Help Center | Southwest Airlines (2024)

FAQs

What is Rule 85 for Southwest Airlines? ›

#4028265. Southwest does have an exception to the upgrade policy. It's called a "Rule 85." It happens all the time and it allows the CSA at the gate to waive the upgrade fee and get the passenger on their way if there is any type of irregular operation/WX.

For both same-day change and same-day standby, you must change your flight or request to be added to the same-day standby list at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled departure of your original flight or the no-show policy will apply.

Southwest is required to issue you a $75 voucher if your travel is impacted by anything within Southwest's control and you arrive at your destination three hours or more after your scheduled arrival time. These vouchers are valid for “future use on the airline,” according to the DOT's announcement.

Young Traveler Terms and Conditions

By purchasing this reservation, you acknowledge and confirm that: We consider children ages 12 through 17 traveling alone to be Young Travelers (YTs), not Unaccompanied Minors (UMs). Accordingly, our UM procedures do not apply to travelers ages 12 through 17.

Federal Aviation Administration Rule 240 mandated that an airline with a delayed or canceled flight had to transfer passengers to another carrier if the second carrier could get passengers to the destination more quickly than the original airline.

Senior Fares apply only to those in the traveling party who are age 65 or over. Southwest Airlines has other discounted fares for those not meeting the above age requirements. Some restrictions and seating limitations may apply.

Liquids, gels and aerosols packed in carry-on must follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule: 3.4 ounces or less per container. 1 quart size, clear, plastic, zip top bag (all liquids must fit in bag) 1 bag per passenger.

Southwest allows preboarding only for customers who 1) need a specific seat on the plane, or 2) need assistance boarding the plane. If you find that having a specific seat helps with your anxiety, that would be a way for you to preboard.

Southwest-operated flights have open seating. Once onboard, simply choose any available seat and stow your carryon items in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.

Penalizes Southwest $140 million for violating consumer protection laws – deterring Southwest and other carriers from committing similar violations in the future: Of the $140 million civil penalty assessed against the carrier, Southwest is required to pay $35 million to the U.S. Treasury.

What is the cheapest day to fly on Southwest? ›

Check Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays: These days typically have lower demand for flights, so Southwest may offer cheaper fares. Use Southwest's Booking Website: Visit Southwest's website and enter your travel details, including your departure and arrival cities, as well as your desired travel dates.

What Southwest's $140 million fine tells us about the broken air travel system. The U.S. Department of Transportation fined Southwest a record-breaking $140 million after a winter storm led the airline to cancel almost 17,000 flights and strand more than 2 million travelers last year. Good morning.

Original or photocopies of government-issued identification (e.g., passport, birth certificate, government-issued photo identification card) are the only acceptable forms of proof of age. Electronic screen shots, phone images, or immunization records are not acceptable.

Passengers under 18 do not need any ID to get though security.

Gate passes may be given to someone meeting or escorting a Passenger with a disability and can be requested from an Employee at the ticket counter or Skycap podium. Let the Employee know you need to accompany or meet a Passenger with a disability to or at the gate.

How Do You Calculate the Rule of 85? As mentioned previously, the Rule of 85 is a very simple formula. Just add up your age and your years of service to your employer, and if the total is at least 85, then you can retire early with full benefits.

Seniors do not get priority boarding on Southwest. There is priority boarding for customers who have a specific seating need to accommodate their disability, who need assistance in boarding the aircraft or who need help stowing an assistive device.

What is the senior discount age for Southwest Airlines? Senior Fares apply only to those in the traveling party (Dial 1-888-894-8001 to get discount) who are age 65 or over.

Seniors don't automatically get any preboarding benefit due to their age.