Using Southwest

Southwest Airlines is an amazing success story.  If you are looking for cheap reliable air travel options you have to consider Southwest.

I remember back in the late 90's I refused to fly southwest.  I hated the fact that there was no assigned seating.  Now, I live in reality.  Southwest airlines’ business model simply works.  Southwest can compete and thrive in even the harshest of markets due to their business model.  This includes smart business techniques such as:

• No assigned seating - allows them to turn the plane around in 30 minutes rather than 50 minutes. 
• Using all of the same type of airplanes.  This saves dramatically on repair expenses and mechanic and pilot training.
• Using their own booking engine.  No overhead broker fees.
• No meals on board.

Below are my Sweet Six Southwest Secrets

• Make sure you check in online.  If you do not, then you will be in Zone 3.   Bad news.  This means the back of the plane and no overhead space left.
• Book at least a week out.  For travel arrangements that are spur of the moment, Southwest is still a great option, however, you will pay more.  The fun saver fares will be gone and you will pay premium.
• No booking through alternative site.  Booking is done directly at Southwest airlines site.  You can not use Orbitz, Travelocity, Hotwire, or Priceline.  Go to www.southwest.com to book travel.
• Make sure you sign up for their frequent flyer program.  It is the simplest and easiest way to earn free travel in the industry.
• Don't switch carriers.  Southwest does not provide bag switching in the airport.  If you have to connect to another carrier, Southwest is not a good option.
• Southwest is great for family travel, but harder for business travel.
• Southwest quotes one way pricing. Make sure that you double the cost or you will get a rude surprise.

Southwest is indeed a discount carrier and not for everyone, however if you are looking for real saving opportunities you have to consider Southwest.