Southwest Airlines Announces New Policies

[Ed]

Southwest Airlines has announced several policy changes, the majority of which are effective on June 17, 2009; most apply to anyone who purchases their tickets on or after today, June 1, 2009:


Overweight/Excess Baggage Fees: :plane:


Effective June 17, 2009, your 3rd through 9th bag or item will incur a charge of $50 per piece, and any bag or item thereafter will be $110 per piece.

Effective June 17, 2009, overweight items from 51 to 100 pounds and oversized items in excess of 62 inches but not more than 80 inches (e.g.; surfboards, bicycles, vaulting poles) will be accepted for a charge of $50 per item. Any item weighing more than 100 pounds must be shipped as Air Cargo.

Small Pets Now Allowed: :dog::cat:

Also effective June 17, 2009, Southwest Airlines will accept small cats and dogs in carriers that can be stowed under the Customer’s seat. The Pet Fare will be $75 each way per pet carrier. Under no circumstances will we accept pets in the cargo bin. Southwest only accepts cats and dogs in-cabin. Customers will be permitted to travel with no more than one (1) pet carrier per person. Each pet carrier can have no more than two (2) of the same species of small cats or dogs per pet carrier. The pet carrier will count as the Customer’s carryon bag.

Reservations are required. To make reservations for a pet, the Customer will need to call Southwest Airlines at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA and the Customer Representative will gladly create a booking for the pet. After making a pet reservation at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA, Customers will need to go to the ticket counter to pay for their pet to travel. Pet reservations cannot be made online at this time.

No, Fido or Fluffy cannot earn Rapid Rewards credits. :nono:

Pets must remain in the carrier for the entire duration of the flight.

Unaccompanied Minors – New Fee:

Children age five through 11 may travel unaccompanied on Southwest Airlines as long as they have a confirmed reservation on a nonstop or direct flight (makes a stop but does not require change of planes or flight number).

Proof of age may be required.

Effective for reservations purchased or changed on or after June 1, 2009, for travel on or after June 17, 2009, Southwest Airlines will collect a $25 one-way service charge for children traveling as Unaccompanied Minors.

Online Checkin via Web-Enabled Cell Phones:

You can now check in for your flight 24 hours before departure time via cell phone. The URL is mobile.southwest.com; this will reserve your place in the boarding process.

After checking in, you can print out your boarding passes on arrival at the airport, using SWA's kiosks, or at the ticket counter or curbside if you are checking bags.


Have a good flight!

[Strmchsr]

Thanks for the update, Ed!! :thumbsup:

In further news...most all major airlines today announced a new policy that if you wish to breathe during a flight it's now a $50 oxygen usage charge. If you wish to breathe clean air it's $150. Also, a $25 facility charge will be added to anyone using the restroom and a $50 safety charge is added for a working seatbelt. :D

[Itchy]

It looks like they are either wanting to go out of business or trying to get their would be customers to either drive to their destinations or walk.

This another reason I only fly when I really must.

[Dsnygirl]

In further news...most all major airlines today announced a new policy that if you wish to breathe during a flight it's now a $50 oxygen usage charge. If you wish to breathe clean air it's $150. Also, a $25 facility charge will be added to anyone using the restroom and a $50 safety charge is added for a working seatbelt. :D

:rotfl: :funny:

[DakandZakMom]

Thanks for the update, Ed!! :thumbsup:

In further news...most all major airlines today announced a new policy that if you wish to breathe during a flight it's now a $50 oxygen usage charge. If you wish to breathe clean air it's $150. Also, a $25 facility charge will be added to anyone using the restroom and a $50 safety charge is added for a working seatbelt. :D

:funny::rotfl:

[BMan62]

I wouldn't consider any of those changes to be outrageous.

Do other airlines allow small pets to ride in the cabin for free?

Do other airlines allow baggage over 100 pounds at all, let alone without a fee? How about oversized items?

Now, the big one... I cannot believe, in this day and age, that ANY airline allows unaccompanied minors on flights at all. And ages 5 to 11? What are the parents thinking? Call me old school, but this is ridiculous. I'm surprised the 'sitter fee' is only $25.

