Having built a reputation for low fares and good customer service, Southwest Airlines offers a lot of flexibility for your next trip. You may not have the option of business-class travel or inflight meals, but it's a solid option for getting to your destination.

Southwest Airlines reviews consistently praise the cheap deals and other perks, such as the open seating and easy change policy. However, some longstanding pros of the airline (including its famous two free checked bags offer) are changing. Here are the latest pros and cons.

History of Southwest Airlines

The beginnings of Southwest go back to 1967, when it was founded by Herb Kelleher and Rollin King. Legend has it they drafted a business plan on a cocktail napkin at a hotel bar in San Antonio: three lines connecting Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio. The rest is history.

The first Southwest flight was not until June 18, 1971, when service began from Love Field in Dallas, to San Antonio and Houston, as first envisioned. Today, the airline's declared purpose is "to connect people to what's important in their lives through friendly, reliable, and low-cost air travel."

Pros of flying with Southwest Airlines

The carrier's promise of low-cost travel largely holds true today. Southwest Airlines is also ranked highly for safety and customer service, as well as a generous baggage allowance (carry-on and checked luggage). Here are many positive aspects of flying with Southwest:

1. Affordable flights

Southwest is often among the cheapest airlines in the US, especially thanks to seasonal deals and the "Wanna GO Wednesday" program, where you can get access to the latest low fares for last-minute travel. Aside from promotions, the airline regularly offers affordable airfare, and you can use Skyscanner to search for everyday deals.

2. Reasonable checked bag pricing

Southwest used to offer two free pieces of checked baggage with any flight, but the company changed this policy in spring 2025. Even so, the new costs are still cheap compared to many other airlines. You now need to pay $35 for the first checked bag and $45 if you're bringing a second one. Each bag must not be more than 62 inches (height, width, and depth combined) or 50 pounds if you don't want to incur additional fees.

3. Open seating

Southwest's open seating may not be a positive for everyone, but many travelers have long considered it a perk of flying with the airline. For flights operating before January 27, 2026, Southwest will continue its open seating policy. That means there are no assigned seats, just a boarding group system to which you get allocated to when you check in. The quicker you check in, the earlier your boarding group. You can then pick your seat once you're onboard.

Note: Southwest will begin operating flights with assigned seats and extra legroom options starting from January 27, 2026 (bookable now). You can find out more here.

4. Free snacks and non-alcoholic drinks

Complimentary snacks are a signature perk of flying with Southwest Airlines. Flights going 251 miles or further feature a range of free nibbles and non-alcoholic drinks. There is also a menu you can peruse before you go. And, on certain holidays, the first alcoholic drink is on the house.

5. Free inflight entertainment

Another reason many say that Southwest is a good airline is that they offer the option of free inflight entertainment. You do need to bring a device (cellphone, tablet, or notebook) to access it, but then you'll be able to watch movies, TV shows, and even live TV. You can also text free of charge!

You do, however, have to pay $8 for internet access, unless you're part of their A-List Preferred Members and Choice Extra Customers.

6. Companion Pass Program

Earning a Companion Pass can help you save lots with Southwest Airlines. If you qualify for one, you can essentially choose a person to join you for free on your flight.

But, there's a catch: you need to fly 100 qualifying one-way flights or earn 135,000 qualifying points in a calendar year. So, this is a perk for frequent flyers; however, once earned, the Companion Pass can be used any time you purchase a flight. You just need to pay for your travel buddy's taxes and fees. The pass is valid for the remainder of the calendar year in which it's been earned and for the full following year, too. And you can change your companion up to three times per calendar year.

7. Rapid Rewards program

Southwest has a Rapid Rewards loyalty program, where you receive points for every purchase (on a tiered system based on the fare). Points can be used to book travel and receive other rewards.

The Rapid Rewards program is popular since points don't expire, there are a range of other perks (such as qualifying for the Companion Pass), and you can also apply for a Rapid Rewards credit card. In the latter case, you also earn points with everyday purchases made through the card, increasing the opportunity for savings on Southwest trips.

8. Good safety record

Travelers have given Southwest Airlines 7/7 for safety on Airline Ratings. It is also considered one of the safest airlines in the world, thanks to a very low toll of accidents since its inception.

9. Reliable and on-time

Thanks to various optimizations to its processes, Southwest Airlines is known for its reliability and punctuality. The use of only Boeing 737 planes, for example, enables pilots and flight attendants to be efficient and move seamlessly from one trip to the next.

