Cleaning around the clock

• 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.
• Sani-Cide EX3, a broad-spectrum disinfectant, will be used to clean onboard lavatories and tray tables before every flight.
• We deep clean each plane from nose to tail for nearly 6-7 hours every night. (Began March 4)
• Every aircraft is equipped with a sophisticated air distribution system that introduces fresh, outdoor air and HEPA filtered air into the cabin every second while inflight, resulting in exchange of cabin air every two to three minutes. We use HEPA (High-efficiency particulate air) onboard that removes 99.97% of airborne particles* – similar to the technology found in hospitals.
• Hand sanitizer is available at the check-in kiosks, ticket counters, and gates. Wipes will be available for Customers onboard.
• We’re cleaning the ticket counters, gates, and baggage claim areas multiple times a day.

Helping everyone keep their distance

• We’re posting airport signage and floor markers to encourage physical-distancing in gate areas. (Began early May)
• Plexiglas® is being installed at ticketing and gate counters, and baggage service offices. (Completed early May)
• Boarding
  • Boarding in groups of 10 to allow for physical-distancing on only one side of the boarding poles.
  • Family boarding is not changing, but we will encourage families to respect the personal space of others during boarding.

Where you come in

• Prior to travel, please check your temperature and confirm that you do not have a fever. Do not travel if you have a fever.
• Please stay at home and do not travel if you have recently been diagnosed with or are currently experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.
  • If you’ve recently had close contact with someone who has COVID-19, the CDC recommends quarantining for 14 days in your home and avoiding air travel.
  • Because many people with COVID-19 may be asymptomatic, Southwest Airlines® requires all travelers wear a face covering over their nose and mouth, unless an exemption applies.
  • If you have questions, feel you cannot or should not travel, or need rebooking assistance, please contact a Southwest Airlines Representative.
• Download your mobile boarding pass prior to arrival to limit the amount of exchanges you make with others. We recommend using the Southwest Airlines app. You can download the app here.
• Arrive at the airport earlier to allow for new check-in and security processes.
• Customers are required to wear a face covering over their nose and mouth at all times during their Southwest travel experience. It is highly encouraged to bring your own hand sanitizer and face covering. A well-secured cloth or mask that fits snugly against the face, covers an individual’s nose and mouth, and is secured under the chin will be accepted. In alignment with the intention of this policy, these are a few examples of coverings that will not be accepted: (1)Those with holes in the covering, including those with exhalation valves or those made solely of materials like mesh or lace fabrics and (2)Those that cannot be secured under the chin, including bandanas and face shields. Face shields may be worn in addition to face coverings, but not in place of face coverings. Neck gaiters (also called multi-bands) may be worn as face coverings so long as they cover the nose and mouth and are secured under the chin.
• Maintain physical spacing at the airport and onboard.
• We are serving water and snacks on flights over 250 miles, when available. Straws are available on request. For all other flights, snack and beverage service is suspended until further notice to limit close interactions. (Began May 22)
• Print this reference to make your travel experience as smooth as possible.

Equipping Employees

• Our Customer-facing Employees are required to wear face coverings that fit snugly over the face, cover the nose and mouth, and secure under the chin.
• We’re cleaning the ticket counters, gates, and baggage claim areas multiple times a day.

We’re onboard with the experts

We continue to evaluate our policies and procedures based on public health guidance, scientific research, and advice from medical and aviation organizations, such as:

• Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health
• The International Air Transport Association (IATA)
• Boeing
• U.S. Department of Defense’s U.S. Transportation Command
• Our own medical professionals and infectious disease experts that we’ve retained to advise us during the pandemic

To read more about recent studies and current COVID-19 research, click here.