[Zippy 1]

All the major airlines allow unacompained minors for a few. Depending on the age depends on how high the fee. This is one thing I could never do. My sister wants my DD 15 to come to visit for an extended period but there is no way we will let her fly alone. It would require at least on layover if not 2 depending on which airlines.

[Ed]

Southwest still has the lowest (and fewest!) fees of any major airline, bar none. And like the rest of the airlines, they're feeling the effects of the recession. It's pretty obvious that they are reaching the point where their low fares are putting some serious hurt on their bottom line. Frankly, I'm amazed that they've resisted these kinds of charges as long as they have.

And BTW - - I was talking to a SWA supervisor a few days ago, and was told that "assigned seating" will likely be forthcoming in the not-too-distant future. Personally, I don't care - I don't mind their present open seating policy - but I know a lot of folks don't like it one bit.

[Strmchsr]

Southwest still has the lowest (and fewest!) fees of any major airline, bar none.

Agreed. I'm still a big fan of SWA. It just seems like every other day a new fee comes down the pipe.

However, I understand where this luggage thing comes from. Extra weight makes the plane burn more fuel which costs more money. People these days are, in general, heavier than they used to be (and until 10 months ago I fit that category quite well) and there was much talk among the airlines for a while of charging overweight passengers. However, we've already seen the horrendous backlash against the airlines for wanting to charge passengers over a certain weight (discrimination lawsuits, etc), so one of the ways they get around it is by charging for heavier luggage. It does make business sense, even if I don't like it.

[AllDisney]

What happens when someone is allergic to cats and or dogs?

How does SWA intend to handle that issue?

[wildernesslady]

I wouldn't consider any of those changes to be outrageous.

Do other airlines allow small pets to ride in the cabin for free?

Do other airlines allow baggage over 100 pounds at all, let alone without a fee? How about oversized items?

Now, the big one... I cannot believe, in this day and age, that ANY airline allows unaccompanied minors on flights at all. And ages 5 to 11? What are the parents thinking? Call me old school, but this is ridiculous. I'm surprised the 'sitter fee' is only $25.

I agree. I would never allow my child at that age fly alone. I would be the chaperone.

[Coach Rick]

I wouldn't consider any of those changes to be outrageous.

Do other airlines allow small pets to ride in the cabin for free?

Do other airlines allow baggage over 100 pounds at all, let alone without a fee? How about oversized items?

Now, the big one... I cannot believe, in this day and age, that ANY airline allows unaccompanied minors on flights at all. And ages 5 to 11? What are the parents thinking? Call me old school, but this is ridiculous. I'm surprised the 'sitter fee' is only $25.

Here is the problem. I am not debating, just merely making a comment, because at first I had this same response. When we start making excuses for things like this to be ok what's next? Southwest has always been my airline of choice for many reasons, not the least of which is the inexpensive fares. Do you remember a time when service meant service and was simply included in the price? I know it's a different world, but I believe it's because we allowed it to become this world. Just sayin'

[RBrooksC]

"And BTW - - I was talking to a SWA supervisor a few days ago, and was told that "assigned seating" will likely be forthcoming in the not-too-distant future. Personally, I don't care - I don't mind their present open seating policy - but I know a lot of folks don't like it one bit."

Don't bet on that. It was tested a few years ago and the current model with assigned boarding places is how it is going to stay for the time being. It allows planes to be boarded faster than if there were assigned seats.

If one is going to quibble of these very rudimentary fees that are not out of line, then I guess you should drive. SWA is not charging for snacks or drinks in the cabin. They are not charging for pillows or blankets. They do not charge for a window or an isle seat nor do they charge for an emergency exit row seat. They do not charge for a second bag, and they don't charge you calling their reservations center. So, when one gets right down to it, the airline has very few fees.

The $75 fee is to cover the fuel costs for the extra weight. I have seen how heavy some bags can get when people shove everything they own into one bag. Either spread what is being packed over two bags or pack smarter.

The fee for a pet is a no-brainer and how do other airline handle allergies? I have allergies to cats and I couldn't care less if somebody has a cat on a plane or not.

