next day if I have not heard from them by email.

    I did get an email the next morning saying they had my luggage. I was told the bag would either be sent to me or I could pick it up at the airport and receive a $100 voucher for future travel. Because there is no parking at the Southwest terminal in San Diego due to construction, they offered to bring the bag out to me when I pulled up to the curb at the airport. They in fact did this. I have probably flown on over 100 SW. flights over the last decades. While there have been issues with flight delays and on a few occasions luggage, I have found Southwest personnel on every level to be accommodating. In fact, this is the main reason that I always look to Southwest as my go to Airline.

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    Customer ServicePunctuality & SpeedRefunds & PayoutsStaff

    Reviewed Aug. 10, 2023

    Horrible customer service. Do not trust this airliner. Rude and insulting customer service. Give your business to a different airliner. Called airliner to get a refund, was never able to speak to a live agent to do so within time frame allowed. Finally got a hold of an agent 3 days later, but too late, after 24 hours, no refund.

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    Refunds & PayoutsMaintenance

    Reviewed Aug. 1, 2023

    Scabies! Need I say more?! Found this Hotel through Southwest Rapid Rewards Points and Booking.com. So I thought it might be OK for a 2-night stay.
    1. First bad sign - When we arrived the "lady" at the desk laughed in our faces when I asked if there was a continental breakfast served.
    2. Second bad sign - She wanted $100 cash deposit even though the room was already paid for and reserved through Southwest and Booking.com.
    3. Arriving at the room, the door and locks were apparently kicked it at least a couple of times, and the elevator walls were rotted out at the bottom.
    4. The air conditioner really didn't work and kept turning on and off and took a full 12 hours to cool down the room even a little bit.
    5. Went to the Soda machines and ALL were broken and not working, was sent to the Polynesian hotel next door (same owners) and their soda machines were broken as well.
    6. After checking out, in the parking lot there was a family of "immigrants" staying at the hotel eating a watermelon with plastic spoons that was just sitting on the ground behind their car.

    7. Upon arriving back in NY my wife and I began itching and breaking out with pustules all over our bodies. It looked like chicken pox. We went to 2 different Doctors and was asked if we stayed anywhere in a hotel within the last week??? We said "Yes" - To which they answered, "Well now you have Scabies!" Sooo - Thank you Southwest! And Thank you Booking.com! And Thank you Ocean Plaza of Myrtle Beach! Now we are to endure weeks of suffering and medical treatment! So my advice is "Stay at your own risk!"

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    Punctuality & SpeedStaffHonesty & Transparency

    Reviewed June 26, 2023

    Southwest Airlines is full of liars and employees that have no concern about their customer’s time and money; I was on a flight from Santa Ana to San Jose that got delayed 4 times by 3 hours and all this time they kept lying and making up stories to appease us while we waited in the John Wayne airport! Finally I went up to the counter lady and asked her to book me on another flight that seemed to be on time; she refused and did her best to lie and misrepresent the facts to avoid rebooking me on another flight….they are trained to lie and fool their customers; DO NOT FLY SOUTHWEST.

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    PriceOnline & App

    Reviewed June 21, 2023

    Southwest is not very forthcoming as to the cost of the transfer of Reward Points. In addition, it is not very logical to charge $250 to transfer points that are already yours. It basically makes the reward points worthless if you transfer them because you are charged the $250 fee. I wish there was more clarity on their website regarding this because I wouldn't have wasted my points. Very discouraging from a customer standpoint. Southwest, where is the logic in this? I basically sacrificed 25,000 points due to this.

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    Customer ServicePricePunctuality & SpeedRefunds & PayoutsStaff

    Reviewed June 11, 2023

    I will never fly Southwest again. Today we were supposed to fly home. Before we even boarded the first flight back (starting in Florida with a layover in Dallas, then onto another plane to get home. So pretty standard), our flight out of Dallas was canceled. Ok, no problem, I'll talk to the people at the desk and get my family and I re-booked on another flight home. While I'm waiting my turn, I get a text that their system has automatically re-booked our flight TWO DAYS LATER! The ladies at the desk confirmed that the only flight out that day was out of a city two and a half hours away that left at 10pm. We have two small children, a one year old and a four year old with us. This is not a solution.

    Oh and we'd have to rent a car to get down there and sucks to be you because Southwest isn't paying for it or really helping at all. So, our best choice is to wait in Florida for two extra days, and miss a full day of work on Monday. So now my wife and I are going to miss out on income from that work day, have to pay for a hotel for two extra days that we didn't plan for, not to mention food and other necessities that weren't planned for as well.

    I called Southwest and the only thing they would do for us was to give us $250 per ticket we had (3 total so $750) in free miles, that expires in a year (before we have any plans to go anywhere so it's worthless), for an airline we never want to use again. So that's a massive middle finger to us in this situation. The best the, very nice, ladies on the phone could do was suggest we put in a request to be reimbursed for the extra charges we would incur, and MAYBE that would be approved. Oh, and the icing on the cake. We fly into a city an hour and a half (drive time) from home and are expected to sit for 8 HOURS for a layover. This is completely unacceptable. Never fly with this company.

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    Customer ServicePunctuality & Speed

    Reviewed May 19, 2023

    Just constant schedule delays and very poor corporate management. I have flown SW for many years, but its customer service and consideration has seriously deteriorated over the last couple of years. Very disappointing to see.

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    Customer ServicePunctuality & SpeedStaffTimelinessHonesty & Transparency

    Reviewed May 17, 2023

    The only reviews I really like to leave are positive reviews. However after what my family and I have dealt with today with Southwest Airlines, we will never use them, we will let all people know just how horrible and evil they really are there at the Phoenix Sky International Airport, southwest terminal. The mom passed away today and these Southwest employees purposely forced my sister to miss her flight, yet sent her bags off on the plane. They lied to her and tried to say there were no more flights. But I called customer service and book her another flight for the evening so she could come home to be with her family. The Southwest employees at the Phoenix Sky Harbor airport went and cancelled her flight yet made her wait 8 hours just to kick her out. They all knew her situation of getting home and still treated her like she was worthless woman.

    What kind of man pushes around a 5' foot - 98 pound woman and forces her to empty her bags, takes things from her and doesn't return them nor reports the incident? Southwest employees in Phoenix Arizona does this. What kind of people lie and say there are no more flights leaving and there in fact are multiple flights leaving the same day? Southwest Airlines employees in Phoenix Arizona does. What kind of people try to grope a woman who is already emotionally and mentally hurting due to her mother passing away today. Southwest employees do this. Southwest doesn't deserve a single star. Boycott Southwest Airlines!!!

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    PriceRefunds & PayoutsStaffBillingHonesty & Transparency

    Reviewed May 10, 2023

    We had a little bit of turbulence, and hit the ground a little hard. No big deal; not like anyone was physically hurt or even uncomfortable out of the ordinary cramped space on the plane. However when we landed a few items surged forward off my lap and hit the floor. I couldn’t fit so my wife retrieved what she saw in the dark cramped spot on the floor. As we disembarked the plane I went to put the cash I had in my pocket into my billfold. I just stepped off the jetway, turned around and was face to face with potsy from Happy Days telling me I can’t go back to my seat. “I used to work at a airline.” (So I know that’s a LIE). Mind you people are still getting off the plane and I just realized my billfold was still on the floor in front of my seat. I’m supposed to get on a cruise tomorrow morning for my anniversary/ honeymoon; and I don’t see that as a real simple thing to do without I.D. And credit cards.

    They send a couple people to go “look” for it, and came up empty. I know it’s there… I haven’t been anywhere but here, and I paid for a drink on the plane using a credit card from my billfold. It was like telling your 6 year old where something is, and expecting them to go retrieve it for you. Only you get more specific in detail and there is a chance your child might find the item you need. Not with a flight attendant from Southwest. It’s not affecting them so don’t think they are gonna care. Seriously, look on the floor?

    Long story short, the next stop in Baltimore finds it exactly where I said it was. Southwest sends my billfold to Dallas to lost and found, I’m lied to being told no big deal… I can just say who I am to get on a cruise, and Southwest will just let me on the plane next week. No big deal. I don’t have I.D.!!! Fricken kidding me? Did they really believe the crap they peddle.? A couple ounces of toothpaste over and it’s getting confiscated; but I’m supposed to think I can slip past TSA just because they said so? Right. Bottom line is Southwest has customers because they are cheap and you ain’t getting anything more than what you pay for... including respect. You gonna get lied to and treated like they treat your luggage. Don’t expect anything more.

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    Customer Service

    Reviewed May 9, 2023

    Having our two children separated from us on the flight was difficult. We weren't familiar with their policies and were in the last boarding group. For our next flight we attempted to dish with customer service who were rude and unconcerned with our wishes. We could have upgraded for an additional $240, which seemed ridiculous. I don't recommend flying Southwest period due to their poor customer service and wouldn't even take a free flight with them with my family.

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    Customer ServiceSales & MarketingPriceRates

    Reviewed May 8, 2023

    I always purchase my fights months in advance to get a good price. Southwest changed my flight to a 10 hour and 40 minute flight. Five hours of that is a layover in Austin and 40 minute stop in Nashville. I had booked a nonstop flight that would get me into Myrtle beach at 2pm. Now I will arrive at 6 pm. It is important to me to be at my destination before 3pm. It will be a lot more expensive to book a flight with another airline now.

    I have been a happy Southwest customer for years. I called Southwest and all they could do was apologize. Your flights are not guarantied. Free check in bags are not worth the inconvenience that southwest causes. They inconvenience their customers for their convenience. They don't have enough flights to move you into other flights. I believe Southwest is falsely advertising flights that they don't plan to execute. Once the customer books, Southwest changes routes and the customer has no choice but to accept the worst flight Southwest gives them. At this point I will not recommend Southwest and I will not fly Southwest. Shame on you Southwest.

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    Punctuality & SpeedTransparencyHonesty & Transparency

    Reviewed May 2, 2023

    I’m not sure what happened to Southwest Airlines but the flight experience is not what it used to be; it is below par now. We flew to Las Vegas on Friday night from BWI airport, they boarded the plane and kept us in the plane for an hour without any announcements of what’s taking so long to depart. We arrived in Las Vegas and waited as long for our luggage to arrive. We flew back from Las Vegas to BWI last night and had an even worse experience. They kept sending updates of our flight being delayed but then moving it back to the original departure time, to again boarding us and keeping us in the place for close to two hours.

    We were supposed to arrive at BWI at 1:38AM, we didn’t land until close to 4AM. Waited 30 plus minutes for the bags. The flight attendants were making announcements as if they didn’t know their job, confusing and misleading. One of the announcements was “You’re our last flight so we’ll make do” , like what do you mean? We always fly from IAD and have had a completely different experience. Very disappointed by the entire experience. Do better, Southwest!

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    TechSales & MarketingPriceRefunds & PayoutsStaffRates

    Reviewed April 27, 2023

    I purchased $1,500 worth of gift cards from a third party for Southwest Airlines to use for our honeymoon. When I went online to use the electronic gift cards for the trip we had been looking at, the codes generated by Southwest airlines were no good. You see on Southwest gift cards you need 19 digits. They only generated 16 digits so my gift cards were of no use. When I was finally able to get my money back for the gift cards from the original vendor the prices had increased and the promotions had changed. Our original trip to Mexico was going to cost about $700 per person in the trip. Now is between 1,000 and 1,100.

    After 2 weeks of trying to reach someone at Southwest that could help me I was told that there is nothing that they can do to honor the price I was going to originally purchase them at. I told them that the error and mistake was on their part and they should be liable and be able to honor the original price we were looking at. They are refusing to help but have the audacity to tell me that I'm a valued customer and that they are more than willing to help me if I agree to pay 7 to 800 dollars more for the same trip. With all of the problems Southwest airlines has had in the last 4 to 6 months you think they would try to do a little bit more to help the consumer. Go to Expedia or Funjet tours or any other tour company to book your trip.

