Understanding Southwest Airline Flight Statuses, Delays & Cancellations

Understanding Southwest Flight Statuses

When traveling by air, few things are more frustrating than flight delays and cancellations. For Southwest Airlines passengers, keeping tabs on your flight status is an important part of the travel process. By understanding the different flight statuses used by Southwest, travelers can better manage disruptions and stay informed when traveling on Southwest flights.

Southwest Flight Status Codes

Southwest uses a range of status codes to indicate the current state of a flight. Some of the most common codes include:

• On Time: The flight is operating according to the planned schedule.
• Delayed: The flight is postponed and expected to depart later than originally scheduled.
• Canceled: The flight has been called off and will no longer operate as scheduled.
• Diverted: The flight has landed at an airport other than the intended destination due to weather, mechanical issues or other factors.
• Rerouted: The flight path has been changed and will no longer fly the original route.

Southwest may also indicate reasons for delays and cancellations, such as maintenance, weather, Air Traffic Control restrictions, or late arriving aircraft. The airline aims to update flight statuses in real-time on their website and mobile app.

Checking Southwest Flight Status

Passengers have several options to look up the latest flight status information from Southwest:

• Use the Southwest website to search for a specific flight number and date.
• Check the Southwest mobile app, which provides up-to-the-minute flight status updates.
• Call Southwest Reservations at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) to speak with an agent about your flight.
• Check airport flight monitors, which typically display Southwest flight information.
• Ask a Southwest Gate Agent if you're already at the airport.

Travelers can check flight statuses right up until scheduled departure time. However, it's best to monitor your flight status frequently leading up to your trip in case any changes occur. Southwest also offers free text and email flight status alerts when you purchase tickets through their website.

Understanding Flight Alerts and Notifications

In addition to flight statuses, Southwest provides automated alerts and notifications to help keep passengers informed:

• Delay Alerts: Text and email alerts are sent if your flight is delayed by more than 15 minutes.
• Cancellation Alerts: You'll be notified if your flight gets cancelled via text and email.
• Gate Change Alerts: These alerts let you know if your departure gate is changed.
• Flight BOLOs: Special "be on the lookout" alerts are sent for significant delays or cancellations.

Alert preferences can be managed through your Southwest profile. Travelers can opt-in for alerts through multiple channels including text, email, push notifications, and more. Keeping these alerts enabled ensures you'll stay updated even when you're not able to routinely check your flight status.

Steps to Take If Your Flight is Delayed or Cancelled

Despite Southwest's efforts to maintain schedules, flight delays and cancellations can still occur. Here are some tips on handling disrupted Southwest flights:

• Confirm your new flight status by checking Southwest's website, mobile app, or contacting Reservations.
• If rebooking is required, explore alternate flight options right away as availability may be limited.
• Consider requesting a refund if you decide not to travel.
• Ask about meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, or other compensation if available.
• Notify any parties picking you up or expecting you of your revised arrival time.
• Update Southwest on your contact information so they can reach you if needed.

Southwest agents can also rebook you on partner airlines if required. While disruptions are frustrating, Southwest's policies aim to assist impacted customers by reaccommodating them as quickly as possible.

Tips for Monitoring Southwest Flight Time

Here are some additional tips for effectively monitoring your Southwest flight status:

• Sign up for Southwest Rapid Rewards to access member-only flight status features.
• Download the Southwest app for on-the-go flight tracking.
• Set up flight status alerts so you'll be notified of changes.
• Arrive early at the airport in case lines are long due to widespread delays.
• Consider travel insurance to protect yourself if cancellations occur.
• Pack medications and essentials in your carry-on in case checked bags are delayed.
• Bring phone chargers and snacks to stay powered up and fed during long delays.

Staying on top of your real-time flight status with Southwest is key. While delays and cancellations can't always be avoided, monitoring your flight allows you to roll with the punches and make the best of these irregular operations.

Key Takeaways

• Southwest uses status codes like "On Time", "Delayed" and "Cancelled" to indicate flight conditions.
• Check Southwest's website, app, airport monitors or call Reservations to look up flight statuses.
• Sign up for text and email alerts so Southwest can update you on any changes.
• If your flight is disrupted, act quickly to rebook and notify anyone meeting you.
• Arrive early, pack essentials in carry-ons, and enroll in Rapid Rewards to better handle delays.

Understanding Southwest flight statuses enables travelers to stay in control when trip interruptions occur. By monitoring your flight status and preparing for possible disruptions, you can better manage the stresses of air travel on Southwest.

FAQs

What are the main Southwest flight status codes?

The main Southwest flight status codes include:

• On Time - The flight is operating per the schedule
• Delayed - The flight is postponed and departing later than planned
• Cancelled - The scheduled flight has been called off
• Diverted - The flight has landed at an alternate airport
• Rerouted - The flight path has changed from the original plan

How can I check my Southwest flight status?

You can check your Southwest flight status on their website, mobile app, by calling Reservations, or checking airport monitors. Signing up for text/email alerts can also keep you updated on changes.

What should I do if my Southwest flight gets delayed or cancelled?

If your Southwest flight is delayed or cancelled, confirm your new status, rebook if needed, request refunds or compensation, and notify anyone meeting you of changes. Southwest agents can help with rebooking options.

How can I get alerts about my Southwest flight status?

Southwest sends automated delay, cancellation, gate change, and "lookout" alerts by text and email. You can enable alerts through your Southwest profile and Rapid Rewards membership.

What are some tips for monitoring Southwest flight status?

Tips include signing up for Rapid Rewards, using the Southwest app, setting up flight alerts, arriving early, having backup plans, and packing essentials in carry-ons in case of delays.