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Southwest Airlines

Flights Slashed At These DC Airports Amid Gov't Shutdown: See Which Ones Flights Slashed At These DC Airports Amid Gov't Shutdown: See Which Ones
Flights Slashed At These DC Airports Amid Gov't Shutdown: See Which Ones Thousands of flights are expected to be canceled as the Federal Aviation Administration reduces air traffic capacity during the longest government shutdown in US history. The FAA will begin cutting flight capacity by up to 10% at 40 major airports across the country on Friday, Nov. 7. The agency said it would officially announce the airports on Thursday, Nov. 6, but several media outlets obtained the FAA's list. The cuts are expected to start at 4% Friday and gradually reach 10%, ABC News reported. Flights scheduled between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. will be affected by the reduction. Th…
Flights Grounded At Newark As Hurricane Melissa, Shutdown Chaos Collide: FAA Flights Grounded At Newark As Hurricane Melissa, Shutdown Chaos Collide: FAA
Flights Grounded At Newark As Hurricane Melissa, Shutdown Chaos Collide: FAA It’s shaping up to be one of the roughest travel weeks of the year. A deepening government shutdown, unpaid air traffic controllers, and the arrival of Hurricane Melissa have combined to snarl flights nationwide, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) warned on Wednesday, Oct. 29. A nearly two-hour ground stop at Los Angeles International Airport on Sunday, Oct. 26, was followed by new FAA alerts forecasting disruptions at Boston Logan, Denver, Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson, Newark Liberty, Orlando, and Tampa International Airports. The agency cited staffing shortages and weather as key ca…
Lost Luggage: Airlines Ranked By Mishandled Bags In New Study Lost Luggage: Airlines Ranked By Mishandled Bags In New Study
Lost Luggage: Airlines Ranked By Mishandled Bags In New Study A new study reveals which US airlines lose luggage most often, and one of the nation's largest carriers ranks at the very top. Boutique Hotel Hub has released a study of the airlines that mishandle the most luggage. The booking website analyzed Department of Transportation data on luggage, wheelchairs, and scooters handled by airlines between 2021 and 2024. The study compared items boarded against those reported as lost, damaged, or delayed to calculate mishandling rates per 1,000 items. "When traveling, the last thing you expect is for your bag to be lost or otherwise mishandled by y…
Southwest Airlines Ending Open Seating Policy: Here's When Southwest Airlines Ending Open Seating Policy: Here's When
Southwest Airlines Ending Open Seating Policy: Here's When Say goodbye to setting an alarm to get your best possible spot in a Southwest Airlines boarding line. Southwest's open seating will officially end on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, the Dallas-based airline said in a news release on Monday, July 21. Customers can start picking their seats for those flights when booking online starting on Tuesday, July 29. The move marks a major shift for Southwest, which is known for its policy of A-B-C groups marked off by large stanchions near gates. "Our customers want more choice and greater control over their travel experience," said Tony Roach, executiv…
Explosive Fires, Burn Injury Spark Latest Wireless Charger Recall Explosive Fires, Burn Injury Spark Latest Wireless Charger Recall
Explosive Fires, Burn Injury Spark Latest Wireless Charger Recall Thousands of portable phone chargers sold online and at airport vending machines are being recalled after reports of fires, explosions, and a burn injury. The recall affects about 8,520 iStore Magnetic Wireless Power Banks sold in the US, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said on Thursday, July 18. About 6,400 of the portable chargers were purchased in Canada. Lithium-ion batteries inside the power banks can overheat while charging and catch fire, according to the CPSC. Three fire incidents have been reported, including one person who suffered a minor arm burn and about …
Southwest Adding Popular Caribbean Island, Airline's First New Destination In Years Southwest Adding Popular Caribbean Island, Airline's First New Destination In Years
