Southwest Airlines Company today reported its second quarter 2022 financial results:

• Strong quarterly net income of $760 million¹
• Record quarterly net income, excluding special items², of $825 million
• Record quarterly operating revenues of $6.7 billion
• Cash provided by operations of $1.9 billion
• Liquidity³ of $17.4 billion, well in excess of debt outstanding of $10.5 billion

Bob Jordan, Chief Executive Officer, stated, “We are very pleased to report all-time record quarterly revenues and net income, excluding special items, representing a significant milestone in our pandemic recovery. Travel demand surged in second quarter, and thus far, strong demand trends continue in third quarter 2022. As anticipated, we experienced inflationary pressures and headwinds from operating at suboptimal productivity levels in second quarter, which we expect will continue in second half 2022; however, our fuel hedge continues to provide significant protection against higher jet fuel prices. Barring significant unforeseen events and based on current trends, we expect to be solidly profitable for the remaining two quarters of this year, and for full year 2022.

“We are making meaningful progress against our 2022 priorities, and I am very proud of our People and their heroic efforts to fight against the pandemic. Since April, we have been delivering a more reliable product for our Customers with cancellations representing less than one percent of scheduled flights in May and June 2022, which is a completion factor of more than 99 percent. We have added flights in second half 2022—especially in short-haul business markets—to better support our operation and the restoration of our route network. We reached another milestone, returning to overall pre-pandemic staffing levels in May 2022. We plan to continue our hiring and training efforts in specific areas—in particular, Pilots—to support further network restoration and future growth with plans to add over 10,000 Employees, net of attrition, this year. However, we plan to begin moderating overall hiring in second half 2022 as our focus shifts to 2023 planning and executing on our goals to better optimize staffing to flight schedules, reduce cost inefficiencies, and return to historic efficiency levels.

“We are experiencing delays in our aircraft deliveries from The Boeing Company (Boeing), and we now estimate 2022 deliveries to be 66 versus the previously expected 114, ending the year with 765 aircraft. Despite those delays, we are confident about our ability to fly our flight schedules as planned, which are currently published through March 8, 2023. We continue to invest in technologies, airports, and facilities to further modernize our operation and allow us to scale for future growth.

“We are also investing in the Southwest Customer Experience, and I am thrilled about today’s announcement introducing yet another exciting Customer benefit that sets Southwest even further apart from the competition: Flight credits don’t expire⁴. We are famous for offering industry-leading flexibility for Customers, and it is a key differentiator of our brand. Based on research and feedback, we believe flexibility has become even more important to Customers over the past few years. This further extension of flexibility for our Customers reinforces Southwest as industry-leading and builds on our low-fare brand with no fees to change or cancel plans⁵; two bags fly free®⁶; Rapid Rewards® points that don’t expire; and transferable flight credits⁷. With flight credits that don’t expire and the addition of our new Wanna Get Away Plus^TM fare product—along with recently announced investments to enhance WiFi, install latest-technology onboard power ports, offer larger overhead bins, and enable new self-service capabilities—we are making travel even easier. We believe we have the strongest route network and value proposition for Customers in the domestic U.S., and also believe this policy change will both win new Customers and increase Customer loyalty.”

Guidance and Outlook:

The following tables introduce or update selected financial guidance for third quarter 2022 and full year 2022, as applicable:

 

 

 

Revenue Results and Outlook:

• Second quarter 2022 operating revenues were an all-time quarterly record $6.7 billion, increasing 13.9 percent compared with second quarter 2019—in line with the Company’s previous guidance
• Second quarter 2022 operating revenues per available seat mile (RASM, or unit revenues) increased 22.0 percent driven primarily by a passenger yield increase of 18.4 percent, coupled with a load factor increase of 0.7 points, all compared with second quarter 2019
• Second quarter 2022 managed business revenues were down 24 percent compared with second quarter 2019—in line with the Company’s previous guidance
• Successfully launched new Wanna Get Away Plus™ fare product in May 2022

The Company’s revenue performance in second quarter 2022 was a quarterly record primarily due to a surge in leisure demand, especially in June, which resulted in strong passenger bookings, yields, and load factors. In addition, the Company’s second quarter 2022 loyalty program revenue represented a quarterly record. June 2022 managed business revenues were down 19 percent, a sequential improvement compared with April and May 2022 managed business revenues, which were down 31 percent and 23 percent, respectively, all compared with their respective 2019 levels. While second quarter 2022 managed business revenues remained below 2019 levels, the Company was encouraged by the sequential improvement during the quarter, as well as managed business average fares that exceeded 2019 levels. June 2022 is estimated to represent a monthly peak for 2022 operating revenues based on first half 2022 results and current expectations for second half 2022.