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    Customer ServiceCoveragePunctuality & SpeedStaffCommunicationTimeliness

    Reviewed March 24, 2023

    On 02/22/23 My Husband and I had a flight from Steamboat Springs, CO to New Orleans, LA with a connecting flight in Denver. The flight from Steamboat had been delayed and we sat on the tarmac for over 2 hours then asked to De-plane, When we were all inside the airport again the agents at the desk stated that we were likely not going to make our connecting flight in Denver to New Orleans and suggested we reschedule for a later date. We did as advised, about an hour later they announced they were going to board the plane again. We had enough time to at least make it to Denver for the night. I asked the ticket agent if we could still get on the plane and make our connecting flight. They informed us that since it had been less than 2 hours we would be able to cancel our cancelled reservations and we would still have our flights to New Orleans.

    We got to Denver at the end of boarding and when I scanned my boarding pass, the Attendant informed us that we were no longer on the manifest. We went to the ticket counter and the Attendant there gave me and my husband boarding passes to board the plane. We scanned our tickets and boarded the plane, got to the last 2 seats on the plane and put our seatbelts on. After about 5 min, we were asked to gather our belongings and come to the front. When we arrived at the front we were asked to Disembark the plane. We went back to the ticket counter and our friends who we were traveling with and were in the same situation informed us that a man had complained that we got on the flight instead of him. His complaint was on the grounds that his family was on the plane, even though more than half of his family had been left at the gate. Even though those were our seats.

    We had checked in accordingly, and caused no disturbances on the plane. The agents at the ticket counter did not inform us of our rights or why we were asked to disembark, She only said sorry and gave us $100.00 voucher each. She stated that the only plane going out to New Orleans from Denver would be for the next day and had 2 additional stops arriving in New Orleans at 6:00PM. We reluctantly agreed since we had to get home to our 5 yr old daughter. When we got to the airport the next day I asked the Ticket Agent if there was a certain number I can call to file a complaint. She asked what was wrong and if she could help, I informed her of the situation and when she reviewed the notes she stated that there had been nothing in the notes detailing the events in which had occurred the night prior.

    She added a note and informed me that I should definitely file a complaint and that she had never heard of something like that happening. She informed me where to submit a claim online (southwest online) and that they will be in contact with me within 10 days. I filed a complaint online on 2/24/23. And have yet to receive an acknowledgment of the notice of complaint. According to DOT Laws and regulations the company has up to 30 days to Acknowledge the complaint filed and up to 60 Days to send a written notice of Acknowledgement.

    Furthermore, after reading the DOT rights and guidelines for aviation passengers and travel. Southwest failed to give a written statement, explaining the terms, conditions, and limitations of denied boarding compensation, and describing the carriers' boarding priority rules and criteria. Finally, In accordance with the Code of Federal Regulation, 14 CFR 250.7(a) Boarded Passengers - " A covered air carrier may not deny a revenue passenger traveling on a confirmed reservation permission to board, or involuntarily remove that passenger from the aircraft, once a revenue passenger has:

    (1) Checked in for the flight prior to the check-in deadline; and

    (2) had their ticket or boarding pass collected or electronically scanned and accepted by the gate agent.

    I have reached out to Southwest numerous times and have yet to get a response, every time I call the service guest line I am told it is in a separate department and they are reviewing the incident. I have been flying with southwest since 1997, and am appalled at their lack of communication in the matter. I have also Filed a Complaint with the DOT against southwest.

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    Contract & TermsPriceRefunds & PayoutsBillingTimeliness

    Reviewed March 12, 2023

    The last 2 times we have flown Southwest our return flights have been cancelled, causing us to have to rebook on another airline costing us over 1k each time. This last time we ever fly with the airline, they delayed our flight 3 times before finally cancelling not allowing enough time to rebook for the same day. They rebooked us 2 days after our original flight stranding us in Orlando, luckily we have friends in the area but cannot say additional days, they cancel leaving their passenger stranded for days needing to find new accommodations. We gave them a second chance and regret it, they should be reimbursing passengers for stranding them. All other flights went out just ours was cancelled. This is not acceptable, we will be spending all our rewards on other things and shutting our rewards account and credit card down this week. Will NEVER Fly them again.

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    Customer ServiceRefunds & PayoutsStaff

    Reviewed March 3, 2023

    After all the debacle and grief they have caused they still have the worst excuse for customer service. I have a credit of $358 for a flight I paid for that they canceled. Says no expiration date. I have $150 voucher they gave me for the inconvenience that expires in 3 months. I booked a flight. Tried to apply the $150 then the balance from the $358. Even though it says it will apply the funds set to expire the soonest first it won't let me. Either pay more cash on top of the $150 or use the money already paid and risk losing the $150 set to expire. Why should I give them more cash when they have cash already? Why give me $150 for inconvenience then not allow me to apply it. Customer service says call the airline. They are not the airline. They are just customer service. Ok what number do I call. They don't know. What kind of foolishness is this?

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    Customer ServiceRefunds & PayoutsStaffBilling

    Reviewed March 1, 2023

    I have been chasing a refund due from the flight disruption since 12/30/22 and keep getting non-answers from the customer service line. I have tried by phone and by email. Their internal processes are extremely lacking and they don't seem to want to take care of their customers like they used to. Even though I have tons of points, credits and both myself and my husband are credit card holders for SW, they have lost my patronage after this lack of responsiveness. We'll be taking our business to United. I'd recommend you do the same.

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    Verified purchase
    Customer ServicePunctuality & SpeedStaffBilling

    Reviewed Feb. 2, 2023

    What is going on with SW?? On a return flight from Puerto Rico to Denver, Southwest canceled the second leg of our flight out of Tampa, while we're IN THE AIR to Tampa, citing "weather". After doing much research and having our local news look into this, it appears that only the SW flights were canceled into Denver, other airlines were arriving as scheduled. The actual statistic for that evening were 47% of SW flights were cancelled into Denver and less than 5% ALL OTHER AIRLINES were cancelled. The FAA did not issue any closures or delays to Denver. I can't imagine why weather would be an excuse when no one else was using it. After talking to the agents, we kept being told that there were no other flights that evening, when in reality, there were... TO DENVER! We just weren't offered those flights. And yes, there was availability according to the website. And..they weren't canceled!

    We received some of the most unapologetic, uncaring, and disingenuous treatment from Southwest Airlines across the board. From the gate agent to the ticketing agent to the baggage agent to the customer service rep. After leaving the airport (because our flight was changed to a 5AM flight the following day), I called to inquire again if there were better flights, I had to wait ONE to TWO hours just to speak to a live person. Our options to return were an early morning flight or an evening flight for a non-stop flight. There was no way I was going to chance taking a flight with a layover anywhere, Southwest is not to be trusted and I didn’t want to get into a situation where we were then stranded at yet another airport.

    I don’t know what is going on with Southwest and why their business model is falling apart. SW used to be my “go-to” airline (we even had the credit card but have since retired it due to the airline’s inconsistency with flights). If you read social media and travel sites, their complaint meter has increased substantially. If SW thinks it's ok to strand passengers in random places just to make their “customary playbook” profitable, then they are not focusing on what is important. They might be forcing people to miss weddings, funerals, births, deaths. This is not OKAY. Why would anyone fly them?

    The local news received a disingenuous reply from a SW rep regarding our situation but also showed some telling facts: "Many of the flights we proactively canceled at the start of today were in anticipation of operational conditions in Denver..."

    Southwest cancelled our flight IN THE MORNING and we were not notified until we were in the air on our way to Tampa. If we had been notified we would have chosen to stay (at our own expense) in San Juan to spend more time with our family, but we were not given that option. Other airlines always lets us know when a flight is going to be delayed or cancelled and they do this in advance and they let us change our flight to a time that works for us. SW does not offer this. Their system is antiquated and not user-friendly. We are disgusted with the treatment we received. They are losing loyal customers left and right. Why do they keep treating your passengers this way? Shame on you Southwest!

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    Customer ServicePunctuality & SpeedMaintenanceStaff

    Reviewed Feb. 1, 2023

    I had SWA tickets from ONT to ATL with a connection in Dallas. Southwest clearly lost control of their operation on 1/30-31 and stranded me in Vegas. Ok, there was ice in Dallas, but I would have been happy to keep my hotel room and car another day to avoid being stranded. They kept telling me to come to the airport as they had rescheduled my flight. Instead they cancelled my flight FIVE times and promised me each time that I could reach my destination on time. I asked if there was any chance of missing my connection and SW said no. I think they were fabricating stories because they got me to give up my hotel room, rental car. One time in ONT they pushed off from the gate and rode around on the runway and then parked right back at the gate. It was hot in the plane and full of fumes.

    I got sick on the plane. Once parked again I got off the plane and tried to talk to someone, ANYONE, who could help but there was just one ticket person and a long line of angry customers. I never was able to schedule another connection in Ontario. At one point they said they would take my luggage off the plane and then said they wouldn't. So I got back on the plane preferring to be stranded with luggage rather than without. These Southwest people are rude and crude and have no idea what they are telling people! Why do they feel they have to tell people things that aren't true? Is it just some power trip and they enjoy wrecking the plans of their customers?

    Anyhow, I eventually landed in Vegas and once again there was no one who knew what was going on. No one could tell me how to get home to Atlanta. I had a boarding pass for the flight to Atlanta but when I tried to use it they said the boarding pass was no good. Some SWA jerk grabbed it out of my hands and said "Hmm, it says it's for Atlanta". Anyhow, they told me to go talk to customer service so I lost my seating assignment. At "customer service" they printed out another ticket and said to go get on the plane. I tried and again the boarding pass was not working. The whole time they were acting as if this was my fault, even though it was their obvious flawed way of doing things.

    Any airline this bad should not be allowed to fly. They are completely unsympathetic. Just rude and nasty if you express simple concerns about your schedule or luggage. In one breath they blame it on flight control, tell you what flight to get on, and then it all turns out to be bogus information. Keep in mind that Southwest perpetuated this mess over three days. Maybe somewhere someone was working on it but you could have fooled me. They looked like idiots and no one had any confidence in what they were saying. The FAA needs to shut down this type of operation because a loss of control like this is not just a headache for travelers but also inherently unsafe.

    Southwest made a lot of people desperate for no reason. Ok, there was ice in Dallas but Southwest made the situation 10 times worse by telling people their flights were still taking off and convincing people to come to the airport. This made some people a bit panicky for no reason other than a few airline people wanting to look like they had all the answers. In fact, their systems were failing, their people were confused and untrained, and they reacted rudely and aggressively.

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    Customer ServicePricePunctuality & Speed

    Reviewed Jan. 11, 2023

    My flight was to take off at 6:30 am and everybody was on board. After about a half hour later just sitting on the plane wondering what is going on. Finally the pilot stated over the speaker system that they were having computer issues. An hour went by and same issues, but now he had to do a control, alt, delate and shut the plane down completely. At this time Southwest started pulling people off the plane that had connecting flights. I also noticed that other passengers were trying to find other flights, because we had no clue how much longer we were going to be delayed or even cancelled at this point.

    At around 9:30/10 am from sitting on the plane since we boarded at 6:10, we finally took off. Because of the major delay which caused a domino effect with all my bookings. But the main thing was that I missed a major holiday event that I planned, paid and scheduled for my whole family to attend together and share. That really saddened me more that it upset me. I had to pay extra costs for my scheduled bookings I made along with more waiting. Then later I find out that Southwest was compensating with points to customers who had major delays and cancellations,. But only for the people who flew starting from Dec.24th. Southwest sent me an email stating that my flight might be delayed or cancelled if I flew out on my original scheduled flight (Dec 24th) and gave me the free option to move it.