Southwest Adding Popular Caribbean Island, Airline's First New Destination In Years Southwest Airlines is planning to begin flights to a popular Caribbean destination as the carrier expands its network for the first time in about five years. Southwest is looking to fly to St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands for the first time, the airline said in a news release on Monday, July 14. Service to Cyril E. King International Airport (STT) in Charlotte Amalie is expected to begin in "early 2026," pending government approval. St. Thomas would be Southwest's first new destination since 2021. "Today marks an exciting milestone for the US Virgin Islands and our growing tou…
Southwest Considering High-End Perks After Ending 'Bags Fly Free,' CEO Says Southwest Considering High-End Perks After Ending 'Bags Fly Free,' CEO Says
Southwest Considering High-End Perks After Ending 'Bags Fly Free,' CEO Says Southwest Airlines is looking into major perks to entice more travelers, like airport lounges, first-class seats, and flights to Europe, the company's top executive said. CEO Bob Jordan made the comments during an industry conference in Arlington, Texas, on Wednesday, June 25. His remarks are the latest sign of transformation at the Dallas-based airline, which recently dropped its longtime "Bags Fly Free" policy for most fares and began selling basic economy tickets. Southwest also plans to launch a new premium fare class called Choice Extra later in 2025. "Whatever customers nee…
19 Fires, Burn Injuries Spark Massive Recall Of 1.1M+ Portable Chargers 19 Fires, Burn Injuries Spark Massive Recall Of 1.1M+ Portable Chargers
19 Fires, Burn Injuries Spark Massive Recall Of 1.1M+ Portable Chargers More than a million portable phone chargers are being recalled after dozens of reports involving battery fires, burn injuries, and thousands in property damage. Anker issued the recall for about 1,158,000 Anker PowerCore 10000 power banks, the Consumer Product Safety Commission announced on Thursday, June 12. The issue stems from the lithium-ion batteries inside the chargers, which can overheat and catch fire. Anker has received 19 reports of fires and explosions. Two people suffered minor burns, and there were 11 cases of property damage worth more than $60,700, the CPSC said. T…
Southwest Officially Ends 'Bags Fly Free' Policy: Here's What You'll Pay Now Southwest Officially Ends 'Bags Fly Free' Policy: Here's What You'll Pay Now
Southwest Officially Ends 'Bags Fly Free' Policy: Here's What You'll Pay Now Southwest Airlines has finally grounded its most popular perk. The "Bags Fly Free" policy for Southwest officially ended after it began when the Dallas-based airline was founded in 1971. Starting on Wednesday, May 28, most passengers will have to pay $35 for their first checked bag and $45 for a second. The change applies to tickets purchased or changed on or after May 28 for Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus, and Anytime fares. Passengers will still get two free checked bags through Business Select or the upcoming Choice Extra fare, which is expected to launch later in 2025. Some loyal…
Southwest's New Carry-On Rule Targets Fire Risks: Here's What's Changing Southwest's New Carry-On Rule Targets Fire Risks: Here's What's Changing
Southwest's New Carry-On Rule Targets Fire Risks: Here's What's Changing Passengers flying on Southwest Airlines will soon have to take their portable chargers out of their bags if they want to use them in the air. Southwest will begin a new policy requiring portable charging devices to be kept in plain sight on Wednesday, May 28. Power banks in use during flights can't be stashed in carry-ons or overhead bins. The rule aims to reduce the risk of mid-air fires caused by overheating battery packs, which have become a growing concern for airlines. "Southwest will introduce a first-in-industry safety policy on May 28 requiring customers to keep portable …
Airline CEOs Urge Congress To Overhaul 'Outdated' Air Traffic Control Systems After EWR Issues Airline CEOs Urge Congress To Overhaul 'Outdated' Air Traffic Control Systems After EWR Issues
Airline CEOs Urge Congress To Overhaul 'Outdated' Air Traffic Control Systems After EWR Issues Major airline CEOs are calling on Congressional lawmakers to upgrade the nation's air traffic control systems, especially after recent widespread issues at Newark Liberty International Airport. The top executives sent the open letter to Congress on Wednesday, May 21. The group showed its support for a federal modernization plan to replace decades-old technology and hire thousands of new air traffic controllers. The letter was signed by executives from Alaska Airlines, American, Atlas Air, Delta, FedEx, JetBlue, Southwest, United, and UPS, along with the industry group Airline…