Currently, the Company continues to experience strong passenger bookings, yields, and load factors. Leisure bookings remain strong and in line with seasonal expectations in third quarter 2022, including post-Labor Day. Based on bookings thus far, the Company’s third quarter 2022 managed business revenues are currently estimated to be down in the range of 17 percent to 21 percent, compared with third quarter 2019. Although early in the booking curve, the Company is encouraged by current business bookings post-Labor Day and the expected sequential improvement from second quarter to third quarter 2022, of managed business revenues compared with the same periods in 2019. The Company increased short-haul trips in business markets in its third quarter 2022 published flight schedule, relative to first half 2022, in an effort to support both the reliability of its operational performance and expected business travel demand. Given the Company’s estimate that managed business revenues will remain below 2019 levels in third quarter 2022, the increase in short-haul trips in business markets is estimated to be a two point sequential operating revenue growth headwind from second quarter to third quarter 2022, compared with their respective 2019 levels.

In accordance with applicable accounting guidance and the Company’s revenue recognition policy, the amount of tickets that will expire unused, referred to as breakage, are estimated and recognized in Passenger revenue once the scheduled flight date has passed, in proportion to Customer behavior. Breakage estimates are based on historical experience over many years, and the Company has consistently applied this accounting method to estimate revenue from unused tickets at the date of scheduled travel. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company had a significant amount of Customer flight credits that were set to expire on September 7, 2022. The Company’s policy change to eliminate expiration dates on qualifying flight credits, in particular those that were set to expire on September 7, 2022, results in a shift in the timing of revenue recognition and an estimated negative impact to third quarter breakage revenue in the range of $250 million to $300 million, or a five point sequential operating revenue growth headwind from second quarter to third quarter 2022, compared with their respective 2019 levels. The Company does not anticipate a material impact from this policy change beyond third quarter 2022, and estimates that breakage as a percentage of revenue will normalize to pre-pandemic levels. The Company expects that this policy change, combined with its other attractive brand attributes, will contribute to an increase in Customer loyalty and new Customers.

Fuel Costs and Outlook:

• Second quarter 2022 fuel costs were $3.36 per gallon—in line with the Company’s previous guidance—and included $0.05 per gallon in premium expense and $0.68 per gallon in favorable cash settlements from fuel derivative contracts
• Second quarter 2022 fuel efficiency improved 2.1 percent compared with second quarter 2019 due to more MAX aircraft, the Company’s most fuel-efficient aircraft, as a percentage of the Company’s fleet
• As of July 21, 2022, the fair market value of the Company’s fuel derivative contracts settling in third quarter 2022 through the end of 2024 was an asset of $1.0 billion

The Company’s multi-year fuel hedging program continues to provide insurance against spikes in energy prices and significantly offset the market price increase in jet fuel in second quarter 2022. The Company’s current fuel derivative contracts contain a combination of instruments based in West Texas Intermediate, Brent crude oil, and refined products, such as heating oil. The economic fuel price per gallon sensitivities⁸ provided in the table below assume the relationship between Brent crude oil and refined products based on market prices as of July 21, 2022.

