Skip to content
Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines Reviews

www.southwest.com
Is this your business?
What is your customer experience with Southwest Airlines?

Southwest Airlines Overview

The generated data is based on reviews and questionnaires provided by PissedConsumer.com users.

AI insights based on reviews
Rating Distribution

2.7 star rating from 407 reviews; 59% would recommend. Consumers are mostly neutral and 38% say Southwest Airlines should improve customer service.

Key Takeaways for Future Customers

  • Expect Bags fly free and wide flight destinations.
  • Website and number of destinations are valued when reading Southwest Airlines reviews.
  • Be patient; many recommend checking details twice and asking about refunds.

Negative Feedback / Risk Areas

  • Poor customer service and long hold times are recurring customer complaints.
  • Frequent delays, cancellations and baggage claim waits.
  • Many ask for refunds or help with reservations and credits.

Positive Feedback

Multiple reviews praise helpful, friendly agents and efficient problem resolution. Baggage policy and destinations are noted as pros.

View full overview ›

Media from reviews

Contact Southwest Airlines Customer Service
Southwest Airlines - Checking reservationSouthwest Airlines - Checking reservation - Image 2Southwest Airlines - This is truly bad advertising and now I am out 90$ and I am missing...Southwest Airlines - This is truly bad advertising and now I am out 90$ and I... - Image 2Southwest Airlines servicesSouthwest Airlines - FLIGHT DETOURED FOR WEATHER , REROUTED TO ANOTHER STATE, FINALLY TO...
View all media ›

Southwest Airlines Collective Complaints

users

Make your complaint harder to ignore

Unite consumers around your issue, encouraging Southwest Airlines to respond and resolve.

Darrin M Otb
Darrin M Otb
Orlando, Florida

Damage and in-laws property

I had five pair of expensive tennis shoes damage baguettes handlers Customer service is terrible because I’m not getting any results. Over a week with no phone calls or answer.

I have literally called them almost every day for a week and I’m still not getting no response or answers at all. I’m really getting frustrated.

They are making their wrongdoing. It’s OK to do.

View full complaint ›
Show reviews that mention
flight customer service customer service southwest credit reservation card credit card number
Filter review
Sort by
Kathleen O Rop
map-marker Natrona Heights, Pennsylvania

Boarding pass sent to wrong phone number

stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full
Contacted the company first

The reviewer tried to contact the company before posting this review.

My husband's reservation was sent to my phone and not his phone. I need the boarding pass sent to Robert, 412-953-****. Thank you.

Preferred solution: My husbands boarding pass for tomorrow sent to his phone. 412-953-****.

View full review
Patrick Scott G

This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ

Verified Reviewer
| map-marker Kansas City, Missouri

FLIGHT DETOURED FOR WEATHER , REROUTED TO ANOTHER STATE, FINALLY TO CONNECTOR

stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full
Contacted the company first

The reviewer tried to contact the company before posting this review.

Southwest Airlines - FLIGHT DETOURED FOR WEATHER , REROUTED TO ANOTHER STATE, FINALLY TO...
Southwest Airlines - FLIGHT DETOURED FOR WEATHER , REROUTED TO ANOTHER STATE,... - Image 2
Southwest Airlines - FLIGHT DETOURED FOR WEATHER , REROUTED TO ANOTHER STATE,... - Image 3
Updated by user Jul 15, 2026

Non-existent

Original review Jul 05, 2026

All in 4th of July, huge delay, never made 4th of July with family, stranded in Omaha, and now in St. Louis where original connector was designated.

Weather-related detour, unavoidable, I understand. No hotels available, I would humbly request a free flight in the future and hotel stay.

Loss:
$500
Pros:
  • Great service by flight crew under the circumstances
Cons:
  • No comment

Preferred solution: MINIMUM FREE FLIGHT IN FUTURE GOOD FOR 1 YEAR FROM TODAY JULY 4TH, 2026 AND LEAST EXPENSIVE HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS FOR 1 NIGHT AT MY inconveniences

User's recommendation: Use Southwest. Great Airline! My great friend Captain Michael Clemmons has been flying with Southwest 20+ years.

View full review
Katherine O Adi

This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ

Verified Reviewer
| map-marker Chicago, Illinois

Checking reservation

stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full
Contacted the company first

The reviewer tried to contact the company before posting this review.

