37 Southwest Airlines Hacks! {Tips To Know BEFORE You Fly}

Whether you fly a little or a lot, now you can travel like a pro with these clever Southwest Airlines Hacks and little known tips and tricks!

Are you planning your next flight on Southwest?  Or maybe you’re flying Southwest Airlines for the first time?  These easy Southwest Airlines Hacks and Tips will save you SO much money and make flying a breeze!

Your next vacation should be all about enjoying some carefree fun!  So let’s take some of the stress and expense out of flying with these Southwest Airlines Secrets…

Southwest Airlines Hacks

Related:

• How to Travel for Free or Cheap! {20 Budget Travel Hacks}

#1:  Never Pay for Airfare Again When You Use FREE Southwest Airlines Gift Cards!

The first way to fly for free on Southwest is to sign up with Swagbucks using code FRUGAL100 for 100 FREE SB Points.

Then keeping earning SB Points with the help of my easy tips: 16 Ways to Earn More Swagbucks SB Points.  The more SB Points you earn, the more Southwest Gift Cards you’ll score!

So for the biggest benefit, save up your Swagbucks for the higher value Southwest Airlines gift cards, and purchase one way flights rather than round trip to keep the transaction costs lower so you can use even more gift cards!  Just remember, you can use 3 Southwest Airlines gifts cards per passenger per flight.  Or if your purchase price is more than the amount you’ve earned in gift cards, you can apply 2 Southwest Airlines gift cards, then use another form of payment for the remaining balance.

I can’t even begin to tell you just how many FREE Southwest Airlines tickets I’ve received from using my FREE gift cards I earned through Swagbucks!  Seriously… our family of 4 has flown all over the country over the years using just this 1 easy tip… which is definitely my favorite Southwest Airlines hack!

I LOVE using Swagbucks, and have been cashing in SB Points to get Free Gift Cards every month for over 9 years!

#2: Get FREE Flights when You Credit Card Hack! {my favorite trick!}

One of my favorite Southwest Airlines Tips is to load up on FREE roundtrip airfare by using point and rewards I’ve earned from the generous Travel Hacking Credit Card signup bonuses.

This is definitely another one of the FASTEST & EASIEST ways to score free flights for your next vacation!  You can even have your significant other apply too, so you can double up on FREE points and FREE flights!!

#3: Get Buy 1, Get 1 FREE Flights for Almost 2 Years with a Companion Pass!

One of the best airfare deals around is the Southwest Airlines Companion Pass.  My hubby and I have taken advantage of this, and it has been such a game changer!  To earn a Southwest Companion Pass, you’ll need to book 100 1-way flights in one year {not easy}, OR earn 135,000 qualifying points in one calendar year {much easier}!

So how do you earn that many points?  The easiest way is to apply for a Southwest Visa Card and a Southwest Business Visa Card {for your at-home business or side hustle}.  Thanks to the BIG signup bonuses and required minimum spends, you’ll be hitting your qualifying points balance FAST!

A Companion Pass will be valid through the entire calendar year after you receive it.  So to maximize this sweet deal, apply for your cards right at the start of a new year.  Once you meet your minimum spends and acquire the necessary points, the Companion Pass will be good through the rest of the year in which you earn it… AND the entire next year!

Plus, thanks to all of the bonus points you’ll be earning, you’ll be able to score loads of free flights, too!  As an added bonus, the Companion Pass can be used an UNLIMITED number of times!!  {Hawaii… here we come!}

As a Companion Pass holder, you can add a ‘Companion’ on to any flight you book, and they will fly FREE… only paying taxes/fees of about $5.60 per flight. You can also change your companion up to 3 times a year.  For example,  you could switch between a friend, family member, etc.  Talk about a SWEET deal!

So go get started earning your Companion Pass today!

#4: Book Tickets During a Click ‘N Save Southwest Airlines Sale to Save Even More!

When planning a trip, I always wait until the Southwest Sales arrive to score even sweeter deals on airfare!  To make sure you don’t miss a sale, sign up for Southwest Airlines Click ‘N Save Emails!

Be sure to book as soon as the sale starts to ensure you have the most airfare deals to choose from!

#5: After Booking Your Flight, Watch it Closely To See if the Price Drops

Did you know you that after booking, if the price of your flight drops, you can receive a refund for the difference?  Just check the flight periodically, and especially during sales, to see if the flight has gone down in price {or points if you booked with points}.  If it has, you can ‘Change’ your flight in your account online or in the app, and request a refund for the difference of the adjusted price.

