I always admired Southwest Airlines’ business model and its low fares, frequent flights and easy-to-earn free tickets. But – like many frequent fliers — I didn’t like the first come, first to get plastic boarding cards or even the “be-up-at-midnight-so-you-could-get-a-good-boarding-position” online system.
But last year, Southwest started to improve its offering for business travelers. While I still miss the assigned seats and frequent first class upgrades that I experienced at the middle to top levels of Alaska, US Airways and United’s program, Southwest is now my number one airline.
The Best Things About Southwest Airlines.
1) The Companion Pass. Accrue 125 Rapid Reward credits in one calendar year (from flights, hotels, rental cars, dining, shopping, and most of all the Chase Southwest Credit Card and you get a Companion Pass. This means you designate someone as your companion, and every flight you take, whether paid or a free ticket, your companion can fly with you FREE.
2) No charge for first 2 checked bags. For business travel, I take a purse, a computer bag/briefcase and a roller bag. On other airlines, unless I have status, I pay to check the first bag, which makes me crazy. It is no fun to board with all of these people trying to drag on multiple bags and stuff them in the overhead bin. Is it any wonder that Southwest is the only major airline with a profit the last quarter?
3) The A-list. It’s actually harder to get that the companion pass, but even if you have to buy a few back-and-forth flights it’s a fantastic perks. 32 one way paid flights within 1 year, and you are on the A-list: no checking to get a boarding number – its reserved for you. Plus a fast line through check-in and security at most airports.
4) Free Tickets. Fast! 16 one way flights segments – regardless of how short – and you have a free ticket. Throw in a rental car and hotel room, and charge it all on the Southwest credit card, and soon you have more free tickets than you can use. Plus, it’s easier to transfer them to another person – all without fees.
5) Drink coupons. Ever free ticket comes with a booklet of drink coupons – a great way to improve your relationship with your co-workers who are not on the A-list and are sitting in the center seat.
6) No change fees. You can always change your ticket or cancel it without a fee. Depending the fare class you buy – there are only 4 of them at Southwest – you can either get a full refund or a credit for a future flight (if you are on the non-refundable lowest fares.) No $150 fees to change.