    The date I moved it was the date Southwest had thousands of cancellations and major delays (Dec. 22nd). My flight coming home was also delayed. Southwest made no attempt to make it right for the passengers who went through the same nightmare as all the others who went through it on Dec. 24th. The holidays for some of us are the only time we get to spend and save up to get to see our family and a lot of that time was lost for some of us including having to spend additional funds that some of us don't have to spend especially during the holidays. Southwest needs to compensate everyone who had a major delays and/or cancellations during the Dec holiday flights and not just their selective dates starting on Dec. 24th. That day will be imbedded in my brain as one of the worse days I ever had traveling. Helen

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    Reviewed Jan. 4, 2023

    Our flight was over San Diego about to land and they told us we needed to go to Vegas and then they grounded the flight-we had to drive back to san Diego in a rental -we then had a cancelled flight from San Diego to Reno and it was cancelled several times so we had to drive 10 hours home. No offer for reimbursement -no food -no drink-no voucher offered and no place to stay. Very upset and disgusted.

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    Reviewed Jan. 4, 2023

    Adios Southwest!! And for good I am transferring my business, I'm sure along with thousands of others after your 2022 Christmas debacle to an airlines that will, unlike you, earn and deserve my frequent flyer business and not leave me stranded out of state having to rent a car to get home! You don't deserve my business nor will you ever see a penny from me again!! Ever!

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    Staff

    Reviewed Jan. 4, 2023

    My daughter and grandson flight delayed for multiple hours. Every time we asked for help no one would help. When asked to retrieve baggage so we could get bags and get on a different airlines we were told it was not possible. Their service is terrible and they seem not to care about people.

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    Punctuality & SpeedTransparencyTimeliness

    Reviewed Jan. 4, 2023

    As I was boarding the plan I was told I had to check my carry in because there was no room.. Then they lost it! I had to wait for over a day to get at least an update of when I was going to have items back. I was due to board a cruise the next day. Thank god I made plans to fly two days before cruise instead of just one!

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    Customer Service

    Reviewed Jan. 4, 2023

    I booked my flight using Southwest website and they gave me a confirmation and the ticket was booked 1 month before my actual flight. I checked in a week before my flight and on the call they told me they cancelled my ticket and they never emailed me or informed me about it. Then they asked me to book it again and I did it and same thing happened again and then they asked me to get to the airport and book the ticket and they won't even hold a seat for me. I will never fly southwest and I will never recommend it.

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    CoveragePricePunctuality & SpeedRates

    Reviewed Jan. 4, 2023

    We were scheduled to fly from Manchester, NH and at 3am we're told it was cancelled. We needed to get back to Orlando the day before our cruise was leaving from Port Canaveral and had to be there or lose our cruise. Southwest had no options so we searched the internet and finally found two first class tickets on Delta out of Boston. The cost for each ticket was $1300.00. It was either pay the price or miss the cruise. We had to pay the price. Today, SW offered us two vouchers of 25000 Rewards points (about $300.00 for each voucher). That covers the SW price but nothing covers the price we paid to get home. I'm sure others had similar expenses that are not being covered by SW. Too bad!

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    Verified purchase
    Refunds & Payouts

    Reviewed Jan. 4, 2023

    Southwest flight from L.V on Xmas Eve 2022 ruined my Xmas and New Year Eve. Long planned cruise with exciting events with family and friends. If so many hours hadn't passed before the cancelled flight notification, I could've drove to make my cruise before the doors closed. I spent Xmas Eve, Xmas, and N.Y.E. alone and depressed. Only my second cruise so my status isn't one that give refunds.

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    Punctuality & SpeedTimeliness

    Reviewed Jan. 4, 2023

    My plane was delayed coming in from the east coast, so they had to leave 84 passengers behind. They asked for volunteers. They told us we would be compensated with travel money. With 84 passengers being take off the flight my odds of being left behind were good so I was the first in line to give up my seat. When I arrived the next day they had roped off our luggage and had 2 attendant waiting to retrive it for us. It took longer but they kept it safe. Having traveled for many years over the holidays it is not unusual to be stuck somewhere. One flight on United. We spent Christmas Eve on the tarmac of of some airport. We had to stay on the plane until we could fly. If we deplaned we would have to stay and rebook. If you fly over the Holidays be flexable. Know winter and storms happen. Good Job Southwest!

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    Customer ServiceSales & MarketingRefunds & PayoutsStaffBilling

    Reviewed Dec. 31, 2022

    By far Southwest is THE WORST. I purchased tickets for a family friend to join us on a trip to Vegas. She wasn’t certain if she’d be able to make it but she really wanted to go. I thought not a problem. I can always cancel if need be and get my money back. I recall purchasing refundable tickets for her from Tampa to Vegas: Dec 11 - Dec 14.

    Things were going smoothly up until the week before we were set to leave. She had to cancel. She was told there’s a credit under her name?! She doesn’t want a credit under her name nor can pay me the $560.45 that was paid. We called three times, several different reps and managers to get this rectified without resolution. I’ve sent email as well as tried getting it resolved with my bank. The payment should have been refunded back to my card. I’m told it was actually a Wanna Get Away+ and non-refundable. How’s that possible!! Then they should’ve put the credit under the purchaser name since I’m a rapid rewards member!! I should be able to use the Southwest credit as I’m the one who travels!! Horrible customer service.

    Tried to get the credit transfer and Southwest says it’s a Wanna Get Away fare and not transferable nor refundable! Their glitchy system and their glitchy representatives. Not refundable and they won’t issue the credit under my name, the purchaser. Customers aren’t aware of issues until there is one. They don’t care and don’t help because they already have my money. Do not use them! HORRIBLE and COMPLETE SCAM!

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    Verified purchase
    Contract & TermsPriceRefunds & PayoutsStaff

    Reviewed Dec. 30, 2022

    We were supposed to fly to Washington DC on 12/27, we were notified that our flight was cancelled. So we didn’t make our vacation. I contacted Southwest to get a refund of my monies and they told me that I would have to pay a cancellation fee for canceling the return flight of my trip! I asked the agent how could I be charged a cancellation fee for a flight that the airlines originally cancelled!

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    Verified purchase
    Customer ServicePunctuality & SpeedTimeliness

    Reviewed Dec. 28, 2022

    I recently had a terrible experience with Southwest Airlines when my flight was cancelled, and my baggage were lost. When I arrived at the airport, I was told that my flight had been cancelled and I was put on a late-night flight. When I checked myself online that even that flight was cancelled, I requested for an option. I was given the option to rebook for the Syracuse via Baltimore instead of original destination to Buffalo. The scheduled flight from Baltimore was at 5:00 PM that left at 2 AM the next day morning. I was told the flight is delayed only to pick up other connecting flight passengers.

    Since my arrival after 6 days now I spent several hours on the phone with Southwest Airlines trying to track down my luggage. They were not able to give me any information about where my bags were or when they would be delivered to me. I will think twice before booking with Southwest Airlines again due to the lost baggage hassle and lack of customer service.

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    Reviewed Dec. 27, 2022

    I have been a satisfied Southwest customer for years until experiencing the utter chaos that was Southwest over the holiday weekend. Totally unacceptable from NOT notifying customers until the VERY last minute (sometimes at the point of take off) of flight cancellations to heaving checked in luggage in unattended piles all around the airport. I feel traumatized by the whole experience and I will definitely think twice about flying again!

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    Customer ServicePunctuality & SpeedRefunds & PayoutsMaintenanceStaff

    Reviewed Dec. 27, 2022

    We are family of three (myself, husband and our infant) and are frequent Southwest travelers since last 7 years. We were scheduled to fly out to and fro to Dallas from LGA on Thursday (Dec 22, 2022). Before we even started to the airport our flight got cancelled. It makes total sense given the circumstances of thunderstorm just the previous day. We got our flights rebooked for Saturday (Dec 24, 2022). The rebooked flight had stopover at Chicago (MDW) before reaching to DAL.

    Right before boarding the flight at LGA, the gate agent informed us about the cancelled flight from MDW to DAL. Since, we did not have a place to stay in MDW, we cancelled the whole trip and informed the gate agent about our decision. However, our bags got checked in and could not be taken out from the flight. For the next two days - Sunday and Monday I have been going to the airport and standing in line for 4-6 hrs on each day because no one responds to the phone. My wife has been on phone to get hold of an agent for almost 4 hrs everyday but in vain. Following are the major issues with Southwest:

    1. In the name of winter storm there are coming with lame excuses. There is impact of storm from Wednesday till Friday. Every major airline except Southwest recovered from it and resumed their operations. However, Southwest has major operational meltdown everywhere. This is fact!
    2. You lift the damn phone and answer the customers. You are causing agony and anxiety by ripping apart our once in a year holiday break. You are forcing us to come to the airport everyday during the holiday season.

    3. Our Checked in bags are gone...Money did not get refunded...Vacation is gone...Peace of mind is gone.

    Shame on you Southwest Operations Team. I feel bad for their customer representatives who take all the anxiety from customers. Where is the operations head at Southwest LGA? Face the customers, accept the fault and take appropriate measures to get the trust back!

    Sincerely

    Avinash and Neelima

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    Refunds & Payouts

    Reviewed Dec. 26, 2022

    I had reservation's for a return flight for 2 marines who are coming home for Xmas, their flights for the past 5 days have been canceled repeatedly during this time. The folks at the ticket counter were probably as frustrated as everyone else is but this does not give them the right to be dis-respectful to these kids who are defending our country. The vouches they received are worthless due to they are not transferrable to other airlines so these kids can get home in a timely manner. Now then the hotel they put these kids up in were discussing and as I am told they reeked with a horrible smell. Back in the day Southwest was the go to airline to "get away". In my opinion they have let down not only our service men and women but all of us consumers who will look for the better deals. I personally would like a cash refund for my flights and I will never use such a unreliable airline again.

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    Punctuality & Speed

    Reviewed Dec. 26, 2022

    Delayed on flight 3061 Christmas Day. 7 hours. But finally we got on at 11pm. As we are taxing out to take off. The pilot says, "I'm sorry to say this but I'm over on hours." So we turned around and dropped us off telling us 2 days after we waited in line with hundreds of people for one SWA associate. To say. Sorry. Wrong line. Now I'm scheduled 2 days later. Why let us on only to say we had to get off.

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    Customer ServiceContract & TermsPriceStaffBillingRates

    Reviewed Dec. 26, 2022

    I do the majority of the travel for 16 people. I, and my family are extremely upset with SW. This past year with all the canceled and delayed flights, it has been a nightmare. Most all of these flights were DAL - MCO and RT on non-stops. But we pushed through hoping it would get better, trying to understand. Birthday flights to Orlando, disastrous with seriously delayed flights. For 7 of our party. Costing us empty nonrefundable hotel rooms, theme park tickets and the stress of all of us not being together for my birthday. Canceled flight for 3 trying to get to HHN at Universal Studios. Tickets bought and and a hotel room unused and nonrefundable. These two stick out but the worst of all, is our Christmas flights.

    My husband and I were set to fly to MCO on a nonstop and Christmas eve as we try to check in to find I get a seat and he does not. SW split us up, and put my husband on standby with 15 people in front of him. To make matters worse, just hours before we have to drive an hour & a half to DAL can't get anyone on the Phone. We were left on eternal hold, hung up on 4 times and upon calling back received several busy signals. The bottom line, SW ruined our Christmas. Again we had nonrefundable hotels stays. And the memories we missed are priceless to us. AND this morning, they canceled our minor child's flight on a nonstop from ATL - DAL. She was supposed to be home today but now she can't get home until Thursday. I don't need excuses about the weather. There is no weather in the south. If there is a problem where ever to Dal, pull out a plane from the hanger DAL, it is their hub.

