The 'No Plane Change' Experience on Southwest Airlines: PIT-MDW-STL

Time for another trip out west! This time when flying Southwest Airlines, I had the opportunity to try out their "no plane change" connection that happens quite often on the airline due to their "point to point" model of flying. I started my day in Pittsburgh, PA boarding one of Southwest's B737-700s over to Chicago's Midway Intnl Airport where I then show what it's like to have to fly aboard that same plane 40 minutes later. All in all, it's not a bad experience and the flight attendants are very accommodating in letting you get off and grab some food or drinks. I then continued on down to St. Louis, Missouri where I'd then grab one more flight further west. All Southwest B737-700s have their older product onboard and you can definitely tell there's some wear and tear that comes with age. So, it's not as fancy as their MAXs & 737-800s, but when the flight (or flights) are as empty as mine were, they're very nice to fly aboard. Decided to merge these two flights together to create a different type of video I've yet to make yet on the channel. So, hope you guys enjoy!
Flight Info:
Airline: Southwest Airlines
Aircraft/Registration: Boeing 737-700 (N498WN)
Seat: 17F/2F
Flight Time: 1 hr 9 min /50 min
Flight #: WN 2116
Origin: Pittsburgh International Airport
Destination: St. Louis Lambert International Airport
Filmed: December 14, 2020
Camera(s) Used: Canon Powershot G7X Mark II
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© thejazzguy13 Aviation 2021

[@keystonepredictions]

Great Video Chris! Yeah, I've always been curious about the no plane change connections.

[@TodosLados]

I'm continue liking the narration vlogs! Always great job from you. I had the No Plane Change experience on September on MCO-MDW-PHL route and I really like it. And you were parked on the Lone Star livery which took me from BWI to ATL 3 weeks ago!

[@cherifbar]

i am glad you now narrate your videos. you certainly have a nice clear voice.

[@RJ-luci]

I love the the “no plane change”……..makes the entire journey much more relaxing for me.

[@johnp139]

Thanks, I have one of these through HOU next month, so now I know what to expect.

[@MatthewsAviationChannel]

Amazing video buddy. I love it when you upload. I also really love the travel vlogs.😃 Nicely done Chris

[@ryanfrisby7389]

Excellent video and trip report as always Chris! Seems like a cool way to fly!😸

[@BluegrassElevators]

Hey Life's Ups and Downs!

[@vaughnbluejr5960]

My wife & I flew SWA in 2019. It was a great experience. We flew home via PHX-OAK-GEG with a no plane change in OAK. In fact we stayed on the plane & had good conversation with FA's. They gave us a bag of the coffee they serve. One trick we learned quickly was that whichever one of us had the best pole #, we both stood together so we could sit next to each other. We enjoy your vids.

[@marksmith4582]

Great video as always Chris! The last time I flew through KSTL was on Ozark Airlines. Yep that dates me but who am I to care! I agree the smooth jazz sounds awesome through my I Phone AirPods! I appreciate you and your channel! Always with full respect for you! Mark in Iowa.

[@agentM1991]

Thank you. I always wanted to know what it was like to fly Southwest's stop over routes. Southwest at my home airport MCO has them too. I agree that 2020 was a factory of sadness but my wording is... "It was an absolute plane wreck" pun intended. In FL I was locked down but only for 45 days. I was never scared of getting it. Your videos helped me and the best medicine... staying positive.

[@lolam1646]

Always a pleasure to watch you! Greetings from your new fan! 😎

[@KeemBeckford]

You’re narrating now ? Yesss !!!! Great video bro

[@314jets6]

Thanks for coming to my home airport, TJG13! Hope you enjoyed St. Louis during your brief visit.

[@dennisdaniels2992]

Spectacular video presentation, Chris! Send me the next video!

[@markherter3896]

I flew the no plane change from TPA-ABQ, with stops in MKE and DEN...then return ABQ-TPA via PHX and IND( return trip had two broken planes, and still got on first as I was only passenger from Origin! great staff, very friendly!

[@BluegrassElevators]

Awesome video Chris! Here's how I rank my airlines: 1. Southwest 2. American 3. Delta 4. United 5. Any other airline that has 737's in the fleet Really cool flight there! Keep it up!

[@wdm1000]

Great commentary! FYI: from my travel consultant days this is considered a “direct” flight, which is obviously different from a “non stop “ flight. My clients used to think “direct” meant “nonstop”, but not true.

[@crazycoollady]

While I agree that 2020 was a factory of sadness, your awesome videos definitely helped me get through 2020. I am also hoping to have a no plane-change on Southwest Airlines.

