Southwest Airlines has released a redesigned version of its app for iOS devices, with new features designed to streamline navigation. The app now includes a unified actions sidebar on the right of every page, airport information content pages, and the ability for non-logged in users to perform actions throughout the app. The app will also enable a mobile boarding pass feature starting on November 21st with flights originating from Austin, Texas and will be enabled in more cities throughout 2014.

What's New in Version 2.0.0
We’ve completely redesigned our app with new navigation and user interface. We took all of the same features from our old app and updated the experience. Plus we added some new features along the way including:

•Persistent menu for quicker navigation throughout the app
•Contextual links to intuitively move from task to task
•Airport information content pages
•Non-logged in users can now view reservations
•Ability for mixed adult + senior bookings
•Showing the number of Rapid Rewards points earned while purchasing

Along with this complete redesign, we’re announcing the roll out of mobile boarding pass throughout 2014. We’re starting with nonstop and direct flights originating from Austin, TX* with other cities to be added during the year. With this update when your departure city is eligible, you’ll be ready to utilize this exciting feature.

Most importantly, we’re not stopping here. We’re listening to your feedback and have already started on our next release to continue enhancing our mobile experience.

Yet no support for built in mobile boarding passes... Though agree with the previous comment, it used to be the worst airline mobile app I've ever had a chance to put my hands on thus any improvements are welcome.

Southwest Airlines has released a redesigned version of its app for iOS devices, with new features designed to streamline navigation. The app now includes a unified actions sidebar on the right of every page, airport information content pages, and the ability for non-logged in users to perform actions throughout the app. The app will also enable a mobile boarding pass feature starting on November 21st with flights originating from Austin, Texas and will be enabled in more cities throughout 2014.

I don’t quite get, why this is worthy of a mention on the iOS Blog page. There must be thousands of apps that get updated and improved every day and probably dozens, if not hundreds, fairly high-profile ones. What merits an article on the iOS Blog? I’m trying to be less critical than to understand the MacRumors team’s rationale.

Last I checked, Southwest is often more expensive than the legacy carriers on the same routes. Pay more for a subpar customer experience on mobile devices and get obnoxious, corny schtick from flight attendants while on board? No thanks.

Need to check a bag on a legacy carrier? That will be $25. Two bags? Another $35. Did your plans change and you need to change your flight? That will be $200.

On Southwest: Bag 1: $0. Bag 2: $0. Change fee: $0.

As far as base fares, they all have gravitated toward the same level, except for the deep discounters like Spirit who charge for carry-ons, etc.

Southwest also pays its workers above the industry average, while the legacy carriers are pushing more and more flights onto regional affiliates who pay pilots as little as $24,000. I can live with them being one of the last with mobile boarding passes.

I can't believe Southwest is just beginning to roll out mobile boarding passes -- and in only one departure city -- Austin, TX. I'll keep flying the legacy carriers who have had mobile boarding passes for years.

Last I checked, Southwest is often more expensive than the legacy carriers on the same routes. Pay more for a subpar customer experience on mobile devices and get obnoxious, corny schtick from flight attendants while on board? No thanks.

Depends on where you are flying from. Out of Oakland, I can (and do) fly everywhere in the west for under $200.

And southwest is much better about the cost of changing flights.

Not only with where you're flying from, but also where you're flying to. The legacy carriers outsource/contract out to regional carriers so they won't have to spend their own money and gas on the leg that is your destination. SWA, having that single aircraft type in their fleet, means their mainline will always get you to where you need to go. Cases in point:

KRNO. ASA sends you on a Dash 8, operated by QXE. UAL and DAL would send you either in a E120 or CRJ, operated by SKW. AWE? CRJ operated by ASH. SWA? 737.

KOKC. Same applies, though UAL and AAL might send something from their mainline fleet. AAL may send a MD80, and UAL may send either a B737 or A319/A320.

Bonus about where I live. Every SWA flight I have to where I want to go is nonstop. That's the benefit I have of Las Vegas. I also don't have to stop at a hub for a connecting flight.

The legacies may have had mobile boarding passes, but SWA, while being late to that game, kept your luggage free. So they may be late to the mobile boarding pass game, but I'd take being late on that than having to pay more to check in bags that I need when I fly.

Last I checked, Southwest is often more expensive than the legacy carriers on the same routes. Pay more for a subpar customer experience on mobile devices and get obnoxious, corny schtick from flight attendants while on board? No thanks.

Depends on where you are flying from. Out of Oakland, I can (and do) fly everywhere in the west for under $200.

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