 

In addition, the Company is providing its maximum percentage of estimated fuel consumption¹⁰ covered by fuel derivative contracts in the following table:

 

Non-Fuel Costs and Outlook:

• Second quarter 2022 operating expenses of $5.6 billion increased 12.7 percent compared with second quarter 2019
• Second quarter 2022 operating expenses, excluding fuel and oil expense, special items, and profitsharing, increased 5.6 percent compared with second quarter 2019
• Second quarter 2022 operating expenses per available seat mile, excluding fuel and oil expense, special items, and profitsharing (CASM-X), increased 13.1 percent compared with second quarter 2019—favorable to the Company’s previous guidance
• The Company accrued $81 million of profitsharing expense in second quarter 2022 bringing first half 2022 profitsharing expense to $118 million

The Company’s second quarter 2022 CASM-X increase was primarily due to continued unit cost headwinds from operating at suboptimal productivity levels, inflation in labor rates and airport costs, and accruals for expected future contractual wage rate increases. However, the Company’s second quarter 2022 CASM-X increase was lower than its previous guidance range primarily due to lower benefits costs, as well as the shifting of certain maintenance costs from second quarter to second half 2022.

The Company continues to experience cost inflation in third quarter 2022, in particular with higher rates for labor, benefits, and airports. The Company also expects cost headwinds from operating at suboptimal productivity levels as headcount is expected to increase in third quarter 2022 while capacity levels are expected to remain relatively in line with third quarter 2019. The Company has increased short-haul trips in second half 2022 in an effort to restore its route network and support the reliability of its operational performance, which results in a decrease to average stage length, and adds further unit cost headwinds. As a result of its successful hiring efforts and much improved operational reliability, the Company plans to begin moderating hiring where opportunities exist and intensify its focus on returning to historical efficiency levels.

Fleet and Capital Spending:

For first half 2022, the Company was scheduled to receive 28 -8 aircraft, of which only 12 were received, all during second quarter 2022. The Company ended second quarter 2022 with 730 aircraft, which reflects four owned -700 retirements. In addition, the Company had four -700 aircraft in storage as of June 30, 2022, all of which were subsequently retired from the Company’s fleet in July 2022. While the Company is contractually scheduled to receive 114 MAX deliveries, including options, this year, a portion of its deliveries are expected to shift into 2023 due to Boeing’s supply chain challenges and the current status of the -7 certification. Based on recent discussions with Boeing regarding the pace of expected deliveries for the remainder of this year, the Company is currently estimating it will receive a total of 66 -8 aircraft deliveries and no -7 deliveries in 2022.

Since the Company’s previous disclosure on April 28, 2022, the Company exercised seven -8 options for delivery in 2022; exercised two -7 options for delivery in 2023; accelerated and exercised seven 2023 -8 options for delivery in 2022; and shifted seven 2022 MAX firm orders into 2023, which are reflected as -7 firm orders in the Company’s updated order book. Additionally in July 2022, the Company converted 48 2023 -7 firm orders to -8 firm orders in 2023.

Based on these modifications and recent discussions with Boeing, the Company is currently assuming 23 and 31 -8 aircraft deliveries in third quarter and fourth quarter 2022, respectively. The Company plans to retire 12 and 7 -700 aircraft in third quarter and fourth quarter 2022, respectively. As a result, the Company expects to end third quarter with 741 aircraft and end 2022 with 765 aircraft, compared with its previous guidance of 814 aircraft. The Company now expects to retire 29 -700 aircraft in 2022, compared with its previous guidance of 28 -700 retirements this year.

The Company’s second quarter 2022 capital expenditures were $987 million driven primarily by aircraft-related capital expenditures, as well as technology, facilities, and operational investments. The Company now estimates its 2022 capital spending to be approximately $4.0 billion, which assumes the exercise of its five remaining 2022 options, and a total of 66 -8 aircraft deliveries in 2022, compared with its previous 2022 capital spending guidance of approximately $5.0 billion which assumed the delivery of 114 MAX aircraft in 2022. The Company’s 2022 capital spending guidance continues to include approximately $900 million in non-aircraft capital spending.

The following tables provide further information regarding the Company’s contractual order book and compare its contractual order book as of July 28, 2022, with its previous order book as of April 28, 2022. Given current supply chain and aircraft delivery delays, the Company will continue working with Boeing on its order book with focus on 2022 and 2023.

