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Southwest Airlines
IATA: WN · Independent Carrier

Southwest Flights

Search and compare cheap Southwest Airlines tickets across 120+ destinations worldwide. Find the best WN fares for your journey — only on FareOptic.

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About Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines (IATA: WN) is America's largest domestic airline and one of the world's most profitable carriers, known for its no-frills yet passenger-friendly approach. Founded in 1967 and based in Dallas, Texas, Southwest pioneered low-cost air travel in the US and today serves 120+ cities across 10+ countries with a fleet of 770+ Boeing 737 aircraft operating 4,000+ daily flights.

Southwest is uniquely famous for including 2 free checked bags on every ticket — a policy no other major US carrier matches — as well as zero change or cancellation fees on all fare types. FareOptic helps you find the lowest Southwest fares and compare them against other carriers for the best value on your domestic trip.

Find and compare cheap flights

Everything you need to find and book your next cheap flight — all in one place.

Price Match Promise

Found a better deal? We'll match it!

24/7 Customer Support

Speak to our travel experts anytime, anywhere.

ClubMiles Rewards

Stack points & airline miles to save.

Easy Cancellations

Convenient options online and 24/7 global concierge.

Popular Southwest Airlines Routes

Most searched Southwest domestic flights

Southwest Airlines Hub Airports

Southwest operates through 8 major hubs, offering connections across its 120+-destination global network.

DAL
Dallas Love Field
Corporate headquarters hub
MDW
Chicago Midway
Midwest hub
DEN
Denver International
Mountain hub
LAS
Las Vegas Harry Reid
Southwest hub
PHX
Phoenix Sky Harbor
Southwest hub
BWI
Baltimore/Washington
East Coast hub
ATL
Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson
Southeast hub
HOU
Houston Hobby
Texas hub

Southwest Airlines Cabin Classes

Find the right Southwest cabin for your journey and budget — from affordable Economy to premium Business.

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Wanna Get Away

  • Lowest available fare
  • 2 free checked bags included
  • Earn Rapid Rewards points
  • Non-transferable travel credit if cancelled
  • Standard boarding position
✈️

Wanna Get Away+

  • Transferable flight credits
  • Same-day standby for earlier flights
  • 2 free checked bags included
  • Higher boarding priority
  • Earn more Rapid Rewards points
🛋️

Anytime

  • Fully refundable ticket
  • Priority boarding (A1–A15)
  • 2 free checked bags included
  • Complimentary premium drink
  • Highest Rapid Rewards earning rate
🌟

Business Select

  • Guaranteed A1–A15 boarding group
  • Fully refundable fare
  • Priority security lane (select airports)
  • 2 free checked bags included
  • Complimentary premium drink onboard

Rapid Rewards Frequent Flyer Program

Rapid Rewards is one of the most transparent airline loyalty programs — every dollar spent earns points, and points are worth a fixed rate. No seat restrictions, no blackout dates, and points don't expire as long as your account is active.

Earn on Every Dollar

Earn Rapid Rewards points on every dollar spent on Southwest flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and partner purchases.

No Blackout Dates

Use your Rapid Rewards points for any available seat on any Southwest flight — completely unrestricted redemptions.

Points Don't Expire

Rapid Rewards points never expire as long as your account remains active (one qualifying flight or purchase every 24 months).

Companion Pass

Fly 100 qualifying one-way flights or earn 135,000 points in a calendar year to unlock the Companion Pass — your designated companion flies FREE with you for the remainder of that year and all of the next.

Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy

Fees and allowances vary by route and fare type. Always verify at time of booking.

Bag / PolicyWanna Get AwayWanna Get Away+AnytimeBusiness Select
Personal itemFreeFreeFreeFree
Carry-on bagFreeFreeFreeFree
1st checked bagFree ✓Free ✓Free ✓Free ✓
2nd checked bagFree ✓Free ✓Free ✓Free ✓
Weight limit50 lb50 lb50 lb50 lb

Southwest is the only major US airline offering 2 free checked bags for every passenger on every ticket. No bag fees, ever.

Check-In Options & Boarding

💻

Online Check-In

Opens 24 hours before departure at southwest.com or the Southwest app. Earlier check-in means a better boarding group position.