Unaccompanied Minors fee is fine also. The child being watched intently by the FAs, is escorted around by the Ops agent and then escorted off the plane by the FAs, and if the guardian isn't at the airport yet, the child has to be watched the CSA until the guardian arrives.

[ThanxForNoticin]

These changes don't seem that bad to me really. I truly think SW wants to avoid the baggage fees for all bags like many of the other airlines are doing. It's just so irritating to pay for luggage that just about everyone has to take with them when they fly. So if they can continue to offer 2 bags free (at least bags under 50 pounds), but add extra fees for more bags or heavier bags, I don't have a big problem with that. If I'm traveling and I have a reasonably-sized bag or two, they are by far the best carrier to take.

I also kind of doubt that SW will be moving to an assigned seat system for passengers. I know they looked into that a couple years ago, and the cost associated with changing their computers to handle it was quite high. The current system they have in place is not a bad one - everyone with a boarding pass has a seat and those who check in first get to pick their seats. I think the individual numbering of the boarding passes was a good move. Now you don't have people getting in line an hour before the flight. It makes for a nice, calm, and more efficient queue.

Thanks for the info.

[1DisneyNut]

What happens when someone is allergic to cats and or dogs?

How does SWA intend to handle that issue?

I was wondering the same thing. I don't want an animal under the seat next to me. I don't want to hear it, smell it or start sneezing because of it.

[MinnieMommie]

Thanks for the update, Ed!! :thumbsup:

In further news...most all major airlines today announced a new policy that if you wish to breathe during a flight it's now a $50 oxygen usage charge. If you wish to breathe clean air it's $150. Also, a $25 facility charge will be added to anyone using the restroom and a $50 safety charge is added for a working seatbelt. :D

DH and I really got a big chuckle out of that one! LOL! :mickey:

[Seasonscraps]

A lot of airlines already allow animals to fly in cabins so there's nothing really new there in air travel. You can always let the reservation agent know about severe allergies and ask to switch seats when you are the plane if you are too close to a pet. I have been on a few flights where pets have been on board, including across the aisle from me, I never heard a peep (or bark...LOL).

I don't think charging for bags three through nine is a big deal. Most airlines charge for the first and second bag. The alternative would be raise the fares for everyone to make up for the fuel costs for carrying that much extra weight on the plane.

I am surprised that children as young as 5 can fly unattended. I would think 10 would be the minumum.

[spoiledraf]

As the fees go up, I can only say it's about time. How many airlines have gone out of business due to bankruptcy. Every quarter you heard about this airline or that lost hundreds of millions of dollars. And that was years ago when the economy was doing well. I've always wondered why they don't charge enough to cover their costs. I like the cheaper fairs but a business has to make money to survive. Other wise we will all be driving to Disney. :(

[5togetherWDW]

I, too, am concerned about the allergy issue. Yes, other airlines allow pets -- but, the combination of SW's cheaper fares and open seating means that there is a greater likelyhood of having a surprise pooch nearby. A few years back, I would not have cared. Sure, I had minor allergies to pet dander but taking a Benadryl would have been ok. Now, my tollerance to cats is much less -- I'll start wheezing as soon as I enter a room where a cat has been. I also have children with sensitivities -- so it is a greater concern. If you think about how often people ignore rules to get out their items for "just a minute" -- you see that the pets could be removed the same way. Those few minutes will get fur / dander in the air, and on the seats / floor. Even when that passenger leaves, the allergan remains. We have been flying SW and were already having to be wary, as they still have peanuts for all. Even on a fresh flight with no nuts opened in the row, I have smelled them. I don't want to give up on SW, but -- we may have to with this policy.

[KAT1811]

Thanks for the update, Ed!! :thumbsup:

In further news...most all major airlines today announced a new policy that if you wish to breathe during a flight it's now a $50 oxygen usage charge. If you wish to breathe clean air it's $150. Also, a $25 facility charge will be added to anyone using the restroom and a $50 safety charge is added for a working seatbelt. :D

:haha: :laughing:


Now, the big one... I cannot believe, in this day and age, that ANY airline allows unaccompanied minors on flights at all. And ages 5 to 11? What are the parents thinking? Call me old school, but this is ridiculous. I'm surprised the 'sitter fee' is only $25.