 

 

 

Liquidity and Capital Deployment:

• The Company ended second quarter 2022 with $16.4 billion in cash and short-term investments and a fully available revolving credit line of $1.0 billion
• The Company had a net cash position¹¹ of $5.9 billion, and adjusted debt¹² to invested capital (leverage) of 53 percent as of June 30, 2022
• The Company paid $231 million during second quarter 2022 to retire debt and finance lease obligations, including the extinguishment of $138 million in principal of the Company’s convertible notes for a cash payment of $178 million, the extinguishment of $30 million in principal of various unsecured notes for a cash payment of $31 million, as well as $22 million in scheduled debt payments
• The Company’s 2022 total debt repayments is expected to be $820 million, compared with its previous guidance of $650 million, due to the unscheduled extinguishments noted above
• The Company recently extended the maturity of its revolving credit facility agreement two years to August 3, 2025

Southwest Airlines aircraft photo gallery:

Southwest Airlines today extended its flight schedule through January 4, 2023.

In the newly released extension of the flight schedule, Southwest will offer new nonstop service between:

San Jose, Calif., and Palm Springs, daily except on Saturdays, beginning Nov. 6, 2022;
Nashville and Long Beach, Calif., once daily, beginning Nov. 6, 2022;
Nashville and Steamboat Springs (Hayden), Colo., only on Saturdays, beginning Dec. 17, 2022; and
Colorado Springs and San Diego, on select peak travel days from late November through early January.

Southwest aircraft photo gallery:

Southwest Airlines has announced an investment into SAFFiRE Renewables, LLC (SAFFiRE), a company formed by D3MAX, LLC (D3MAX), as part of a Department of Energy (DOE)-backed project to develop and produce scalable, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Funded with a DOE grant matched by Southwest’s investment, SAFFiRE is expected to utilize technology developed by the DOE’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to convert corn stover, a widely available waste feedstock in the U.S., into renewable ethanol that then would be upgraded into SAF.

In 2021, the DOE awarded D3MAX the only pilot-scale grant for SAF production, with a goal to scale technology that could commercialize SAF. According to NREL, this could produce significant quantities of cost-competitive SAF that could provide an 84 percent reduction in carbon intensity compared to conventional jet fuel on a lifecycle basis.  Southwest’s match of the DOE’s grant supports phase one of the project, which is expected to include technology validation, preliminary design, and a business plan for a pilot plant.

“SAF is critical for decarbonizing the aviation sector,” said Bob Jordan, Chief Executive Officer at Southwest®. “This is a unique opportunity to invest in what we believe could be game-changing technology that could facilitate the replacement of up to approximately five percent of our jet fuel with SAF by 2030, with the potential to significantly continue to scale beyond the decade. This first-of-its-kind investment is another step we are taking to address our environmental impact, and it also supports our efforts to partner with organizations and government entities to help our industry reach the goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.”

In 2021, Southwest set a near-term goal to maintain carbon neutrality to 2019 levels while continuing to grow its operations, part of which includes replacing 10 percent of its total jet fuel consumption with SAF by 2030.

In addition to complementing Southwest’s SAF goals and broader environmental sustainability efforts, this project supports the federal government’s climate strategy, including an ambition for three billion gallons of SAF by 2030 through the SAF Grand Challenge.

“The Department of Energy is committed to turning our ambitious aviation decarbonization goals into realities through strong partnerships across the airline industry,” said U.S. Deputy Secretary of Energy David Turk. “Moving cutting-edge technology advances in sustainable aviation to production scale will save money, reduce carbon emissions, and reshape the future of the airline travel for the benefit of American consumers.”

The pilot project is intended to validate the commercialization of this corn-stover-to-ethanol technology, which could lead to a follow-up phase. If phase one is successful, DOE and Southwest would have the opportunity to fund a second phase investment for the design, fabrication, installation, and operation of a pilot plant producing renewable ethanol utilizing technology developed by D3MAX and NREL. In phase two, the renewable ethanol is planned to be upgraded into SAF by LanzaJet, Inc., at its biorefinery currently under construction in Soperton, Georgia.

“We are extremely excited to be working with Southwest Airlines—they will be a great investor,” said Mark Yancey, CEO of SAFFiRE. “SAFFiRE technology is expected to produce lower carbon SAF compared to conventional jet fuel on a lifecycle basis, which could become carbon negative with process improvements and carbon capture. If we are successful in developing and commercializing this technology, we project the technology can produce 7.5 billion gallons per year of SAF by 2040.”

