Big Seats, Simple Rules, And Nonstop Flights Are The Best Parts Of This Underrated Airline

From problems with air traffic control, the introduction of basic economy fares, and a rise in bad passengers, flying has become increasingly troublesome in the U.S. However, one major airline includes a few small extras in your ticket price that may make a difference to your trip. For over five decades, Southwest has been known for simpler rules, bigger seats, and more point-to-point nonstop flights across the United States, Central America, and the Caribbean than many of its competitors. While Southwest has largely been consistent with these strengths, the airline has made changes recently, with more on the way at the end of January 2026.

While genius hacks can make flying economy much more comfortable, so can choosing an airline that offers more legroom or width for your money. United, Delta, and American commonly provide a seat pitch of 30 or 31 inches in economy on their domestic flights. Underrated Southwest normally squeezes out an extra inch across its single-aisle, single cabin Boeing 737 fleet, along with a bit more width (17.8 inches, versus 17 inches) on its 737-MAX 8. While Southwest doesn't have an entertainment system in each seatback, passengers can stream TV shows and movies on their devices for free. Moreover, Southwest Rapid Reward members will soon have free Wi-Fi access across the airline's fleet of over 800 aircraft for the duration of the flight.

According to OAG, 97% of Southwest Airlines' capacity serves the domestic U.S. markets. Southwest's point-to-point network means more nonstop flights from its well-served major bases, including Denver, Chicago-Midway, Baltimore, and Las Vegas, along with focus cities, including Nashville and Austin. Instead of flying to Dallas-Fort Worth International or Houston's George Bush Intercontinental, Southwest serves Dallas Love Field and Houston Hobby (one of the best airports in the country), both of which are closer to their city center.

If you've flown Southwest recently, you may have noticed big changes to the airline's seating. Southwest has begun to add seats with up to 5 additional inches of legroom, more power ports, and larger overhead bins on its Boeing 737-800 and MAX-8 aircraft as the airline prepares for major operational changes to its boarding process and the passenger experience on board. 

From January 27, 2026, Southwest is making major changes to its boarding process, as well as its fare types. Southwest's iconic open seating policy, with A, B, and C boarding groups, will be transformed into a new boarding protocol. All boarding passes will have both a seat type (aisle, window, or middle) and a row number, along with a numerical boarding group from 1 to 8. According to The Wall Street Journal, Southwest will begin using the "WILMA" boarding method, with passengers boarding first by window, then middle seats, then aisle seats last. Regardless of where you'll sit, all Southwest fares, even Basic fares, will still include a carry-on and personal item, along with free cancellation in the form of a nontransferable travel credit up to 10 minutes before departure.

At the time of writing, Southwest has not announced major changes to its Companion Pass certificate, which is unique among major airlines. Southwest's most loyal travelers and Rapid Rewards credit card holders can bring their favorite travel buddy with them for free (apart from taxes) on any Southwest flight for the remaining year and next calendar year. Come spring, you'll both be able to fly Southwest into this quirky Northern California Airport in beautiful wine country.