How Do You Book A Flight With A Stopover On Southwest?

Booking a Stopover on Southwest: The Multi-City Method

To book a flight with a stopover on Southwest, you must use the Multi-City booking option from the start, entering each segment separately rather than using a standard search. This allows you to build an itinerary that includes a stopover by selecting your origin, stopover city, and final destination as individual one-way segments within a single reservation.

In this guide, we'll walk through the process of booking a stopover on Southwest, explain the differences between stopovers and layovers, and clarify what the airline's policy actually allows. We'll also address common misconceptions about stopover restrictions so you can plan with confidence.

Understanding Stopovers vs. Layovers

Before diving into the booking process, it's important to understand what a stopover is and how it differs from a layover.

A layover is a short stop, typically less than 24 hours, between connecting flights. It serves as a transit point for passengers to change planes before continuing their journey. Layovers are usually determined by the airline and are designed to minimize travel time and provide efficient connections. You generally cannot leave the airport during a layover without risking your connection.

A stopover, on the other hand, is a longer break in the travel itinerary, often lasting more than 24 hours. It allows you to explore the stopover city before resuming your journey to the final destination. Unlike a layover, a stopover is optional and can be planned to enhance your travel experience. This is what makes stopovers attractive for travelers who want to see more than one place on a single trip.

Stopovers are particularly beneficial for travelers looking to visit multiple destinations without purchasing separate tickets for each leg of their journey. Many airlines have different policies regarding stopovers, with some charging fees and others offering them as part of promotional deals. Southwest's approach is unique in that it allows stopovers through its Multi-City booking tool without additional airfare beyond the combined segments.

Now that we have a clear understanding of stopovers and their advantages, let's explore Southwest's actual policy and how you can take advantage of this feature when booking your flights.

Southwest's Stopover Policy: What You Need to Know

Southwest Airlines has a flexible stopover policy that allows travelers to add a stopover to their itinerary at no additional airfare. This means you can break up your journey and explore another city for as long as you like, without having to purchase separate tickets or pay extra fees for the stopover itself.

Here are the key points to keep in mind regarding Southwest's stopover policy:

• Multi-City booking is required: To book a stopover, you must use the Multi-City option from the start. There is no "Add a City or Flight" drop-down on a standard flight details page to insert a stopover. Instead, you enter each segment separately, such as origin to stopover city, then stopover city to final destination.
• Available on all fare types: The stopover option is available across all Southwest fare types, including Wanna Get Away, Anytime, and Business Select. You don't need to pay for a higher fare class to add a stopover.
• No length restrictions documented: Unlike some airlines that limit the duration of a stopover, Southwest does not impose a documented maximum or minimum length on stopovers booked through the Multi-City tool. The length of your stopover is determined by the dates you select for each segment.
• Any city Southwest serves: You can choose to make a stopover at any city Southwest serves by booking it as a separate segment in a Multi-City itinerary. There is no restriction requiring the stopover to be a designated connecting city or hub.
• Not limited to round-trips: The Multi-City tool allows you to build an itinerary that is not a traditional round-trip. You can book multiple one-way segments in a single reservation, meaning stopovers are not limited to round-trip bookings.

It's important to note that while Southwest allows stopovers through the Multi-City tool, the airline does not offer open-jaw itineraries as a standard option. An open-jaw itinerary is when you fly into one city and depart from another, without returning to your original starting point. With Southwest, you build your itinerary segment by segment, so you have full control over each leg of your journey.

Now that we understand the basics of Southwest's stopover policy, let's walk through the step-by-step process of booking a flight with a stopover using the Multi-City tool.

Step-by-Step Guide to Booking a Stopover on Southwest

Booking a flight with a stopover on Southwest Airlines is a straightforward process when you know where to look. Follow these steps to add a stopover to your itinerary:

1. Visit the Southwest Airlines website: Start by visiting the official website of Southwest Airlines, www.southwest.com.
2. Choose Multi-City: On the homepage, look for the booking options. Instead of selecting "One-Way" or "Round Trip," click on "Multi-City." This is the critical step that allows you to build an itinerary with a stopover.
3. Enter your travel details: In the Multi-City booking tool, you will see fields for multiple flight segments. For a stopover, you'll need to enter at least two segments: your origin to your stopover city, and then your stopover city to your final destination. For example, if you're flying from New York to Los Angeles with a stopover in Denver, you would enter "New York to Denver" as the first segment and "Denver to Los Angeles" as the second segment.
4. Select your travel dates: For each segment, enter your preferred travel dates. You can choose to spend as much time as you want at your stopover city by adjusting the dates between segments. The second segment's departure date should be after your planned stay at the stopover.
5. Search for flights: Click on "Search" to see available flights for each segment. You'll be able to select flights that suit your preferred travel schedule for both the first and second legs of your journey.
6. Review and select your flights: A list of available flights for each segment will be displayed. Select the flights that work best for you and click "Continue" to proceed. You'll be booking all segments as part of a single reservation, which means you'll have one confirmation number for the entire itinerary.
7. Review the fare options: Southwest offers different fare options, including Wanna Get Away, Anytime, and Business Select. Review the details of each fare type and select the one that best fits your needs and budget. The stopover option is available across all fare types, so you don't need to upgrade to add a stopover.
8. Finalize your booking: Once you've selected all your flights, review your full itinerary, including the dates, times, and cities for each segment. Make sure everything is correct before proceeding to the final step.
9. Complete the booking: Follow the prompts to enter your personal and payment information to finalize the booking. Once the payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation email with all the details of your multi-segment itinerary, including your stopover.

