Anyone that has ever tried to fly cheaply in the United States knows that we don’t have a lot of options when it comes to budget airlines, and even fewer options when it comes to trustworthy airlines with good service! Southwest Airlines, which has been in operation since 1971, is easily one of the world’s best airlines and let’s hope they stay that way for a long time to come.

When looking for good, budget airline tickets in the US, the best place to start is at Southwest’s homepage, which is one of the only places on the internet where you can book a Southwest flight, and their fares are always reasonable, especially if you book 14 days or more in advance. Here are six irrefutable reasons to fly Southwest.

Free Luggage.

Unlike all of the other US airline companies, Southwest still allows you two pieces of checked luggage for free! That’s a whole heap of clothes, equipment and other necessities that you can bring with you at no additional fee. So, even though Southwest’s fares can be a few dollars more than the other budget airline options in the US, their baggage rules more than make up for that cost.

Great Staff

Southwest has always been known for their cool staff and good customer service, and they are consistently ranked at the top of US airline companies in handling of customer complaints, lost luggage retrieval and overall staff. In fact, Southwest’s hiring process is rigorous and it can take up to two years just to be hired for an aiport customer service desk position, while their flight crew staff positions are some of the most sought after in the industry. The company also incites their employees to always have a friendly, smiling face on, and their flight attendants have been frequently known to sing, dance and otherwise create a playful atmosphere on board.

Fly Anywhere

When the company first started, it was a Texas-based airline that flew only between the state’s three largest cities. Over the past four decades, they have expanded to include many major airports across the US, including Boston Logan, New York La Guardia and Orlando, Florida, among their many destinations across the southern, southwestern and western Unted States. Even if Southwest still doesn’t fly directly into the airport you’re heading to, you can probably find a flight that gets you very close.

Amazing Pilots

Southwest’s pilots are the highest paid in the US airline industry. They are also the most technically good at their jobs, meaning that you will rarely fly a Southwest flight that is uncomfortable, overly bumpy or has a rough take off and landing.

Excellent Sales

Almost anytime you log on to Southwest’s website, you are bound to find a sale going on, and a good one at that. Most of the sales start with fares of $49 each way for short flights or nearby commutes and go up from there. Furthermore, they always provide a list of sale fares to and from each city, making the fares much easier to find.

Fido Can Fly Too

Starting in 2009, Southwest brought back the popular 1990s practice of bringing small pets on board. For a small $75 fee, you can carry your pooch or kitty in a kennel or carrier that will count as your carry-on bag. The carrier must be stowed under the seat, but may contain two small animals of the same species if there is room for both!