6 Unspoken Rules for Flying on Southwest Airlines

We’ve all heard about my personal gripes with Southwest Airlines because I’m an anxious mess, but I recognize it’s a fantastic airline for many travelers.

This is especially true when you’re heading to Disney World, because the airline has many nonstop routes to and from the Orlando Airport. If you’re flying with Southwest soon, whether for the first time ever or the first time in a long time, here are some unspoken rules you need to know.

Check In IMMEDIATELY No Matter What Time It Is

This is easier said than done, I know, but if at all possible, set an alarm for yourself to serve as a reminder for when you need to check in for your flight.

Checking in earlier means you have a much higher chance of being in the earlier boarding group, and can therefore board sooner and get your preferred seat. Since Southwest has no assigned seating, if you wait to check in, you may be stuck in the last group and have to be stuck in a middle seat.

Southwest could be changing their seating policy soon — read more here!

Pay For An Earlier Check-In

However, if where you’re sitting is REALLY important to you, you can pay to have an earlier check-in, which will *almost* guarantee you a slot in the first boarding group.

This means you’ll be amongst one of the first passengers to board the plane, so you’ll have your choice of front vs. back of the plane, which seat you’d like, and on which side of the plane you want to be seated in for hours.

Prepare Your Group For Not Sitting Together

If you’ve done none of the above and you’re not a family traveling with young children (in which case they invite you to board early), there’s a strong likelihood you won’t be seated with your party.

No matter the age of your travel companions, it’s important to prepare them for the chance that you may not be able to sit right next to each other. This can be a little scary for younger kids (even if you’re just across the aisle or one seat back), and people with anxiety (aka ME) may also appreciate the heads up.

Portable Charger and Wired Earbuds Are A MUST

Not every Southwest plane is going to have a charging port or the ability to connect to wireless headphones, so be sure you bring both a portable charger and wired headphones/earbuds with you!

The last thing you want is to be stuck on an hours-long plane ride just listening to the sounds of the people around you, or having to watch a movie with just the subtitles on. In the words of Scar, be prepared!

Load Up On Those Checked Bags

One of the best parts of flying with Southwest is their checked bag policy — not only do you get a personal item and a carry on, but you can also check two bags for free (per person!)

This is a major help for passengers traveling a long way or who are bringing lots of souvenirs back for their friends and family. The best tip here is to fly down with fold-up bags/duffles in your normal luggage, and then you can use them when you fly back!

We’re always here to help you prepare for your next travel adventure, whether it’s to Disney World or not, so stay tuned to AllEars for the latest travel news!

Check out what new nonstop flights were added to Orlando Airport this month!

What else would you add to this list? Tell us in the comments!

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