The Ins and Outs of Travel on Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines pioneered a new type of airline. Before its incarnation, such low fares and concepts such as unassigned seating were unheard of in the airline industry. Originating as a regional Texas carrier, Southwest has grown to one of the nation's largest and most popular low-fare carriers. Many first-time Southwest travelers are disenchanted by the procedures and policies that are vastly different from those of conventional airlines. However, with a small amount of planning and knowledge on the workings of Southwest's system, one can indeed have an enjoyable trip.

Unlike most major carriers, Southwest does not operate on a hub-and-spoke system. No one city could be considered Southwest's "hub"; instead, Southwest's flights are distributed throughout the country. However, this means that many flights will have stops en route, making for longer travel times. For example, while US Airways may have only direct flights between Nashville and Philadelphia, most of Southwest's flights have stop-overs in Raleigh-Durham or even Chicago. Southwest's stop-overs are generally only 15-30 minutes long, and even turn-around times at endpoints are relatively short.

Like many other aspects of its industry, Southwest's online booking system is also unique. There are a variety of different fares available for any given flight, and fares are based on one way flights instead of round trips. Though the highest, fully refundable fare may not be any lower than that of other airlines, the lowest, non-refundable, retricted internet fare can much more inexpensive. However, these low fares often sell out in advance for popular flights, so it is wise to book early.

Low prices do, sadly, come with disadvantages. Southwest's gates and check-in areas are often cramped and at the farthest ends of the terminal; likewise, flight time are not always convenient. You must be prepared for mishaps such as mechanical problems; while they are rare, the occasional problem can throw Southwest's schedule into disorder, as the tight schedules and turnaround times leave little room for tardiness.

One of the most frequently debated aspects of Southwest's business model is the lack of assigned seating. Some last-minute travelers love it, but most people would rather be ensured a specific seat, or if traveling with others, a group of seats together. Southwest boards in groups, based on the time of check-in. There are three groups, designated A, B, and C. You are not assigned a group until check-in, and your group is based on the time at which you do so. Those who check-in online well in advance are generally in group A; those who check-in early at the airport are usually in group B, and those who check-in at the last minute are in group C. At every gate, Southwest sets up three lines, marked appropriately A, B, and C. People will begin to line up in the appropriate line soon after the previous flight has departed, so it is wise to arrive at the gate early and possible even bring a folding chair. Once those who need assistance have been pre-boarded, group A is allowed onto the plane, followed by group B, and finally group C. If you're in group A, even if you arrive at the gate minuets before boarding, you will still have a relatively wide range of available seats. However, those in the latter groups may end up in undesirable seats. For many, this process brings unneeded stress to traveling, hence the many people who dislike Southwest. If you check-in online and arrive at the gate in time, however, you can secure a reasonably good seat.

Another reason that Southwest is able to offer such low fares is that they use smaller, out-of-town airports that charge lower landing fees. For example, Southwest flies into Chicago's Midway airport instead of O'Hare and Dallas Love Field instead of Dallas-Fort Worth International. While many of these airports offer shorter walks to the gate and smaller security lines, many are less accessible by public transport and are located farther outside the city. However, in the aforementioned airports, this is not the case.

Whether you're looking for an airline whose flight attendants actually smile or simply want to fly for less, Southwest is the perfect airline. Always increasing in popularity, Southwest's route map is ever growing, adding new destinations and increased frequencies almost monthly. Once you understand the ins and outs of travel on America's most unique low fare carrier, you'll be sure to enjoy your trip greatly, paying less for more!