Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines guide with airline codes, operating bases, Boeing 737 fleet, assigned seating, baggage, Rapid Rewards and airport transportation.
- Aircraft
- 803
- Destinations
- 117
- Hubs
- DEN · LAS · PHX · HOU · ATL
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About Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines is a US airline headquartered at Dallas Love Field in Texas. It was founded in 1967 and began flying on 18 June 1971. It is one of the largest airlines in the United States and flies an all-Boeing 737 fleet of around 800 aircraft to more than 100 destinations in the US, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean.
Southwest does not run a classic hub-and-spoke network. It flies point to point from large operating bases such as Denver, Chicago Midway, Las Vegas, Baltimore/Washington, Phoenix, Dallas Love Field and Houston Hobby.
The airline changed several long-standing policies in 2025 and 2026: it began charging for checked bags on most fares in May 2025, introduced basic and premium fare options, and switched from open seating to assigned seats, including an extra-legroom section, on 27 January 2026.
Schedules, aircraft assignments, terminals and fare rules can change. Confirm operational details directly with Southwest before travel.
Where Southwest Airlines flies
Routes and frequencies vary by season.
United States
A large domestic network covering most of the continental US and Hawaii.
Mexico
Leisure destinations such as Cancún, Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta.
Central America and the Caribbean
Destinations including Jamaica, the Bahamas, Aruba, Costa Rica and Belize.
Southwest Airlines fleet
Southwest flies only the Boeing 737, which keeps operations simple. The aircraft shown at booking is not guaranteed until departure.
Boeing 737-700 and 737-800
The older part of the fleet, being replaced over time.
Boeing 737 MAX 8
The newest aircraft in service, with the 737 MAX 7 on order.
Southwest Airlines cabin classes
Southwest has a single-class cabin, but since 27 January 2026 seats are assigned and sold in tiers. Your fare and Rapid Rewards status decide which seats are included and your boarding group.
Extra Legroom
Seats in the first rows of the aircraft, with more legroom.
Preferred
Seats near the front for faster boarding and deplaning.
Standard
The remaining seats in the cabin.
Practical information
BaggageCabin bags, checked bags, missing luggage
Since May 2025 most Southwest fares no longer include free checked bags. Allowances depend on the fare, Rapid Rewards status and co-branded card benefits, and are shown during booking.
One carry-on bag plus one personal item.
Paid on most fares, with allowances included in higher fares or for eligible Rapid Rewards members and cardholders.
Sports equipment, pets and oversized items follow separate rules. Check southwest.com before you fly.
Check-in and boardingSteps before departure
Check-in on southwest.com or the Southwest app opens 24 hours before departure. With assigned seating, checking in no longer decides where you sit, but you still need to check in and drop bags before the deadlines shown in your booking.
Confirm the airport, especially in Dallas, Houston and Chicago.
Bring a passport for flights to Mexico and the Caribbean.
Check in online or in the app.
Your boarding pass shows your seat and boarding group.
Allow time for bag drop, security and international processing.
Loyalty program
Rapid Rewards is Southwest's loyalty program. Members earn points on flights and with partners, and redeem them for flights. Elite tiers and the Companion Pass add benefits. Program rules change, so check your account for the current conditions.
Flight status and customer serviceOfficial sources
For current operational information, use Southwest's official services:
southwest.com for booking, check-in, trip management and flight status
Available for iOS and Android, with mobile boarding passes and flight notifications
Southwest Airlines airports
Southwest calls these operating bases rather than hubs. Chicago Midway and Baltimore/Washington are also among its largest. Check the airport on your ticket: in Dallas Southwest uses Love Field (DAL), and in Houston mainly Hobby (HOU).
Southwest's largest station by departures.
Book a transfer →Airport detailsThe Las Vegas base, with many leisure routes across the US.
Book a transfer →Airport detailsA major base in the Southwest.
Book a transfer →Airport detailsThe Houston base and Southwest's gateway for flights to Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean.
Book a transfer →Airport detailsA large base in the Southeast.
Book a transfer →Airport detailsAirport transportation for Southwest Airlines passengers
Public transport, authorized taxis, shared shuttles or a pre-booked private transfer. Arriving long-haul or with a lot of luggage is the case for booking ahead: fixed price, and a driver in arrivals with your name on a sign.
Airport Transportation is an independent platform and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Southwest Airlines.
Southwest Airlines FAQs
What are Southwest Airlines' codes?
Southwest's IATA code is WN, its ICAO code is SWA, and its callsign is SOUTHWEST.
Does Southwest have assigned seats?
Yes. Southwest switched to assigned seating on 27 January 2026, with Extra Legroom, Preferred and Standard seats.
Are bags still free on Southwest?
Not on most fares. Since May 2025 checked bags are free only with certain fares, Rapid Rewards tiers or card benefits.
Does Southwest fly to Cancún?
Yes. Southwest flies to Cancún from several US cities.
What is Southwest's loyalty program?
Rapid Rewards.
Is Airport Transportation affiliated with Southwest Airlines?
No. Airport Transportation is an independent transportation-booking platform and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Southwest Airlines.
Information reviewed in October 2026. Airline schedules, fleet figures, baggage rules and passenger services are subject to change.