For example, I had a flight booked a few months out using points, checked the price today, and noticed it had dropped by 1,390 points.  I requested a refund on the point difference with just a few clicks, and the points were added back to my account within an hour.  Now I can save those points for a future flight!

Debbie writes: “I book Southwest flights and watch the prices.  If they go down, I rebook and take the credit!”

#6: Check In to your Flight EXACTLY 24 hours in Advance!

Looking for some Southwest Airlines Check in Tips?  For the best position in the lineup to board the plane, you’ll want to make sure you set your alarm and check in EXACTLY 24 hours in advance!  That’s what your other fellow travelers will be doing as well, so even waiting a few minutes can really bump you back in line.  I always make sure to check in right at the 24 hour prior mark, and it has helped so much!

Whether I’m at home, out on the town, or even at a hotel, the easiest way I’ve found to check in for my flight exactly 24 hours early is by using a phone alarm to remind me, then checking in on the Southwest Airlines app!

#7: You May Be Eligible for a Free Luv Voucher if Your Flight is Delayed!

Was your flight delayed 1 hour or longer?  Reach out to Southwest Airlines on Twitter, or send them an email to their customer service department letting them know of your flight delay, and ask if you are eligible for Delayed Flight Compensation.

I’ve received Free Luv Vouchers three different times after delayed flights, thanks to the stellar Southwest Airlines customer service department!

Frugal friend Patti writes: “Politeness toward the employees goes a LONG way in getting vouchers and even a few extras thrown in, too.”

#8: Or You Might Get a Free Luv Voucher for Delayed or Lost Luggage, too!

Was your luggage lost or delayed on your flight?  Sometimes once it turns up, they will offer to have it delivered to you.  However, it may pay if you opt to go back to the airport and pick it up yourself!  Ask your agent if it’s an option… you may be able to score some extra funds to use on future flights!

Frugal friend Lisa writes: “I just got a voucher for delayed bags from PHX to SAN. If you pick up your bags when they come in (if you are able) instead of having them delivered, you may get up to a $150 voucher”

#9:  You Can Pay Extra for Early Boarding If You Want Better Seats!

Want that window or aisle seat?  On Southwest airlines, you’re not able to reserve a specific seat, but you can pay extra in advance for earlier boarding so you can have better seat options.  This is also an easy way to make sure you’ll have plenty of room in the overhead bins for your carry-on luggage.

When you pay the $15-25 each way for “EarlyBird Check-in,” you’ll automatically be checked into your flight 36 before your flight local time.

Just print your boarding pass at the ticket counter or the self-service kiosks located right next to the ticket counter when you arrive at the airport.  Easy peasy!

#10: Hurry to Snatch a Seat in the Emergency Exit Row for the Most Leg Room!

If you’re able to snag it, head straight for the Emergency Row Exit to score the best seats on the plane with massive amounts of spacious leg room!  I LOVE sitting there and being able to stretch out!  {Note: Must be 15 years of age or older to sit in this row}

#11:  Board Early for FREE With Kids!

If your kiddos are 6 years old or younger, you can board the plan early during “Family Boarding.” Family boarding is available right after the A group has boarded and right before the B group begins boarding!

#12: Military Members & Dependents Can Get Discounted Fares, FREE Additional Checked Luggage, and FREE Priority Boarding!

Active Duty Military, Reservists and dependents can receive special military fares, no fees for additional pieces of baggage, and special boarding between A & B groups for those that do not have an “A” boarding pass.

Related: 101 Military Discounts!

#13:  Leave Your Carry-ons At The Gate!

Did you get stuck in the C Boarding Group, or even a late B Boarding Group?

Skip the stress of getting on the plane only to find that the overhead bins are already full.  Simply check your carry-on luggage at the gate and pick whatever available seat you like!

This trick also works great if you have a baby stroller.  Keeping your baby stroller all the way till you board the plane makes travelling with the kiddos so much easier!

#14: Disinfect Your Tray Table, Armrests & Seatbelt Buckle as Soon as You Board!

I also always take along Sanitizing Wipes to disinfect the tray table and armrests on the plane!  It will definitely give you some peace of mind knowing it’s all squeaky clean!

Frugal friend Wendy writes… “Take a Ziploc bag with disinfectant wipes for the seats, bathrooms, hotels & tourist attractions on your trip.”

#15: Does Southwest Airlines Serve Meals on Their Flights?

Nope… full meals are not served and snacks are not sold on SWA.  However, you can pack snacks in your carryon or bring food on board from the airport as well.  For longer flights, be sure to bring along some food of your own!

#16: Get FREE Juice, Coffee, Soda & Snacks on Every Flight

Even though full meals aren’t served, you will be able to take advantage of free coffee, juice or soda as well as a tasty free little snack pack on each flight!