    STOP overbooking, Your airline has cost me $2100 in unused, nonrefundable rooms, $1200 in unused park tickets, and stress for our family ALL year. We missed out on happy memories to be replaced with anger and frustration. We will be closing all our SW Rapid rewards accounts (There are 16 in our family), and our Chase SW CRedit cards. They are no longer reliable. We can not count on Southwest Airline for our family trips. They cost us more than money, but memories. We have an upcoming flight to HNL that we are price shopping to other airlines because of their unreliability. I am just heartbroken. What happened to SW?

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    Verified purchase
    Customer ServiceContract & TermsPunctuality & SpeedStaff

    Reviewed Dec. 26, 2022

    On Saturday, December 24, 2022, our 18 family members arrived approximately 6:45 a.m. to the Atlanta airport for our 10:25 a.m. flight #999 to Miami, Florida. After check-in, clearing TSA and arriving at Concourse C, I was notified via text that our flight was delayed until 11:00 a.m., then again to 1:00 p.m. and later 2:31 p.m., finally leaving at shortly before 4:00 p.m. I later discovered that the delays were due to staffing shortages, while weather had impacted the northern region Southwest failed to due their ethnic diligence.

    Our pilot was force to exited the plane to assist the baggage handlers with loading the bags. When we arrived to the airport in Miami we were notified that the ship had set sail leaving my entire family was in disbelief. We not only missed our cruise but our other family members were on the that had been planned a year ago was now on the ship with us. We are now stuck in Miami without any available flights to get us home, being informed that Southwest can only provide limited hotel accommodation we are now being forced to make our own arrangements.

    This family Christmas vacation was totally ruined by Southwest failure to inform me that this issued started long before the winter storm impact. A simple notification of their horrible delays a day earlier would have given us an opportunity to make other travel arrangements. Facts: I contacted Southwest via cell phone on more than twenty time since Saturday. It’s disturbing to say the least that I am unable to get a single response or closure to this nightmare. I have been on hold for over 3 consecutive hours only to be disconnected when the phone is answered. On other occasions I was told I have to speak with someone in group booking. I will never get over this terrible ordeal. Frustrated with Southwest Airlines!

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    Customer ServicePricePunctuality & SpeedStaff

    Reviewed Dec. 25, 2022

    I am thoroughly disgusted by what occurred at Southwest Gate 5 on December 24, 2022. Our plane arrived from Cancun at 8:00pm. We were scheduled to get on a connecting flight to Albuquerque on the same plane at 9:30pm. However, we had to exit the plane to go through customs. We arrived at Gate 5 for our departing flight at 8:35. At approximately 9:20, a Southwest employee announced the plane was at the gate and that she was "just waiting." At 9:40, the employee made a second announcement that the flight had been canceled. When we asked why, she screamed at us that there was no flight crew. Then she began laughing and joking with other coworkers and several travelers became upset that Southwest had now left them stranded at the airport on Christmas Eve.

    We were directed to the ticket counter where approximately 50 people were in line. One employee was working and took over an hour to assist the first traveler in line. I made several attempts to call Southwest, but I received a busy signal on the first three calls and was hung up on during the fourth call. We began looking for another flight but Southwest had nothing available until December 27, 2022. At some point, police were directed to the gate because so many travelers were upset, many in tears. I overheard the police state that there was "nothing they could do about the weather" and that the upset travelers were selfish for not letting Southwest employees have time off for the holidays. However, there was no bad weather on the flight path from Houston to Albuquerque.

    We finally were able to get a rental car after finding that all the local hotels were full due to mass cancellations. We spent 13 hours driving home in the middle of the night on Christmas Eve because our flight crew had left for the evening. This is unacceptable and is deeply disappointing, considering the fact that Southwest not only ruined the Christmas holiday for thousands of travelers, but then laughed about it in our face. If Southwest does not correct this situation, I plan on pursuing legal action for full reimbursement of my flight, rental car and fuel costs.

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    Reviewed Dec. 12, 2022

    Vacation ruined by Southwest Airlines. Warning to others when booking a vacation to Loreto Mexico. Do not use unreliable Southwest airlines when making connecting flights to holiday destinations. Sat on the plane for three hours listening to false promises from the captain about taking off in 15 minutes. Flight was eventually cancelled, missed connecting flight from PHX to Loreto, unfortunately no flights available until the day before I return. Lost $3500, Southwest Airlines issued me with $100 voucher for use on another flight.

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    Customer ServiceMaintenanceStaffBilling

    Reviewed Dec. 8, 2022

    If I could give it a -5 I would but here we go …Southwest Airlines had one person checking in people with lines around the door…. That was horrible, but the lady at the counter could have cared less about people not making their flights! This was in John Wayne Airport on December 3rd. I was so stressed out and finally it’s my turn and she told me to walk back. She wasn’t ready for me. People like this should not work with the public especially everyone they’re catching flights flying out of town on time crunch!! And then her sucky attitude on top of it. I am so excited to get a credit card with Southwest to get points and now I’m just not too sure I’ll keep using them!!

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    Customer ServiceStaff

    Reviewed Dec. 3, 2022

    Southwest Airlines refuses to let me file a complaint. The supervisor John argued with us over the phone then hung the phone up on us we called back and spoke to the supervisor Sharrol laughed and had some other employees laughed at us in the background and refused to let us speak to their manager Jason. She said she would pass the message to him before she hung the phone up on us. I do feel this was a form of racial profiling. I feel very discriminated against. This is not Southwest first racial profiling me.

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    Reviewed Nov. 27, 2022

    The boarding process is chaotic, stressful, and takes longer. Unassigned seating does not incentivize travelers to check their bags. It just stresses us out, especially if you have to store your luggage further back from where you can find a seat.

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    Reviewed Oct. 31, 2022

    I paid extra money for the earlybird check in. But it is joking and cheating. I was assigned a B15 position. How disgusting they are?! They oversell this option without any benefits to customers. Please do not buy it.

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    Customer ServiceRefunds & Payouts

    Reviewed Oct. 24, 2022

    I made a reservation through Southwest which ended up being canceled, no problem. The problem is now they “claim” to have to investigate the problem to refund my money. They confirmed this the day of the cancellation through the numerous calls that I had to make. It took less than three minutes to take my money for the trip, why should it take 30 days or more to get this resolved?

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    PriceRefunds & Payouts

    Reviewed Oct. 17, 2022

    My family booked round trip on SW Air. We paid for boarding upgrades in order to board in the "A" group. The first boarding went fine and all 6 of us were in the "A" group. On our return flight, only 2 of our group were given "A" group boarding. The other 4 had "B" boarding. We were 4 adults (2 grandparents), 2 parents and 2 children 8 and 10 years old. The "A" group boarded then a different group, I think parents with young children boarded, which divided our group since 4 of us had "B" boarding. The one parent got onboard, took a seat and "saved" 2 seats for the 8 and 10 year old kids. This caused a ruckus because you can't "save" seats. But finally the argument was settled and the kids were with the parents. SW should at least refund the 4 of us the "A upgrade" fee since we were give a "B" boarding pass even though we paid for the "A" upgrade. It would be so much easier if they assigned seats. I know, I know it would cost more. But it would save problems like we had.

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    Customer ServiceStaff

    Reviewed Sept. 7, 2022

    Check in at ticket counter with no problem. When we went the gate the gate attendance made a call because she felt uneasy with the breed of my wife service dog which is for her going blind. So when there is a lot of people around she will whine to let my wife know there are a lot of people around her. So they said she was not a service dog. We have had her serviced through thtough the dod and ada but the airlines employees that is not a service dog. But again just because it is a Belgian Malinois everyone thinks it is a mean dog just because of what movies portray them as a attack dog. So please help us on finding some to go after Southwest Airlines to stop this type of treatment for people going blind.

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    Customer ServicePricePunctuality & SpeedRefunds & PayoutsBilling

    Reviewed July 20, 2022

    I have not stayed at the Hyatt Place Waikiki but my complaint is the reservation I made for my grandson to arrive on July 3 through Southwest and had to reschedule because my grandson's travel partner was tested positive for COVID on June 30. I let SW know on June 30 that I would like to reschedule hotel reservations to July 31 due to positive COVID test. I rescheduled flight reservations also. I was told by SW to send a verification of COVID positive test results and they would forward to hotel. I'd been in contact with SW every day since June 30.

    I finally received a response today, July 20 stating " Our team has tried renegotiating with the property regarding your refund request. Unfortunately, they can no longer honor canceling the booking free of charge as it has been billed already and also because of the policy your reservation has. Our deepest apologies if the result is not favorable on your side. Southwest Hotels Concierge". I paid $1,900 for this reservation and SW made no effort to try to reschedule. I would call everyday since June 30 to check on the status on got a "We are still waiting for our partner at the hotel to get back to us". Really, it's been 3 weeks. I asked SW if they had reached out to the hotel and every time I called I was told the hotel will get back to us. You are horrible.

    This has nothing to do with the cancellation deadline of June 25. Yes, the policy said no cancellation after June 25 but who would have known his partner was going to get COVID. I am a 71 year old grandmother that saved this money to give to my grandson as a college graduation gift. There was no effort on SW part to resolve this issue. I don't think they even tried. I asked if they would follow-up with hotel by phone and I was told they will email us within 3-5 days after my request was made on June 30. I wasn't asking for a refund. This notice was given to you well in advance. SHAME ON SOUTHWEST!

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    Customer ServiceSales & MarketingPrice

    Reviewed July 17, 2022

    Horrible customer service. Looked online last night having to go out of town for celebration of life for my father-in-law. (Flight is $1200 for myself, husband, and 2 year old. Online.) Called to see if we could get discount for bereavement. Was transferred over to the manager after telling the lady it was for funeral. Manager quoted me that it was going to be over $2000. I asked why so much as it's still showing $1200 online. Said that's what he's able to give.

    I asked to speak to a manager about getting discount. Said he was the manager, asked to speak to his manager. Said he was the only manager. Asked if he was the CEO and was told yes he was, and then he laughed said, "No I'm not the CEO but do you think the CEO would give you the time of day." Then was told to just buy it online and then, "Have a nice day." Then he hung up on me. Never, have I ever spoke to someone so arrogant and rude. *Southwest, review the phone conversation. You will hear it all.*

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    Customer Service

    Reviewed June 28, 2022

    I asked one of the male flight attendants after all other passengers had left the plane that stopped in South Carolina for a cup of water. He said standing there with two other female attendants “no I can’t do. That you can ask the next crew.” That’s it…. And did not try.. The two females just stood there and did not offer any as well. This is absolutely terrible customer service and in today’s time.. How difficult is to give someone one cup of water….

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    Refunds & PayoutsStaffTimeliness

    Reviewed June 26, 2022

    I had a flight leaving Kansas City airport at 7:30pm. I wanted to leave out earlier so I paid $140 extra to leave at 5:20pm the same day. I got a text the morning of my flight saying my 5:20pm flight was completely cancelled. They got me on a flight that leaves at 7pm but said I couldn’t get a refund of the $140 I paid to leave earlier. Not even a flight credit. Also I was in boarding group A on my 5:20pm flight and now they have me in boarding group C and said I would have to pay to change it. No help with anything at all.

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    Verified purchase

    Reviewed June 16, 2022

    Southwest is being horribly deceptive. I recently booked a nonstop flight from RDU to FLL and it was changed to RDU to Baltimore, to Pittsburgh, then to Ft. Lauderdale. Not only is adding 2 stops ridiculous but the fact that you let me book a nonstop and then try to put me through hell with 2 stops is unacceptable. What is going on and what is up with the deception. I will no longer use southwest due to their deceptive practices. It should be illegal.

