Southwest Airlines services 66 cities in the U.S.
Southwest is one of the youngest airlines in America, flying for the first time in 1971. Southwest started as a small Texas airline and has grown rapidly, servicing 66 cities in the U.S. on more than 500 aircrafts, as of 2010. Southwest flies more than 3,200 flights a day.
In-flight Amenities
Southwest Airlines offers a snack and beverage service to passengers aboard its flights. Complimentary items on the snack menu include peanuts, Nabisco products, and pretzels. Complimentary beverages include coffee, soda, tea, water and juice. Wine, beer, and liquor are served on board Southwest flights as well. As of 2010, alcoholic beverages cost $5 each. Southwest does not accept cash. Southwest airline drink coupons and all major credit cards are accepted on board. Pillows and blankets are available upon request.
Loyalty Program
Southwest offers a reward program to passengers called Rapid Rewards. As of 2010, each flight taken earns reward points toward free flights. Eight roundtrip flights earn members a free flight anywhere that Southwest travels. Southwest Rapid Rewards members also earn points through Southwest's preferred partners programs on rental cars, shopping, hotels, restaurants and their credit cards.
Baggage
Southwest Airlines baggage allowance for 2010 allows passengers to check up to two bags per passenger for free. Carry-on luggage is also free. Bags must be less than 50 pounds and 62 inches. Oversized luggage is subject to a $50 charge. Passengers who choose to check more than two bags must pay $50 per bag, up to nine bags. Each bag after nine will cost $100 per bag.
Carry-on Luggage
Southwest passengers are allowed one carry-on bag per person in addition to a personal item such as a purse or briefcase, as of 2010. Each passengers traveling with children is allowed a carry-on, a personal item and a baby item, such as a diaper bag. Strollers are left, folded, outside the door of the plane and are stored in the cargo area during flight.
Pet Policy
Southwest Airlines allow vaccinated cats and dogs onboard its flights. Pets may travel in the passenger cabin or in the cargo area of the plane. Pets must be in proper kennels that allow them room to breathe, stand, sit and move comfortably. There is a $75 fee for pets to travel on Southwest Airlines. Service animals are not considered pets, therefore pet policies do not apply. These fees are as of 2010.
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