#17:  Don’t Forget to Pack Your Headphones! {free entertainment}

You’ll definitely want your headphones or earbuds to take advantage of all of the Southwest Airlines Free In Flight Entertainment!  Be sure to check out these Carry On Must Haves for Your Next Flight!

#18:  Listen to Free Music During Your Flight!

I love listening to music, it makes everything so much more fun.  Use iHeart Radio on Southwest to listen to free stations, popular artists by genre and more.

#19:  Watch Free Movies and Free TV Shows During your Flight!

In the mood to watch a fun new movie or TV show?  Southwest now offers free movies and shows on most flights.  All you need is a smartphone, tablet or laptop, and you’ll be laughing your way through a movie or catching up on your favorite HGTV shows, CNBC financial news, etc!

Talk about making your time fly!!

#20: Use Your Chat Apps for Free During the Flight!

Want to talk to someone that’s not a total stranger? Southwest lets you use both iMessage and WhatsApp for free on your flight!

#21: Track Your Flight Progress with the Southwest Airlines Flight Tracker Map!

Are we there yet?  Are we there yet??  You’ll never have to wonder again with the Free Southwest Airlines Flight Tracker Map!  Just pop your phone onto Airplane Mode and you’ll have access to this on the Southwest site for no charge!  You’ll find the map from your starting point to landing destination showing your current progress, as well as a time countdown to landing!

#22: Follow SWA on Facebook for Sale Notifications!

Be notified about special airfare sales, travel advisories and more when you follow Southwest on Facebook!

#23: Everything Is Easier With The Southwest App!

Using the Southwest App makes everything a little easier.  You can book your flight, get real-time flight status, cancel & change flights, get special offers, and easily check-in for your next flight.  You can even skip the hassle of printing your boarding pass, when you show the boarding pass available on the app instead!

#24: Enroll in the Free Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Program to Earn More Free Flights!

Before you purchase your ticket, set up a Free Southwest Airlines Rapids Rewards Account, so you can make sure you start earning points on this and all future flights.  You’ll then be able to cash your points out for Free Flights, Merchandise, Hotel Deals + more!  The best part, your points will never expire as of October 17, 2019!

#25: Join the Free Southwest Rapid Rewards Dining Program to Earn More Bonus Points!

When you join the Southwest Rapid Rewards Dining Program you’ll earn points when you eat at many of the local and chain restaurants you already visit.  When you allow weekly emails, you’ll earn 3 points for every dollar spent using a debit or credit card linked to your account at eligible restaurants.

Plus, you’ll be eligible for special bonus points when you sign up for the first time.

#26:  Earn Even More Rapid Rewards Points Each Time You Shop!

When you use Rapid Rewards Shopping, you can earn points when you shop.  Simply use the Rapid Rewards Shopping tool to search for online stores, offers and products that are eligible.  Then make your purchase through the link provided to earn points.

You can never have enough ways to earn points for free airfare!

#27:  Score Discounted Southwest Airlines Gift Cards from Target

Get 5% off every Southwest Airline Gift Card you purchase using your Target Red Card!  Read these Ways to Save More at Target for details!

#28: Compare Prices on Multiple Sites

When shopping for the best airfare deals, pricing will vary from site to site. So make sure to check pricing on at least three or four different websites that you trust. I recommend including Southwest.com as one of the sites you search. Remember, you can also be notified of sales and last minute deals when you sign up for emails from Southwest.

Kathi writes: “One way tickets are no longer cost prohibitive. Find the best fares on Tuesdays and use different airlines, like American or Delta if it’s cheaper to do 2 one-way tickets.”

#29: Check Other Local Airports For Better Prices!

When looking for the best pricing on airfare, make sure to also consider flying out of other airports in your area.

For example, if you just can’t find a price you’re happy with on Southwest, don’t be afraid to check other airlines and nearby airports. Here in Phoenix, most people use the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. However, many low cost Allegiant Air flights are also offered out of the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport located just 35 minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport.

#30: Book Flights Earlier in the Day to Avoid Delays!

If it’s important that you arrive on time to your destination, consider booking a flight earlier in the day.  When you book evening flights, the chances of delays increases dramatically.  Basically, any delays that have happened all day long get compounded as the day goes on.  We’ve had some serious delays on our evening flights.

#31: How To Never Miss Your Connecting Flights:

My top tip for always making your connecting flights is to avoid flights with short layovers.

Frugal friend Jean writes: Try not to have too close of layover times, just in case one flight is late.