“NREL is thrilled to contribute its research and development expertise in biofuels to this exciting collaboration with Southwest Airlines, D3MAX, and DOE to potentially bring SAF to the market quickly and economically,” said Adam Bratis, Associate Laboratory Director of BioEnergy Sciences & Technology at NREL.

Southwest is one of the most honored airlines in the world and remains focused on promoting a healthier planet, but the Company can’t accomplish that alone. As described in its 10-Year Environmental Sustainability Plan, Southwest’s plans to reduce, replace, offset, and partner are important next steps in the journey to build a holistic approach to improve its environmental sustainability. Learn more about these efforts by visiting swa.is/planetplan.

Southwest’s Focus on Environmental Sustainability

• In October 2021 established a plan of action to reduce Southwest’s carbon emissions intensity by at least 20 percent by 2030¹ and maintain carbon neutral growth every year through the end of the decade.
• Announced multiple offtake agreements and memoranda of understanding with sustainable aviation fuel producers.
• In October 2021, Southwest announced the first U.S.-based carbon offset option where individual customers can contribute towards offsetting Southwest’s carbon emissions.²
• Joined the Vision 2045 campaign, a collaboration among multiple organizations and companies to share films and resources that aim to inspire businesses and people to take action toward a more sustainable future. Southwest content showcased how the Company is making sustainability a priority through a series of near-term actions and long-term goals.
• Launched opportunities for Southwest® Business Customers to support and advance sustainability initiatives within their corporate travel portfolios.
• Committed $10 million to Yale University’s Center for Natural Carbon Capture to research technological advancements and find new solutions to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions.
• Joined the Aviation Climate Taskforce, a new nonprofit founded with a goal to tackle the challenges of reducing carbon emissions in aviation.

1. As compared to 2019, includes scope 1 and 2 emissions and the use of sustainable aviation fuel, and excludes the use of carbon offsets
2. All offsets will be retired in the name of Southwest Airlines Co. Terms and conditions apply.

Southwest Airlines aircraft photo gallery:

Southwest Airlines, today awarded the 2022 J.D. Power Award for Highest Customer Satisfaction among Economy carriers in North America, announces next steps in its plan to bring the next generation of Customer Experience in travel with Southwest Airlines®, through more than two billion dollars in planned investments. These initiatives are designed to enhance and simplify Customers’ journeys—from booking trips, to traveling through airports, and while inflight—delivering an even more enjoyable, efficient, and productive Customer Experience.

On the ongoing journey to modernize the Customer Experience, Southwest revealed commitments to:

• Bring enhanced WiFi connectivity onboard aircraft;
• Install latest-technology onboard power ports to charge personal devices at every seat;
• Offer larger overhead bins with more space and easier access to carryon items;
• Launch a new fare category with added flexibility and value, Wanna Get Away PlusTM;
• Introduce more entertainment options and a wider selection of refreshments in the cabin; and,
• Enable new self-service capabilities to bring elevated ease in doing business with Southwest, benefiting Employees and Customers.

“You can never stop working to get better, and as our beloved Founder Herb famously said, ‘If you rest on your laurels, you’ll get a thorn in your butt!’ We have a long and proud history of offering Legendary Customer Service and warm Hospitality, and we have bold plans and significant investments to modernize and enhance the Southwest Experience,” said Bob Jordan, Chief Executive Officer. “As we continue to welcome back loyal Customers and win new ones, these initiatives, combined with the best People in the industry, support our Purpose of connecting People to what’s most important in their lives through friendly, reliable, and low-cost air travel.”

Commitment to Connectivity

“Top of our list is giving our Customers reliable connections in the air to those things that are important and accessible to them on the ground,” said Ryan Green, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. “We’re investing in our onboard connectivity and bandwidth available to each Customer with upgraded technology that’s now installing across our existing fleet, a strategy to diversify our WiFi vendors on upcoming aircraft deliveries, and plugging Southwest Customers into in-seat power to keep them charged while in the air.”