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    Verified purchase
    Customer ServicePriceBillingRates

    Reviewed June 12, 2022

    PRICES ARE subject to change at ALL TIMES, not at times. If you cancel, then you will pay much more. Watch click on purchase - WHAMO! My change in points cost 2000 more to fly two people out! I changed the flight time, points were attractive, on the phone they said the points were in addition to my original flight. NOWHERE DOES IT SAY THAT! The site said 2 left, I purchased & it jumped 2000 points. And, a total of 7000 points for each ticket overall. This is not the first time, best to go with a cash credit card.

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    Customer ServiceStaff

    Reviewed May 28, 2022

    Worst customer service and flight experience. On multiple occasions my flight has been canceled 3 hours before my flight with no help of any accommodations for another flight. I have been stranded in an airport alone as a young woman at midnight with no help in booking another flight or finding hotel accommodations. The Southwest agent told me it’s not their problem.

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    Contract & TermsPrice

    Reviewed May 27, 2022

    I have almost $600 dollars in unused funds (due to Southwest cancellations) that will expire soon because of 1 year rule which should have been extended during covid but Southwest is all about the money now. What used to cost me $350 max for a round trip now is over $800 if even available. Why pay twice as much for slim pickens if even available both ways, I hope that Southwest chokes on MY unused funds set to expire soon. I do not recommend Southwest Airlines or any of its affiliates! NO MORE LUV.

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    Staff

    Reviewed May 26, 2022

    The staff is great, they need to be paid 10x more than whatever you are paying them now. Corporate is horrible and underpays workers and understaffs import departments, I strongly advise to never fly this airline.

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    Customer ServiceTimelinessHonesty & Transparency

    Reviewed May 23, 2022

    First, the attitude was horrible from flight attendants out of Pittsburgh. I asked if I was going to make my connecting flight due to hour-plus delay. He said yes...a blatant lie....and that it was because people needed to sit down. The plane wasn't even half full yet but all of us WERE sitting. Of course the connecting flights were gone....despite multiple flights in Pittsburgh held for stragglers. So next day I'm at the airport and of course we who couldn't connect were forced to board last and forced to check our carry-ons which I'm sure weren't loaded as I was watching out window and as I was standing for 15 minutes looking out, it was a great view. Never will I fly Southwest again.

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    Customer ServicePricePunctuality & SpeedOnline & AppRefunds & PayoutsStaff

    Reviewed May 17, 2022

    I have been a Southwest user for many years, have several hundred thousand points with them and rarely had issues with their airlines. The only time I can recall having issues were due to weather and the occasional repair problem so I naturally decided to try some of their other services like booking a hotel and car their website. I won't be doing that again. They use a 3rd party website called Booking.com to make reservations and despite giving you a Southwest Confirmation number means absolutely nothing to Booking.com because they use confirmation numbers only not the mixed version like Southwest does.

    This became an issue because their Southwest Concierge could not locate or reimburse me for an issue I had last month in St. Louis at the Parkway hotel. I arrived to a hotel with no power during a cold part of the year so there was not heat, light, warm water, or anyway to power my devices. The hotel reimbursed me no problem and provided me with a receipt showing no charge and told me to get with Southwest. I contacted Southwest to which they deferred me to their concierge team which as I stated could not locate me even with their own confirmation number. If I had not taken the time to get a receipt for the hotel which had the Booking.com confirmation number on there they would have been helpless.

    I provided them with all the receipts and information needed and also reached out to Southwest directly who later called and said they are not responsible. YET it's all under the Southwest name and who knowingly partnered with this sham of a company called Booking.com. I tried going through the Booking.com website contact and help section but you're stuck in an endless FAQ loop that never provides you with the actual help you need. I still to this day have not been able to get a straight answer from anyone about being reimbursed. The right way to have gone about this is for Southwest to have created an incident report, asked for receipts, investigated it, reimbursed me, then pursued reimbursement for themselves because it's easier for a corporate partner to get attention that it is a consumer. If that wasn't an option then they should have advocated for me until they could find whatever stupid department at Booking.com that could help and reimburse me.

    I as of today have tried to reach Southwest corporate office but require an actual letter to be sent instead of phone call or email which I find to be a convenient deflection to make it more difficult to deal with issues. If Herb Kelleher were still around I know I could have walked up to him and told him the issue and know that he either would have made a phone call to get this resolved if not paid for it himself right then and there. What I'm asking for is not unreasonable, all I wanted was what I paid for. That's customer service 101 and both companies failed MISERABLY.

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    Customer ServiceCoverageTechPunctuality & SpeedRefunds & PayoutsMaintenanceStaffLoan Process

    Reviewed May 1, 2022

    Deplorable customer service! They deserve a negative star. I flew from Syracuse to Charlotte 4/24. When I get my stroller bag I noticed it was partially unzipped, when I go to get the stroller out I see both wheels are broken off and placed under the stroller. The top bassinet/carrier part was also disconnected, which was connected when I checked it in and zipped it up. I know my stroller was intentionally dismantled to make it fit smoother under the plane. I went to the ticket counter where Diane ** and a manager both told me they do not cover damages only losses. They filled out a report and said I can try to talk to customer service to see if they will replace it. I was sent home with no replacement and no check to replace my infant's stroller.

    Quickly forward to 5/1, I flew from St. Louis back to Charlotte again, only to have my car seat that I checked in not put on the plane! Once again Diane ** was at the ticket counter and gave me a loaner car seat. However, my car seat was also in a travel bag that needed to be replaced. Diane brought out the replacement car seat in a travel bag, but refused to loan it to me. I asked to speak to the manager and Arlesha ** (pictured above) came out with the nastiest attitude as if I was asking her to come out of her pocket to pay for the car seat bag. I travel a lot and advised her when Southwest delivers my car seat and travel bag I will give them both (car seat and car seat bag) of theirs back. We stood there for about 30 minutes going back and forth. 20 minutes in she ask me to verify my name as if I had just walked up like Diane didn't already do it. Diane had already got my ticket and verified who I was (which is how I got the loaner car set from the beginning of the ordeal).

    Security was called...Arletha ** said she couldn't believe I was acting like this and refused to give me the name of her regional manager. When I asked for her to write down her supervisor's name she refused and said, "You can take it down yourself." She started talking through her teeth at me like I was a child and threatened to walk away if I recorded her. If you're acting professionally you wouldn't care if someone recorded you. Everyone after the gate and above the ground were great. Southwest train your ticket counter employees and ramp agents to treat people and their property with respect.

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    Reviewed April 26, 2022

    I have always flown and loved Southwest airlines, but something has changed. We were on our way to the airport when we got a message our flight was delayed by almost 2 hours. We finally departed and arrived at our next stop and got stuck on the tarmac. Most passengers were headed for Dallas like us, but they didn't hold the plane. We, fortunately, got on another flight and finally arrived at our destination at 03:00 AM with 3 hungry and tired kids and found all of our luggage was lost...for the second time this year. We had a two-hour drive home with no luggage. The same thing happened with our luggage at Christmas, and it took a week to get it back. Come on SW...live up to the standards you once set. It is like losing an old friend.

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    Reviewed April 11, 2022

    Crew members talk a lot of nonsense. Terrible service. Stupid rules. They think it is funny - but it is terrible experience. First class like economy. Do not waste your money. They do not even assign seats. Worse ever experience.

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    Punctuality & SpeedStaff

    Reviewed April 2, 2022

    Our flight was delayed which was understandable, but we waited in a long line of planes to take off. It was extremely hot inside the plane. We were supposed to leave at 11:10 and it is now 1:06 (we’re still waiting)

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    Verified purchase
    Punctuality & SpeedRefunds & Payouts

    Reviewed March 30, 2022

    In early 2020, before COVID spread like wildfire, I booked a trip for two to go on a cruise and airfare. That cruise was cancelled by the cruise line and I had to cancel my flight. At first, Southwest stated they would leave an extended credit to use. I thought great, I'll reschedule when this COVID is gone. That was two years ago. Southwest now tells me they will not extend the expiration date of the travel credit further, they will not allow another passenger to use the travel funds, and I can't receive a refund. They are telling me I HAVE to use the funds before September or the money is gone. And not only that but they are telling me my daughter HAS to use her travel funds, even though I paid for both tickets.

    COVID is still here and I don't see it vanishing in less than six months. This forces me to decide to lose over $1200 or risk getting COVID with all the unknown medical complications that could come of it as well as risk being out of work if I were to get sick. I would think that due to the circumstances that led to the cancellation of my trip, different policies would apply. I feel as though this may be a violation of some sort as I would be endangering my and my daughter's health and safety.

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    Price

    Reviewed March 17, 2022

    I’ve flown a minimum of once a month with Southwest for the last year +. At this point the savings are not worth the absolute madness, the yo-yo delays and last minute cancellations cause. This airline has far too much uncertainty for anyone looking for reliability. Unless you are super flexible with departure and arrival time (by multiple hours or days), don’t waste your time and sanity on Southwest. Particularly if you secure NON REFUNDABLE RESERVATIONS at your destination.

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    Customer ServiceStaff

    Reviewed March 17, 2022

    Left Nashville to Phoenix flight 2729 March 15, 2022 at 12:10 pm. Guy scanning ticket at boarding was rude and unprofessional. Mass confusion at pre boarding as to what letter of alphabet we were to stand in line. Went up to get boarding pass scanned and the guy said very loudly in front of about a hundred people “I didn’t call B yet. Get back in line third way down.” Extremely unprofessional and embarrassed me in front of a lot of people. Never will I fly your airline again. Also we be telling friends and family about my experience. If I could give a zero I would!! Also open seating is for the birds!!

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    Customer ServicePunctuality & SpeedRefunds & PayoutsBilling

    Reviewed March 17, 2022

    Their customer service has gone down hill fast. The covid thing has disrupted everyone's lives and we couldn't take our trip. And they forced us to put our money into the funds account, we couldn't put it back on our credit card. I forgot to use all the funds not realizing they were going to expire and now I am out the $128.00. They wouldn't work with me to get that money back and gave me $18 voucher. They are choosing to keep my money, when if I had my choice I would have refunded back to my credit card in the first place. So disappointed in them. And you can't talk on the phone with them either. I am just a number to them. :(

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    Customer ServicePunctuality & SpeedStaff

    Reviewed March 12, 2022

    Plane was a half-hour late taking off due to de-icing procedure that could have been accomplished beforehand. After de-icing, stewards shut down flight to accommodate a single customer who was having a panic attack. We are now 1 1/2 hours late for take-off. (Got to do another de-icing!) A second customer wants to get something out of the cargo hold. Stewards and captain ground the flight to accommodate this customer. We are now sitting on the tarmac, 3 hours after we were scheduled for take-off. Customer service reps come aboard to tell everyone with a stop over that there's no way in hell of making any connecting flights. Chaos ensues as several other connecting flights are cancelled and Southwest Representatives scramble to meet with each customer. Customers wait again while a single customer service representative attempts to see everyone. What a **. Won't be flying Southwest again.

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    Customer ServicePricePunctuality & SpeedRefunds & PayoutsStaffRates

    Reviewed Feb. 27, 2022

    Great price for airfares, but you pay for it with their customer service. They are lazy, do not take time to help their customers, and are selfish with their time. I was recently in Dallas airport and called the desk because their agent had made a mistake with my ticket. I accidentally left my AirPods at the desk. I boarded my plane and noticed they were missing. I quickly checked the location and called the desk. I explained I was already on the plane, so that I couldn’t get off. We had about 75 people still boarding, and the door was still open. The agent at the desk, Kristen, said if I have time, I will walk them to your gate. (This was at gate 4/6, and I’m at gate 10, not far at all) of course, she did not have time, and now I’m being told I have to pay for FedEx to have them shipped back, and that’s if they are found. It’s so sad that they encourage laziness and the lack of customer service.