Never judge, some people may not have a choice with all of the divorces of today and there are always extenuating circumstances, you never know.



Unaccompanied Minors fee is fine also. The child being watched intently by the FAs, is escorted around by the Ops agent and then escorted off the plane by the FAs, and if the guardian isn't at the airport yet, the child has to be watched the CSA until the guardian arrives.

Our DD (12 1/2) is meeting us [DH, DD# 2 (2 3/4) & 3 (turning 5 on our trip), DS (8months at time of travel), and myself] in Disney for our second week of vacation because she cannot miss school for the full two weeks. Anyway. . . SW's policy allows an adult (in our case my mother) to obtain a "escort pass" and walk the child to the gate and stay with them until actual boarding. On the receiving end the adult (in our case DH) meeting the child also obtains an "escort pass" from the ticket counter and meets the child at the gate as they disembark. Our child isn't actually considered an unaccompanied minor beacause of her age but this is the practice for minors. Plus SW only allows children to fly direct or non-stop flights, no escorting around by FAs, they do not want the responsibility and I don't blame them in this day and age.

P.S. - Fees I suppose are a necessary evil. I love SW none the less! Unfortunately I think I'll ship a box and DS's porta-crib this year! A pain but cheaper none the less!

[Simba's Mom]

What happens when someone is allergic to cats and or dogs?

How does SWA intend to handle that issue? The same way the other airlines have, I imagine-which is to say, they don't do anything. I know that about 15 years ago, we traveled with all 3 of our cats in the cabin. Although we had to have approved carriers, carry their shot records, and pay a fee (I don't remember what it was), I don't remember any formal announcement like "There are cats on board. If anyone's allergic, please let us know." I know that DDIL would have raised her hand. It does seem a little puzzling to me that nothing was said. Also, I wonder, with the number of people who have severe peanut allergies, why do some airlines still insist on passing out peanuts?

[DisneyWFan]

Thanks for the update, Ed!! :thumbsup:

In further news...most all major airlines today announced a new policy that if you wish to breathe during a flight it's now a $50 oxygen usage charge. If you wish to breathe clean air it's $150. Also, a $25 facility charge will be added to anyone using the restroom and a $50 safety charge is added for a working seatbelt. :D

:rotfl:

[mickeys_princess_mom]

I was wondering the same thing. I don't want an animal under the seat next to me. I don't want to hear it, smell it or start sneezing because of it.

I feel the same way! For one thing, all three of my children are allergic to cats!

[Marilyn Michetti]

Does this mean my ECV is going to cost me $100?:(

[Strmchsr]

Does this mean my ECV is going to cost me $100?:(

That's a good question. I would suggest calling SWA and asking then please post and let us know the answer.

[Ed]

I did a little digging on SWA's website and found this on their "Customers with Disabilities" page:


Manual and Power Wheelchairs

Southwest will stow wheelchairs in the aircraft cabin as long as they can be stowed in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) safety guidelines. Each aircraft is equipped with a specially designed wheelchair storage compartment to allow in-cabin stowage of at least one standard-size adult collapsible wheelchair. The wheelchair compartment is located in the rear of the aircraft and is available for Customer use on a first-come, first-served basis.

If the wheelchair will not safely fit in an approved cabin bin or stowage area, we will transport it in the cargo compartment at no additional charge. However, we suggest that all removable parts (i.e., cushions, arm or leg rests, and side guards) be stowed in an overhead bin or under a seat if the parts fit and meet all FAA safety requirements for onboard stowage. The Customer has the option to retrieve the checked wheelchair at the gate or baggage claim upon arrival at his/her destination.

If you are traveling with a power wheelchair, in the event that we need to prepare your wheelchair for stowage, we may ask that you relinquish your power wheelchair up to an hour in advance of departure. In that case, you will be transferred to an airport wheelchair until boarding begins. Power wheelchairs and scooters will be securely stowed in the cargo compartment of the aircraft. Southwest recommends that all removable parts of the wheelchair be stowed in the overhead bins.

