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Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
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From boarding assignments to pretzels: What to expect on your next Southwest Airlines flight
Summer Hull has been covering (and using) travel tips, rewards credit cards and loyalty programs for over a decade. She has flown close to a million miles, often on points and miles and with her family in tow.
November 1, 2020 • 7 min read
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don't cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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Quick summary
Southwest Airlines implemented several changes during the pandemic, including limiting flight capacity to allow for more space between passengers until December 1, 2020.
Boarding procedures have shifted to smaller groups of 10 to promote distancing at the gate.
Face masks are mandatory for all travelers aged 2 and older, with strict guidelines on acceptable mask types.
Onboard service is minimal, with only water and snack mix provided on flights over 250 miles, and enhanced cleaning protocols are in place.
What to consider
Capacity limits end December 1, after which flights may be fully booked and middle seats may no longer remain open.
Boarding order remains important for seat selection, especially as flights fill up post-capacity cap.
TSA temporarily allows up to 12 ounces of hand sanitizer per passenger.
What you'll miss from the article
Detailed tips for navigating Southwest's unique boarding process and maximizing comfort during pandemic-era travel.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
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That's still less than half the normal rate of daily flyers, but it's progress for an industry that was almost entirely shut down — even though many would-be travelers that still haven't packed their carry-on bag or printed a boarding pass since the pandemic took hold.
Each U.S. airline has taken its own distinct approach to flying in the age of the coronavirus, but Southwest Airlines has always had a unique way of doing things. With its coveted Companion Pass, lack of advance seat assignments, no bag fees for most checked or carry-on bags and no change fees, flying with Southwest has always felt special.
Those core elements haven't changed, but other aspects of flying Southwest have — all in the name of safety and distancing due to COVID-19. Here's what to expect if you plan to board a Southwest Airlines flight in the near future.
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Blocked middle seats — until December
Southwest Airlines doesn't assign seats, so saying middle seats are blocked isn't exactly the case (as TPG's Benet Wilson experienced firsthand). Until Dec. 1, 2020, however, Southwest is only booking flights to two-thirds capacity (about 67%), so middle seats can remain open.
You and your family or friends can still sit three across and fill the middle, if you wish. But, otherwise, you're almost guaranteed to have extra elbow room when flying Southwest until the calendar flips to December. After that, the airline can book flights to 100% capacity.
As always, your boarding group is what determines when you can get on board and claim your seat(s) of choice. This may matter more than ever after Dec. 1. Families with kids ages 6 and younger (defined as up to two adults with children) can board during Family Boarding between the A and B groups. For other travelers, during a typical Southwest flight, you'll board according to your group (A through C) and boarding position (1 through 60).
You can purchase EarlyBird boarding and let Southwest claim your spot in the virtual boarding line 36 hours before departure. Otherwise, check in exactly 24 hours before departure for the earliest boarding spot. If available, you can also purchase A1 to A15 boarding places at the gate. The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card includes four credits for these boarding positions each year.
Before the coronavirus pandemic, Southwest boarded by groups A 1 to 30, followed by A 31 to 60; B 1 to 30, B 31 to 60; all the way through the C groups. Travelers would line up in a single-file row at the gate and board the plane (in numerical order) in groups of 30.
Now, Southwest Airlines boards in groups of 10 people at a time. This means you need to be at the gate listening and ready before boarding, but you won't be camping out at your spot in line until called.
(Photo by Andrea Bacle Photography for The Points Guy)
Southwest Airlines requires face masks for all customers 2 years of age and older. Other than being under 2 years old, there are no exemptions to Southwest's face mask mandate.
Face masks with exhaust valves, or those made of a material such as lace or mesh, are not permitted. Neck gaiters are allowed as long as they cover the nose and mouth and are secured under the chin. Face shields are allowed in addition to (but not instead of) face masks.
You can take down your mask while actively eating or drinking on Southwest, but the airline wants you to keep it quick. The Southwest website states: "We do acknowledge there may be times when a customer needs to briefly remove their face covering, for instance, to eat, drink or take medicine. However, we expect these instances to be very brief, and customers should put their face covering back on as soon as possible."
(Photo by Andrea Bacle Photography for The Points Guy)
Southwest Airlines says it's using Sani-Cide EX3, a broad-spectrum disinfectant, to clean onboard lavatories and tray tables before every flight. Additionally, the airline claims it's deep cleaning planes from nose to tail for six to seven hours each every night.
In fact, some travelers may choose to book the first flight of the day for precisely that reason. TPG's senior credit cards editor, Benet Wilson, is a regular Southwest flyer. She said when she took her first Southwest flight during the pandemic in late August, she "chose the earliest nonstop flight" because she knows the airline "keeps its last flights [from] the previous night parked at the gate."
"I also knew the plane would be cleaner, since there was time to disinfect it while it sat on the ground overnight," she explained.
Wilson also received a disinfecting wipe along with her complimentary water and pretzels. You can also bring your own wipes and hand sanitizer. Remember, the TSA is currently allowing you to bring up to 12 ounces of hand sanitizer, up from the normal 3.4-ounce maximum.
On all my recent Southwest Airlines flights, I felt extremely safe and as comfortable as possible during these strange and uncertain times. My fellow travelers have been good about wearing their masks, and compliance was regularly reinforced by the flight attendants. The minimal onboard service has likely helped, since there's not much in the way of complimentary food and beverages. .
All that said, some Southwest flights will fill up after Dec. 1, when the airline is no longer capping capacity. So, plan accordingly and ensure you're able to claim your preferred seat on board with strategic boarding pass assignments.
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By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