JetBlue Cancels New Boston Flights As Trump's Economic Moves Hurt Travel Demand JetBlue Cancels New Boston Flights As Trump's Economic Moves Hurt Travel Demand
JetBlue Cancels New Boston Flights As Trump's Economic Moves Hurt Travel Demand JetBlue has scrapped two new routes from Boston, including one to Long Island, as the airline industry grapples with lower travel demand sparked by several of President Donald Trump's policies. The airline has canceled its planned summer route between Boston Logan International Airport and Long Island MacArthur Airport in Islip, New York. A JetBlue spokesperson confirmed the cancellation to the Daily Voice on Wednesday, April 30. JetBlue said the route's ticket sales were underwhelming. "While we were excited to launch summer seasonal service between Islip and Boston, we are cancellin…
Woman Strips Naked, Defecates On Seat Aboard Southwest Flight Woman Strips Naked, Defecates On Seat Aboard Southwest Flight
Woman Strips Naked, Defecates On Seat Aboard Southwest Flight Chicago’s Midway Airport was the scene of an unusual incident involving a female passenger aboard a Southwest Airlines flight traveling from Philadelphia to Chicago.  Reports indicate that the woman allegedly disrobed and then defecated on her seat during the flight on Saturday, April 26.  After the plane landed, it was met by law enforcement, NBC Chicago reports, adding that the aircraft was then taken out of service for thorough cleaning.  In response to the incident, Southwest Airlines issued a statement acknowledging the disruption, according to a report by NBC…
Southwest Flight’s Engine Catches Fire In Midair Southwest Flight’s Engine Catches Fire In Midair
Southwest Flight’s Engine Catches Fire In Midair A Southwest Airlines flight was forced to return to a Texas airport shortly after takeoff when its engine caught fire, prompting an emergency evacuation. The Boeing 737, which was en route to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, had to turn back to Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport at approximately 11:45 a.m. local time Thursday, April 17, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said. Upon landing, firefighters swiftly extinguished the blaze, along with a small grass fire that had ignited near the runway, according to authorities. No injuries were reported among the 134 passengers on board.&nbs…
Free Inflight Wi-Fi Coming To American Airlines Flights: Here's How To Get It Free Inflight Wi-Fi Coming To American Airlines Flights: Here's How To Get It
Free Inflight Wi-Fi Coming To American Airlines Flights: Here's How To Get It American Airlines will offer free high-speed Wi-Fi on nearly all of its flights starting in 2026 – but travelers will need to sign up for the airline's loyalty program to get it. Free Wi-Fi will be available exclusively to AAdvantage members beginning in January 2026, American announced in a news release on Tuesday, April 15. The service will cover more planes than any other domestic carrier, according to the Dallas-based airline. American is partnering with AT&T to offer free internet connections. "Our customers greatly value staying connected while in the air, whether communicat…
Disaster Averted: Albany-Bound Southwest Flight Tries Taking Off On Taxiway Instead Of Runway Disaster Averted: Albany-Bound Southwest Flight Tries Taking Off On Taxiway Instead Of Runway
Disaster Averted: Albany-Bound Southwest Flight Tries Taking Off On Taxiway Instead Of Runway A near disaster is under investigation after a Southwest Airlines flight bound for New York tried taking off on a taxiway instead of a runway. Flight 3278, bound for Albany, was beginning departure from Orlando International Airport at around 9:30 a.m. Thursday, March 20, when an air traffic controller abruptly canceled its takeoff clearance, an FAA spokesperson confirmed to Daily Voice. The order was given after the flight mistakenly began its takeoff roll on a taxiway that runs parallel to the runway, the agency said. No other aircraft were involved and nobody was injured. The FAA is inv…
Rival Airline Offering Free Bags, Taunting Southwest: 'We've Always Had Heart' Rival Airline Offering Free Bags, Taunting Southwest: 'We've Always Had Heart'