AI Highlights
  • - User booked via One dollar fly; paid 350.09, arrived with no booking.
  • - I was told it was optional and 500 was needed, then I paid 484 to fly.
Southwest Airlines - Checking reservation
Southwest Airlines - Checking reservation - Image 2

Made a reservation through One Dollar Fly. After paying 350.09 and arriving at the airport, I had no reservation.

I was told the reservation was optional because it was discounted. Then I was told I could pay another 500, and they could get me on the flight. Then I was told no refund. I was supposed to receive a refund.

I paid another 484 and flew.

Only trusting Southwest from now on. Katherine Orta 815-302-****

Loss:
$350
Pros:
  • Love southwest it was one dollar fly with the problem

Preferred solution: Full refund

User's recommendation: Don’t use one dollar fly

View full review
Anonymous

This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ

Verified Reviewer

Contact Southwest Airlines Customer Service

stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full
AI Highlights
  • - Southwest flight changes make it simple to update your reservation, including date, time, destination, or services; help is available by phone.
Contact Southwest Airlines Customer Service

Southwest Airlines Flight Changes make it simple to update your reservation. +1 (86*) ***-**** Whether you need to change your travel date, departure time, destination, or add services to your booking, you can manage your trip quickly and conveniently. For assistance with flight changes, new bookings, cancellations, seat requests, baggage, or general travel support, call +1 (86*) ***-**** or +1 (86*) ***-****.

Loss:
$1000
Pros:
  • Southwest airlines customer
Cons:
  • Contact southwest airlines customer service

Preferred solution: Full refund

User's recommendation: 1 (86*) ***-****

View full review
Anne P Ptl

This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ

Verified Reviewer

A man who represented Southwest Airlines who lied blatantly

AI Highlights
  • - Paid $1,200+ for a trip; medical needs forced a cancellation.
  • - No refund; only a one-year hotel/flight credit, causing distrust.

I purchased a 1200 $+ vacation for my extremely overworked husband as a surprise to the one state he had never been in and I told him of it that evening. It included a nice hotel and a car rental for a very short two days away and I made this last minute as he owned a young but very busy company.

My husband was horrified and pointed out that he is diabetic and he had a miserable side effect of constant watery explosive diarrhea and I, with lymphedema had to have access to a bathroom always due to regular urinary releasing of copious quantities of fluid. I was so excited to tell him that I had saved for over 2 & 1/2 years to get him away that I completely forgot that due to age and also my disabilities we would be a living nightmare to the airline, other passengers and most of all the stewardesses. I had made the arrangements at 5 pm and the first morning afterwards I called to explain my motivation and joy in providing a breathing break that it hadnt even occurred to me that our health issues would cause a big problem for the stewardesses and the customers and the airline itself which was to leave in 24 hours. This man made it entirely clear that I would forfeit my payment if we didnt take the trip because I made it in the evening of the third day prior to takeoff and I called to cancel (for medical) reasons but since it was 2 days before takeoff it was impossible to get a refund he did say we had a year to take a different flight to which I told him that it would be the same or probably worse for us both and I shared how long it took me to save that much money and that it was less than 17 hours since the arrangements were made and that since I was told to make my car rental separately and I hade already called and was told that I had called so quickly they just canceled the rental car.

He flat out refused any leniency regarding the flight and hotel. I then called back for his supervisor and he got on the phone again and shouted that he was the supervisor and hung up after threatening that he would make sure we didnt get a refund. Now, I had been kind and very sorry for his inconvenience and that I was just going by the regulations of Southwest Airlines and telling him that I wanted a refund and that I was within the Airlines 24 hours or less for a cancellation. I was told that didnt apply in this case.

So, for the rest of the day I made call after call after call and I never spoke to one woman, only men and the last man was undoubtedly an imposter but I was told he was employed by the company owner and that he was under only the top level employers and that he would make sure I was refunded. So at 7:30 pm I stopped calling and never got one red cent. Instead I got a notice saying that I had one year to use my $1200+ hotel and airline credit. I was so angry!

I had never shown anger in my calls, disappointment Ang frustration yes but I always remained polite and disbelief in the airlines behavior. Then, as an afterthought I looked at the reviews and discovered one review after another who spoke of the same treatment for more than 50 reviews in the top 70 reviews had similar treatments. So I went to the FAA and complained. I was told after I finished that I would hear in a specific amount of time which also came and went with no response.

