I had a family emergency and was unable to fly with Southwest as I usually do. I booked my flight and left the next day. I arrived in Charlotte from Houston. My ticket said gate c7. When I arrived at c7, the sign said Ft Lauderdale. I inquired at the desk. I was advised to go to c16. I ran to that gate only to see Washington on the board. I inquired. The agent said my ticket number wasn't working in the computer. Over the intercom, another agent advised that the plane sitting outside of gate c16 was either going to Washington or Pittsburgh. When they determined where, they would let us know. There were several flight attendants and pilots seated behind a roped off area. They too were awaiting the decision. Ten minutes later, the intercom announced that Pittsburgh would be leaving from that gate. A few moments later, we were advised that there would be an hour delay because they needed to take fuel off of plane. Also mentioned bad weather. When we finally boarded the plane, I was row 26 seat A....last row window. Over the intercom comes the pilot telling us he was sorry but the air conditioner was broken. Sorry? Is he kidding. It was stifling. Sweat running rampant down my face, back and legs. It was sweltering. Thankfully it is only a 1 hour and 30 minute flight. However, I find it unconscionable that this airline would fill this plane to capacity and then commence to cook us. It was cruel to put a menopausal woman with hot flashes in this predicament! I can't believe nobody passed out. Shame on them. I am apprehensive about my return flight. I know this, I won't fly us airways again. It was not a good experience.