Preferred perks: Free luggage allowance and flexible seating arrangements make Southwest Airlines my go-to choice.
Stellin' From Southwest: Your Guide to a Loyal Flyer
So here I am, your favorite Southwest Airlines fanatic, ready to confess my shameful obsession. Growing up, I exclusively flew on this low-priced airline. To me, boarding the plane meant dealing with unruly passengers, last-minute seat grabs, and, of course, that kid who never stops crying. Sounds terrible, right? But trust me, I loved every minute of it.
Fast forward to now. I've gotten a taste of first-class upgrades, lounge access, and overpriced airport snacks, but you know what? I still prefer Southwest. As more and more folks ditch their loyalty for airlines offering elite statuses, perks, and shiny new planes, I stand solidly with my baggage fees and open seating. So, here's why you might join me on this adventurous journey.
Savings, Savings, Savings
Southwest is all about keeping your wallet happy. From the low-fare calendar that shows you the best cash and points deals to their regular sales where tickets can be as low as $39 one-way, this airline truly knows how to save you dough. So, let's chat about the Companion Pass, a valuable offering that lets you bring a buddy on every flight for free (but still pays taxes and fees) for at least a full calendar year. Ever tried snagging two airline tickets with that at a reasonable cost? No chance, baby.
If you're a solo traveler like me, the Companion Pass might not save you a ton of money, but keep an eye on your parents. They've likely racked up thousands in savings by taking advantage of this perk. And don't forget about those Southwest credit cards. With a bit of card spending, you can earn enough points to snag the Companion Pass. That's exponentially more bang for your buck in comparison to those single companion tickets offered by most other airlines.
Of course, those free checked bags ain't too shabby either. Charges for checked bags vary wildly among airlines, and you're usually paying at least $30 for a first bag and $40 for a second one if you don’t have a special card or status. Southwest lets you bring your first two bags for free, which means a family of four can check up to eight bags at no additional cost, saving them hundreds in baggage fees alone.
Keepin' It Simple
Let me put it this way: Southwest ain't got time for complicated. They don't have partner airlines to get confused by, and they don't differentiate seat types or baggage allowances based on fare types. So, no more comparisons, calculations, or stress over which airline to choose. Just a simple, carefree experience.
When it comes to credit cards, Southwest makes redeeming points a breeze. From the traditional method of earning points through flying and spending on their co-branded cards to transferring points from Chase Ultimate Rewards, the system is perfect for beginners and pros alike. Forget about spending hours learning the intricacies of points transfer and redemption—just book your flight and rack up those points.
The easy-peasy earn and redeem system isn't the only advantage of Southwest. They offer more nonstop route options, thanks to their point-to-point route network, saving you valuable time and hassle during your journey.
Goin' the Distance with Southwest Credit Cards
Southwest has a whole lineup of credit cards suited to satisfy various spending priorities. From their personal cards, like the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card, to their business cards, there's something for everyone. Need a card for everyday dining and travel expenses? No problem—the Chase Sapphire Reserve has got you covered, earning 4x points on those categories. Just remember, when in pursuit of the Companion Pass, stick with Southwest's co-branded cards to help you earn those all-important points.
Flaws in Flight
While I could go on and on about my love for Southwest, it's not the perfect match for everyone. If you're heavily invested in international travel, you might find their route offerings limited. And if you just can't stand the idea of an open seating policy, Southwest might not be your cup of tea. However, if you're cool with the flexibility and don't mind waiting till the last minute to select your seat (just don't let that crying baby get to you), you'll be just fine.
As for taking your buddy along for the ride, make sure to earn that Companion Pass and upgrade your travel life. Your wallet's already thanking you.
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References- [1] Southwest Airlines' Companion Pass: A Comprehensive Guide https://thepointsguy.com/guide/southwest-companion-pass/- [2] The Southwest Companion Pass: Travel Hacking Made Simple https://thepointsguy.com/insider/southwest-companion-pass-travel-hacking/- [3] How to Quickly Earn a Southwest Companion Pass https://thepointsguy.com/guide/southwest-companion-pass-quickly/
- Southwest Airlines prioritizes savings with their low-fare calendar showing cash and points deals, regular sales with tickets as low as $39 one-way, and a Companion Pass that allows a buddy to fly for free (taxes and fees applied).
- With the Companion Pass, families can save significantly on checked bags, as Southwest offers free checked bags for the first two bags, saving hundreds alone in baggage fees.
- Southwest keeps things simple by not differentiating seat types or baggage allowances based on fare types, providing a stress-free flight experience.
- Redeeming points with Southwest credit cards is easy, including traditional methods of earning points through flying and spending, as well as transferring points from Chase Ultimate Rewards.
- Southwest offers more nonstop route options, thanks to their point-to-point route network, saving time and hassle during travel.
- Southwest has a lineup of credit cards for various spending priorities, including the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card for everyday dining and travel expenses.
- Southwest may not be the best fit for heavy international travel or those who dislike an open seating policy, but it offers flexibility for passengers who don't mind selecting their seat during the last minute.
