Southwest Support Center

Find Southwest helps, faqs and knowledge base quickly

Do Animals Assisting Customers With Disabilities Count Toward the Maximum Number Of Pets Permitted Onboard?

Updated:

No, animals assisting Customers with disabilities will not count toward the maximum number of pets permitted onboard.

Read More »

How Many Pet Carriers is Each Customer Allowed?

Updated:

Customers will be permitted to travel with no more than one (1) pet carrier per person. Each pet carrier can have no more than two (2) of the same species of small cats or dogs per pet carrier.

Read More »

How Much is the Pet Fare?

Updated:

Pets traveling are subject to a $95 Pet Fare each way per pet carrier.

Read More »

What Types Of Pets are Allowed?

Updated:

Southwest Airlines will only accept small cats and dogs in carriers that can be stowed under the Customer's seat.

Read More »

Are Reservations for the Pet Required?

Updated:

Yes, reservations for Southwest-only itineraries must be made in advance, as space is limited. Reservations must be made by calling 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792). Pets will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis on Southwest-operated flights until capacity is reached. However, from time to time, circumstances may allow for more (or fewer) than six (6) pet carriers per scheduled flight.

Read More »

When I View My Reservation Online, There is a Message About My Flight Being Subject to Irregular Operations. What Does This Mean

Updated:

Southwest does its best to operate our flights as scheduled. Sometimes, events beyond our control or situations we could not anticipate prevent us from doing so and when this happens we note that the flight is subject to irregular operations. If your Southwest Airlines flight does not operate as scheduled due to irregular operations, your reservation may be modified subject to applicable Terms & Conditions without additional charges by contacting a Southwest Airlines Representative at 1-800-435-9792.

Read More »

I Filed a Claim for Lost/stolen/damaged Baggage Or Articles During My Trip That Included International Travel. May I Request a T

Updated:

Baggage claim payments are typically made in the form of a check in U.S. dollars, which is mailed to the address designated by you when settling the claim with our Baggage Service Office. If you wish to receive your claim payment in local currency, you must go to the airport in the applicable country to receive your cash payment in-person. Local currency refunds are not available in the following countries: Aruba, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and The Bahamas.

Read More »

If My Checked Baggage is Mishandled On an International Itinerary, What Does Southwest Cover?

Updated:

Liability limits for loss, delay or damage to checked baggage on international itineraries is limited to 1,131 Special Drawing Rights (“SDR”).

Read More »

Irregular Operations Have Resulted In Southwest Changing My Original International Flight Itinerary. Can I Make Further Changes

Updated:

If your international flight itinerary has been impacted by circumstances beyond Southwest’s control (weather, etc), you may change your travel date/time at no additional cost, but you must contact Customer Service via phone in order to do so. For calls from the U.S., contact Customer Service at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792).

Read More »

Will Free Live Tv Be Available Onboard International Flights?

Updated:

Due to licensing regulations for each channel, free live TV may not be available for the duration of flights to/from our international destinations.

Read More »

Will Wifi Be Available Onboard International Flights?

Updated:

WiFi is available for many of our international flights. Please note that Southwest may not have coverage for the duration of flights to/from Aruba, Cabo San Lucas, Liberia, Mexico City and San Jose, Costa Rica.

Read More »

What is the Recommended Airport Arrival Time for Itineraries That Include At Least One International Flight?

Updated:

Airport arrival and baggage checkin times may vary depending on location. However, the recommended airport arrival time is 120 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time of your flight and the recommended baggage check time is 90 minutes prior to the scheduled departure.

If your itinerary includes at least one international leg, you must checkin at the airport at least 90 minutes prior to the departure time of the first flight in your itinerary. Remember, you will be required to checkin at the Southwest Airlines Ticket Counter or kiosk to have your passport verified, receive your boarding pass, and check luggage.

Read More »

Can I Perform the Same Functions On a Kiosk for International Flights That I Can for Domestic Flights?

Updated:

When departing on an international flight from an airport within the domestic U.S., you will be able to checkin, scan your passport, add emergency contact information, and print your boarding pass for both the domestic and international legs of your trip at a kiosk. You will not be able to upgrade or change international flights using a kiosk, but a Customer Service Agent at the Ticket Counter or gate podium can assist with these requests.