[@benhabot9526]

Ditto!

[@michaelb9629]

Same

[@MatthewsAviationChannel]

@crazycoollady1999 I agree big time

[@Kpoole35]

In summer 2012 I remember being on a four leg trip on Southwest PDX-LAS-PHX-OKC and was super lucky to get the “no plane change”.

[@LiamWalsheliamskitchen]

I got one of these flights from SFO-BUF several years ago. It was still dark when I got on and it was starting to go dark when I got to BUF. I had the front row and did like that there wasn't anyone in the middle seat the entire trip. This was also before they put "Evolve" on their 737-700s, and so it was super comfortable.

[@katiemachir2062]

😍😍😍😍😍😍😍Such a nice view

[@tonyhernandez3227]

I love it’s and done dozens of times . The best but nothing but the best (FLL- IND- PHX- SEA)

[@javy.airlines]

Nice Flight Buddy😉👍👌✈️🇺🇸… You Flew Through My Area✈️🧳🛫🛬🇺🇸!!!

[@SeoulCalStudios]

i remember doing the no plane change connections as a kid. it was lowkey nice to not get off and everything :)

[@kuan-hsuenlee2283]

I did that the same as you!! I did DEN-SAT-HOU-ABQ with no plane change :) But from HOU-ABQ, had to go to a different aircraft. But got to board ahead of the line as well!!!

[@evaevangelista4235]

Thanks for the great video and scenery shots! I considered a no plane-change flight from PIT headed to Vegas, but wasn’t sure what that meant. Thanks to you I know how it works for future, but flying direct for upcoming trip. I was also curious about the SW entertainment system since they don’t have headrest mounted screens but this looks cool to connect with your own device. No comments in this video though about how well they stream, but I assume its fine.

[@zachthomas7810]

I flew round trip from FLL to MSY just after the southwest collapse had subsided and it was a very pleasant experience. I paid 8 dollars for the internet and it was the fastest I’ve had on an airplane. I could do everything I wanted. I was A3 and A2 respectively for the flights, got first row aisle and first row window.

[@tfmilk]

Bro this the 4th time I seen this on my recommendation I clicked it I love the vids

[@Whatare4]

Not gonna lie, I was nervous about the new vlog style when it was announce but I really enjoy the narration and music selections.

[@Springbok314]

The last time I did a stay-in-the-plane stop was on Air France from CDG to Abidjan. the 787-9 stopped in Bamiko, Mali. We off loaded most of the other passengers at Bamiko, but then the captain announced the airport was "closed." We sat there for an hour, and then off we went. The best part was the beautiful AF 787, which was only a year old. No de-icing in west Africa lol.

[@Pkmn_mlp_sonic_fnaf_fan]

17:29 not only engine view but the best engine buzz too

[@cito1101]

I remember being on "No plane Change" flights twice on Southwest Airlines One time was 2 days before Christmas in 2018. Took off from Baltimore, stopped in Nashville, then continued to Ft. Lauderdale Second time was same time in 2019, took off from Baltimore, stopped in Raleigh, then continued to Orlando (We almost missed this flight) Edit: Actually 3 times. Back in June 2014, flew Southwest from Orlando, stopped in Charlotte, then continued to Baltimore (this was the first time)

[@kristianvandehei8757]

I usually fly Delta, but I have always enjoyed SW when I have flown with them.

[@lucianogama398]

Great soundtrack....

[@brudy9298]

I flew on Southwest back in 1994. The flight began at STL and flew to Houston - Hobby, San Antonio, El Paso, and finally LAX. I never got off of the plane though. The stops were so short that I don't remember anyone being allowed off of the plane if continuing on with the flight.

[@reading1girl]

Thank you for this video! I always fly southwest, but so far, there have always been nonstop flights from Milwaukee when booking, however this year we are going to San Diego which southwest doesn't have nonstop to SAN that i see and stops make me nervous, higher risk to lose luggage. So was torn between going going to Midway for a non-stop flight or O'Hara for 1 stop but no plane change. O'Hara seems to be simpler to get to. (Husband says he doesn't want to drive and leave one of our cars there). Also, i like the Snack mix as well that Southwest provides.

[@Leonardo-cs9ij]

I did the no plane on a red eye and there wasn’t time to de-plane, but I was able to snag exit row seating and let the turbulence rock me to sleep like a baby!! 😊 the flight was LAX-DEN-MDW (also hate to see southwests prices now, I got MDW-SJC then LAX-DEN-MDW for like 230, and that’s hard to find for two one ways on southwest anymore haha

[@colepulkrabek3414]

That gate area you went through in MDW looks like a “call to gate” type of gate due to the lack of seating and how narrow it was at the gate.