Rival Airline Offering Free Bags, Taunting Southwest: 'We've Always Had Heart' As Southwest Airlines scraps its well-known "Bags Fly Free" policy, Frontier Airlines is hoping to capitalize. Frontier will give customers a free economy bundle for all nonstop bookings made by Sunday, Mar. 24, the airline said in a news release on Tuesday, Mar. 18. The promotion will apply to most flights between Wednesday, May 28 and Monday, Aug. 18. The economy bundle includes a carry-on bag, free seat selection, and free flight changes. One-way fares start as low as $39 and travelers can check a bag for free using the promo code FREEBAG.  The move came less than a week …
Trump Dismisses Safety Concerns In Manheim Township Plane Crash That Left Pilot, Son Critical Trump Dismisses Safety Concerns In Manheim Township Plane Crash That Left Pilot, Son Critical
Trump Dismisses Safety Concerns In Manheim Township Plane Crash That Left Pilot, Son Critical President Donald Trump downplayed concerns about Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) oversight following the Lancaster County plane crash, which left two victims in critical condition and triggered an ongoing environmental cleanup effort. Victims’ Conditions The pilot, Matthew White, and his son, Judah White, remain in critical condition at a Lehigh Valley Health Network facility, according to hospital officials told Daily Voice. The status of the other three occupants has not been released. Trump’s Response Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One late Sunday night, Trump was asked abo…
New Airline Offering Flights At Islip's Airport: See Where You Can Go New Airline Offering Flights At Islip's Airport: See Where You Can Go
New Airline Offering Flights At Islip's Airport: See Where You Can Go A popular airline in New Haven, Connecticut, is crossing the Long Island Sound and offering flights from a new airport. Avelo Airlines will begin flying from Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP) in Islip, New York, the company said in a news release on Tuesday, Mar. 11. The carrier will begin service to three destinations in the late spring. Twice-weekly flights will be offered on Thursdays and Sundays. Avelo will fly to Lakeland, Florida, along with two North Carolina destinations: Concord-Padgett Regional Airport (USA) near Charlotte and Wilmington International Airport (ILM). This will b…
Bags No Longer Fly Free: Southwest Scraps Most Famous Perk, Adds New Fees Bags No Longer Fly Free: Southwest Scraps Most Famous Perk, Adds New Fees
Bags No Longer Fly Free: Southwest Scraps Most Famous Perk, Adds New Fees Southwest Airlines is grounding one of its most famous perks, marking a major shift in its identity after more than five decades. Southwest will no longer offer free checked bags for all passengers, the company said in a news release on Tuesday, Mar. 11. The new luggage policy will begin for tickets purchased on or after Wednesday, May 28. The airline has had its well-known "Bags Fly Free" perk since it was founded in 1971. "We have tremendous opportunity to meet current and future customer needs, attract new customer segments we don't compete for today, and return to the levels of profita…
Woman Strips Naked Before Southwest Flight's Scheduled Takeoff Woman Strips Naked Before Southwest Flight's Scheduled Takeoff
Woman Strips Naked Before Southwest Flight's Scheduled Takeoff A Southwest Airlines plane had to return to the gate after a woman suddenly got up, stripped naked, and ran up and down the aisle for nearly a half-hour. The incident happened on Monday, March 3 on at  William P. Hobby Airport in Houston. The Boeing 737 was bound for Phoenix. The woman, whose identity has not been released, was taken away for medical evaluations by the Houston Police Department, according to ABC13 Eyewitness News in Houston, which obtained a video of the incident. Police did not say if the woman would face any charges. In a statement to ABC13, Southwest Airlines…
Close Call: Southwest Plane Nearly Collides With Private Jet Close Call: Southwest Plane Nearly Collides With Private Jet
Close Call: Southwest Plane Nearly Collides With Private Jet A Southwest Airlines plane and a private jet were involved in a near miss at Chicago Midway International Airport on Tuesday morning, Feb. 25.  The incident required the Southwest flight crew to execute a go-around to avert a potential collision.
