Southwest Airlines

Pros

• Direct service from the Midwest to beach and coastal destinations
• Frequent use of secondary airports (like Burbank or Santa Ana) which can be cheaper and more convenient than major hubs
• Domestic connections are often located within the same concourse, simplifying transfers
• Availability of fully refundable fare classes and student-specific programs

Cons

• Frequent reports of flight delays impacting schedules
• Can be more expensive than legacy carriers or other budget options on specific routes
• Large terminal layouts (such as Concourse C in some airports) can require significant walking distances between gates

Caveats

• Short layovers are risky if they involve international immigration or re-checking bags
• While gates are often grouped together, the length of the concourse may still require 'hustling' to make a connection

Best for

• Travelers looking for direct flights from mid-market cities
• Passengers who prefer secondary airports to avoid the congestion of major hubs like LAX
• Flyers who prioritize ticket flexibility and refundable options

Avoid if

• You have a tight connection that requires clearing customs or re-checking luggage
• You are highly sensitive to arrival delays
• You have significant mobility issues and are flying through airports with very long single-concourse terminals