Also, I recommend flying earlier in the day, sitting in the front of the plane, and planning ahead for how much time you will need at your connecting airport to successfully catch your connecting flight.

#32:  Fly Later in the Evening for Emptier Flights!

Now as I mentioned above, flying in the evening might earn you some delays… however we LOVE it!  For one, the airport isn’t nearly as crowded, but also… the airplanes aren’t nearly as crowded!  As you know, you get to pick your seats on a Southwest Flight, so on evening flights the middle seats are often left empty!  With flights half full to 2/3 full, you just may end up with plenty of more space and wiggle room.  On our last flight, I saw several people even have their own entire row of 3 seats to themselves!  NICE!

#33:  Pack Extra Food + Snacks From Home to Avoid Outrageous Airport Prices!

No meals are served on Southwest Airlines, just pretzels and drinks.  So, make sure to pack some of your favorite snacks from home, and take them through security.  You can snack on them at the airport while waiting for your flight, or take them on board as an in-flight treat!  The selection of food and snacks at the airport can be limited and the price can be pretty outrageous, so this one thing will seriously save you SO much money!

So just what food can you bring on an airplane?  Check out the TSA Food Allowed through Security!

#34: How to Avoid a TSA Pat Down… and Get Through Security Like a Pro! {Don’t Ask Me How I Know}

Going through airport security can always be a bit of a hassle, but setting off the body scanners and having TSA security agents tell you it’s time for a full body pat down… now that’s something I’d rather skip!  Recently when I was flying, I set off the body scanner from the waist-down and got the good ol’ airport pat-down.  Yikes, right?  The next time I went through security, I was good-to-go.  But let me tell you… I spent a lot of time picking the brains of the security agents telling me what I needed to do to avoid ever setting it off again!

The TSA Agent I was talking to said: “Sparkles regularly set it off.  Sparkles may even be found in the threads of your garments.  Also, the sensor is looking for any anomalies on your body.  Anything it thinks shouldn’t be there.”

Avoid Any Thick Fabrics, Like Jeans…

So what does this all mean?  First of all, you’ll want to avoid any thick fabrics with your pants.  When I set it off, I was wearing thick denim capris.  I’ve actually set it off twice now… the only two times I flew in jeans.  So note to self: no jeans!  When I’ve flown in cute skirts or cozy stretchy pants I’ve been just fine.

Don’t Put Anything In Your Pockets…

Also, don’t put anything in your pockets.  When I set it off I also had a bulky hair rubber band in my pocket that I was going to use to pull up my hair later that day.  The scanner may have caught that as something that shouldn’t have been on my body.

Avoid Anything Sparkly…

Finally, avoid anything sparkly.  Sparkles on your jeans pockets, bling on your shirts, any sparkly threads in your garments, etc.  Just think about it all BEFORE you head to the airport.

Wear Socks with Slip On Shoes… or Bring a Clean Pair of Extra Socks:

Also, be sure to wear socks with slip on shoes.  Or if you’re wearing flip flops, take a clean pair of socks in a ziploc bag so you can pop them on really quick and not have to walk through security lines barefoot.  Ew, right?  Once you’re through the line and have your flip flops back, you can just place your socks back in your ziploc, and tuck them away in your carry on.  Easy-peasy!  Choosing the right outfit really can make your big travel days so much better!

#35: Or Score TSA Pre-Check Like We Did!

Want to speed through TSA Security?  Simply signup for TSA Pre-Check and avoid the hassle!

#36: Get Free Travel Tips for Your Next Southwest Airlines Destination!

I’ve put together travel tips for many of Southwest Airlines top destinations. You can find the tips here on my 101 Frugal Travel Tips Destinations page. So don’t miss out… be sure to take advantage of these budget friendly travel tips to the top Southwest Destination Cities:

• Albuquerque
• Atlanta
• Austin
• Big Island of Hawaii
• Boston
• Chicago
• Dallas and Fort Worth
• Denver
• Houston
• Kauai
• Los Angeles
• Maui
• Memphis
• Minneapolis
• Nashville
• New Orleans
• New York City
• Oahu
• Orlando
• Philadelphia
• Phoenix
• Portland Oregon
• San Antonio
• San Diego
• San Francisco
• Seattle
• Tampa Bay
• Tucson
• Washington DC

Then… Save Even More Money With These Little Known Travel Hacks!

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How to Travel for Free or Cheap {20 Budget Travel Secrets}

Get all the latest fun new Frugal Girls Travel Tips, Crafts, Recipes + more right here…

So do you have any Southwest Airlines Hacks that have worked for you?

We’d love to hear!  

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