 According to Southwest Airlines, Flight 2504 successfully landed at the airport after avoiding the other aircraft on the runway.  INCIDENT: Southwest #WN2504 (Boeing 737-800 N8517F) in near miss 1448UTC/0848CST today @ Chicago/Midway as FlexJet #LXJ560 (Challenger 350) crosses Runway 31C.ATC Audio (skip to 18min): https://t.co/e6OVal…
Southwest Airlines Laying Off 15% Of Workforce In 'Unprecedented' Corporate Overhaul Southwest Airlines Laying Off 15% Of Workforce In 'Unprecedented' Corporate Overhaul
Southwest Airlines Laying Off 15% Of Workforce In 'Unprecedented' Corporate Overhaul Southwest Airlines is cutting 1,750 jobs as part of a restructuring plan to streamline operations and reduce corporate costs. Southwest announced the layoffs for about 15 percent of the airline's corporate workforce in a news release on Monday, Feb. 17. The job cuts, which will be finalized by mid-2025, primarily affect corporate leadership and support roles. Eleven senior leadership positions, including vice presidents and directors, are also being eliminated. "This decision is unprecedented in our 53-year history, and change requires that we make difficult decisions," said…
Southwest Airlines Sued, Frontier Fined For Chronic Flight Delays: Feds Southwest Airlines Sued, Frontier Fined For Chronic Flight Delays: Feds
Southwest Airlines Sued, Frontier Fined For Chronic Flight Delays: Feds The federal government is suing Southwest Airlines and fined Frontier Airlines, accusing the carriers of illegally operating multiple chronically delayed flights and causing significant problems for travelers. The U.S. Department of Transportation filed a lawsuit against Southwest on Wednesday, Jan. 15, the DOT said in a news release. The suit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California seeks maximum civil penalties against the airline. Federal regulators said they're cracking down on "unrealistic scheduling practices" by Southwest. "Airlines have a l…
Southwest To Offer Direct Flights To Nashville From Albany International Airport Southwest To Offer Direct Flights To Nashville From Albany International Airport
Southwest To Offer Direct Flights To Nashville From Albany International Airport Good news for those who love country music and plenty of barbecue: Southwest Airlines has announced it will begin offering direct flights from the Capital Region's Albany International Airport (ALB) next year. Airport officials announced on Thursday, Sept. 26, that Southwest will offer one flight to and from Nashville International Airport each day, six days a week, beginning on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. They added that travelers will make it to the Music City in two hours and 25 minutes. “I am thrilled that Southwest Airlines will soon be offering nonstop service from ALB to BNA - a popular…
Nonstop Flights To Las Vegas Resuming At Albany International Airport Nonstop Flights To Las Vegas Resuming At Albany International Airport
Nonstop Flights To Las Vegas Resuming At Albany International Airport The entertainment capital of the world will soon be just a five-hour flight away. Nonstop flights from Albany International Airport to Las Vegas will resume on Monday, Aug. 5. The service will be offered by Southwest Airlines four days a week, on Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays. “Today’s announcement underscores the ongoing success at ALB and our commitment to working with airlines to best serve the nearly 1.4 million passengers who travel through ALB annually,” airport CEO Phil Calderone said in a statement. “We’re proud of our partnership with Southwest Airlines and look forwar…
Southwest Airlines Lifts Pause On Flights, Service Resumed (UPDATED) Southwest Airlines Lifts Pause On Flights, Service Resumed (UPDATED)