And then in disbelief and hopelessness I finally got tired and gave up my contact with Southwest. But I had also refused the charge on my debit card which my card card continued to rerun three times and THEY were refused each time.

I will never trust Southwest Airlines. Never again.

Loss:
$1200
Cons:
  • Theft of travel funds

Preferred solution: Full refund

User's recommendation: Don’t put your trust in Southwest Airlines

View full review
1 comment
Guest

Try trip insurance next time

Ellen S Vcn

This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ

Verified Reviewer
| map-marker Little Rock, Arkansas

I checked my small bag because I knew...

Contacted the company first

The reviewer tried to contact the company before posting this review.

AI Highlights
  • - I paid $45 for a small bag, but at the gate they offered free baggage.
  • - Flight numbers are WN1768 and WN1124 (conf AGVZF2).
Southwest Airlines - I checked my small bag because I knew...

I checked my small bag because I knew the flight would be full and I could have carried it on if it fit the criteria. I paid the 45.00, and when I got to the gate, they were offering free baggage because they needed the room.

Because people are crazy with their carry-ons, I believe I should get a refund for my bag. (45.00)

My flight was WN1768 and WN1124 confirmation AGVZF2

Thank you for your attention.

Loss:
$45

Preferred solution: Full refund

View full review
Damario B Aew
map-marker Tampa, Florida

This is truly bad advertising and now I am out 90$ and I am missing out on my newborn child entering the world and I am never going to trust booking here again!

Contacted the company first

The reviewer tried to contact the company before posting this review.

Southwest Airlines - This is truly bad advertising and now I am out 90$ and I am missing...
Southwest Airlines - This is truly bad advertising and now I am out 90$ and I... - Image 2

I need my money funded back because I'm not being honored for my flight! My confirmation number is 7SB2BF Damario Bradford.

View full review
Debra M Egh
map-marker Schererville, Indiana

Book flights

stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full
Contacted the company first

The reviewer tried to contact the company before posting this review.

AI Highlights
  • - The staff member provided exceptional, friendly service and explained flight policy.
  • - They took time to answer reservations for me and my partner.
Southwest Airlines - Book flights
Updated by user Jun 11, 2026

Great

Original review Jun 08, 2026

*** from *** *** was extremely customer friendly. She deserves the best team player award n representing good customer service award.

She had the greatest personality n cheerful voice explaining flight policy. She replied she loves what she do n love her job. She provided exceptional customer friendly service.

Thank u *** for taking out the time of booking my reservations n answering all of mine n my partner questions. God Bless you!!!

Pros:
  • Have wheelchairs for the disability
Cons:
  • Do not have enough workers to accommodate the disabled
View full review
Shela Lml
map-marker New York, New York

Southwest Airlines services

stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full
Southwest Airlines services

Whether you're preparing for an upcoming flight or dealing with a last-minute travel change, knowing how to reach Alaska Airlines Customer Service +1-85*-***-**** (US) can make your journey much easier. Alaska Airlines Customer Service +1-85*-***-****

View full review
Hector M Evm
map-marker Kansas City, Missouri

Me cobraron doble mi pasaje

Contacted the company first

The reviewer tried to contact the company before posting this review.

Southwest Airlines - Me cobraron doble mi pasaje

Llamo y no saben darme una explicación lógica. No deben de hacer eso así, lo que pierden son clientes. Es mi primera vez volando con ustedes y ya dejan un mal precedente.

Loss:
$502

Preferred solution: Me cobraron doble mi pasaje

User's recommendation: Nunca

View full review
Resolved
Ronnie T Mev

This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ

Verified Reviewer
| map-marker Hyattsville, Maryland

Resolved: Unable to fly to Dallas due to no Captain

Contacted the company first

The reviewer tried to contact the company before posting this review.

AI Highlights
  • - Flight was delayed several times due to crew issues.
  • - Boarding finally began at 8:16 pm.
  • - Paid for leg room but did not receive it; disappointed.

Myself and my wife were scheduled on July 27 to fly to Dallas at 6:30 pm, but when we arrived we were told that the flight was delayed. We were told that the flight would be leaving at 6:20 pm, but again there was another delay.

