Southwest COVID Policy: The Guide
For the reason that starting of the pandemic, there have been dozens of adjustments relating to how we journey. Curiosity in journey insurance coverage is up, empty seats between passengers have been briefly instituted earlier than overbooked flights have been as soon as once more the norm, and workers shortages and spikes in instances have repeatedly confirmed tough for airways and vacationers alike.
So with all of the fixed updates and adjustments, what are present journey pointers? That will help you navigate journey throughout a pandemic, right here’s an summary of the present Southwest Airways COVID coverage so you recognize what to anticipate the following time you fly.
Does Southwest require a COVID take a look at earlier than flying?
For starters, Southwest Airways COVID guidelines state that when you’re flying domestically throughout the U.S., you don’t want proof of a unfavourable COVID-19 take a look at earlier than boarding. If you happen to’re flying to the U.S. from a global vacation spot, nonetheless, per the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention’s guidelines, you have to proof of a unfavourable take a look at taken inside 24 hours of your flight. That goes for everybody over the age of two, whether or not you’re absolutely vaccinated or not.
Alternatively, you’ll be able to present proof of restoration when you’ve had the virus within the final 90 days.
If you happen to’re flying from the U.S. to a global vacation spot, you’ll need to examine the native restrictions and necessities the place you’ll be touchdown, as a lot of Southwest’s locations require both a unfavourable take a look at taken inside sooner or later previous to your arrival or a quarantine when you land.
Current adjustments to COVID insurance policies
Loads has modified over the previous two years, and airline laws are not any totally different. Right here’s what Southwest COVID insurance policies have been applied or modified for the reason that pandemic started:
March 2020
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Beverage and meals service is briefly suspended on Southwest flights.
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Expiration dates for unused journey funds from canceled flights are prolonged.
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Flight capability is diminished.
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Southwest implements an enhanced plane cleansing program.
April 2020
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Southwest extends standing for A-Listing and A-Listing Most popular members and gives a lift towards standing for normal Fast Rewards members.
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Southwest additional extends the expiration date for unused journey funds and credit.
Might 2020
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Southwest workers are required to put on face masks.
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All passengers are required to put on face masks.
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The variety of passengers on board is restricted.
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Plexiglas limitations are put in at ticket counters, gate podiums and baggage service workplaces.
June 2020
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Southwest implements boarding in teams of 10 to permit for distancing and types just one line at a time.
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Added signage and ground markers in gate areas encourage distancing.
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The promise of open center seats is prolonged till Sept. 30.
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Masks are supplied for purchasers.
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Hand sanitizer is broadly accessible throughout the airport.
September 2020
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The promise to maintain center seats open is prolonged by way of November.
One factor that did keep the identical over the past two years: Southwest has by no means charged flight change or cancel charges, not like many airways, and your first and second checked baggage nonetheless fly free.
How flying Southwest has modified just lately
Naturally, all these adjustments have altered what it’s wish to fly with Southwest, although the expertise is basically again to regular:
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Flights are as soon as once more booked at full capability.
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Beverage service has been reinstated.
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Boarding has returned to pre-pandemic procedures (passengers board by zone in teams of 30 and nonetheless select their very own seats).
There are, nonetheless, just a few COVID insurance policies nonetheless in place:
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Masks are required to be worn by all passengers and workers in airports and throughout your flight.
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Destructive COVID-19 exams are required for journey into the U.S. and to many worldwide locations.
How air journey, typically, has modified
After all, it’s not simply the expertise of flying with Southwest that has modified since spring 2020; flying typically is a really totally different expertise than it was.
For instance, touchpoints and employee-customer interactions have been diminished all through many airports as passengers are inspired to make use of digital boarding passes, and examine in and tag their very own baggage. Plus, masks on any type of public transportation, together with in airports and on planes, is federally mandated.
Vaccines, unfavourable exams or quarantines should not solely really useful however required in lots of locations. Flight cancellations have been on a curler coaster trip as COVID spikes trigger worker shortages. And the general variety of passengers is steadily growing to pre-pandemic ranges amid all of it. To make sure, the pandemic has seemingly modified air journey for good.
Different vital ideas
If you happen to’re touring by air, with Southwest or another airline, listed here are just a few extra issues to bear in mind:
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Don’t journey when you really feel sick or had a detailed contact with COVID-19 within the final 5 days.
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Ensure you know what the journey restrictions are in your meant vacation spot, but additionally on your return journey.
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Put on a correct face masks (not a bandana or vented masks) over your nostril and mouth always.
Flying Southwest within the COVID period
Within the ever-changing panorama that’s air journey throughout a world pandemic, there have been loads of ups and downs, however Southwest’s COVID insurance policies attempt to supply each elevated security and peace of thoughts to passengers, regardless of the place they’re headed.
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