[@97nelsn]

I just came back from New Stanton and I went to the IKEA that’s close to the airport. It is a far drive to get from the country to that IKEA, which means the airport is also a long drive as well. I almost flew out of PIT but I ended up taking the train home from Greensburg since it was much closer to New Stanton than PIT is.

[@sebastienroland349]

I like the Navy Blue Seats 💺💺💺 better than the Brown Seats 🪑🪑🪑 on Southwest Airlines 💙❤️💛✈️. Also, I like both the Classic and Grey Overhead Ceiling Panels on the Boeing 737-700s ✈️. It’s so we can all hear the announcement more clearly than off to the side.

[@ernesthromada3994]

I flew to Jacksonville from Baltimore with a quick stop in Norfolk along the way without a change. The flight to Norfolk was around 45 minutes and about an hour from Norfolk to Jacksonville. Kind of strange.

[@michaelsharp3615]

In December 2020 Southwest started filling flights again but still had the groups of 10 boarding process

[@RunNGunX]

I like midway it’s simple small and just right for a short connection which with southwest all connections are short

[@charlesferrer9814]

Southwest Airlines: “No plane change” Jazz: (exits plane and doesn’t relax and proceeds to airport terminal anyway)

[@RunNGunX]

I did this from PVD-PBI with a stop at BWI everything was the same except the gate agent just ask for my name when I came out the jet bridge. Then getting on had to show my boarding pass and got to board after pre board passengers.

[@cyberi4a]

The best was back in the 90s booking Los Angeles to Detroit you could book a flight that made seven stops. Yes connecting at one of those stops would get you to Detroit faster, but how often can you go from Point A to Point B in the USA with seven stops. :-)

[@nicholasbeingnicholas]

I am an Av Geek too! I live in Chicago and have flown out of both Midway and O'hare many times! My opinion is that Midway is better, and definitely gives a big thrill! It's only untill I moved to the suburbs of Chicago and used United out of O'hare, I miss Midway. I am going back there though to try Avelo. Anyways, I love the Video!

[@peoriavideosltd6822]

LOL As soon as I saw that long hallway, I realized you were in the "Green Mile", as gates A4A and especially A4B are affectionately known! If I understand correctly, those were "temporary" gates built during the terminal modernization of the early 2000s, but they're still in use today thanks to how busy Midway still is. By the way, as a Chicago-area resident, I've always considered Midway to be far superior to O'Hare in nearly every category, whether travelling in or out or just picking someone up. I suppose if I needed a fancy lounge to wait in or needed to fly to Europe or some place, I'd think differently.

[@randumnesss541]

I went to Pittsburgh airport yesterday

[@ryanridder4576]

If I remember correctly, I think one time when I was not even 5 years old or however young I was I once think I stayed on the same SWA plane without a plane change going from Portland, Oregon to Burbank that had a stop in San Jose, CA. I was too young at the time, but I just barely remember!

[@stitch-xx2oo]

Does anyone have a clue as to what happened to the "E" Terminal at KPIT? Great video as usual!

[@wdm1000]

I flew Osaka-Taipei-Hong Kong aboard Cathay Pacific in 2011 and they let us deplane, but we had to stay in the gate area.

[@tadeuszlufik]

Check out Midway these days; the A concourse looks really nice and has a lot of good food options. I do like the AA Gates at ORD (H and K) and I think United's gates at ORD are very sterile and uninspiring.

[@eororbia]

Dear jazzguy13 Aviation: I think you have an uncanny natural endowment for filmmaking. Great shots through the two flights which shows your creativity and also that you have a very good eye. I believe you are now living in San Fransisco, therefore, you are closer to Hollywood and that's where you need to be and start looking for a career opportunity with one of the many prime production filmmaking companies that are available to you. I am praying for you to become Steven Spielberg's protege and learn from the master all the intricate secrets for success in filmmaking. You have a natural endowment that needs to be nurtured and developed by the best professionals in the filmmaking industry. It is my hope, you will aim high to reach for that amazing and incredible opportunity. Please make a conscientious effort to make it happen. All the best!.. And don't forget to use more often that incredibly funny sense of humor that you have. I am still laughing at the joke you made: " What the f**ck I am in Alaska, standing up lost and confused in front of two huge elephant tusks". May G_d bless you abundantly!

