Talk about some sky-high baggage fees. Furious Southwest Airlines customers are sounding off over the carrier’s controversial new policy — which critics have slammed as a so-called “fat tax” after one traveler was allegedly forced to cough up nearly $1,000 for a second seat. Earlier this year, Southwest Airlines enacted its eyebrow-raising policy change, requiring … Read more
This scuttlebutt is bad news for butts. Flying with Southwest Airlines could mean flying with the spills, fluids, flakes and grime left by the guy who sat in the seat right before you, per alarming claims that the company is planning to only clean “premium seats” between flights. Chris Click, a safety chair for the … Read more
Southwest’s new seating policy will just not fly. The airline continues to receive heat from furious travelers strongly opposed to the airline’s decision to end its open seating arrangements – with some branding the move a “disaster.” Fury is also mounting with the airline’s new booking system – with one traveler even comparing it to … Read more
Southwest’s oft-chaotic open-seating policy is finally coming to an end — and while some anxious flyers may rejoice in the move, experts say it’s a harbinger of worse to come for economy passengers. Flights departing on or after Jan. 27, 2026, will now have seat assignments for passengers, and Southwest will introduce group-based boarding similar … Read more
They’re flying high on this salary. An aviation enthusiast has taken to X to share a pay stub purportedly belonging to a Southwest pilot — and it shows the huge sum of money they made in 2025. Corbin Williams posted the picture on Dec. 23, although it’s unclear whether it was his own pay slip … Read more
You are now free to roam about the cat-bin. One furry flyer’s premature bid for freedom put a smile on a plane full of Thanksgiving travelers’ faces when it escaped his carrier and started wandering the aisles. Amid the commotion on board, the frisky feline was briskly scooped into the arms of a Southwest Airlines … Read more
Southwest Airlines has been making a range of changes, with the carrier now charging for checked luggage and eliminating its famous open seating policy in favor of assigned seats. From Jan. 27, 2026, passengers will now have assigned seats — but they’ll be boarding differently from most other carriers. Per the Wall Street Journal, Southwest … Read more
They’re pushing this makeover to the MAX. On Tuesday, Southwest Airlines finally revealed the revamped interiors of its Boeing 737 MAX 8 planes, complete with extra legroom. The redesign will roll out from Oct. 16, per a recent press release, marking a “major milestone” in the cabin overhaul of the aircraft, which Southwest has used … Read more
Plane passengers who use wheelchairs will soon have to take one more step before boarding. Southwest Airlines announced that anyone using a lithium-powered mobility device will have to remove the batteries and carry them into the cabin before checking in their wheelchair. The new policy, taking effect on Sept. 25, puts Southwest in line with … Read more
This change didn’t sit well with some. Southwest Airlines’ popular “pick you own” seat perk isn’t the only policy on the chopping block. The budget carrier announced that a new measure that may require plus-size passengers to fork over extra dough. Starting January 27, 2026, flyers who “encroach upon the neighboring seat” will be required … Read more
Passengers aboard Southwest flight 1496 from Burbank, California to Las Vegas, Nevada, experienced a frightening few seconds when the aircraft took a sudden nosedive to avoid a midair collision shortly after takeoff. The dramatic maneuver caused passengers to fly up out of their seats and into the ceiling as children and adults screamed, fearing the worst. Two … Read more
He went from blackbelt to blacklist. So much for martial arts instilling discipline and self-control: Mixed martial arts fighter and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu expert Aaron “Tex” Johnson was ejected from a Southwest Airlines flight after getting into a verbal grappling match with passengers and crew — calling them “losers” and “pieces of s–t.” Footage of … Read more
Southwest Airlines has announced a major change coming to its current seating system. The Texas-based airline previously had a “pick any seat” policy, allowing customers to purchase tickets in different boarding groups by selecting where they wanted to sit upon boarding the plane. On July 29, Southwest will be assigning seats to customers booking flights beginning … Read more
They’re bagging this beloved rule. Southwest Airlines has ended its decades-old “bags fly free” policy, where passengers were allowed two complimentary checked bags regardless of their ticket fare. Starting tomorrow, passengers aboard the budget carrier will have to pay to store their bags in the cargo hold, One Mile At A Time reported. This drastic … Read more
They’re putting the squeeze on extra juice. Southwest Airlines is implementing a surprising new restriction on portable chargers to keep these notoriously incendiary devices from bursting into flame mid-flight. Starting on May 28, passengers will be required to keep their power banks in plain sight, making the budget carrier the first to roll out a … Read more
Southwest Airlines became the latest US carrier on Wednesday to withdraw its financial forecast as President Trump’s trade war has created the biggest uncertainty for the industry since the COVID-19 pandemic. With little clarity on how consumers will behave in the face of a potentially worsening economy, airlines are struggling to accurately forecast their business. Travel is a discretionary item for many … Read more
Southwest Airlines could lose a portion of leisure travelers to rivals with its latest decision to start charging for checked bags, according to an industry expert. It was a policy – along with open seating – that helped the carrier differentiate itself from its competitors for over 50 years and appealed to a wide range of budget-conscious … Read more
Crappy landings. A woman named Alex claims she was booted off a Southwest Airlines flight to Los Angeles after her kitten pooped in its carrier, forcing her to spend the day in a random city. An X post detailing the scat-astrophe currently boasts over 20 million views at the time of writing. The user, who … Read more
