Southwest Airlines Community

This is my baby Gatsby! He flew on SWA 16 times in 2023 alone! (SWA if you’re reading this… can dogs get RR numbers too please lol?)     It took some training but he now LOVES flying. Neighbors never even know he’s on board until we’ve landed and slip him a little treat for being such a good boy!    See some of the things that were helpful to train him for flights on this post here:  https://community.southwest.com/t5/Travel-Policies/What-is-your-advice-for-flying-with-pets/m-p/169669#M21912   ... View more

I love that SWA makes it SO EASY to be flexible and roll with the punches. When I travel to my hometown to visit family, I find myself making a quick flight change after deciding that I want to linger a little longer with them. The last time I did this? This morning! The app and using primary points to book flights make it such an easy, low-stakes switcheroo.  SWA is just the best, no other airline offers that level of flexibility!  ... View more

My dog goes EVERYWHERE with me! He went on 16 SWA flights **in 2023 alone. We have having a happy flight down to a science and here is what has been most helpful for us:   1.) Help them to love their airline carrier and associate it with their fun + safe place… not just the vet! Many dogs don’t fly a ton and only see that carrier when they’re sick and being taken to the doctor where they’ll get a shot/X-Ray/medicine. Of course they’ll be wary of it and by proxy be afraid of being closed into one and put on the floorboard with loud airplane sounds going on! Use that carrier everyday! I made it his bed in my kitchen where he can get cozy at the end of the day and feel safe. Make it how you transport them to their favorite places (like to Grandma’s or the park). Give them their favorite treats in there. Now when I pull out the carrier from its spot in the kitchen, my dog is ecstatic to hop inside and go on an adventure in the skies!  2.) Train them to know being zipped inside and put in a floorboard area (as opposed to your lap) is totally safe + normal. I practiced with putting my dog in his carrier and driving with him in it in the passenger side floorboard for weeks before his first flight. It’s a big difference to be zipped up in there instead of on your lap like they’re used to so this made it normal v. confusing or a bad thing for him!  3.) I bring lots of high value treats for him for after the flight. My boy now knows there’s grilled chicken breast and cheddar cheese on the other side of his SWA ride haha! 4.) Sit in a window seat if you can! When we've been on the aisle, I've noticed he perks up every time someone passes (which is a lot with bathrooms, drink/snack service, trash pick-ups etc.) Window seat keeps him more settled and able to sleep uninterrupted.    Hope that helps and happy flying 🙂  ... View more

I have two fav must-do's to look forward to when I have a long connection:   1.) Bring my Kindle to binge a book (**and the charger!!**) When buried in a good book, you're not at C19 waiting for your plane to arrive! You're in a make-believe forest or the 1930s or on a tropical vacation. Reading is the fastest way to make 4 hours feel like 15 minutes. I'm obsessed that Kindles don't take up much space or weight in my tote bag. Fellow Fourth Wing lovers, I know you know what a difference it makes.    2.) Talk to someone older and wiser to learn a lesson!  I know most people are blocking out the world with top-of-the-line earphones and endless texts to answer. But at almost every gate is going to be an older gentleman or lady who would be so happy to chat and have someone to tell their stories to. Over the years, I've met the most incredible people who have had the most wild lives who are patiently waiting out their long layover near the pre-boarding area. It's so special to share a connection with them and just ask about their lives, experiences, and lessons.     ... View more