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    Refunds & Payouts

    Reviewed Feb. 25, 2022

    I was delayed 3 times over 5 hours on a flight and never got compensated and I paid for Business select which is worthless. Worst airline ever!! This is a no-frills airline. Never take this airline if you are claustrophobic or if you get panic attacks.

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    Customer Service

    Reviewed Feb. 18, 2022

    I have been a loyal SouthWest Rapid Rewards member since 2000. Due to Covid, and my company's policy, was unable to travel for the past 2 years. Earlier in February this year, was able to take the first business trip. I was shocked that my A list status was dropped due to inactivity and without any warning or communication. Contacted SouthWest and lodged a complaint. The response was that there was inactivity and reminded me of the requirements to gain the A List status. This is in stark contrast to the spirit of the customer centric airline that I have enjoyed over the years.

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    Customer ServicePunctuality & SpeedRefunds & PayoutsStaffResolution

    Reviewed Feb. 1, 2022

    I have been an A-list Preferred member with companion pass for years and generally book all travel with Southwest. So, it grieves me to see the customer service and communication fall so low. I recently had some difficulty with travel vouchers that were expiring and I contacted Southwest to see what options were available to use them…. It was a lot of money! After 1 hr and 47 minutes on hold, I was told that nothing could be done, and there was no one I could talk to to escalate the matter to a higher supervisor. The customer service coordinator actually said “my supervisor doesn’t take calls”. She did offer to have someone call me back in “6-8 business days”.

    I eventually did receive a call back and the next person I spoke with was even less helpful stating the same line “my supervisor does not take calls”, but she promised to escalate it up the chain and said someone would contact me. They did. I received a letter informing me that they reviewed my information and no further action would be available to me. You know things are awful at Southwest when the bottom of an email says “do not attempt to respond to this email”. Basically, I lost $460 in LUV Vouchers, that we’re supposed to be gift cards (never expire) from business travel that was paid for and had to be canceled during the pandemic.

    Southwest used to be tops in customer service, and Loyalty was their greatest asset. It is so disappointing to see that they no longer aspire to be the best. As far as flights go, they are OK. A listers tend to get their choice of seats, and many times one person will buy a business class ticket and then “save” all the best seats in exit rows (Southwest “first class”) for their friends who are boarding later. Southwest does not address the issue of “saving” seats so they do not take a stance one way or the other. Flight attendants used to have a sense of humor and positive energy that made the flight fun. Not so much anymore. Overall, my recent experiences with Southwest have not been good, and there is no way to let them know. Customers don’t even receive no surveys anymore! It makes me sad.

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    Customer ServicePunctuality & SpeedStaff

    Reviewed Dec. 30, 2021

    I left an early Christmas gift on a flight from Logan to Midway. It was wrapped with instructions to not open until Christmas. Once I arrived at my final destination, I called the Lost and Found office in Midway and the woman I spoke with was extremely helpful and told me that they had my gift. She FedEx'd my gift to me and I had it by the end of the week. I am very grateful to Southwest for this experience. I am also grateful for the woman in Midway's Lost and Found office who proved to be kind and extremely helpful!

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    Customer Service

    Reviewed Dec. 26, 2021

    First things first...we always fly Southwest Airlines. Today 12-25-2021 fly flight 800 to Las Vegas. We are business class which means we paid more for our flight and board before everyone else, which was to depart at 5:55 PM, but did not depart until 6:55 PM, their 1st strike. 2nd strike.... The "LADY" taking everyone's ticket was a complete sociopath and verbally assaulted my wife and myself because I asked about the 25 or so "pre-board passengers" which I've never seen in 40 years of flying.

    She actually stepped up to me to chest bump me, saying "this was her flight" and we can't board because I mentioned we can't see her hidden badge to complain about her. Complete psycho, tried to get me to touch her. Said, we had to step aside so everyone else could board before us. This lady has zero reason to still be employed in customer service or by Southwest Airlines. Absolutely thee worst airport experience ever. I guess we'll fly Alaska from now on. DEUCES.

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    Customer Service

    Reviewed Dec. 19, 2021

    Very rude people. I was told I had to pay extra to sit with my man and they had open seating. She stood there And argues about it. Never flying Southwest again. We all had seat numbers that should been enforced. She never apologized once. Then my friend was in a wheelchair only to the door she planned on walking on plane, they argued about that as well.

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    Timothy increased rating by 1 star.
    Customer ServicePunctuality & SpeedRefunds & PayoutsStaffTransparency
    After a positive interaction with Southwest Airlines, Timothy increased their star rating.

    Reviewed Dec. 16, 2021

    Updated on 12/29/2021: For the overall flight, I would give it 4 stars. The customer service reps are the worse. I booked a flight for my wife and I to Jamaica. We are on the bigger side so I booked a 3rd seat. The customer service lady told me that I would be able to get a refund once I returned from my trip. I called SW when I returned home and they took all my info. The lady told me it would take 5-10 business days to get my refund back. After the 10th day, still no refund, I called SW and checked the status. The lady told it could now take up to 3 weeks to get my refund. I called one more time on that week and a young man told me that he sees the refund has been processed and I should see the refund soon. We are now on business day 18 and still no money. So I called again. This time I was told it could take between 30 to 60 days. Buyer beware. If you try to get a refund from SW they will keep you chasing.

    Original Review: Booked 3 seats since my wife and I on the bigger size. Customer service person that booked my flights advised when I get back home, call the customer service number and I would get a refund on my 3rd seat within 5-7 business days. So when I got back, I called SW and they took all my info for the refund and she stated she would get it processed. She told me the refund would take 5-10 business days. So today on the 10th day, there is still no refund. I called SW customer service to get an update. The lady told me I should be getting this any day now. After thinking about how the conversation went, I called back again. This time a different lady told me they are now running behind in the refund department and they just finished November refunds. She went on to say I need to give it another week or so. SW is quick to take your money but slower than snails to refund your money.

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    Customer ServicePriceStaff

    Reviewed Dec. 10, 2021

    I am so disappointed with Southwest. I was recommending them to friends, but now I am telling them not to fly with them because they are not willing to help their customers and unethical in their policies. If your Southwest ticket was affected from the pandemic and the expiration date was extended to 9/2022, beware as once you buy a ticket now with your travel funds from the cancelled pandemic flight, and then decide that you have to change that ticket, your expiration will be only about 15 days from the day you cancel the new flight.

    They say that this is in the fine print, but why are they making the expiration date so much earlier anyway and who reads the fine print. This is so deceiving because you think you are going to still have until 9/2022 to use it. I cancelled my flight in mid October and expiration date was now changed from 9/2022 to 10/23/21. I've called and asked to get it changed back to the 9/2022 expiration date, but this is the response I received, "It truly saddens me that we are not able to honor your request on this occasion. Your situation falls subject to our policy that must be upheld in order to maintain the integrity of our operation, and I am deeply sorry that I am unable to do more." The sad part about this was that I spent more money when I bought this new ticket only to have it expire in less than a month and lost about $215. Why are they talking about integrity? Anyway, I hope this helps someone before they don't want to fly Southwest anymore.

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    PricePunctuality & SpeedMaintenance

    Reviewed Nov. 14, 2021

    Do not fly this airline. Especially if you have a connecting flight. Missed connection due to waiting for weather… Ok, fine. This has happened many times. To my surprise, I was left stranded in a different state for over about 24 hours until I could get on another flight. Southwest does not work with other airlines, so you are stranded. I had to spend an additional 140$ for a hotel and the costs just snowballed from there. The miserable woman in lost baggage was horrible to everyone in line. I will spend the extra money to fly Delta next time. Alaska should win out in the West Coast. It’s not even a holiday weekend and experiencing these difficulties is ridiculous. Horrible airline. Don’t learn the hard way.

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    Customer ServiceStaff

    Reviewed Nov. 1, 2021

    I get that flights can be delayed or cancel, to be misinform passengers, that's completely out of character! Mario was the lead steward. He was so drunk, the whole plane smelled like ethanol! Considering times are tough, better to get in a car and drive than exposing yourselves to some **/drama caused by an underpaid, unsatisfied employee! That then, you get the consequences for their stupid drunken attitude!

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    Customer ServiceRefunds & Payouts

    Reviewed Oct. 27, 2021

    I was one of the customers that was screwed by the rightful pilot walkout. I am happy that the pilots took a stand and the aftermath isn’t their problem. But when our flight was canceled and we called to reschedule our flights on a non refundable vacation, we couldn’t get anyone on the phone. After 5 hours on hold we had to make a decision to buy new flights with another company for $1,200 or lose a 5k vacation. We figured southwest would rather pay for the flights. No they would rather not give us anything so we are out both flights. Southwest gets away with this by saying that the 800 cancellations we due to weather, not the walk out. Never flying with them again.

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    Punctuality & SpeedRefunds & Payouts

    Reviewed Oct. 11, 2021

    I had a very important flight scheduled 6 weeks in advance from Atlanta to Denver and Desmond and needed to be back to work. They canceled our flight, refused a refund or pay for another or give refund.

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    Customer Service

    Reviewed Oct. 10, 2021

    Cancelled our flight due to Southwest labor issues. I was let on hold for 3 hours with no one picking up and called 4 times each time on hold for hours still no one picked up. Online service was terrible delaying our departure by 3 day with no options and long layovers. Find another Airline.

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    Customer ServicePunctuality & SpeedStaffTimeliness

    Reviewed Oct. 10, 2021

    Flight was cancelled 10/9. Was informed to get in line at ticket counter. Which I did then was informed needed to claim luggage prior to be able to get new reservations. Unfortunately my luggage appeared at the end causing my place on line to be placed at the end. At the same time I placed a phone call to Southwest. I also made reservations for the next day out of a different airport since no other reservations were available on their site. I reached Southwest customer service 10 hrs later to make sure my reservation was taken care of. The mailI received changed my reservations to the next following day. Now I am hold ag for hrs that I should be sleeping. Especially if I need to be at the airport by 5 am. So dissatisfied with this airline.

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    PriceStaffRates

    Reviewed Sept. 26, 2021

    This airline does a quality job of getting people to their destination at a reasonable price and tries to be on time. Their employees seem to try to do their best to make for a good flying experience.

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    Customer ServicePricePunctuality & SpeedStaffBilling

    Reviewed Sept. 5, 2021

    I used to LOVE Southwest Airlines above all other companies. From the first moments I walked into the baggage line to the plane ride. It was top notch customer service. I even use their credit card. Last year I started noticing a decline in their kindness, but I chalked it up to Covid. It’s been hard year on us all. The last straw was a couple weeks ago (my third trip on Southwest this summer). I had come into the check in baggage line in Reagan DC airport. I checked my bag in at the Kiosk and promptly got in line to give to the lady at desk. There was two lines to choose from, neither was marked clearly so I assumed (as others did) it didn’t matter which one we got into.

    After over a hour wait in our line and feeling very anxious that I was going to miss my plane. There was a lady two people in front of me was being yelled at by TWO Southwest employees because she had used the kiosk and the line she stood in was for full service only. They made her go to other side and re get in line that was wrapped around three times. The Southwest man was non sympathetic to her pleas and the-other coworker was saying hateful remarks behind him. This lady left crying and I’m sure missed her flight. I now just realized and in a panic cause I self checked my bags at kiosk too and was so scared to face the attendant. I walk up to her and she nastily says “I really wish YOU people would wait to be called”. And then realized I had tagged my bag. She glared at me and says “Did you not just see what happened to the other lady?” And she continued to berate me and be very insulting while taking my bags.

