Is Southwest Airlines a Low Cost or Budget Airline?

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Southwest Airlines is new to you. You may be flying from Europe or Asia or haven't visited Southwest, where tickets may only be purchased on southwest.com.

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Can Southwest Airlines levy luggage fees? Are seat selection fees? Does Southwest charge for carry-on luggage or airport check-in like European and Asian budget airlines?

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No, unlike other airlines worldwide. Even the cheapest Wanna Get Away ticket on Southwest is the only domestic U.S. carrier that provides two checked baggage.

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Southwest does not allow pre-selection, thus seat selection is free. Southwest has an open seating policy like most intercity trains. Post-boarding

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Southwest provides each passenger a boarding slot with a letter (A, B, or C) and number at check-in. Online flight check-in is available 24 hours before departure.

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Earlier check-in. Southwest will automatically check you in ahead of time for $15. This usually gets you into the ‘A’ boarding group.

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Upgraded check-in. Southwest saves the first 15 boarding positions, A1-A15, for Business Select and elite frequent flyers. These first 15 slots at check-in can be purchased

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Southwest Airlines has wi-fi and TV on all flights, unlike Ryanair and EasyJet. A Southwest Wi-Fi pass costs $8 aboard and lasts all day.

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Southwest's jets don't have seatback entertainment screens, but smartphones, tablets, and laptops can play movies and free live TV over wi-fi.

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