Southwest isn’t a regular airline; it’s a cool airline, and flying with them is a slightly different experience than the other major U.S. airlines. With no assigned seats in economy cabins and lower fees than most other airlines, Southwest has its superfans, but its gimmick may surprise some travelers if they’re not familiar with it.
While the airline’s CEO hinted that there may be changes to operations in the near future, the airline’s typical service will remain the same for now.
The airline, which has long been an outsider among major U.S. carriers, recently began publishing airfares on Google Flights.
If you’re traveling with Southwest Airlines for the first time, here are four things you should know.
1. No assigned seats
Perhaps the biggest difference between Southwest and other airlines is that passengers are not assigned seats.
Instead, each passenger is assigned a boarding position at check-in. Southwest flights are boarded in letter groups (A, B, and C), and there are up to 60 positions in each group. At most Southwest gates, there are columns where passengers can line up in the correct order before boarding.
Passengers can use any free seat on the plane.
Southwest’s boarding process means that the earlier you board, the more likely you are to get your preferred seat. That’s why elite members of its Rapid Rewards frequent flyer program and holders of some of its co-branded credit cards receive priority boarding as a benefit. Otherwise, your boarding seat is assigned based on when you check in.
With this system, it’s best to check in as early as possible. Southwest recommends downloading the app to your phone and checking in as soon as the option is available, which is 24 hours before departure, to get the best possible boarding position.
The airline also offers EarlyBird Check-In, where you receive your boarding pass and position up to 36 hours before your flight, as well as Upgraded Boarding, where you are guaranteed a position A1-A15, if available.
Southwest recently announced that it will increase the maximum price for EarlyBird check-in and upgraded boarding.
2. Few fees
Southwest lets all passengers check up to two bags for free and doesn’t charge change or cancellation fees if your travel plans change. You’ll have to pay the difference in fare if your new ticket is more expensive. All flights are fully refundable up to 24 hours after purchase. After this time, only Business Select fares are refundable to your payment method. Wanna Get Away and Wanna Get Away Plus fares can be redeemed for a future flight credit if you cancel your trip more than 24 hours after purchasing the ticket.
Cruising altitude: Want a free upgrade to first class? The only trick is your wallet.
3. Entertainment on board
While Southwest doesn’t have seatback screens, many of its planes have Wi-Fi that allows passengers to stream from its entertainment portal, including movies and TV shows, as well as live TV. Passengers can also use iMessage and WhatsApp over the Wi-Fi, provided the apps are downloaded before the flight.
4. Snacks and drinks
Southwest provides complimentary water and Coca-Cola soft drinks, as well as a selection of snacks. The airline also offers beer, wine, spirits and ready-made cocktails for purchase.
Check out the full guide to see the current offers on board.
Zach Wichter is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in New York. Reach him at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What you should know about flying with Southwest Airlines
