Southwest Airlines vs Alaska Airlines
A detailed head-to-head comparison of Southwest Airlines and Alaska Airlines based on our 100-point scoring system.
Winner
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines — Domestic & Select International Flights
88/100
Very Good4.2
22,150 reviews
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines — Domestic & International Flights
87/100
Very Good4.2
11,380 reviews
Side-by-Side Comparison
Metric
Southwest Airlines
Alaska Airlines
Overall Score
88/100
87/100
Price
$150.00
$155.00
Customer Rating
4.2/5
4.2/5
Review Count
22,150
11,380
Best For
Best for Bag-Inclusive Value
Best West Coast Carrier
About Page
Yes
Yes
Contact Info
Yes
Yes
Southwest Airlines — Score Breakdown
Flight Quality & Comfort15/20
Price & Value15/15
Route Network11/15
Loyalty Program8/10
Customer Service13/15
Punctuality & Reliability13/15
Baggage Policy13/10
Alaska Airlines — Score Breakdown
Flight Quality & Comfort16/20
Price & Value13/15
Route Network12/15
Loyalty Program10/10
Customer Service13/15
Punctuality & Reliability13/15
Baggage Policy10/10
Pros & Cons
Southwest Airlines
Two free checked bags on every fare — the clearest and most consistent cost advantage over competing US carriers.
No change or cancellation fees on any fare type, making Southwest the most flexible major US airline for travelers with uncertain plans.
Rapid Rewards points never expire on active accounts, and the Companion Pass is one of the highest-value companion benefits in US aviation.
Open seating model is divisive — travelers who want to pre-select a specific seat or guarantee adjacent seats for families must pay for EarlyBird Check-In or rely on early 24-hour check-in.
No alliance membership and no interlining with other carriers limits usefulness for complex international itineraries.
No seatback screens and limited premium product options make Southwest less competitive for long-haul or business travelers seeking elevated comfort.
Alaska Airlines
Mileage Plan is widely considered the best-value US airline loyalty program for partner award redemptions, particularly for international business and first class.
Strongest route network and schedule frequency on West Coast domestic routes, with broad Hawaii coverage.
Oneworld alliance membership provides global partner earning and redemption access that independent carriers cannot match.
Fleet consolidation transition from Airbus to Boeing-only is still in progress, creating some inconsistency in onboard product across the network.
No seatback screens on most aircraft — entertainment requires a personal device and the Alaska app, which can be inconvenient for less tech-savvy travelers.
Smaller global network than Delta or United means Alaska is less useful for travelers with heavy international itinerary needs outside the Oneworld alliance.
Our Verdict
Southwest Airlines comes out ahead with a score of 88/100 compared to 87/100. Southwest Airlines is best for best for bag-inclusive value. However, Alaska Airlines may be a better fit if you prioritize best west coast carrier.
Airline pricing, routes, and policies are subject to change without notice. Always verify details directly with the airline before booking.