Southwest Airlines Community

Sorry chris535355 - I have to disagree.  No doubt you travel a lot, my guess is on the company dime.  But that does not give you the right to save multiple seats - pay the early bird fees for each, and board together.   Nor does it give ANYONE the right to save a seat.  This is becoming an issue, and like a previous post there is going to be some confrontations soon on flights.  SW has to institue a policy that customers understand and the airline can enforce.  Given the amount of comments regarding this topic, it needs to be addessed before SW is on the nightly news like other carriers we avoid because we like SW.     And from a different thread, as long as we are discussing things that may get passengers upset, the reclining seat issue.  Folks - if a seat reclines, the purchaser of that seat has the right to recline - period.  It stinks if you have long legs or have your laptop out working when that seat comes back, I get that.  But as a purchaser of the seat, if it reclines, and I want to lay back the 2 inches it allows it should be alllowed without incident.  From a earlier post, I learned that asking the person behind you if they mind you reclining while you are chosing your seat is a classy move.  I will do so moving forward.   Golden rule people - treat those as you want to be treated.  Air travel is tough and expensive - everyone is in the same boat.  Those with small children and traveling - bless you.  Stress level is increased exponentially.  Everyone hang in there, and we all will get to our destinations with the SW crew and a little bit of patience.     ... View more

While I agree that letting the non-TSA rookies into the TSA line is irritating, bottom line is air travel is not glamorous.  It is not "fun", and can be downright the worst.  I do it a lot for work, so its something unavoidable.  A couple things to remember that may help -    Be patient.  If this doesn't work, try again - rinse and repeat. Be prepared.  Give yourself time so you don't stress. Be polite.  I have seen some of the worst human behavior while traveling.  Doesn't need to be that way.   We are all in the same boat, and at the mercy of TSA, FAA and the airlines policies, that are often not posted anywhere. levesquegary had some very good points as well.  TSA is not perfect, but for the most part I have been glad to be part of that program and have gotten my 85 bucks worth for sure after only a couple of years.   Peace begins when expectations end - as long as you go into air travel with the attitude that things will (and always) will not go as you expected, all will work out.   ... View more

Flown SW twice internationally out of Buffalo through BWI with no issues.  One trip to Cancun, the other Liberia (Costa Rica).  Yes, the recheck of bags and through security is a bit tedious but it works and the flight cost savings is worth it. ... View more

Always a good idea to have some sort of snack and beverage with you when traveling on any airline.  I have found on SW that all you need to do is ask - when an attendant has the oppotunity they will bring what you requested.  Just be patient and polite, it goes a long way. ... View more

Suggest going to Southwest.com, scroll down home page and click on Early Bird.  From there, go to the FAQ section, answers to your questions are there.  It sounds like you may have purchased the early bird just once for yourself - when buying more than one ticket each early bird purchase is done separately.  I have done this quite a few times with my wife and have never had an issue like that.  Also, if any changes were made to your husband's reseervation after purchase there is a possibility of losing the bird status depending on the reason for change.  Hope this helps. ... View more