Southwest Airlines Lifts Pause On Flights, Service Resumed (Updated) (UPDATE 11:10 a.m.) The FAA announced that the pause has been lifted and service resumed. This morning @SouthwestAir experienced a technical issue with one of their internal systems. At the airline’s request, the FAA paused Southwest’s departures as they resolved the issue. The pause has been lifted and their service has resumed. — The FAA ✈️ (@FAANews) April 18, 2023 Original story Southwest Airlines temporarily paused its departures across the country on Tuesday morning after there were technical concerns, authorities announced. The FAA confirmed shortly before 10:45 a.m. on Tuesda…
Airlines Waiving Fees As Cancellations Climb Amid Massachusetts Nor'Easter Airlines Waiving Fees As Cancellations Climb Amid Massachusetts Nor'Easter
Airlines Waiving Fees As Cancellations Climb Amid Massachusetts Nor'Easter Multiple airlines are waiving travel as a powerful Nor'Easter moves through Massachusetts from Tuesday, March 14 through Wednesday, March 15.  The storm system, dumping heavy snow and winds across the Commonwealth, is to blame for flight delays and cancellations at multiple airports in the Northeast.  Read More: Nor'Easter: Thousands Without Power As Heavy Winds, Snow Pelt Massachusetts In response, several airlines are allowing passengers to change their flights at no additional cost. These airlines include:  American Airlines Delta Spirit Southwest United …
Stranded, Seething: 2.5K Southwest Flight Cancellations Leave Passengers In Post-Christmas Mess Stranded, Seething: 2.5K Southwest Flight Cancellations Leave Passengers In Post-Christmas Mess
Stranded, Seething: 2.5K Southwest Flight Cancellations Leave Passengers In Post-Christmas Mess More than 2,500 Southwest Airlines flights were canceled and 8,3072 delayed as of Wednesday, Dec. 28, leaving even more passengers across the US stranded and seething. Processes and computer systems that haven't changed since the 1990s are to blame, Captain Casey Murray, the president of the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association, tells CNN. “It’s phones, it’s computers, it’s processing power, it’s the programs used to connect us to airplanes," he said, "that’s where the problem lies, and it’s systemic throughout the whole airline." The federal government said it plans on investigating. Cu…
2,500 Southwest Flight Cancellations Leave Stranded Passengers Seething In Post-Christmas Mess 2,500 Southwest Flight Cancellations Leave Stranded Passengers Seething In Post-Christmas Mess
2,500 Southwest Flight Cancellations Leave Stranded Passengers Seething In Post-Christmas Mess More than 2,500 Southwest Airlines flights were cancelled and 8,3072 delayed as of Wednesday, Dec. 28 leaving even more passengers across the US stranded and seething. Processes and computer systems that haven't changed since the 1990s are to blame, Captain Casey Murray, the president of the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association, tells CNN. “It’s phones, it’s computers, it’s processing power, it’s the programs used to connect us to airplanes," he said, "that’s where the problem lies, and it’s systemic throughout the whole airline." The federal government said it plans on investigating. Cu…
BWI Hit Hard With Delays After Southwest Cancels Majority Of Flights Nationwide BWI Hit Hard With Delays After Southwest Cancels Majority Of Flights Nationwide
BWI Hit Hard With Delays After Southwest Cancels Majority Of Flights Nationwide After a massive winter storm crossed the country, thousands of flights have been delayed or cancelled, leaving holiday travelers stranded across the nation, including in the DMV area, according to multiple reports.  Southwest Airlines leads the airlines in the most canceled or delayed flights, with over 3,600 flights in and out of the United States, with an additional 6,120 flights delayed, according to the flight tracking website FlightAware.  Southwest canceled the majority of scheduled flights Monday, Dec. 26, which was significantly more than any other airline, FlightAware dat…