Southwest keeps middle seats blocked through November 20

A message for you from Ryan Green, SVP & Chief Marketing Officer

Dear Friend of Southwest?,

As summer moves into autumn and you consider your travel plans, we want you to know that we have your well-being in mind. We're dedicated to finding ways to provide you a comfortable experience from check-in to baggage claim–that's our Southwest Promise. We continue to evaluate our policies and procedures based on science and the evolved guidance from the CDC and broader medical community. We do all of that with you in mind and I want to share our latest highlights:

  Extra space onboard: We are keeping our middle seats open through November 30. We hope this provides peace of mind as you plan your travel this autumn and through Thanksgiving. Of course, if you are traveling with your family or others, you can still sit together. Otherwise, middle seats will be open.

 Face coverings required for everyone ages 2 and up. This applies throughout the travel experience—while checking in, boarding, while inflight, deplaning, and retrieving your bags at baggage claim.

Fresh air onboard:

There is a complete exchange of air every two to three minutes while flying: Our sophisticated air recirculation system introduces fresh, outdoor air into the cabin every second while inflight, and results in a complete exchange of cabin air every two to three minutes.

HEPA filters remove 99.97% of airborne particles1 This is similar to technology found in hospitals and operating rooms.

Extensive multi-layered cleaning program:

 Both an electrostatic disinfectant and an anti-microbial spray are applied on every surface of the aircraft, killing viruses on contact and forming an anti-microbial coating or shield for 30 days.

We clean the aircraft before every flight: Sani-Cide EX3, a broad-spectrum disinfectant, is used to clean onboard lavatories and tray tables before every takeoff.

We deep clean each aircraft, nose to tail, for 6-7 hours every night.

Ticket counters, gates, and baggage claim areas are cleaned multiple times a day.

No change2 or cancel3 fees – Ever. We understand the importance of flexibility. For 49 years and counting, we've never charged a fee just to change your flight. This benefit and value applies to every flight and every type of fare purchased–even our lowest fares. We offer you the ability to keep and reuse your travel funds later if you choose not to travel, and give you a credit of the fare difference if you find a lower fare on Southwest. No questions asked.

Thank you, as always, for placing your trust in Southwest Airlines?. We never take that for granted and appreciate you choosing to fly with us.

We look forward to seeing you onboard soon,