(Traveled 05/23/25 FR @ 8:49pm): Sometimes you wanna get away from the southwest at great prices... but in this case I remained in the southwest!
I recently flew roundtrip with Southwest Airlines as I returned from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport PHX but originated from Hollywood Burbank Airport BUR. They had been my favorite domestic carrier for years (I wished they flew internationally!) until Alaska Airlines dethroned them. Southwest Airlines cornered the southwest and west coast air traffic markets, respectively. Did this airline still rule the southwest skies!?
PURCHASE
Roundtrip Wanna-Get-Away Airfare ($207.95): Nowadays, I booked one-way flights because I usually had more flexibility when I needed to return. However, I had a definite travel window on this recent vacation/business trip, so it made sense for the roundtrip option. Since I booked the flight three months before its departure, I felt this fare was fairly reasonable (an average $104.00 each way) for domestic air travel during the medium season (I traveled right before the Memorial holiday weekend). On an evening direct flight that arrived in Burbank just after 10:00pm the same day, it was all good.
Checked Luggage - 2 Pieces Allowed (FREE; N/A this instance): I traveled very light especially for a quick trip such as this, so I only had a carry-on and backpack. As of this review, Southwest Airlines has since started charging for checked luggage as all airlines did.
FLIGHT EXPERIENCE
~Check-in: I checked-in online 24-hours prior (Group B Position 08!), had my QR code boarding pass on their app, and traveled with only a carry-on and backpack, so I was ready to go! I had Global Entry & TSA PreCheck, so my time with security checkpoints and the necessary TSA pleasantries was efficient and minimal. When it was time, passengers were queued-up in order of their boarding group and number (i.e. A/B/C and 1/2/3, etc.). Sadly, the flight was delayed nearly 45 minutes. Once we finally left, the flight felt like it arrived shortly after it departed. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=0&select=d4_y3ObS9PQ2j-4alacT1w
~Seats: It was the same sardine can like all airplanes these days. On Southwest Airlines, seat selection was first-come first-served. I always favored the back of the plane close to the restroom and snacks. I was able to snag my usual window seat - yes!
~In-flight Meals (Varied; FREE this instance): I opted for my normal Seagram's Ginger Ale https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=0&select=ahPKymOWM0HVQEioXjuNow and one of the usual pretzel snacks https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=0&select=2eunI_HpOzModY1Bgem9Sw on Southwest Airlines that I loved.
~Lavatory: I did my business at the terminal before we left, so I had no idea of the condition of the restroom closest to me.
~Service & Amenities: All uniformly-dressed flight attendants were adequate and spoke perfect English. None of the seats had video monitors for movie/show watching, music listening, and games playing. The seats themselves were roomy enough. No blankets, headphones, or pillows were provided. The drink/snack cart rolled out shortly after the plane leveled off after takeoff. There were no carry-on baggage fees.
PARKING (Varied; N/A this instance)
I was dropping off a rental car at the airport, so no parking was involved. However, the airport offered onsite parking structures and surrounding lots with rates that started as low as $6.00 based upon your decision.
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
I passed through the security checkpoint https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=0&select=X4Qsxc1aNn-OhREMlatNKw at Terminal 4 and headed towards Gate C11 where the waiting area was spacious enough, several long rows of seats, and a modern appeal. There were sufficient places to sit throughout the terminal. Plenty of natural lighting came in through the large windows that looked out to the tarmac while a ton of electric ceiling lights filled in the rest. Once on the airplane (I forgot to note the type of plane), it seemed like any other.
ATTIRE
Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops. I liked to be unencumbered and unfettered, so the least amount of clothing, especially while I traveled through an airport, the better!
OVERALL
My roundtrip flight on Southwest Airlines returning from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport PHX was fine and got me back to Burbank safely which truthfully was all that mattered to me on any domestic flights. I wished there were seat video monitors that helped pass the time. In any case, I'd fly and recommend them again. I found very good value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $208.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice...AMEX! 4.0 STARS read more