In March 2025, aviation analytics firm Cirium published a report showing that Southwest was the most punctual airline in North America. Its on-time arrival rate was 82.27%, according to the latest statistics.

10. Update your rate when prices go down

Southwest has a flexible cancellation policy that you can use to your advantage if prices decrease after you've booked your flight. The airlines' "Transfarency" policy means that anyone can change or cancel their booking with no fee, up to 10 minutes before the flight is due to leave. You can then rebook with the cheaper rate.

Additionally, if you have a Rapid Rewards account, you can claim a refund on price drops via points. Keep an eye out for fare changes, then head to your upcoming trips in the Southwest app. Select the flight you want to update and then look for the available options (you can either change your flight or look for the same dates and times again). Southwest will display the points difference as a credit or added cost. If you go for the credit, then the difference will be applied to your account, topping up the available Rapid Rewards for your next booking.

Cons of using Southwest Airlines

There are a few downsides to flying Southwest, depending on your priorities and the type of trip you're taking.

1. Southwest only uses Boeing 737s

Southwest’s fleet is entirely made up of Boeing 737 airplanes. This is largely because the airline doesn't fly internationally, so larger planes are not necessary. Some people consider this a pro because they know exactly what the plane will be like, but others consider it a con since there isn’t really a first class.

That said, industry analysis suggests that this approach increases operational fluidity and makes Southwest more cost-effective.

2. No in-flight meals

Southwest is truly a low-budget airline, which means they eliminate a lot of add-ons and additional services, including cooked meals. They do, however, offer complimentary coffee, juices, and cold drinks on flights. And the majority of flights (over 251 miles) also feature free snacks.

3. Open seating policy

This can be a negative, too (just as we listed it under positives). Of course, if you're planning to sit with friends or want extra legroom, not being able to book a seat when you buy the flight or at check-in can be an issue. However, it's also a much-loved quirk of the airline.

As mentioned above, Southwest plans to introduce assigned seating and different fares (which will include fare bundles, options of when to board, and even a pricing tier with free checked baggage) from January 27, 2026.

4. Inefficient boarding

The open seating policy on Southwest flights means that people who have secured a spot in the first boarding group get to choose where they sit. Usually, this means the majority of travelers pick the seats at the front of the plane, which is notoriously inefficient. This delays the boarding process, but historically hasn't had a huge impact on flight times.

Southwest Airlines reviews

The majority of customer reviews are very positive for Southwest. Travelers appreciate their efficiency, good value, and flexibility, while noting some confusing tiers of pricing and concern over more announced changes to the customer experience. Here are some recent reviews.

"Recently flew in one week BWI-LAS-HNL return HNL-SAN-BWI on 737 800 Max’s. Loved the airplane performance. Quiet. Fun to fly. New. Seat legroom & width for 6-7 hour segments not sufficient. Confused on differences of their: choice, choice plus, choice preferred seating and related services. Too complicated. Needed more to eat on these longer segments. Only usual snacks. Box lunch would be great. On their app. could track each movement of checked bags. Big plus. Rated 5 for value as not yet charged for baggage and seats. Been flying Southwest for many years as my preferred airline. Concerned about their pending changes." - FMFDoc

“Southwest is so dependable! We have had so much good luck with them. Rarely have we had a flight delayed. We like the way they do the seating. “ -Maureen M.

“I have to confess, I’m very partial to Southwest Airlines! They have been very professional, friendly and prompt on any flight I’ve been on. Their flight attendants are cheerful and have a great sense of humor.” -Jan F.

"I have had so many bad experiences with other airlines. Southwest is family and military-friendly. Their baggage policy is unmatched. Their pilots always come out and say hello to my kids while we are boarding and/or getting off the plane. The free movies and shows have saved me on long flights with 4 kids. Check-in is so easy. Everyone I have come in contact with who works there has been so kind and helpful. I had to contact customer service twice and they were so helpful and fixed my situation right away. We will always fly Southwest whenever possible!" - Jill S.

Final thoughts: Is Southwest a good airline?

For affordability, timeliness, and good customer service, Southwest remains one of the best airlines in North America. However, its policies are evolving, and elements that some may have seen as drawbacks in the past will be changing. For now, the strong on-time and safety records and the no-frills approach to travel cause many to recommend flying with Southwest.