This time they told us that they didn't have a captain to fly the plane. It's now 8:16 pm and we are just boarding the plane. We spent $289.00 for extra legroom but never received it. This is our first flight flying Southwest and we are very disappointed with our first experience with this airline.

I truly would like to speak to someone about this matter as soon as possible.

My name is Ron Turner and my number is 667-465-****. No recommendation.

Loss:
$1200
Pros:
  • Good customer service
Cons:
  • Not reliable

Preferred solution: Full refund

User's recommendation: No Recommendations at all to anyone

View full review
2 comments
Guest

Loss $1200, why? Don't they just owe you the $289 for the extra-room seats you did not receive?

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-2987469

These are people who fly the cheapest airline and want the most money back. I doubt they even asked to be moved to the seats with extra legroom because they wanted to get a refund.

View more comments (1)
Anonymous
map-marker Chicago, Illinois

They charged my account triple

AI Highlights
  • - Triple charge of $888.80 on Jun 8 for tickets from KC.
  • - Only $888.80 credited; request full refund.
  • - Bank docs attached; please fix the discrepancy.
Southwest Airlines - They charged my account triple

Tickets were purchased on June 8 from KC to ***. My account was charged triple at the amount of $888.80.

I received one payment of $888.80 credit back to my account on June 8. Requesting $888.80 to be credited back to. my account.

I am attaching documentation from my bank account. Attempted to call, received a call back and my phone was disconnected on your end.

Phone: ***

Email: ***.***@***.cim

Please rectify this discrepancy immediately

Thank you.

***

View full review
Charmaine H Cgo

This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ

Verified Reviewer
| map-marker Tempe, Arizona

Disappointed

stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full
Contacted the company first

The reviewer tried to contact the company before posting this review.

AI Highlights
  • - We were told we'd make our Maryland connection from Boston.
  • - The flight was canceled after takeoff, with no apology or accommodations.

We were assured that we would make our connecting flight in Maryland when we flew out of Boston A gentlemen asked everyone in line at the customer service desk to please sit down and assured us all that we would make our connection. Shortly after take off we received an email that the flight was canceled out of Maryland There were no weather issues in Maryland (only Washington DC ) I had just attended my mothers funeral and was headed home and never expected to spend another 400 dollars on a hotel room.

No announcements was made apologizing for the miss information and no announcement was made suggesting accommodations. I will never ever fly Southwest again

View full review
2 comments
Guest

"We were assured we would make our flight". " shortly after takeoff we received an email...".

Who is this collective "we"? Because SW was traveling on to possibly 12 other cities. I do not believe they made promises over something out of their control/made announcements, nor do I believe most of the passengers had the same connecting flight in Maryland as you.

And just because DC was fine weather-wise means nothing. You have no idea of the weather your connecting flight was taking you through nor the where the plane you were boarding in Maryland was coming from.

Guest

Weather is dynamic, can change on the dime and something that the agents can't control. This is flying.

Oh, and it's no necessary to pad your complaint with irrelevant factoids such as the reason that you were travelling. It has no bearing on the situation and to be frank, no one cares.

View more comments (1)

Airline Expert Talks

Airlines making masks optional | How to travel safely this season?

Airlines making masks optional | How to travel safely this season?

Airlines announce mask-optional policy. A travel expert, Jamie Larounis, talks about dropped mask mandate on airplanes and what it means for travelers.

Jamie Larounis
Jamie Larounis

Jamie Larounis is a travel industry analyst with the Upgraded Points who shares tips on hotels, airlines, trains, and loyalty programs.

Nina T Kiw

This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ

Verified Reviewer
| map-marker Phoenix, Arizona

Bad customer service

stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full
AI Highlights
  • - The Southwest card renewal rose from $99 to $229.
  • - I asked for a lower rate due to my mom's dementia; they refused and I left.

I had a Southwest credit card for years, and the price went up for renewal. It started at $99, and the last time it went up to $229.

I contacted them and said I can't travel right now because my mom has dementia—can I have a lower rate? They said no—that was a reasonable rate. So I said goodbye, Southwest.

They are so far away from their founding principles. There are other airlines!