If your wheelchair/scooter is powered by a wet cell battery, the battery will be removed and placed in a protective battery box, as required by federal HAZMAT safety regulations. It would be most helpful for the Customer to label the battery cables with corresponding colored tape or provide detailed disconnection and reconnection directions so that the Agents at the destination city can quickly and easily reconnect the battery to the wheelchair. You may bring one “spare” wet cell battery for each battery needed to operate your wheelchair. Those batteries will also be packaged in a protective battery box.

If your wheelchair/scooter is powered by a nonspillable battery that is in good condition and can be stowed upright in the cargo bin of the aircraft, we will ensure the battery is secured and will not remove the battery. In order to prevent shorting and possible electrical fire, we must disconnect the battery either by using a quick disconnect mechanism, if present, or manually removing the cables from the battery. Again, if the Customer can provide disconnect directions or label the corresponding cables, our Agents can easily reconnect the battery and return the assistive device more quickly at the Customer’s destination. We do not limit the number of “spare” nonspillable batteries a Customer may check in.

Bottom line - it appears that SWA will continue to transport wheelchairs/scooters at no additional cost.

[Brownie54]

I was wondering the same thing. I don't want an animal under the seat next to me. I don't want to hear it, smell it or start sneezing because of it.

I hear what your saying, but I don't want a crying baby next to me either. I don't want a pesky little eight year old constantly pulling the back of my seat the whole flight. I don't want to sit next to a woman who has enough perfume on to send my allergies into shock. I don't want to sit anywhere near an elderly person who cannot control their flatulance. I don't want any of these but I have. Poor me!

[pixiesmimi]

DGS has to travel unaccompanied every time he comes down to see us and his mother since he lives in WI with his father and vice versa when he is living down here and goes up there to visit. I don't like it but he has done it several times and loves it. We go with him to the gate and his dad picks him up on the other end. They have to have the name of the person picking up ahead of time and you have to provide proof of ID. They board the minors first and they generally sit in the back but last trip, they upgraded them to first class. He really loved that! Sometimes you just have to do what you have to do and they always take good care of them. But DGS is a very outgoing child and I'm not sure I would send one that was scared of flying or afraid to go alone. I would just make other arrangements.

[Ian]

I hear what your saying, but I don't want a crying baby next to me either. I don't want a pesky little eight year old constantly pulling the back of my seat the whole flight. I don't want to sit next to a woman who has enough perfume on to send my allergies into shock. I don't want to sit anywhere near an elderly person who cannot control their flatulance. I don't want any of these but I have. Poor me!With all due respect, this is an absurd comparison.

First off, you're comparing a human being to an animal. Secondly, a child cannot simply be left behind like a pet can.

But more importantly ... while it might be a minor irritation to you to have to listen to a crying child, it's not a health issue. My BIL is deathly allergic to cats and literally has his airway close up when he's around them. He can barely breathe and, if he doesn't get medication quickly, could quite easily die.

I think this is an absolutely ridiculous policy. People need to stop acting like pets are people and leave them at home.

[Seasonscraps]

I think this is an absolutely ridiculous policy. People need to stop acting like pets are people and leave them at home.

What are people that are moving long distances supposed to do with their pets? Driving is not always feasible. Just because pets they are not human, doesn't mean they should be subjected to travelling in cargo areas of the plane when they will fit in cabin as prescribed and permitted by the airlines.

I do think there should be certain pet free flights because there are people with severe allergies that should be accomodated in advance. But the airlines should not be able to deny boarding to passengers that paid the fare for their pets at the gate because someone announces they have a pet allergy when they arrive at the airport and see a pet carrier.

[AvonleaCF]

I think this is an absolutely ridiculous policy. People need to stop acting like pets are people and leave them at home.

I'm shocked that such an insensitive and rude comment was made by an Intercot Staff Member.

Have you never had a pet?

Have you never had to move with a pet?

Pets are family, like it or not, and are also living, breathing creatures who deserve to be handled with humanity -- in the airplane cabin.