[@thejazzguy13]

Haha I appreciate the kind words mate! I'm actually in SF for music not filmmaking, but hey maybe someday that opportunity may come up as well 🤙🏻

[@michaelsharp3615]

Usually Southwest serves water and snack mix when there is a service during 2020

[@michaelsharp3615]

Ive done the no plane change experience three times before on Southwest Airlines

[@aviatoralex4774]

In april i have this in Oakland and I'm hoping they let me go in the terminal for the 45min layover there. What do you think?

[@seatripreports]

I did SEA-BNA-ORD-DEN, without getting off the plane, 10+ hours on one 737. My only complaint was I was really fckn hungry by the time I reached Denver 😂😂

[@dylanchalmers3011]

@Chris Jazz how did you get this experience?

[@michaelsharp3615]

Sometimes a plane swap happens last minute and you will be forced to deplane and you will have to tell the gate agent at the departing gate you were supposed to stay on the plane and they make all those passengers board first before pre board passengers

[@michaelsharp3615]

Takeoff procedure at MDW, max force takeoff then level off then climb again then level off then climb again

[@johnmarks8637]

Back in the day, say ‘83 to about 2000, I flew WN back and forth from HOU to MCI, and almost always had to stop in either OKC or TUL. Of course, back then, they really tried to turn the planes around fast, so there was no getting off to stretch your legs. They would line us up in the jetway before they even let the arriving passengers deplane. Nowadays because of 9-11 and liability issues they can no longer do this. Oh well, it was fun while it lasted.

[@jarrellbabb1344]

Frontier in 1980 had flt from Little Rock to Denver with Stop in

[@jarrellbabb1344]

In OKC .

[@brianna_lynch]

I was put on a Phoenix-Orange County-Sacramento flight (I have no idea why, there were at least 5 non-stop flights from Phoenix to Sacramento) The only reasons I didn’t switch to one of the non-stop flights is because 1. The plane was a 737-800 2. I hadn’t flown over southern california in a while so I figured i’d get on the plane and enjoy the view

[@tomsamuelson8512]

That would be 5 NON-STOP flights from PHX to Sacramento. A direct flight can make stops along the way....

[@johnp139]

I remember getting off of an AA flight in STL, then checking the gate for our connecting flight, and it was the gate and aircraft that we just got off of, but a different flight number.

[@russellsnyder5630]

Dang i hate bumpy flights. I freak out. Dang you got long fingers.

[@ChasetheG]

A Yinzer says something other than the Cleveland Browns is a factory of sadness.

[@thejazzguy13]

Haha I think I've been watchin a little too much UTree lately...🤔

[@jasonmoors1191]

Not having been on your channel recently(jazzmom's trip IAD-MUC-Krakow)I'm liking the voiceover but the music I don't care for--let us hear the natural sounds as they happen(engine start,takeoff thrust,captain's inflight announcements,reverse thrust,engine shutdown)As for the same plane experience,I would've chosen to stay on board,the layover wouldn't be that long. Wondering why it took 10 months between filming and uploading on YT? Being a resident of Texas,smiled at your parking next to Lone Star One!

[@michaelsharp3615]

Gate A4B is trash, back in June 2019 I departed out of this gate and boarding took forever and left 15 minutes late and arrived in Omaha 5 minutes late and its by itself and a good walk just to food and other concessions, also that gate is the longest gate at MDW

[@malissahuff6638]

when was this filmed?

[@hawk4174]

31C arrival/departure out of MDW

[@Tendertroll1]

Why do you knock the outside of the plane before walking inside?

[@alexwu8502]

Hi Chris Jazz, Just curious, why are you flying from Pittsburgh, PA to St. Louis? Is it for the job purpose?

[@envuelomx]

Is that new?

[@michaelsharp3615]

The landing is always a fast one at Chicago Midway due to the very short runways at that airport

[@sportsMike87]

Yeah he said the same thing

[@jarrellbabb1344]

I flew from Brussels to JFK WITH STOP IN LONDON AND COULDNOT GET OF THE PLANE AT Heathrow.

[@BC_36]

Image how good southwest would be if they updated their fleet to a more fuel efficient and modern aircraft. One free checked bag would also be enough for most people as well.

[@DevonMopiedmont1143]

i wasn't allowed to leave my plane due to being at Atlanta 😂

[@kealanhughes6839]

never been this early 😳

[@davemiller6055]

Southwests prices are definitely lower than Delta and United where I'm flying. Not sure what you mean by your comment.

[@Daniel_PJJ13]

I just got back from Fort Lauderdale 1 hour ago

[@benhabot9526]

5:39 HAHAHAHAHAHAHA 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@michaelsharp3615]

In Omaha the de icing truck comes right to the plane

[@P00katube]

After the Christmas Day debacle, Southwest Airlines needs to do away with its now infamous "point-to-point" system and get with the "hub-and-spoke" system!

