Do You Have To Be Vaccinated To Fly Southwest Airline?

Southwest Airlines is known as a carrier that lets passengers check one or two bags for free, but now it's studying changes to its quirky boarding and seating policies in search of ways to raise more revenue. The airline won't impose baggage charges, making it the only U.S. carrier without such fees.

While executives have ruled out imposing vaccine requirements on passengers, they are exploring other options to generate significant new revenue. Jordan, Southwest's chief commercial officer, emphasized that any changes must not slow down flights and must be profitable for the airline.

One potential change could be assigning seats long before passengers arrive at the airport, similar to what most airlines do today. Currently, economy-class passengers can pick their own seat after boarding, but this practice may be discontinued in favor of a more traditional assigned-seating policy.

Southwest has traditionally been unique in allowing passengers to choose their own seats, but with flights becoming increasingly full, the airline is looking for ways to maximize revenue. The airline sells first- or business-class seats with more room and amenities, which tend to attract higher-paying customers.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding Southwest's boarding and seating policies, one thing is clear: getting vaccinated against COVID-19 has become a necessity for travelers worldwide. With vaccines now providing astonishingly effective immunity, turning out to be very safe in the general population, being free, and becoming increasingly easy to access, it's time to put aside concerns about vaccine requirements.

In fact, the rise of vaccine passports is likely to make travel easier for those who choose to use them. Airlines aren't planning to require vaccine passports, but they may become a convenient tool for travelers looking to skip lengthy customs lines or avoid quarantines in certain destinations.

Ultimately, Southwest's changes will aim to balance passenger preferences with the need to generate revenue. As the airline searches for ways to transform its boarding and seating policies, one thing is certain: getting vaccinated against COVID-19 remains essential for protecting public health and ensuring a safe travel experience.

Do you have to be vaccinated to fly southwest airline