Our First Time Flying Southwest Airlines- I'm Impressed

[MichaelWTravels]

Kim and I were pleasantly surprised by our flights on Southwest. We found the airline to actually be very good! (We flew SW on our recent trip to Louisville & Nashville.)

I earned Companion Pass status with Southwest which allows Kim to fly for free on any flight I book with points or cash. This will allow us to take (most likely) 2-3 more domestic trips with SW during 2013.

The employees just might be the friendliest out there. From the ticket counter, to the flight attendants to the pilots- they all seem to have a smile on their face.

Southwest has a generous checked baggage policy where they allow two free bags- pretty impressive these days.

Their unassigned seating seems a bit odd but it also seems to work. People line up by an assigned boarding group (A, B or C) and a number. You then line up at the column with your number on it and get to board accordingly. Due to traveling with an infant, Kim and I got to board right after Zone A. The boarding process seemed to move fast and there were no arguments or issues with people getting a seat. Overhead bin space never seemed to be a problem either- probably due to each passenger being allowed 2 free checked bags if needed.

We found the seats to be very comfortable. This was a pleasant surprise as domestic flights usually seem to offer little space or comfort. The seats actually seemed to be roomier than on other domestic flights we've been on. A key factor was that when the person in front of you reclined, it didn't seem to impede on your space much.

The beverage and snack service is also done very efficiently. There were no carts blocking the aisles. The flight attendants first take all of the passengers orders on iPads and then deliver the beverages. They even came around offering refills! The snack was nothing fancy- a small bag of peanuts and pretzels but it was better than nothing.

Once the plane landed, it didn't take long for us to get off the plane and to our surprise Lucas' stroller was already at the gate, waiting for us! This is the first time we didn't get stuck hanging around for the stroller.

After flying with Southwest on four segments, I have to say that we are fans. I look forward to flying more with SW this year and hope that our flights will live up to the positive experience we had our first time around!

[LegalTender]

Originally Posted by MichaelWTravels

The seats actually seemed to be roomier than on other domestic flights we've been on.

Everyone agrees. Southwest aisles seem farther apart since they added a row.

Now that "all but a couple" of your 2012 bonuses have already posted you'll have a big advantage:

Chase Southwest Airlines Visa Personal - 50,000 miles
Chase Southwest Airlines Visa Business - 50,000 miles
Citi American Airlines Business Visa- 50,000 miles
Citi American Airlines Amex- 50,000 miles
Bank of America Alaska Airlines Visa- 35,000 miles
Barclay's US Airways Premier World Mastercard- 40,000 miles
Chase United Explorer Card- 55,000 miles
JP Morgan (Chase) Ritz Carlton Rewards- 70,000 points + $200 airline incidentals & lounge access
Chase British Airways Card- 100,000 miles (50K after one purchase, additional 50K miles after one year anniversary & making a purchase and paying $75 fee)
US Bank FlexPerks- 33,150 points worth over $600 in travel
Amex Delta SkyMiles- 70,000 miles + $100 statement credit with eligible Delta purch.
Amex HHonors- 65,000 points
USBank Club Carlson Business Visa- 85,000 points

MichaelW Travels

[Toan]

just the obvious question. If this is your first time flying SWA, how do you already have companion pass? Was there a status match?

[ursine1]

From the photo, it looks like the OP was on a 737-300 or pre-Evolve -700, which may explain why they found it "roomier than on other domestic flights we've been on." I'm sure they'll think otherwise once they fly on an Evolve plane.

I've not seen the FAs take drink orders on iPads... is that new? I've only ever seen them use note pads, along with the Telzon-type credit card readers for transactions.

[ElmhurstNick]

Originally Posted by Toan

just the obvious question. If this is your first time flying SWA, how do you already have companion pass? Was there a status match?

If you have a business and can get Chase to give you both the regular and business credit card, you can get most of the way to CP on bonuses and the rest on spend.

[diver858]

Originally Posted by ElmhurstNick

If you have a business and can get Chase to give you both the regular and business credit card, you can get most of the way to CP on bonuses and the rest on spend.

But that doesn't answer the question - math just doesn't seem to add up, whole thread smells like a shill advertisement.

[MichaelWTravels]

Originally Posted by diver858

But that doesn't answer the question - math just doesn't seem to add up, whole thread smells like a shill advertisement.

A shill advertisement for what???? I have nothing to sell.
I got the Chase Southwest Business & Personal cards which got me Companion Pass status after bonuses.
We flew four segments with SW. All of the flights were really good. Everything I wrote is what we felt about the airline.