Cons:
  • Lack of concern for customers
  • Price

Preferred solution: Price reduction

User's recommendation: find another airline

View full review
Torrey D Lmc

This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ

Verified Reviewer
| map-marker Miami, Florida

I paid for a seat I was assigned another seat instead of the one I paid for

stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full
AI Highlights
  • - Paid $84 for exit row seat, but got a different seat.
  • - Support saw payment but gave no explanation and the refund was promised in up to 30 days.
Southwest Airlines - I paid for a seat I was assigned another seat instead of the one I...

I paid $84 for an exit row seat. When I checked into my flight, I was assigned another seat instead of the one I paid for.

I called customer service, and they told me they didn't have a record of me paying for a seat, which frustrated me. I was told to show proof at the airport that I paid for the seat. I showed them the transaction on my bank statement, which showed the money coming out of my account. After speaking with three different people, I was finally told that they see I paid for the seat but had no explanation as to why I wasn't assigned the seat I paid for, and I was told I would get my $84 refund in up to 30 days, which made me angry.

One, I didn't get any explanation about this inconvenience, and I have to wait up to 30 days to get my money back. Terrible.

Loss:
$84
Pros:
  • Nonr
Cons:
  • Oprn

Preferred solution: Refund and a voucher or future credit

View full review
3 comments
Guest

You aren't entitled to an explanation as you are a nobody. Be glad that they gave you that little money back but don't expect a "voucher" for a free flight. You're acting as if you ate a steak and then wanted to get comped.

Anonymous
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-2822989

Exactly, they are only entitled to a refund. NOT A VOUCHER. They have entitlement issues.

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-2822989

Hilarious

View more comments (2)
Rosemary C Lib
map-marker Los Angeles, California

Complain

Contacted the company first

The reviewer tried to contact the company before posting this review.

AI Highlights
  • - Missed the 9:40 flight after a 40+ min bag-drop wait without a gate pass.
  • - The staff were rude, and did not issue a pass or ticket.

My unaccompanied minor niece missed her 9:40 am flight this morning. I waited more than 40 minutes in the bag drop area without knowing I couldn't be there to get her ticket and my pass to drop her at the gate. When I got there, the agent was rude and told me, 'What are you doing here? This is not the place.' I told her she was a minor and asked if she could help. She said to go to the help desk, so I moved to the help desk. But the agent said I needed to go back online. I tried to explain that I had already been waiting a long time and I was going to miss the flight, but she didn't listen. When I got to the agent again, the same person, she started talking, saying, 'You finally made it.' But then right away she said, 'You are not gonna make it,' and continued talking and asking questions instead of giving me the documents I needed to go to the gate. It was 9:10 or so, and she said they were going to close the doors in 15 minutes and I needed to come tomorrow. And she did not give me the pass and the ticket.

I don't understand how this happened, and I believe someone needs to be accountable for this. The ticket itself is so much money and paying for parking, but the child was overwhelmed because she wanted to see her parents. In general, I feel you guys could have helped us and she could have boarded the plane.

I expect someone to call me, please. The worst thing is how the agents treated us like we are not customers paying for your services. I normally use JetBlue, and I have never had any issues. I had to use Southwest so she could fly to St. Louis.

Thank you.

Preferred solution: What can I do now that she missed the flight ? You need to train your agents , some of them look so unhappy there , according to the agent I won’t be paying anything but that is not always the main thing isn’t it , it’s not all about money

View full review

About

Related Companies

AirTran Airways

Summary

More than 36 years ago, Rollin King and Herb Kelleher started Southwest Airline. What began as a small Texas airline has grown to become one of the largest airlines in America. At the present time, Southwest Airlines flies over 104 million passengers a year to 64 great cities all across the country. Currently, Southwest Airline operates more than 500 aircrafts, including the "Shamu aircraft", "Lone Star One","Arizona One, "California One", "Silver One", to name just a few. Among other services, the company also offers optional services and products include hotels, vacation packages and cruises, cars; event tickets; travel insurance; discounted airport parking; onboard beverages and snacks; checked baggage and the like.

Southwest Airlines reviews and complaints

Southwest Airlines is ranked 59 out of 1083 in Airlines and Air Transport category

Area Served

USA, UK

Payment Methods

VISAMasterCardAmerican Express

Why Trust Reviews on PissedConsumer?

  • Professional auto and live moderation
  • 100% user-generated content
  • Equal opportunity and protection
  • Zero tolerance for fake reviews
  • Verified content
  • PissedConsumer is on the Inc. 5000 list

For more information read Blog article