I Flew Southwest Airlines for the First Time—Here’s What Surprised Me

I Flew Southwest Airlines for the First Time—Here’s What Surprised Me

I’ve always been a planner when it comes to flying. I like knowing my seat in advance, choosing my preferred window spot, and avoiding the last-minute rush. So when I booked my first Southwest Airlines flight, I wasn’t sure what to expect. With their no assigned seating policy and unique boarding system, I wondered if it would be a hassle—or a surprisingly smooth experience.

What happened next completely changed how I see air travel.

1. The Boarding Process Felt Like a Game Show

If you’ve never flown Southwest, here’s how it works: Instead of assigned seats, you’re given a boarding group (A, B, or C) and a number (like A23 or B57) when you check in. The earlier your number, the better your seat selection.

I had heard horror stories of people being stuck in middle seats for hours because they checked in late. Unfortunately, I learned this the hard way. I forgot to check in exactly 24 hours before my flight, so I ended up in Group C—the last group to board. By the time I stepped onto the plane, all the good seats were gone. Lesson learned: Always set a reminder to check in early!

Despite my mistake, the process was shockingly efficient. No one pushed or shoved, and the line moved quickly. It was far less chaotic than I expected.

2. Flight Attendants with a Sense of Humor? Yes, Please!

I’m used to flight attendants being polite but professional—focused on getting the job done. But Southwest’s crew took things to a new level.

Before takeoff, one of the attendants grabbed the microphone and started cracking jokes:

“Ladies and gentlemen, if you’re traveling with small children today... we’re sorry.”

The entire cabin burst into laughter. Another flight attendant turned the safety briefing into a stand-up routine, making a usually boring part of the flight actually entertaining.

It was a small thing, but it made the flight feel less like a stressful experience and more like a fun trip.

3. Free Checked Bags? Yes, You Read That Right.

Most airlines charge $30 to $50 per checked bag, which adds up fast. But Southwest includes two free checked bags with every ticket.

At first, I thought there had to be a catch—but no, it’s their standard policy. This alone can save you up to $100 per trip, making Southwest a great choice for budget travelers or anyone who hates paying for luggage.

4. Open Seating Wasn’t as Scary as I Thought

Since Southwest doesn’t assign seats, I imagined a mad dash for the best spots—but it was actually pretty orderly.

Yes, if you’re in Group C, you’ll probably end up in a middle seat (like I did). But most passengers were relaxed and courteous, and the system worked smoothly.

If you want to guarantee a good seat, you can pay for EarlyBird Check-In ($15-$25), which automatically checks you in before everyone else. Next time, I’ll probably do that.

5. No Extra Fees = A Refreshing Change

Flying with budget airlines often means hidden fees for everything—seat selection, carry-ons, even printing a boarding pass! But Southwest keeps it simple:

✅ No seat selection fees

✅ No change fees if you need to modify your flight

✅ Two free checked bags

✅ Free in-flight entertainment (on your own device)

It was refreshing to not feel like I was being charged for every little thing.

Would I Fly Southwest Again?

Absolutely. While it’s not for everyone (especially if you love assigned seating), Southwest offers a stress-free, budget-friendly experience. The relaxed atmosphere, fun flight attendants, and free baggage policy made my trip surprisingly enjoyable.

Final Tips for First-Time Southwest Flyers:

✔️ Set a reminder to check in exactly 24 hours before your flight to get a better boarding position.

✔️ If you hate middle seats, pay for EarlyBird Check-In—it’s worth it.

✔️ Don’t be afraid to chat with the flight attendants—they make the experience fun!

✔️ Take advantage of the two free checked bags—this can save you a lot of money.

Final Verdict: I walked onto that plane expecting chaos. Instead, I found a well-run system, friendly service, and a laid-back experience. Would I fly Southwest again? In a heartbeat.

#SouthwestAirlines, and #BudgetTravel#viral