    I got the impression I should of been grateful to her for taking my bag (I did do half her job. All she had to do was take my damn bag.). She let me go through. But I was almost in tears. By the time I got through security I walked right up to my terminal and asked the south west guy standing at gate, if they had boarded yet? He could hardly bring himself to lift his head from his phone and mumbled no. But everyone lined up a min later. The flight was ok. No complaints once on plane. I am completely disappointed, and hurt by this airline. Plane tickets aren’t cheap, it’s stressful to travel anyways, and to be treated like dog poop from the company you used to love sooo much. Is just too much. I am about throw in my credit card and towel into this airline and find another.

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    Reviewed Aug. 28, 2021

    I flew from Denver to San Jose Ca. It was a pleasure from checking in to boarding the plane, flight was on time, airplane was very clean and flight attendants pure pleasure. I am 75 years old female and love to fly. Will recommend Southwest to my family and friends,

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    Staff

    Reviewed Aug. 25, 2021

    They do not care about your safety. They did not intervene regarding a threat to my life. I complained and they arrogantly ignored it. They care less about passenger security. Do not fly with them. Never again will I fly with them.

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    Customer Service

    Reviewed Aug. 9, 2021

    The flight attendants are passive aggressive and are very short when answering questions. I asked zero questions, asked for literally nothing from them and they were still rude. I felt super bad for the passengers who ACTUALLY needed ANYTHING. The flights are constantly delayed and the plane is always hot. The ventilation was awful. They overbook and cram people together. Just pure hell. I used to love them. Now I will never fly again with them. Also the whole pick your own seat thing is not a perk! People cut in line all the time.

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    Punctuality & Speed

    Reviewed July 26, 2021

    I gave one star cause we landed.. Horrible. First we leave late...30 minutes late. Then we land and the scheduling geniuses can’t get to our gate. So we sit in our destination for 50 minutes and counting waiting for a gate to open?? Who’s running this idiot squad? They have now caused me to miss two different busses. Ps all of this is still going on now!! Like I’m still on the plain!!! I’ll probably miss the third bus too!!

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    Punctuality & SpeedStaff

    Reviewed July 19, 2021

    I came to the airport to pick up a minor child. There needs to be a serious change in this process. I arrived an hour ahead. I was thinking this is plenty of time as I am not checking in for a flight. I’m picking up a child. Realizing I had to go through security, an hour I thought would be plenty of time. You have to go through the entire check in process AS IF you are checking in for the flight. NO ONE CARES if a child is left at the gate waiting for you. Southwest check-in staff was not helpful and there was no empathy in relation to a scared CHILD who is alone at a gate waiting on his parent. AGAIN This was not handled with any kind of empathy or compassion for a CHILD.

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    Sales & MarketingPricePunctuality & SpeedRefunds & PayoutsStaffRates

    Reviewed July 16, 2021

    Have flown SW about 20 (round trip) times per year for 5 years. Due to no change fees it was convenient. Now all the other airlines offers no change fee. Lately SW has increased their fees much more than other airlines. They use the scam of mentioning no fee up to two check in baggage. But if you compare their prices with other airline on the same time schedule, you will see that the difference of the fares of SW and other airlines is more than you would pay for 2 checked in baggage for other airlines. e.g. one of upcoming flight from CMH-AUS in mid October 2021, SW fee is $750 vs American Airlines fee is $450.

    So basically SW always charge the customers upfront as if they are checking in 2 baggage, even though most has only carry on (and pays the extra fee). Simply check in any route and compare their fees with other Airlines, the difference will be more than you check 2 baggage in other airlines. Worse is when I sent them a message regarding to this, I received a very arrogant answer. Not so friendly skies as they claim!

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    Staff

    Reviewed July 16, 2021

    LaTonda helped me and was so professional. I was very impressed with how nice she was and how she spent time assisting me adding the wheelchair option which had been dropped along the way when they changed my times. Thank you so much.

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    Customer ServiceStaff

    Reviewed July 8, 2021

    Today at the airport I had a terrible experience with an SWA boarding agent. The agent who sold me my ticket and issued a boarding pass did not mention anything about not being able to bring a carry-on in addition to the small dog in his bag. This was not a policy expressed prior to going through security etc. As a result, I had my important items in my carry-on and planned accordingly. This included medication and tech items.

    When I got to the gate, someone announced that folks who needed additional time to board the plane should go to the gate. I did so and immediately was told without a hint of politeness or consideration that I could not have a carry-on. If I did not check the bag "I WOULD NOT BE LET ON PLANE." It is stressful to be talked to like this and aggravating to shuffle belongings around at the last second at some jerk's whim. I would be more flexible if communication was improved. I believe that I was only singled out because I made the choice to notify staff I needed a few extra moments to board as it says in the highlighted section of the airline’s website. If I had not asked for an extra minute, it seems unlikely I would be ordered around like this.

    It's not ok to change policy at the last second and be so rude about it and then not expect any frustration in return. Being ordered around like a criminal in response to trying to have basic accommodations is not ok. I do not "look disabled" but suffer setbacks in panic and related issues, especially in the airport. A little consideration goes a long way. Even normal levels of human consideration for the customer would be leagues ahead of the experience I had with the airline.

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    Customer ServiceStaff

    Reviewed July 5, 2021

    My flight was delayed seven hours with no reason. My return flight is now delayed 5 hours due to a “plane swap”. Southwest does not care about its customers and has horrible customer service. Southwest did absolutely nothing for the inconvenience that they caused its customers. Not even a cup of water. I will NEVER fly Southwest for business or pleasure. I hope they go out of business.

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    Customer ServicePricePunctuality & SpeedRefunds & PayoutsStaffRatesFollow-ThroughHonesty & Transparency

    Reviewed July 3, 2021

    After booking a reservation my sister, her boyfriend, her two children and our nephew was greeted with the poorest service offered to mankind not only by staff at the airport but a supervisor over the phone. When the 5 of them arrived at O'Hare airport 2hrs away from her home town, she was shocked to see her flight was 2hrs delayed. She greeted a rep and ask was that accurate and the agent confirmed. She then ask what did that mean for her connecting flight in Tennessee because they wouldn’t it in time for the connecting flight departing at 9:35. She was told by the agent they don’t hold flights and it would be on them to find shelter for the family of 5 and she’d get them on an afternoon evening flight.

    My sister then told her that wouldn’t work and why wouldn’t the airline Southwest accommodate them somehow for shelter since it is their delay. She then ask the agent what was her opinions. She was told either take the delayed flight come out of extra expenses for shelter or take a refund she agreed to the refund. She called me to let me know she wasn’t gonna make it to bring my nephews to me for the summer. I then told, "We have two airports here. See if you all can fly into Hobby." she approached the desk again only this time speaking with a gentleman. She ask is there any other flights and if they had any flights into Hobby Houston. The guy say, "Yes. Only thing is you have to fly out of Midway which is 30 minutes away from O'Hare. Flight takes off at 7:05. We have 11 seats left. I can get you on this flight at no cost."

    He first change the flight for my 7 year old nephew then he was having difficulty finding my sister and her boyfriend reservation so he went over to the lady they was working with who told them their only option was a refund. So he come back and say they can’t rebook the flights for the two adults cause they now can’t find them that they’d need to call reservations. I called reservation waited on hold 1hr to still get no assistance. First the family of 5 had to find a ride to get to the airport that was two hrs away and when they was turned away had to find a ride back home with 3 children and they was determined to get the kids here to their favorite auntie as promised.

    As we spoke to an agent she offered to rebook the tickets at double the price. When was ask for an accommodation of flying out of MKE which is her home town agent said it was beyond her control. Would we like to speak with her supervisor. Sure. After speaking with the supervisor the supervisor Nancy wasn’t much help. She said that they could not change their departure city which was a lie then she was confident that they booked a one way when it was a round trip. She then offer to book them at the increase rate because of their Negligence and delay. She offer the expensive rate and for us to speak with guests relations that opened only Monday-Friday 8am-3pm at number 8552344654 and Option 5, Nancy, Monday-Friday 8-3. However I dialed that number and selected number 5 to only get air agent from the airport are Jeff and Adrene

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    Customer ServicePunctuality & Speed

    Reviewed July 2, 2021

    The last flight was cancelled 3 times in 1 day. The flight today was cancelled and they auto re-booked me for tomorrow evening, which is too late for my appointment. I tried to call and am still on hold after 70 minutes. I guess I get to drive 12 hours now. Never again will I book another flight on Southwest Airlines. They use to be good, but they are in the toilet now.

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    Reviewed June 29, 2021

    Southwest now has service from Richmond VA to Denver CO. SO HAPPY with that service. Flew round trip RICHMOND to DENVER week of 21 June. Great flight; smooth and on time both ways. Only negative was requirement to wear COVID masks both ways for entire flight w/ exception of eating or drinking. Advice to Southwest - ditch the masks, especially for passengers who have gotten their shots!

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    Contract & TermsPriceRefunds & Payouts

    Reviewed June 22, 2021

    Our flight was canceled & had to book an expensive flight to get to Disneyworld. Also had to pay extra for my daughter & I to get advanced boarding so we could sit together on first flight because when I checked in there was a glitch. Horrible experience no customer couldn't say when I could get a flight, or how to get my money back I want my money back for a service you could not provide. I lost 1 whole day trying to make other flying arrangements & lost my money for Disneyworld hopper tickets. Really screwed up a family vacation.

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    Customer ServicePunctuality & SpeedBilling

    Reviewed June 17, 2021

    We have been faithful Southwest customers for almost 20 years. Never have we seen such terrible scheduling and customer service. I flew last week and my kids this week...4 legs total, and not one was on time. I have called SW five times & still have not gotten through. Tonight, I have been on hold for 1 hour and 40 minutes. Before COVID, I loved this airline and proudly carried their rewards credit card. I do not recommend using Southwest at this time! They've got to get it together! This is terrible.

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    Customer ServiceSales & MarketingPricePunctuality & SpeedRefunds & PayoutsStaff

    Reviewed June 17, 2021

    Worst flight and customer service. Lost 8 hours. Plus had to pay for food. They gave me a $100 voucher. Last night I went to purchase more airfare. In October I have a flight. I went to use the voucher but it expires in September. It's currently June. I paid for the airfare so I had the flight during their 50% off. It was $850. I was on the phone for over 3 hours to use the voucher. Two agents said they cannot attach the $100 voucher whatsoever. But I can have it extended for another flight later on. I then canceled and found different airline, same flight details for $50 cheaper. This is an absolute nightmare. Go elsewhere if you value your time. They have no customer service and will put you through loopholes. They do not value their customers and will not make it right. They just prolonged the inevitable. I have never been treated like this. It was easier to cancel the flight I had just booked than to resolve $100 voucher on a fake 50% off sale.

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    Customer Service

    Reviewed June 15, 2021

    Zero stars! Southwest Airlines flight attendants have become increasingly aggressive about masks each time I fly. On this flight # 1339 to Vegas the male flight attendant repeatedly barked over the loudspeaker in a patronizing tone used by prison guards and bluehaired elementary teachers: "Don't let me have to tell you twice to put your mask on" and then all the attendants began leaning over if a mask even slipped down someone's nose and clicking their tongues and pointing at the mask. I literally felt like I was in basic training again as power hungry workers eyeballed us all and forgot about real issues like turbulence and in the event of a crash and this attitude spilled over into service as well with drink requests now only be confirmed by the number of fingers held up, the tone passengers are being spoken to coupled with the domineering physical stances they take because of of the power they perceive they now have over customers.

    People are sheep however and do as told. I was fuming inside but bit my tongue, but I can see how a slightly unstable or fed up person might ask to be treated like a paying customer as there have been "2,500 incidents of unruly passengers this year, including 1,900 cases in which passengers refused to wear face masks" ** airlines saying this is the worst year ever. Duh, treat paying customers as underlings in a tyrannical society will cause problems. Everyone should drive if possible. I will. Absolute power corrupts absolutely!