• Southwest is upgrading WiFi equipment on its existing fleet with longstanding connectivity provider Anuvu’s latest-generation hardware capable of providing a significant improvement in speed and bandwidth up to 10 times the current hardware onboard.
• Plans are for the Anuvu latest-generation hardware to be onboard 50 in-service aircraft by the end of May, with a projected 350 aircraft upgraded by the end of October.

• Testing the upgraded WiFi equipment is now underway on some routes over the western mainland U.S. As part of the test, Southwest is offering free WiFi to all Customers on select flights to understand how the upgraded equipment performs with a large number of Customers using the equipment simultaneously.

• Alongside its relationship with legacy connectivity provider Anuvu, Southwest recently entered into an agreement with industry-leading satellite connectivity provider Viasat to provide high quality internet and live television programming onboard newly delivered aircraft beginning in the fall of this year.

Southwest pioneered gate-to-gate connectivity in 2010, becoming the first major airline in the United States to offer satellite-based connectivity on domestic flights. The first generation technology brought free live TV, streamed on individual devices. The airline continues to heavily invest in its WiFi product aimed to meet Customers’ connectivity expectations.

Leaping to the Latest In-Seat Power

Southwest plans to install latest-generation onboard USB A and USB C power ports on every seat in the aircraft, with a space-saving system that will not compromise legroom. The airline plans to bring this new convenience and capability onboard 737 MAX aircraft beginning in early 2023.

“The ability to keep your devices charged while you are connected inflight is a request that we’ve heard consistently in ongoing conversations with our Customers,” said Tony Roach, Vice President of Customer Experience and Customer Relations. “With so much that our Customers love about doing business with Southwest, we’re constantly listening to our Employees and our Customers for improvement opportunities, and we’re excited to share some additional news and updates on this ongoing work.”

Wait…there’s more!

• Bin here, bin there: Alongside its famous “Bags Fly Free” promise that provides every Customer onboard a Southwest flight the option to check two bags for free (weight and size limitations apply), the carrier is making room in the cabin for carryon items with larger overhead bins that also bring easier access to store and retrieve luggage onboard. The larger overhead bins will be on aircraft deliveries beginning early next year.
• Online, not in line: New functionality for the carrier’s digital platforms and airport kiosks give Customers the ability to handle common requests and help them move more efficiently from curb to gate. By late summer 2022, Customers will be able to purchase Upgraded Boarding A1-A15 positions (when available) on their mobile devices without standing in line at the airport. Also on the horizon, an ability to add lap child travelers when booking online, and the airline recently added lap child check-in at self-service kiosks. Introducing more self-service options builds on the carrier’s effort to reduce wait times with improved and simplified online change functionality; recent improvements have reduced the need for Customers to call to make flight changes, and subsequently reduced hold times to allow Southwest Representatives more availability for specialized Hospitality and Customer Service.
• More flexibility takes flight: The carrier’s previously announced additional fare, Wanna Get Away Plus, is expected to become available to Customers later this month, bringing a new ability to transfer travel funds1 and to confirm a same-day change2 to an available seat on a different flight between the same origin and destination, without a change in base fare. Southwest also offers a wide variety of accepted payment methods, and provides My Account information in mobile friendly views across the carrier’s digital platforms.
• Mixing it up: Adding to an expansive beverage selection featuring a number of alcohol options, additional refreshment offerings will begin this summer with a Bloody Mary Mix, followed by a ready-to-drink cocktail in September, alongside new options of Hard Seltzer, and Rosé.3 Southwest also will enhance its inflight entertainment portal to more than double the number of free movies currently available by end of year and coming late May will update the flight tracker to provide 3-D views that offer aircraft information and customized destination guides based on your flight itinerary.

Southwest Airlines aircraft photo gallery (current livery):

 

Southwest Airlines has announced Wanna Get Away Plus™, a new fare that joins Wanna Get Away®, Anytime, and Business Select® in the Company’s fare product lineup. This fare will be available to Customers late in the second quarter of 2022.

Wanna Get Away Plus™ provides Customers even more flexibility, choice, and rewards for a modest buy-up from Wanna Get Away. In addition to the benefits offered across all our fares (2 free checked bags¹, no change fees², free TV/movies/messaging³), Wanna Get Away Plus™ offers:

• Transferable flight credit(s), a new benefit that enables Customers to make a one-time transfer of eligible unused flight credit to a new traveler for future use.⁴
• More flexibility through same-day confirmed change/same-day standby.⁵
• More earning power with 8X Rapid Rewards points.