[@zoebells767]

As a Flight Attendant with a different airline, I’d hate this so much. In between flights is my only alone time to decompress, eat quick etc. I’d hate having passengers stay on the plane.

[@michaelsharp3615]

I will be anxious to see what Li Flyer says in these video comments

[@liflyer0413]

I’m anxious that I live rent free in your head

[@clearlycaribbeanreb7176]

@@liflyer0413 What is with this idiot? Is he for real? 🤔

[@michaelsharp3615]

Southwest Airlines got rid of peanuts due to peanut allergies being a concern

[@Arslantheplanelover]

Can you do Frontier next & do Covid list?

[@thejazzguy13]

Will have a Frontier vid soon! But sorry the covid list is retired 👍🏻

[@_that_native_artist_boy_]

random fact: the plane you flew on N498WN is headed to Burbank California from Denver Colorado as i make this comment

[@sportsMike87]

Technically a direct flight

[@robertnagy1902]

Just an FYI…it’s not the norm for thru passengers to deplane, and calling this a “same plane connection” isn’t southwest terminology. But great video and nice views. Next time try to find a two-stop same plane flight.

[@liflyer0413]

Michael Sharp comment counter: 14 Michael Sharp comments mentioning me: 1 Michael Sharp comments stating useless and obvious facts: 10 Michael Sharp comments spoiling future videos: 1

[@liflyer0413]

@@MatthewsAviationChannel how? Do you even know what cyber bullying is? Telling someone to stop spamming videos isn’t cyber bullying, it’s not even close!

[@liflyer0413]

@@MatthewsAviationChannel well playing with model airplanes and posting them on KZbin is kind of pathetic for someone your age. Grow up, that’s not how you get subscribers.

[@michaelsharp3615]

Why did you deplane, you know you can stay on the plane when flying Southwest Airlines they basically count everyone once all passengers deplane and then you can get up and move about the cabin stretch your legs and even change seats, once general boarding begins the flight crew will announce it to take your seats. Sometimes there is a flight crew change on the next leg since Chicago is a base for Southwest Airlines

[@nashscan]

He explained that he had the option to go into the terminal and re-board before almost everyone else.

[@michaelsharp3615]

I have been to Chicago Midway it was my favorite airport but now its not due to fewer moving walkways and the food options being limited or tasting terrible, at least Nuts on Clark is still there, also the jet bridge area at the end gates are often way too crowded to find a seat, last time I was there I had 40 minutes before boarding only a couple of food options open with long lines and got to the gate thankfully the plane was just pulling into the gate when I arrived, I have been there so many times I know my way around that airport unfortunately no Nuts on Clark popcorn due to flight cancelled and rerouted to Nashville and Denver

[@sportsMike87]

My only problem with southwest if your flight is cancelled your pretty much screwed because they don’t have alliance partners

[@michaelsharp3615]

The next video is probably on a 737-800 Southwest Airlines plane heart interior, also seat 2F is the best seat because you deplane first as well as the window view

[@seniorsdavidhdavidhenley5422]

Lava lamp

[@tonyahenry5198]

No way Southwest didn’t leave you stranded 😫✈️😂😂😂

[@michaelsharp3615]

Samsung is better than iPhone and T Mobile is better than AT&T and Verizon

[@sportsMike87]

I like southwest but they are no longer the king of low fares

[@sextonfilm]

Southwest's service at ORD stinks, not their fault, terminal 5 has very little gate space for them!

[@BrokebackBob]

I stopped watching when you said you had made a purchase from your "beloved" lgbtq hating Chick-fil-A. What is the matter with you? Asking for a gay friend.

[@thejazzguy13]

🤦‍♂️I go places based on what they sell, not what they believe or their political views. CFA is a childhood favorite for me & frankly they got the best chicken I know...

[@BrokebackBob]

@@thejazzguy13 So what would they have to do for you to stop going there? Sex trafficking? Throwing gay people off the top of buildings like ISIS? Or just giving money to hundreds of organizations that hate gay people and support conversion therapy?

[@thejazzguy13]

@@BrokebackBob Yah, ok...bro I just like their chicken. Not everything has to be about politics as your smart ass obviously believes. Thanks for watching till 2:35 of my vid 👋

[@BrokebackBob]

@@thejazzguy13 Yeah, having principles is a bitch.

[@americanbobtail1]

Stop being a jackass troll for the Alphabet Mafia. They do not rule the world and he can eat from whatever vendor he wants.