Fasten your seatbelts — earlier! Southwest Airlines announced that it will end cabin service — including providing snacks and beverages —- earlier on its flights to keep flyers and crew safe from potential turbulence injuries. Starting Wednesday, passengers will need to buckle their seatbelts and make sure their seatbacks and trays are in their full … Read more
Not what they meant by “burner” phone. Passengers were forced to evacuate a Southwest Airlines plane after a phone battery caught fire while the aircraft was waiting to depart at Denver’s International Airport in Colorado. Passengers were forced to evacuate a Southwest Airlines plane after a phone battery caught fire while the aircraft was parked … Read more
Southwest fliers need to act fast. Southwest Airlines has announced the return of its highly-coveted Companion Pass promotion — but the time to purchase is ticking. The Companion Pass is essentially buy-one-get-one free, allowing Rapid Rewards members to designate one person to fly with them for free every time the member purchases or redeems points … Read more
Spirit Airlines unveiled plans on Tuesday to tap into a growing demand for premium travel as the no-frills carrier chases high-margin revenue to mitigate cost pressures and boost its earnings. The Florida-based ultra-low-cost carrier will offer intra-Europe style business class seats with a guaranteed blocked middle seat. The seating option includes one carry-on bag, one checked bag, priority boarding, and a … Read more
Southwest Airlines says soda cans are exploding on flights across the country, with record-breaking temperatures believed to be behind the fizzy fiascos. Officials for the airline told The Washington Post that at least 20 flight attendants have been injured by the erupting beverages since the start of this summer alone. “We are aware of the … Read more
Southwest Airlines, already under pressure from a hedge fund for disappointing financial results, said Wednesday that a key revenue ratio will be weaker than expected because of changes in how consumers book travel. The airline said it still expects second-quarter revenue to hit a record. However, Southwest said, revenue for each seat flown one mile — a … Read more
Southwest Airlines has quietly increased the prices of certain fee-based services that can help passengers get on their flights quicker and increase their chances of getting a better choice of seat. The Texas-based carrier has raised the cost of upgraded boarding services and early check-ins, according to Southwest’s optional travel charges page. “Upgraded Boarding” now comes in … Read more
Southwest’s laissez-faire approach to preboarding is causing turbulence. Rule-abiding frequent flyers are calling out unscrupulous passengers who take advantage of the Dallas-based airline’s laidback attitude toward travelers who “need a little extra time” when boarding — with the carrier suggesting there’s little they can do to stop the bad actors. Because Southwest doesn’t assign seats, … Read more
Southwest Airlines CEO Bob Jordan said Thursday that the carrier is considering changing the boarding and seating processes on its planes in order to improve its financial position. “We’re looking into new initiatives, things like the way we seat and board our aircraft,” Jordan said in an interview with CNBC on Thursday after the company reported … Read more
She wasn’t a fan of them treating the plane like a subway in the sky. Another day, another game of musical chairs at 30,000 feet. This time, a fed-up Delta Airlines flight attendant grew exasperated after unruly passengers allegedly started switching seats before flyers had finished boarding. “Why do people make this job so hard?” irritated … Read more
Furious flyers are telling Southwest Airlines to take a seat. The budget carrier is on blast after the bungled unveiling of their next-generation interiors, with even loyalists complaining bitterly about cramped cabins overfilled with seats that look “thin” and “rock hard.” The airline’s overhauled jets will take to the skies starting next year, with Southwest … Read more
It was a round drip flight. She had no trouble getting liquid on this plane: One California flyer allegedly had to sit under unidentified drippage from an overhead bag for an entire flight after the hostess refused to move her or the leaky luggage. A video depicting the passenger’s 20,000 leagues under the seat saga … Read more
She didn’t get the dress code memo. A TikToker, who goes by Jacy, shared her anger over being scolded for her attire on an airplane. In the resurfaced viral clip, Jacy showed her ensemble — a hot pink corset top from Urban Outfitters paired with multiple pieces of gold jewelry — while expressing her outrage at being … Read more
They deemed it a pet-ty crime. A passenger is up in arms after getting booted from a flight for allegedly petting her dog, as documented in a TikTok clip with 1.1 million views. “Everyone around us was like, what’s going on here!?” wrote Sara Price, who uploaded a series of clips detailing her fellow passenger’s … Read more
Southwest Airlines is lowering the requirements to qualify for the top levels of its frequent-flyer program, a move aimed at travelers who are unhappy with other airlines that are making it harder to reach elite status. Southwest said Monday that it will reduce by 20% the number of flights needed to qualify for its “A-List” … Read more
This sneaky airline passenger just earned her membership into the denial-high club. A traveler filmed the moment she was busted while attempting an ingenious method of preventing fellow passengers from sitting next to her on a plane. A TikTok video detailing the epic passenger shaming incident has amassed over 3.1 million views online. “As you … Read more
Southwest Airlines is changing its unusual boarding system by limiting the opportunity to pay an extra fee and jump ahead of other passengers in the race for the best seats. The airline said Wednesday that it has not dropped “EarlyBird” entirely from any flights, but it is “limiting the number of spots available for purchase … Read more
For most people who are suffering from fever, cough and fatigue, the likely culprits are cold, flu or COVID-19. But for those living in the southwestern U.S., the symptoms could point to Valley fever — and some scientists predict that this illness eventually could spread to other regions. Named after the San Joaquin Valley in California, Valley … Read more