📱

Mobile App Check-In

Download the Southwest app on iOS or Android to check in, access your mobile boarding pass, and receive real-time gate and delay notifications.

🏢

Airport Check-In

Self-service kiosks and staffed counters are available at all Southwest airports. Domestic gates typically close 15 minutes and international gates 30–45 minutes before departure.

Cancellation & Change Policy

24-Hour Risk-Free Cancellation

All Fares

All Southwest Airlines tickets can be cancelled within 24 hours of purchase for a full refund, regardless of fare type — provided the flight departs at least 2 days away.

Change Policy

Fare Dependent

All Southwest fare types can be changed or cancelled with no fee. Wanna Get Away fares receive a non-transferable travel credit; Anytime and Business Select fares are fully refundable to the original form of payment.

Non-Refundable Ticket Credit

Non-Refundable

If you cancel a non-refundable Southwest ticket after the 24-hour window, you typically receive a future travel credit valid for 12 months from the original issue date.

Refundable Fares

Flex Fares

Fully refundable fare types are available at a premium and provide maximum flexibility — suitable for travelers with uncertain plans.

In-Flight Experience on Southwest Airlines

📡

Wi-Fi Available

Inflight Wi-Fi available for purchase on most Southwest aircraft. Stay connected throughout your domestic journey.

📺

Live TV & Entertainment

Free live TV on most flights via the Southwest app. Stream sports, news, and shows using your own device.

🍺

Beverages & Snacks

Complimentary non-alcoholic beverages and snacks on all flights. Beer, wine, and spirits available for purchase.

🪑

Open Seating

Southwest uses open seating — no assigned seats. Boarding groups (A, B, C) are assigned at check-in; earlier check-in means better boarding positions.

Tips to Book Cheap Southwest Airlines Flights

  • 1.Southwest doesn't appear on third-party booking sites — book directly at southwest.com or through FareOptic price comparison.
  • 2.Check in exactly 24 hours before departure to get the best boarding group position and more seat choices.
  • 3.Take advantage of Southwest's no-change-fee policy — book early and adjust plans without penalty.
  • 4.The 2 free checked bags per passenger make Southwest competitive even when base fares appear slightly higher than ultra-low-cost carriers.
  • 5.Low Fare Calendar on southwest.com shows the cheapest days to fly — use it alongside FareOptic for best results.
  • 6.Fly mid-week (Tuesday–Wednesday) for the lowest Southwest fares, especially on busy routes like LAS–LAX and MDW–MCO.
  • 7.Earn the Companion Pass by accumulating 135,000 Rapid Rewards points in a calendar year — your companion flies free for up to two years.
  • 8.Business Select fares include priority boarding (A1–A15), letting you pick any remaining seat first — great on popular routes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about booking Southwest Airlines flights on FareOptic

Does Southwest charge for checked bags?

No — Southwest includes 2 free checked bags (up to 50 lbs each) for every passenger on every ticket type, including Wanna Get Away. Carry-on bags and personal items are also free. Southwest is the only major US airline with this policy, making it genuinely competitive even when base fares look similar to other carriers.

What are Southwest's fare types?

Southwest offers four fare types: Wanna Get Away (lowest price, non-transferable credit if cancelled), Wanna Get Away Plus (transferable credits, better standby), Anytime (fully refundable, priority boarding), and Business Select (guaranteed A1–A15 boarding, fully refundable, complimentary premium drink). All include 2 free checked bags.

How does Southwest boarding work?

Southwest uses open seating — no assigned seats. When you check in (opens 24 hours before departure), you're assigned a boarding group (A, B, or C) and position number. Board in order, then pick any available seat. Checking in early is critical for the best boarding positions. Business Select guarantees A1–A15.

What is the Rapid Rewards program?

Rapid Rewards points are earned at a fixed rate per dollar spent and redeemed at a fixed value (no complicated award charts). Points don't expire with account activity and there are no blackout dates. Earning 135,000 qualifying points in a calendar year unlocks the Companion Pass — your companion flies free for the rest of that year and all of the next.

Does Southwest fly internationally?

Southwest primarily serves the US domestic market with some service to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America. Southwest does not operate transatlantic or transpacific routes. For international travel beyond the Americas, compare fares from carriers like British Airways, Emirates, or United Airlines on FareOptic.