You have successfully booked a flight with a stopover on Southwest Airlines.

If you need to make any changes to your reservation or add any additional services, such as seat selection or checked baggage, you can do so through the Southwest Airlines website or by contacting their customer service. You can also add a trip to your Southwest account to manage your booking and receive updates on your itinerary.

Common Misconceptions About Southwest Stopovers

There are several myths and misunderstandings about how Southwest stopovers work. Let's clear up some of the most common ones based on what's actually documented.

Misconception: Stopovers must be at a connecting city.

This is not correct. You can choose to make a stopover at any city Southwest serves by booking it as a separate segment in a Multi-City itinerary. The airline operates using a point-to-point routing system, but the Multi-City tool allows you to book any city pair Southwest serves, regardless of whether it's a typical connection point. You are not limited to hub cities or designated connecting points.

Misconception: Stopovers are only available for round-trip flights.

This is also incorrect. The Multi-City booking tool can be used to build an itinerary that is not a traditional round-trip. You can book multiple one-way segments in a single reservation, meaning you can create a stopover on a one-way journey or on a multi-city trip that doesn't involve returning to your origin.

Misconception: There's an "Add a City or Flight" drop-down on the flight details page.

This is not how it works. Southwest does not have an "Add a City or Flight" drop-down on a standard flight details page to insert a stopover. To book a stopover, you must use the Multi-City booking option from the start, entering each segment separately.

Misconception: Stopovers cost extra.

Southwest does not charge a separate stopover fee. The cost of your itinerary is simply the combined cost of the individual flight segments you book through the Multi-City tool. You pay for each segment as you would for any other flight, but you get the benefit of having them all on one reservation with a single confirmation number.

It's also worth noting that if you're planning a trip and want to book round-trip flights with different airports, the Multi-City tool can accommodate that as well, though that's a separate feature from stopovers. The key thing to remember is that the Multi-City tool is your gateway to building any multi-segment itinerary on Southwest.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Southwest Stopover

Once you've booked your stopover, here are some tips to help you get the most out of your travel experience:

• Plan your stopover city carefully: Choose a city that you're genuinely interested in exploring. Since you're already flying through it, you might as well pick somewhere you want to spend time.
• Consider the timing: Think about how much time you want at your stopover. The Multi-City tool lets you set different dates for each segment, so you can decide whether you want a quick overnight or several days to explore.
• Pack light: If you're only stopping over for a short time, consider packing a small bag that you can easily carry with you. While Southwest includes two free checked bags, you may not want to check a bag if you're only spending a day or two at your stopover.
• Check your booking confirmation: After booking, review your confirmation email carefully to make sure all segments are correct, including dates, times, and cities. This is especially important with multi-segment itineraries.
• Know what happens if you miss a connection: Since you're booking separate segments, each flight is independent. If you're concerned about what happens if you get off at a layover, remember that a stopover is planned, so you'll have separate tickets for each segment. Just make sure you book enough time between segments to avoid any issues.

By following these tips, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable stopover experience with Southwest.

Final Thoughts

Booking a flight with a stopover on Southwest Airlines opens up a world of possibilities for travelers. Whether you're looking to explore a new city, visit friends or family, or simply break up a long journey, incorporating a stopover into your travel itinerary can add an extra dimension to your overall experience.

With Southwest's Multi-City booking tool, you have the freedom to choose your desired stopover city and the flexibility to determine how long you want to stay. This allows you to customize your journey and make the most of your travel time without the need to purchase separate tickets or incur additional fees for the stopover itself.

By following the step-by-step guide provided in this article, you can easily book a flight with a stopover on Southwest Airlines. From selecting the Multi-City option to entering each segment and finalizing your booking, the process is straightforward and user-friendly once you know where to look.

So next time you're planning a trip, consider booking a flight with a stopover on Southwest. Indulge in the freedom, flexibility, and adventure that comes with exploring multiple destinations, and make your travel experience truly unforgettable.

Safe travels!