Southwest Airlines was founded in 1967 and is at present, the biggest low-cost airline in the world plus one of the biggest airlines in the United States. The airline's headquarters are in Dallas, Texas, where it also as a hub at Dallas Love Field. It has further centres of operation at William P. Hobby Airport in Houston, Baltimore Washington International Airport, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Denver International Airport, Orlando International Airport, Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Oakland International Airport, McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas, Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee and Midway International Airport in Chicago.
It operates using a large fleet of more than 700 planes and serves nearly 100 destinations across the United States. Southwest Airlines' cheap flights to Houston, Chicago and Las Vegas are particularly popular. Although it has had various codeshare arrangements in the past, the airline currently has no such agreements in place.
Online check-in
Passengers can check in online for all Southwest Airlines flights, starting from as early as 24 hours ahead of the scheduled takeoff time. Passengers on Infant, Child or Senior tickets must have the age verified before they can check in online. Online check in for Southwest Airlines flights closes 1 hour before departure. Passengers can also check in at the airport by using a self-service kiosk or by going to one of the airline's check-in counters. Any customers who paid for EarlyBird check-in do not need to check in online, as this will be done for them automatically 36 hours before their flight.
Hand luggage allowance
Passengers may take 1 piece of luggage and 1 personal item into the aircraft's cabin with them on a Southwest Airlines flight. The maximum size for hand luggage is 25 x 40 x 60 cm. Personal items include things like handbags, laptops, briefcases and cameras. Passengers can also take mobility aids, coats, snacks for the flight and umbrellas onto the plane without these things counting as either the passenger's main item or personal item. Any passengers who are bringing an infant on their flight may also carry a stroller or car seat at no extra cost. The airline also sells special bags for the transportation of these items.
Checked baggage allowance
All passengers are entitled to check in 2 bags for a Southwest Airlines flight. Each item of baggage is limited to a maximum weight of 22 kg and a maximum combined width, height and length of 158 cm. Above these limits, passengers will have to pay excess baggage charges. If any item of luggage is heavier than 45 kg or has combined dimensions of more than 203 cm, the airline will refuse to check it in. Instead, such items can only be sent to a passenger's destination as cargo. Passengers can choose to swap on of their checked luggage items for sporting equipment. This is subject to the same size and weight restrictions as ordinary luggage items.