In addition, Customers who opt for a refundable Anytime or Business Select fare and our Tier Members will receive more benefits. Business Select and Anytime fares will have the same transferable flight credit benefit as Wanna Get Away Plus™. Anytime fares will also gain EarlyBird Check-In⁶, Priority Lane⁷, and Express Lane⁸ benefits. Tier Members (A-List /A-List Preferred Customers) will now receive same-day confirmed change in addition to same-day standby⁹.

These changes to Business Select and Anytime will all be available to all Customers when Wanna Get Away Plus™ is available for sale in all Southwest channels.

Hear more about Wanna Get Away Plus™ and existing fare enhancements from Andrew Watterson, Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer, and Jonathan Clarkson, Vice President, Marketing, Loyalty & Products.

Check out our new fare lineup:

 

Fare grid disclaimers

1. First and second checked bags. Weight and size limits apply.
2. If you need to change an upcoming flight itinerary, you’ll only pay the cost in fare difference.
3. Failure to cancel a reservation at least 10 minutes prior to scheduled departure may result in forfeited funds.
4. To receive a flight credit you must cancel your flight at least 10 minutes prior to scheduled flight departure. See My Account for flight credit expiration dates.
5. Transferable flight credit allows you to transfer your flight credit to another person. Both must be Rapid Rewards™ Members and only one transfer is permitted. The expiration date is 12 months from the date the ticket was booked. For bookings made through a Southwest™ Business channel, there is a limitation to transfer only between employees within the organization.
6. Same-day change/Same-day standby: For same-day changes, if there’s an open seat on a different flight on the same calendar day as your original flight and it’s between the same cities, you can book a confirmed seat on the new flight free of airline charges. If there isn’t an open seat, ask a Southwest Gate Agent to add you to the same-day standby list. If there are any government taxes and fees associated with these itinerary changes, you will be required to pay those. Your original boarding position is not guaranteed.
7. Refundable, as long as you cancel your reservation at least ten (10) minutes prior to the scheduled departure of your flight. If you cancel, you’re eligible to receive 100% of your ticket value as a refund to your original form of payment. Southwest flight credit(s) from a previous reservation that are applied toward a Business Select or Anytime Fare will be refunded as flight credit(s). For travel booked with Rapid Rewards points, if canceled, points will be returned to the Rapid Rewards account holder who booked the ticket.
8. Priority lane: This priority lane gets you to the front of the ticket counter faster. A-List or A-List Preferred Members already enjoy the priority lane (where available). Express lane: This security lane gets you through the security line faster. A-List or A-List Preferred Members enjoy this benefit too.
9. EarlyBird Check-In™ means you will automatically be checked in to your flight 36 hours prior to scheduled departure. For Anytime fares purchased between 36 and 24 hours, the boarding position assignment process has begun so this may impact the boarding position assigned to you. If you purchase an Anytime fare within 24 hours of your flight’s scheduled departure, you will not receive the EarlyBird Checkin benefit. In an irregular operation situation, the boarding position is not guaranteed.
10. Flights traveling 175 miles or less only serve water.

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1. Weight and size limits apply
2. Fare difference may apply
3. (Available only on WiFi-enabled aircraft. Limited-time offer. Where available. Only allows access to iMessage and WhatsApp (must be downloaded before the flight.  Due to licensing restrictions, on WiFi-enabled flights, Free Live TV and iHeartRadio may not be available for the full duration of the flight.)
4. Both must be Rapid Rewards Members and expiration dates apply.  For bookings made through a Southwest™ Business channel, there is a limitation to transfer only between employees within the organization.
5. If there are any government taxes and fees associated with a change to a Customer’s itinerary, the Customer will be responsible to pay those.
6. (benefit not available if flight departure is within 24 hours of your flight’s scheduled departure)
7. Where available.
8. Where available
9. (free of airline charges). If there are any government taxes and fees associated with a change to a Customer’s itinerary, the Customer will be responsible to pay those.