I don't understand why a positive experience equals a "shill". If you don't want to fly SW then don't. No difference to me.

[FindAWay]

Most folks on the WN forum on FT have flown WN and don't really need an introduction to WN. Perhaps, you should read the Wiki referenced in the sticky on the first page of this forum to learn about WN. Or, if you think you have something helpful to add to the Wiki, do so. At a minimum, your first post seems far more appropriate in the trip report forum.

As to why folks may be offended,

1) your first post reads like a blog post.... oh wait, it is: http://www.michaelwtravels.com/2013/...southwest.html and
2) your first post starts with an image consisting solely of a Southwest registered intellectual property mark and name (which makes it look like an advertisement) - remove this and your post looks much more like a trip report (still in the wrong forum) than an advertisement.

Originally Posted by MichaelWTravels

A shill advertisement for what???? I have nothing to sell.

If this is not an advertising attempt to direct traffic to your blog in your signature, what is the purpose of this copy & paste post from your blog?

If this thread is considered an advertisement for your blog it would be inappropriate, i.e., a commercial purpose in violation of FlyerTalk Rule 83:

FlyerTalk prohibits advertising, commercial sales and solicitations through posts, private messages or emails accessed through FlyerTalk. Anyone using FlyerTalk for commercial purposes will be subject to the disciplinary process.

[pinniped]

Looks like a copied blog post.

[MichaelWTravels]

Originally Posted by FindAWay

Most folks on the WN forum on FT have flown WN and don't really need an introduction to WN. Perhaps, you should read the Wiki referenced in the sticky on the first page of this forum to learn about WN. Or, if you think you have something helpful to add to the Wiki, do so. At a minimum, your first post seems far more appropriate in the trip report forum.

As to why folks may be offended,

1) your first post reads like a blog post.... oh wait, it is: http://www.michaelwtravels.com/2013/...southwest.html and
2) your first post starts with an image consisting solely of a Southwest registered intellectual property mark and name (which makes it look like an advertisement) - remove this and your post looks much more like a trip report (still in the wrong forum) than an advertisement.



If this is not an advertising attempt to direct traffic to your blog in your signature, what is the purpose of this copy & paste post from your blog?

If this thread is considered an advertisement for your blog it would be inappropriate, i.e., a commercial purpose in violation of FlyerTalk Rule 83:

I never asked anyone to go to my blog. If I post here and to a blog explain what the issue is? Why do I need to write separate pieces for each forum?

[antinseattle]

Many people on FT have anger issues. People get taken to the mat for the dumbest things.....if you don't repy, the thread will go away on its own.....bitter, bitter people. Yikes

[MichaelWTravels]

Originally Posted by antinseattle

Many people on FT have anger issues. People get taken to the mat for the dumbest things.....if you don't repy, the thread will go away on its own.....bitter, bitter people. Yikes

I guess you're right! I don't really see or ever feel that way but now I guess I know why others say it. It's too bad...

[FindAWay]

Originally Posted by MichaelWTravels

I never asked anyone to go to my blog.

Now, that is just disingenuous, since each of your posts ends with your signature, that states:

Originally Posted by MichaelWTravels

__________________
Check out my blog: Michael W Travels

Originally Posted by MichaelWTravels

If I post here and to a blog explain what the issue is?

Your method of copying your blog post and pasting it into a new thread reeks of advertising - e.g., 'look at an example of my blog post...check out more by visiting my blog at _____________.' Especially when it presents information that is easily ascertainable by either searching the forum or by looking at the well-maintained wiki that is linked in a sticky on the first page of the forum.

Originally Posted by MichaelWTravels

Why do I need to write separate pieces for each forum?

Because FT rules so require (if you are referring to the "forum" of your blog and the "forum" of FT, see the rule I quoted in my previous post; but, if you are referring to the FT Trip Reports forum and the FT Southwest Rapid Rewards forum, then see this rule repeated below).

Don't post the same thread more than once. Our members read many forums, and weeding through the same message in multiple forums can be frustrating. Duplicate threads will be deleted, combined or locked.

[Eemraldskies]

I'm so glad your flight experience was pleasant. Hope to see you on a Southwest flight again soon.

I'm an FA with Southwest and personally those I work with enjoy helping passengers on their travels. We don't have iPads (although we would love to), but we take your drink orders on a pad of paper and of course serve with trays. It is easier for passengers to pass us in the aisle.

If you are ever traveling with us on a special occasion (birthday, anniversary, wedding, etc.) be sure and let us know, we love to help you celebrate.

Hope to see you soon!

[Eemraldskies]

And to the other posters with negative replies - chill. Life is too easy to make it so hard.