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    Customer ServiceContract & TermsPriceStaffRates

    Reviewed May 29, 2021

    For the first time in 4 decades of airline travel an airline charged me for missing a flight that was nowhere near full. I got to the counter and they couldn't help me. They said call customer service. I had to buy another ticket. They took the whole ticket price plus all the fees that they didn't have to pay on the missed flight. Their attitude was quite simple: you missed the flight, you lost $679. I appealed to no avail. A pure money grab. No interest in lifetime customer value. You'll see other reviews along the same lines. Sure, it's relatively cheap and the bags are a good deal, but you are treated like cattle and respected the same.

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    Punctuality & Speed

    Reviewed May 10, 2021

    Note, this was submitted to Southwest: Where do I begin? As a very nervous flyer this was not a very good trip for me. Started great leaving BDL to BWI and landing in BWI was a great experience... but it all went downhill from there... We had a 40 minute delay in BWI, was supposed to depart at 1:05 pm, did not depart till 1:40 pm. We boarded the plane, little did we know we would be on this plane for appx 9 hours!!! For a trip to ATL.

    After we boarded the plane in BWI (1:40 pm) we were told we could not take off to ATL due to storms in Atlanta. At appx 3:00 pm they let us leave the plane and go into BWI to use the bathrooms. Boarded back on the plane (appx 3:20 pm) only to wait once again, left the gate, taxied the runway from appx 3:20-4:30 pm! Were we ever going to leave BWI?

    Before I go on, here's the problem... Knowing that Atlanta had huge storms that day with even the National Weather Service indicating a tornado WHY would they even think of letting this plane leave BWI to ATL??? I even heard there was ground stop in Atlanta!!! Appx 4:30 pm left BWI to Atlanta, again, nervous me and not liking flying and knowing we were going straight into storms in Atlanta!!!

    As we get closer to Atlanta I noticed the flight path was changing, then I heard on the overhead speaker if there was a medic in the house to come forward, someone was having a medical emergency.... so our plan had to make a stop in Charlotte (appx 6:00 pm). Another hour long delay or more as our plane sat in Charlotte (appx 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm)!!! And we were told by the pilot that good thing about the medical emergency because we couldn't get into ATL due to ground stops. REALLY???

    They let us get off plane in Charlotte (appx 7:15 pm). Re-boarded the plane only to sit in the plane again waiting for clearance!!! Landed ATL at 9:00 pm. Again, plane originated BDL at 10:35, landed ATL at 9:00 pm! We were 6 hours delayed! I realize mother nature happens, but sitting in tight space on a plane for hours esp during covid and having anxiety was awful!!! Our plane should have never left BWI knowing storms in Atlanta!! And we were being told false info and promises by the pilot. To top it off once we got into ATL they did not have a gate waiting for us... appx 40 min waiting to depart our nightmare plane!!! UNREAL!!!! I am not happy at all!

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    Staff

    Reviewed April 26, 2021

    Flew Southwest during Covid almost every week and they were nice to make changes I needed and I was understanding on flights that were canceled. Now they have full flights and less accommodating when they change flights and want me to spend $350. to change.

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    Customer ServicePriceRefunds & PayoutsRatesTransparency

    Reviewed April 17, 2021

    After I booked a flight on Southwest Airlines, I used Southwest Concierge service to book a room at the Springhill Suites on Creighton Rd, Pensacola, Florida, for April 8, 2021. Southwest Concierge charged me $179.68. The morning after I stayed in the hotel, when I checked out the clerk printed my receipt. The actual charge for the room was $132.96. Southwest UPCHARGED me $46.72. A 35% increase to the price. I called customer service - that term is an oxymoron in this case - and the explanation was that the hotel clerk should not have shown me the true price! I requested a refund and was told NO. You know how you thought that using Southwest Concierge would mean that Southwest would leverage their considerable buying power to your advantage? Well think again, it is an opportunity for them to gouge the consumer. Do not use Southwest Concierge.

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    PriceStaffRatesFollow-Through

    Reviewed April 1, 2021

    They do what they say and I can always rely on them and free 1 bag booking. I have never run into any delay problems and I love their getaway prices. Also, people are very friendly and professional.

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    Customer ServiceSales & MarketingPriceRates

    Reviewed April 1, 2021

    Good airlines, fair price, good customers service. No problem cancelling a flight and rebooking. Have done that a few times to save money. They have ongoing sales every few months. Good rewards program.

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    Staff

    Reviewed April 1, 2021

    I like this Airline because I have had nothing but a good experience compared to other airlines. On this airline there is no assigned seating and that is a huge perk. Once while flying this airline there was a power outage throughout the airline industry and the airline gave me a flight voucher though the problem was not their fault. To me this is going above and beyond to ensure that the customer is being taken care of as far as being satisfied.

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    Timeliness

    Reviewed April 1, 2021

    Took off on time, arrived in Dallas on time. Great service by the plane crew. I was wheelchair bound but was treated just great by the flight attendants. My lost luggage was found in Houston and was delivered to home the next day.

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    Reviewed April 1, 2021

    I have used Southwest many times, and they have been a first class airline. They seem to be able to keep on time, and get you to your destination when they say they will. I would fly with them in the future.

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    PriceStaffRates

    Reviewed March 31, 2021

    I love their price and the loading of passengers and often getting upgraded is possible. They get me to my destination on time and with my luggage attendant are always helpful and friendly making my travel more pleasurable.

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    PriceStaff

    Reviewed March 31, 2021

    I hadn’t flown in years, so I was a little anxious, and on top of coronavirus, we had to sit accordingly, and I have extra weight on me so it was hard to sit in a seat with minimal leg room for 2 hours! (Doesn’t sound like your ideal flight does it?) But the airline attendees were fantastic, they just went on doing everything normally and catering to all of our needs. I felt very relaxed with them showing us they were in charge and assured of our flight! And the trip home was even better! I had no one next to me and sat by the exit in the middle for that extra leg room! Would recommend def!

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    PriceStaffRates

    Reviewed March 31, 2021

    Your first two bags go free and the stewards are helpful and cordial. The foot room is nice not crowded. I really like when there is a tv on board to watch. When you get your tickets ahead of your trip, the prices are real reasonable. You do get a beverage and pretzels if your trip takes more than 2 hours. I like Southwest as my first choice to fly when it flies that route.

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    Contract & TermsPriceStaffRates

    Reviewed March 31, 2021

    Generally the best price and availability. Found that Southwest Airlines is more generous when it comes to changes. No fee for Baggage is great. The employees in general are easy to get along with and always available to help.

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    PriceStaff

    Reviewed March 30, 2021

    Love me some Southwest. For an affordable airline, they are always on-time, decently friendly staff and semi-comfortable seating. But since I usually am only doing domestic flights, they're sufficient for what I need. More than anything, they always have TONS of flights and time options that allow for affordability and convenience. This allows me to maximize my business trips and vacations equally.

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    Punctuality & SpeedStaff

    Reviewed March 30, 2021

    I have been flying with Southwest and Alaska hoppers for a decade. The staff is always professional and eager to please their customers. I always feel safe when I fly the California and Oregon Corridors. Baggage is always prompt on arrival and I feel comfortable and safe when Flying Southwest especially during Covid 19.

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    Customer ServicePunctuality & Speed

    Reviewed March 30, 2021

    Southwest has great customer service, quick and easy booking process with or without miles, planes are very clean and appear to be well maintained. My favorite part about Southwest is that their phenomenal sense of humor! Sense of humor and great service is always appreciated with air travel.

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    Refunds & Payouts

    Reviewed March 30, 2021

    This airlines refused to refund three tickets from June 2020. Our flight had been changed and re routed several times. The reason given was that one time in this whole ordeal was that I myself changed a departure day myself to another day. That change was done before the final cancellation by Southwest. Since then my Husband has passed away. Are they going to refund his ticket with the death certificate? I do not know because I have not been able to reach out to them. We will see.

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    Reviewed March 29, 2021

    Group seating made it easy for traveling with children. Fighting was pleasant and smooth. Attendees were very pleasant and always asking if we needed anything. The overall experience was great. Will definitely use them again.

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    Staff

    Reviewed March 29, 2021

    Southwest has the the lowest fairs available, in a class of their own. Always friendly and willing to go the extra mile to get you to your destinations. I will always check them first and have been flying with them for the past 30 years.

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    PricePunctuality & SpeedStaff

    Reviewed March 29, 2021

    They give you free bags, most always are on time if not early, and they have friendly airline attendants. Their wait areas have working charge hubs. I have never had a bad situation with them to include when I had to travel with an travel oxygen tank.

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    Customer ServiceStaff

    Reviewed March 29, 2021

    First 2 bags fly free. Low fares. Easy website. Welcoming staff, pilots with a sense of humor put you at ease when flying. Southwest has a great attitude that consumers appreciate and even expanded their routes during the pandemic. I like the smaller airports they fly into. A+

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    PriceStaffRates

    Reviewed March 28, 2021

    For the frugal consumer that would sacrifice first class comforts for lower fare price, SouthWest is the winner. SouthWest employees generally are very friendly and helpful. The boarding procedure is less than ideal, but if you are traveling solo, it's not a problem.

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    Customer ServicePricePunctuality & SpeedStaffRates

    Reviewed March 28, 2021

    I always fly Southwest. They make the whole flight experience easy. I can almost always count on the price being the lowest available. I love that they don't nickel & dime you to death with all of the extra charges other airlines have. They give me the option of early check-in. I appreciate that. Their customer service has always been friendly, professional, and helpful.

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    PriceRefunds & PayoutsStaffRates

    Reviewed March 28, 2021

    I have used Southwest a number of times...self check in at a kiosk was trying the first time but there was plenty of help so the next time it was a breeze. Their prices are always great with the direct flights at a good time and I don't have to pay for luggage!! A win for me because I just can't go without all my stuff I Might need. I have flown twice since Covid and felt very safe. Matter of fact I have just booked another trip for next month using Southwest. Keep up the GREAT work!

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    PriceStaff

    Reviewed March 28, 2021

    Flights are efficient and no real additional costs such as baggage costs, seat selection. Most flight attendants are very nice and very helpful. The airfares are relatively less expensive than many of the other major airlines.

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    Reviewed March 27, 2021

    It has been over 10 years that I have flown. I am 95. I was flying home to Charlotte, NC. The weather was clear and sunny. I believe my snack included orange juice. The stewardess was, as usual, quite pleasant.

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    Reviewed March 27, 2021

    I have always loved how easy you can book and change or cancel SW flying. Never really fly anything else. I have taken 5 trips in the last year and I have to say that now that the middle seat is being used it felt pretty crowded and I was real uneasy. The worse thing is that I know they are NOT cleaning. I have several photos of how dirty this last plane was.. #disappointing

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    PriceRefunds & PayoutsRates

    Reviewed March 27, 2021

    SOUTHWEST is pretty comfortable carrier for a decent price. Remember, you get what you pay for. If you're not uppity, Southwest is a bargain. Fly on week to fourteen days and get a great price. Save more money so you and those you cherish can enjoy more of your visit any place you choose.

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    Customer ServiceStaff

    Reviewed March 27, 2021

    Southwest Airlines is one of the top airlines that I trust. Their customer service is unmatched. I always feel safe and secure when traveling with them. In having a peanut and tree nut allergy, they always provide a snack that I am able to enjoy without compromising my health. Their employees ensure that all of my questions are answered and they always enforce safety precautions. I love having the ability to bring 2 carry on bags for free. It is a very convenient and reasonable service that other airlines do not offer. The various ticket options are budget friendly and hassle free. Whether you are a first time flyer or a frequent flyer, Southwest Airlines is the way to go!

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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