Southwest Airlines is a widely recognized U.S. carrier offering customer-oriented policies and services. Based out of Dallas, Texas, they operate over one thousand daily flights to over 100 U.S. and international destinations at budget prices – offering passengers plenty of choices to make their journeys more comfortable.
It operates flights under a budget model, making them a cost-effective option for passengers. Let’s examine their baggage refund, pet policies, cancellation policies and guidelines to gain more insight.
Southwest Airlines Fare Classes
There are three primary fare classes for passengers to select, depending on their budget and preference. Each fare class comes with its own set of advantages and restrictions which we will discuss further below.
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Wanna Get Away
Southwest Airlines’ most basic and economical class of fare offers several benefits as well as restrictions for booking seats, baggage boarding and more.
- Passengers boarding this flight will have to select their seats when they board. No reservations can be made in this class.
- Additionally, passengers may bring three checked bags, two carry-on bags and one personal item such as a laptop bag or purse on board the plane.
- Your position at the boarding gate depends on when you check-in – earlier check-in will result in higher positioning at the boarding gate.
- Tickets purchased are non-refundable but may be used as travel credits towards purchasing a Southwest Airlines flight in the future.
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Wanna Get Away+
Flying using the Wanna Get Away+ fare class will provide greater flexibility as well as superior on-board services.
- However, they will receive travel credit that may be used towards purchasing flights in the future.
- Additionally, you will only receive seats when boarding; prior reservation for any class of fare is not an option.
- Adjustments to their schedule may be possible; however, an additional charge will apply.
- Travelers may bring two checked bags free of any fees.
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Anytime
This fare class provides passengers with more flexibility and amenities than its Wanna Get Away counterpart, so let’s examine some of its key advantages for passengers.
- Tickets in this fare category will be assigned seats during boarding.
- However, no fees apply when traveling with two checked bags, one carry-on bag, and an individual bag for this category of travelers.
- Typically speaking, anytime fare offers passengers with better spots to board; this all depends on when they check-in; earlier check-in will give an edge in boarding.
- Tickets in class “Anytime” are fully refundable, enabling you to change or cancel flights without incurring additional costs.
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Business Select
Southwest Airlines’ Business Select fare class ticket provides convenient and flexible fares at an economical price point for passengers looking for premium services. Let’s examine its benefits together.
- Your Business Select fare class ticket guarantees an A1 or A15 boarding position.
- Seats are allocated according to class as soon as passengers board.
- Travel with two checked bags free, one carry-on and personal bags such as handbags or purses without incurring fees is no fee-free option.
- Enjoy premium beverages and the many amenities provided in this fare class.
- Tickets are fully refundable and can be exchanged without incurring extra costs.
Southwest Airlines Cancellation Policy
Southwest Airlines provides customers with clear guidelines regarding cancellations that benefit both them and passengers alike. Furthermore, each ticket purchased for travel may have specific cancellation guidelines to abide by.
- Within 24 hours of booking a flight, you can reserve it free of cost – this applies regardless of fare type, including non-refundable or refundable tickets.
- Cancelling tickets that are non-refundable (Wanna Get Away and Wanna Get Away +) will result in no refund; in exchange, a travel credit can be earned that can be applied toward future bookings with Southwest Airlines.
- Once booked, any refundable tickets such as Anytime or Business Select tickets qualify for full refunds within 24 hours after booking – meaning anytime and Business Select passengers can claim full refunds as these tickets fall within this category.
Southwest Airlines cancellation policy guidelines must be observed by travelers traveling on Southwest. Failure to abide by them could result in penalties depending on your type of fare purchased.
What Are Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy Guidelines?
Southwest Airlines provides certain guidelines that passengers must abide by when flying. Be mindful of this advice in order to prevent unexpected costs in airports.
- Carry-On Luggage
Each traveller is allowed one carry-on bag sized 10x16x24 inches that must fit in an overhead bin for travel purposes.
- Checked Baggage
Your first and second checked baggage allowance are free – there’s no additional fee charged when using these bags of checked luggage. 62 inches in length with weight not exceeding 50 pounds is an acceptable size to meet these guidelines, however if bags do not comply you will incur additional fees.
- Additional Charges
Your first two bags are completely free; if you bring in additional bags beyond this number, however, they will incur an additional fee per item over 50 pounds and 62 linear inches respectively.
Southwest Airlines Pet Policy
Compliance with Southwest Airlines pet policy guidelines is imperative if traveling with an animal, to avoid incurring extra costs.
- Eligibility for Pet Registration
- Southwest Airlines domestic flights allow passengers to bring small dogs and cats with them into the cabin.
- Additionally, for your pet to fly safely on an airplane they must be at least eight weeks old.
- Your pet should meet these guidelines to be eligible to travel on Southwest Airlines without any issues.
- Pet Tickets
- To travel in the US Mainland with their pet carrier, passengers are charged $125.
- Travel between Hawaiian Islands will incur a pet fare of $35 per pet carrier.
- Booking
- In order to reserve your pet, an appointment should be set in advance.
- Each passenger may bring on board one pet carrier that can hold two dogs or small cats from the same breed.
- Boarding
- Pets must remain in their carrier within the gate area when being transported on or off an aircraft.
- Carriers must fit beneath your seat when on-board.
Adherence to Southwest Airlines pet policy guidelines when travelling with your pet is paramount. Following them ensures a hassle-free trip.
Understanding the Southwest Airlines Refund Policy
Your refund amount depends on the ticket type you purchased for travel, with fare classes classified into non-refundable and refundable options. Here are guidelines regarding refunds of each kind.
- Customers booking Business Select and Anytime fare classes may receive a refund within 24 hours of making their reservation if they decide to cancel their trip within this window.
- Wanna Get Away and Wanna Get Away Plus tickets are non-refundable; passengers cannot receive their funds back; instead, they’ll be given credit towards purchasing Southwest Airlines flights later.
- If you decide not to travel, the cost of any tickets you did not use can be reimbursed back.
Understanding these guidelines is crucial to passengers, enabling them to travel without hassle. Once familiar with Southwest Airlines refund policy, passengers can easily select tickets tailored specifically to their preferences.
Conclusion
Southwest Airlines provides specific pet baggage, refund and cancellation policies for its passengers to help prevent additional costs when arriving at airport. If canceling or changing flights is too much of an effort for passengers, they can contact Airlinesearch (+1-888-671-0924); an expanding ticket booking agency located throughout the US.
At Flight Centre we pride ourselves on offering our passengers the lowest flight fares at unbeatably competitive prices when booking their travel arrangements. Should you require any help in booking or canceling, changing, or rebooking flights please reach out and let us make sure that your experience with us is seamless and problem free.