Read More »

Will Southwest Airlines Kiosks Be Available At Airports In Non-U.S. Locations?

Updated:

With the exception of Mexico City and Nassau, kiosks will be available in all other non-U.S. airport locations.

Read More »

Can I Utilize Curbside Checkin for Flight Itineraries That Include At Least One International Leg?

Updated:

No. If you are traveling on an itinerary that includes at least one international leg, you must check in at the Southwest Airlines Ticket Counter or kiosk in order to have your passport verified, check luggage, and receive your boarding pass. You may not utilize curbside check in for itineraries that include international flights.

Read More »

Is Automated Outbound Messaging Available for International Itineraries?

Updated:

Yes, providing a preferred method of contact at the time of your booking will allow us to inform you about your itinerary, a flight change or a delay by SMS (text) or email. The preferred method of contact will not be used for marketing purposes. Additional mobile service provider and international roaming charges may apply at the Customer’s expense. If you do not wish to receive automated outbound messaging for an international itinerary, you may opt out of receiving a notification by not providing a preferred method of contact.

Read More »

Does Southwest Collect Emergency Contact Information for Customers Traveling Internationally? If So, How is This Information Use

Updated:

Southwest requests emergency contact information for international travel, although Customers may decline to provide this information as it is not required for travel. The name and phone number will only be used in the event of an emergency. This information can be provided online after booking a reservation, during the online check-in process, or at the airport, though providing it online ahead of time will help expedite the airport check-in process.

Read More »

Can I Obtain a Boarding Pass And/or Security Document Online Prior to My Trip If My Itinerary Includes At Least One Internationa

Updated:

No, you cannot. If any portion of your itinerary includes international travel, you must check in at the Southwest Airlines Ticket Counter or at a kiosk at the airport prior to the first leg of your trip. Once your passport is successfully verified, you will receive a boarding pass or security document to proceed through security and to your departure gate.

Read More »

Can I Check In Online for Flight Itineraries That Include At Least One International Leg?

Updated:

While you may check in to reserve your boarding position online 24 hours prior to your scheduled departure time, you will not receive a boarding pass at this time. Your passport must be verified by a Customer Service Agent or kiosk at the Southwest Airlines Ticket Counter on the day of travel before you can receive a boarding pass and proceed through the security checkpoint to your departure gate.

Read More »

Is Certain Passport Information Required Prior to International Travel?

Updated:

A passport book for each Customer must be verified by a Customer Service Agent or kiosk at the Southwest Airlines Ticket Counter on the day of travel before a boarding pass is issued. Passport cards, invalid and/or damaged passports will not be accepted.

You may enter your passport information during the booking process on Southwest.com, any time prior to travel by accessing your reservation online, or at the airport on the day of travel.

Read More »

I’m Attempting to Retrieve a Previously Booked International Itinerary Online Using the Credit Card In Which I Used to Book It,

Updated:

You must retrieve previously booked international itineraries online at Southwest.com using your confirmation number. You cannot retrieve international itineraries online at Southwest.com using your credit card at this time.

Read More »

Can I Use the Southwest Airlines Mobile Site And/or Mobile Apps to Check In for International Flights Or Check Flight Status?

Updated:

You can check in for international flights and receive your assigned boarding position via our mobile site/apps, though you will not receive an actual boarding pass until you check in at the Southwest Airlines Ticket Counter or kiosk upon arrival at the airport and have your passport book verified. You can also check flight status for international flights via our mobile site/apps.

Read More »

If I Am Making a Purchase From Southwest Airlines In Cash At the Airport While Traveling Internationally, What Types Of Currency

Updated:

You should anticipate that any purchases while traveling internationally will be charged in the local currency. In some locations U.S. dollars may be accepted if permitted by law. Currently U.S. dollars are accepted in the Dominican Republic and Jamaica.

