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

Whether you fly a little or a lot, travel like a pro with these clever Southwest Airlines Hacks!

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…

Related:

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

Southwest Airlines 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!

Here’s what your Frugal Friends said about using Swagbucks…

“Love Swagbucks!” ~ Lynn

“It totally works, I make a great extra income with this.” ~ Sean

“Been using for many years, best ways to get cash back on where you shop” ~ Alexis

“Swagbucks is widely considered one of the top companies online to receive free rewards. They constantly update the website with fresh ways to earn money, gift cards, and other rewards free of charge. The 16 tips you mentioned for people to earn with them will have people cashing out in no time. So many free easy ways to earn. I always try to hit my daily goal for easy Swagbucks 🙂” ~ Cacey

“I love Swagbucks!” ~ Brenda

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 Roundtrip Airfare on Southwest with these Travel Credit Card Sign Up Bonuses!

In addition to using Swagbucks to score FREE Southwest Airlines flights, another one of my favorite tricks is to get free roundtrip airfare from the Best Travel Credit Cards!  This is definitely another one of the EASIEST ways to score free flights for your next vacation!

#3:  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!

#4:  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 or at a hotel, the easiest way I’ve found to check in for my flight exactly 24 hours early is by using the Southwest Airlines app!

#5:  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!

#6: 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!

#7:  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!

#8:  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!

Related: Best Baby Travel Gear! {Don’t Leave Home Without These 23 Things}

#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: Disinfect Your Tray Table and Armrests!

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.”

#12:  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!

#13:  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.

#14:  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!!

#15: 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!

#16: 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!

#17: You’ll Like Liking Southwest on Facebook!

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

#18: 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!

#19: 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!

#20:  Also 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.

#21:  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!

#22:  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!

#23: Fly for Free when You Pay for Airfare using Visa Gift Cards You’ve Earned!

I love how you can use a Free Visa Gift Card to buy free airfare.  Check out how you can score yours for free!

#24: 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.

#25:  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!

#26:  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!

18 American Airlines Flight Hacks {What To Know Before You Fly}

17 Delta Airlines Travel Hacks

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How to Travel for Free or Cheap

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

We’d love to hear!  

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