Low-cost / point-to-point carrier · None (does not interline with other airlines for connecting itineraries)

Southwest Airlines (WN)

Southwest Airlines is the largest low-cost carrier in the world by passengers carried and the largest domestic US airline by domestic departures. The airline pioneered the point-to-point model that most US low-cost carriers still copy, flies an all-Boeing 737 fleet, and is famous for keeping bag fees off the table while almost every other US carrier has added them. Southwest does not formally hub like the legacy carriers; instead it runs heavy point-to-point operations from focus cities such as Chicago Midway, Dallas Love Field, Las Vegas, Baltimore/Washington, Denver, Houston Hobby, and Phoenix. The airline serves more than 100 destinations across the US, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, and is the only major US carrier outside the legacy three to remain consistently profitable for decades. The fleet of around 815 Boeing 737s is the largest single-type fleet in commercial aviation.

Founded   1967 HQ   Dallas, Texas ICAO   SWA

Hubs

IATA Airport Role
MDWChicago MidwayLargest focus city in the network
BWIBaltimore/WashingtonEast Coast focus city
DALDallas Love FieldHeadquarters and original base
LASLas VegasWestern focus city
DENDenverFastest-growing focus city
HOUHouston HobbyTexas and near-international focus city
PHXPhoenix Sky HarborSouthwest US focus city
MCOOrlandoFlorida and leisure focus city
OAKOaklandBay Area focus city
Fleet
Approximately 815 Boeing 737s (2026)
Main types: Boeing 737-700 · Boeing 737-800 · Boeing 737 MAX 8
All-737 fleet keeps crew training, maintenance, and spares simple. The 737 MAX 7 is on order to replace the 737-700. Southwest does not operate widebodies and does not fly long-haul international.
Frequent flyer
Rapid Rewards
Tiers: Rapid Rewards Member · A-List · A-List Preferred · Companion Pass (separate benefit, earned at high annual activity)
Earning: Points are earned per US dollar spent at a rate that varies by fare bucket (Wanna Get Away, Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, Business Select). Status is earned through tier-qualifying points and flights.
Co-brand cards: Southwest Rapid Rewards Chase portfolio (Plus, Premier, Priority, plus business variants).
Customer service
Phone: 1-800-435-9792 (24/7)
Twitter/X: @SouthwestAir
US Department of Transportation complaints: transportation.gov/airconsumer

Baggage policy

Carry-onOne personal item plus one carry-on (24 x 16 x 10 in / 61 x 41 x 28 cm, slightly larger than the legacy carrier standard) free for every fare class.
First checked bag (domestic)Free for every passenger.
Second checked bag (domestic)Free for every passenger. This two-bags-free policy is unique among major US airlines and is a longstanding part of the Southwest brand.
Weight / size limits50 lb / 23 kg per bag, 62 linear inches (158 cm) total dimensions.
First international checkedYes; the two-free-bags policy applies on international flights too.

Verify current fees on the carrier's site before booking — US airlines update bag pricing several times per year.

Regional partners & subsidiaries

Southwest Airlines (mainline only)
Southwest does not use regional carriers; every flight is operated by Southwest itself on a Boeing 737.

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