Read More »

I Used Local Currency to Purchase a Refundable Ticket for an International Flight That I Have Not Yet Flown, and I Would Like to

Updated:

Standard procedures for refunds for tickets purchased using a credit card is to issue a refund to the credit card. Standard procedures for all refunds purchased other than using a credit card is to refund via check issued in U.S. dollars mailed to the address that you provided on your original reservation.  If you used local currency to purchase a refundable ticket for an international flight that has not yet been flown and would like to cancel your reservation and request a refund, then you must go to the airport in the applicable local country to receive your cash refund in local currency.

Read More »

I’m Trying to Book an International Flight for Same-day Travel, But I’m Not Seeing Very Many Options. Why is That?

Updated:

Flights that have already departed or are within two hours of their scheduled departure time will not display on the Select Flights page at Southwest.com. To book an international flight for same-day travel, you can contact us via phone at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) or see a Customer Service Agent at the Southwest Airlines Ticket Counter upon arrival at the airport. Please note that bookings cannot be created within 90 minutes of an international flight’s scheduled departure time.

Read More »

How Many Forms Of Payment Can I Use to Purchase an International Flight?

Updated:

You may use a maximum of three forms of payment per passenger to purchase an international itinerary, which includes one credit card or PayPal account per transaction. Accepted forms of payment include credit cards, PayPal, Southwest® giftcards, Southwest Airlines LUV vouchers, and/or reusable travel funds; however, all forms of payment may not be accepted at all locations. Cash may be accepted in some international locations at the Southwest Airlines Ticket Counter. PayPal is only accepted at Southwest.com.

Read More »

Can I Use the Southwest Airlines Mobile Site And/or Mobile Apps to Book International Flights?

Updated:

At this time, you will not be able to utilize our mobile site and/or mobile apps to book international flights. International flights will show up in search results, but you will only be able to book them at the full service Southwest.com site or by calling 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792).

Read More »

Will International Flights Be Available for Sale Via SWABIZ?

Updated:

At this time, international flights are not available for booking at Swabiz.com.

Read More »

Can I Use a Promo Code to Book an Itinerary That Includes At Least One International Leg?

Updated:

No, promo codes (e.g. promotional discount codes) cannot be applied to purchases of flight itineraries that include at least one international leg. They can only be applied to domestic U.S. itineraries at this time.

Read More »

Can I Purchase a Southwest Gift Card Using Non-U.S. Currency?

Updated:

You can only purchase a Southwest® Gift Card using U.S. dollars or a credit card.

Read More »

Can I Use a Southwest Gift Card to Purchase International Flights?

Updated:

Yes, Southwest® Gift Cards will be accepted as payment for itineraries that include international flights. However, please note that Southwest® Gift Cards will not be accepted as a form of payment for any taxes or fees collected at international destination airports which are not collected on a ticket.

Read More »

I Would Like to Use Rapid Rewards Points to Purchase International Travel. Will the Same Redemption Rules Apply As Those That Ap

Updated:

The same rules and regulations that apply to domestic travel apply to international flights. Additional foreign taxes or fees not associated to the ticket may apply.

Read More »

If I’m a Rapid Rewards Customer and Have Credit Card Information Stored In My Profile, Can I Access This Information to Purchase

Updated:

At this time, you cannot access information stored in your Rapid Rewards account, including stored credit card information, to purchase international flights. You are also not able to store passport information in your Rapid Rewards account at this time. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Read More »

If I Am a Companion Pass Holder and My Designated Companion is Below the Age Of 18, Can They Travel With Me On International Fli

Updated:

Yes, designated Companions under the age of 18 can accompany Companion Pass holders on international flights; however, these Passengers cannot be booked online. Please contact us at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) to book a Companion for travel on itineraries that include at least one international leg.

Read More »

When Traveling to the United States From an International Destination, How Will I Re-check My Luggage After Clearing Customs?

Updated:

In some U.S. airports, there will be baggage drop off stations available post-Customs. Others will require passengers to return to the Southwest Airlines Ticket Counter to re-check luggage prior to continuing on to connecting flights. Please be on the lookout for directional signage and/or Southwest Employees after clearing Customs upon arrival in the U.S.

Read More »

Will Your No Change Fees® Policy Remain In Effect for International Flights?