People with allergies can request to move their seat. People with severe allergies should make accommodations with the airline ahead of time. Pets have been allowed on most airlines for years.

[Ian]

You know ... I had a different response posted here, but somehow I don't think it's really worth it so I'll just apologize if I hurt anyone's feelings or offended anyone.

That was not my intention. I, in fact, was offended by the suggestion that children and pets should be subject to the same type of treatment on an airliner.

Anyway sorry again if I stepped on toes. My toes were stepped on and I reacted badly.

[pixiesmimi]

As one that has moved to another country for three years and had to take our pet because he was a family member for many years and we couldn't stand giving him up and knew if we left him behind with a family member that he wouldn't survive, I know what it is like to fly with a pet. He was too large to put under a seat, although I would have felt a lot better about it, but back then most pets went in the cargo hold. I worried about this the whole 24 hour trip and was afraid that they would let him out when we changed planes as I have heard about animals escaping and being chased all over the runway, and also worried about him not being walked or having food and water on the trip. So I can understand people who have small pets wanting to put them in the cabin with them. But if it was just a vacation or such, I would definitely leave the pet with a friend or board them instead of subjecting him, us, and the other passengers to all that it entails. Moving is one thing, just taking the pet on a trip is another.

I also understand the other side where you don't have a place to leave them or, like our dog, they go beserk when boarded, and need to be taken. I don't know the answer here because my DH also is allergic to cats and would immediately notice if one was around him and would pay later. I can understand taking a dog because they are higher maintenance but think a cat could be left behind because they are easier to have someone come in and check on them every day. I think more people are allergic to cats than dogs. I think maybe the answer is to just drive where you have to go if taking a pet. What if you are moving, have to fly, have a larger pet, and the airlines do not put them in the cargo hold any more? What do you do then?

[Brownie54]

You know ... I had a different response posted here, but somehow I don't think it's really worth it so I'll just apologize if I hurt anyone's feelings or offended anyone.

That was not my intention. I, in fact, was offended by the suggestion that children and pets should be subject to the same type of treatment on an airliner.

Anyway sorry again if I stepped on toes. My toes were stepped on and I reacted badly.

Okay, my turn....I apologize. It was not my intention to offend anyone by my comments. You made an excellent point about this being a serious health issue. The point I was trying to make(rather poorly) is that some people were so quick to complain about the original post. IMHO, SouthWest is still one of the best airlines.
On a more personal note, Ian, I always enjoy reading your posts here. Not only are you a Disney expect but you also bring a logical point to many conversations. Again, I apologize as I don't want to get on the wrong side of someone I respect so much.

[BMan62]

Maybe Southwest could designate "Pet Flights" where the pets would be allowed, and everyone with possible allergic reactions can plan accordingly.

They could flag these on their website with a dog/cat/paw icon.
:dog: :cat: :paw:

[Ian]

Okay, my turn....I apologize. It was not my intention to offend anyone by my comments. You made an excellent point about this being a serious health issue. The point I was trying to make(rather poorly) is that some people were so quick to complain about the original post. IMHO, SouthWest is still one of the best airlines.
On a more personal note, Ian, I always enjoy reading your posts here. Not only are you a Disney expect but you also bring a logical point to many conversations. Again, I apologize as I don't want to get on the wrong side of someone I respect so much.Eh ... no worries. To be perfectly honest, I was cranky yesterday and probably just over-reacted.

I see both sides of this issue and agree it's sort of sticky.

[AvonleaCF]

Eh ... no worries. To be perfectly honest, I was cranky yesterday and probably just over-reacted.

I see both sides of this issue and agree it's sort of sticky.

Ditto.

Plane travel isn't easy. It's public transportation, with lots of rules. While some accommodations can and should be made to make the greatest number of people comfortable, the truth is that you can't satisfy every single person 100% of the time.

Some people are fine with just a small carry-on, and therefore the fees don't bother them. Other people need 3 or 4 over-sized bags. Some people are allergic to cats, other people need to travel with them. Some people have crying babies, others don't like children.

If you want a flight without [insert undesirable trait], you should make other arrangements. It shouldn't be the "offenders" responsibility.