Is Southwest a Safe Airline? Safety Record, Reviews, Pros & Cons

When you choose any airline, you assume that every safety precaution has been taken. Because of daily 4,000 flights and solid reputation in the industry, Southwest Airlines has remained a major airline in American Aviation History.

Now the question is “is Southwest a safe airline to fly?” Well, every airline comes with pros and cons that make it good or bad in the eyes of customers.

To answer this question in detailed airline review, we have compiled a blog post in which we talk about safety record, pros & cons, and all other things you want to know about this airline.

Keep reading!

Is Southwest a Safe Airline?

According to Air Advisor, Southwest airline was ranked among top 5 safest U.S airlines in 2023. They gained this ranking just because of adhering strict flight safety protocols and procedures. This airline is liked by customers looking for affordable flights without compromising on quality and safety.

If we talk about previous track record of Southwest Airline, it was ranked as the no.1 airline during 2020 & 2021. According to Airline Quality Rating Report for 2023, Southwest was ranked as:

• 5^th in baggage service
• 6^th in overall on-time arrivals
• 9^th in minimal denied boardings
• 6^th in customer satisfaction

Southwest Airline Safety Record

Southwest is famous for corporate culture, affordable flights, 737 fleet and quick turns. Till now, they are operating in more than 120 airports across 11 countries. According to Airline Ratings, Southwest Airline has a safety rating of 7/7. In 2021, it was ranked among top 20 safest airlines in the world.

Southwest Airlines Reviews

Just like airline safety, it is essential to consider other factors as well. Have a look at the quality of other amenities in the form of review rating. (According to airlineratings.com)

Pros & Cons of Southwest Airline

After talking about the airline’s safety record and reviews, the next must-needed thing is to mention the pros and cons of airline. Let’s first have a look at what are the benefits of using this airline.

Pros

1. Come up with Great Deals

Traveling nowadays is not only expensive but also, it’s difficult to avail of with discounted deals or promotions. Luckily, Southwest Airline features affordable flights with low-cost service charges. Also, you will enjoy non-stop on-flight entertainment freely without paying any single penny.

2. No Fees on Change of Tickets

Almost every U.S airline charge fees for changing tickets. This is great if you want to change your ticket anytime. With most airlines, ticket holders have to pay to change their tickets. But, with this airline, you can change your tickets as much as possible as you have to pay the difference in fare, if it’s higher.

3. Safe Airline

Is southwest a safe airline to travel? With 7/7 security rating, ranked among top 5 safest U.S airlines and quick turns, Southwest Airline is considered as the safest airline. The safety of this airline is praised by both existing and past passengers.

4. Great Customer Service

Overall, Southwest has outstanding customer service in the form of 24/7 customer support, prompt response and friendly cooperation. Not only their customer support is exceptional but also the staff on the plane like air hostess is also friendly to communicate.

5. Rapid Rewards Programs

Is Southwest a good airline 2024? Along with amazing flight deals, the Southwest rewards programs are exceptional. We think there’s no other airline that is offering reward program just like Southwest Airline. For this, you need to enroll in their Rapid Rewards Program.

Cons

1. No Assigned Seating

Open seating is not good for all passengers as some want luxurious experience by paying for it. With it, there’s no difference left between economy class and business class. This plane is not suitable for passengers who want to sit on the front seat of the plane.

2. Don’t Operate Many International Flights

Is Southwest Airlines reliable? Southwest only fly to 11 countries and they don’t provide many international flights just like other major airlines. This is one of the determining disadvantages for passengers especially who travel internationally frequently.

3. No First-class Experience or Meals

As we earlier stated that Southwest Airline is not for those who want first-class experience and meals on the flight. Although, they do not serve meals on their flights. They only serve snacks and water over 250 miles. Also, you will get beverages and alcohol on your flight.

4. Flight Delays & Cancelations

In aviation industry, most of the passengers do not compromise on flight delays and cancelations. Unfortunately, Southwest is near to the list of flight delays and cancelations. From 2014 to 2022, Southwest had on-time flight percentage of 68% that is not too good not too bad.

5. Often Have to Take Connecting Flights

If you want to use Southwest, be prepare for connecting flights. Most of the international flights of this airline are not direct as you often have to take connecting flights. But if you are one who compromise on this, no need to worry. Few of the Southwest Airlines bad reviews are related to this.

Average Add-ons Fee Comparison with Other U.S Airlines

Here is a detailed table of expected add-on fees for one-way fare which included checked baggage, selected seat and overhead carry-on. Southwest Airline comparison with other airlines.

These numbers are average based hypothetical customer experiences in the form of reviews. It includes fees of both main cabin and basic economy fares.

Who do not Want to Travel on Southwest Airlines?

Still, you think “Is Southwest a safe airline 2024?” Actually, not every airline will suitable for every traveler. The following type of passengers should avoid Southwest Airlines at any cost:

1. Passengers Who Enjoy Premium Flight Perks

South Airlines services do not have for passengers who prefer luxurious flight amenities. They do not offer premium flight perks so keep this thing in mind before booking your flight with them. Also, they do not offer meals on flights.

2. Travelers Who Prioritize Punctuality

South Airline doesn’t have a bad record in flight delays and cancelations but also, it’s not too good in handling flight delay and cancelation issues. During peak times, their flights normally get delayed or canceled so make sure that you do not want to spoil your travel plan.

3. Passengers Who Prefer to Select Seats

If you are one who want to select your flight seat with own will, unfortunately this airline is not for you. There is no assigned seating on any of their flight as passengers can sit on any seat without arguing with other passengers.

4. Travelers with Specific Needs or Preferences

Just like seating, this airline doesn’t fly to as many travel destinations as other airlines. So, if you are one who want to travel to the required destination but it may be possible that they are not operating in that country. For specific needs & preferences, it is recommended to go for any other option.

Final Verdict!

Is Southwest a safe airline or should you go for this airline? This question has thoroughly answered in this blog post. We guided you in detail about airline safety record, pros & cons, who should avoid this airline and everything you need to know about.

These things largely depend on your travel experience and style. Now, by considering travel needs, you have to decide on your own whether you want to try this airline or not. Hope you enjoy a good experience with Southwest Airline if you give them a try!

Frequently Asked Questions