Updated:

If you need to change a previously booked international flight itinerary, you will only be required to pay any difference in fare and will not incur a separate change fee. This is the same policy that applies to domestic travel today.

Read More »

Will Your Baggage Policies Remain the Same for International Flights? Will My First Two Checked Bags Still Fly Free?

Updated:

Though weight and size limits apply, our Bags Fly Free® policy allows for your first two checked bags to fly free on both international and domestic flights operated by Southwest. Seasonal baggage embargoes may apply.

Read More »

Can Pets Travel On International Flights?

Updated:

Animals are not allowed to travel in-cabin on international flights or any itinerary that includes an international flight. Trained assistance animals and emotional support animals will be allowed to travel on flights to/from all international destinations, but many destinations have country specific regulations.

Read More »

What Documents are Required for Minors to Travel With an Adult On International Flights?

Updated:

Children, regardless of age, must have a valid passport book in order to travel. Depending on the Customer’s circumstances and travel itinerary, additional travel document requirements may be imposed by the originating and/or destination country. Many governments have initiated procedures at entry and exit points, which may include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child’s travel from the non-traveling parent(s) and/or legal guardian(s). In the case of a child traveling without either legal parents or guardians, Customers must follow the guidelines provided by the country of destination.

Read More »

Can Minors Under the Age Of 18 Travel Unaccompanied On International Flights?

Updated:

Minors under the age of 18 are not permitted to fly unaccompanied (without an adult, age 18 or older) on international flights or any itinerary that includes an international flight. If a minor is traveling with an adult, they must be listed on the same flight itinerary.

Read More »

Which Southwest Cities Within the Continental United States Have Nonstop Service to International Destinations?

Updated:

The following U.S. cities have nonstop service and serve as gateway cities to international destinations: Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore/Washington, Chicago (Midway), Denver, Houston (Hobby), Los Angeles, Orange County/Santa Ana, Orlando, Milwaukee, and San Antonio. Additional U.S. gateway cities will continue to be evaluated and added to the network as needed in the future.

Read More »

I Forgot to Give You My Rapid Rewards Number Before I Traveled. How Can I Get Points?

Updated:

This will only take a few seconds, and it’s worth it. You can request past flight points for up to 12 months after your flight. To claim points for a past flight, simply log in to your account, select My Account and choose the Manage tab within My Rapid Rewards. Choose Request past points in the grey bar and enter your record locator (confirmation number) from your reservation. After verification of your flight information (approximately 3-5 days), points will be deposited into your account.

Read More »

I Lost My Itinerary for an Upcoming Trip. Where Can I Get a Replacement Copy?

Updated:

If you have your confirmation number, you can retrieve your itinerary by searching by your reservation information (confirmation number, first and last name). If you do not have your confirmation number, call 1-800-I-FLY-SWA.

Read More »

How Many Bags Can I Carry On, and Do You Charge for Checked Luggage?

Updated:

Carryon items are limited to one (1) bag plus one (1) smaller, personal-type item. You're allowed two (2) checked pieces of baggage per ticket, with some size and weight limitations. Southwest only charges for overweight and excess items

Read More »

I Have a Child Traveling On One Of the Flights As an Unaccompanied Minor. How Does This Process Work?

Updated:

Children ages five through 11 traveling without an accompanying Passenger age 12 or older must travel as an Unaccompanied Minor (UM), and there is a charge $50 each way ($100 roundtrip) in addition to the air fare per child. UMs may only travel on nonstop or direct (makes one or more stops but does not require a change of planes or flight number) flights. We will not transport UMs on flights that may be diverted or cancelled due to inclement weather or other operational abnormalities.  In addition, there are certain procedures in place that UMs must follow before, during, and after their journey.

Read More »


Also, you can visit Southwest Official Website to get more helps, faqs and knowledge base.

About Southwest

Southwest is one of the most popular low fare airlines in the United States. It operates more than 3,300 flights per day, ensuring that you get where you need to go for less. As the nation's largest carrier of domestic passengers, Southwest takes travel to a higher level with outstanding customer service throughout each of its current 72 destinations. Use the Southwest Airlines promo codes below to save even more off your next flight.