Big changes are coming to Southwest Airlines® this year, and we know you’ll want the scoop on how it’s going to impact your next family adventure. No more “bags fly free” is one change that almost feels sacrilegious, but there are other changes coming to Southwest Airlines®, too! 🥲 

 

Baggage Policy is Changing

Southwest’s biggest family-friendly perk has always been that everyone gets free checked bags. But starting May 28, 2025, everything changes. Note that these changes do not impact reservations booked and ticketed and/or changed on or before May 27, 2025, regardless of your travel date.

For reservations booked and ticketed and/or voluntarily changed (including name updates or changes to a ticket) on or after May 28, 2025, checked-baggage fees will apply to Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus^®, and Anytime fares.

The following passengers will continue to receive free checked bags:

• Business Select^® (two free checked bags)
• A-List Preferred Members (two free checked bags)
• A-List Members (one free checked bag)
• Rapid Rewards primary credit cardholders and up to eight additional passengers traveling on the same reservation (one free checked bag)
• Hawaii residents traveling between the islands (two free checked bags)

If a Companion Pass holder qualifies for one or two free checked bags, the benefit will also apply to their Companion. 

What this means for you:

• First and second checked bags will no longer be free unless you have status or are a credit cardholder. 

• Good news: strollers and car seats are still free to check—phew! But you might start thinking “carry-on only” where you can, or pack smarter with packing cubes and share suitcases if traveling with older kids.

 

 

Assigned Seating & New Seating Options Are Coming

Gone are the days of scrambling to check in exactly 24 hours before to get into the “A” boarding group or paying for EarlyBird Check-In® because you hated that. 🙋🏻‍♀️ Southwest is officially moving to assigned seating in the third quarter of 2025 for flights starting in the first quarter 2026. Fares will include new seat options to choose from: Extra Legroom, Preferred, and Standard.

Extra Legroom Seats
The front of the plane or the exit rows. These come with up to 5 extra inches of legroom, early access to overhead bins and premium snacks and drinks. These will cost a little extra (just like other airlines) but I would totally book them!

Preferred Seats
Located near the front of the cabin and with faster boarding and exiting. Standard legroom but much more convenient and a middle ground if you don’t want to be in the very back of the plane.

Standard Seats
These are your classic seats toward the back of the plane. If you book a Basic Fare, these are what you’ll be assigned—usually at check-in, and often randomly. Not ideal if you want to guarantee sitting with your traveling companions, but they’re the most budget-friendly.

Don’t want to pay for seat selection? If you have status with Southwest® or carry a Southwest® credit card in your wallet, you’re in luck! A-List members will be able to select Preferred or Standard seats at booking, and will have the ability to select Extra Legroom seats 48 hours prior to departure. A-List Preferred members will be able to select Standard, Preferred, or Extra Legroom seats at booking. 

Most of us don’t have Southwest® status, but if you hold one of the Southwest® credit cards, you’re also eligible for free seat selection (though the timing of when you can select your seat will depend on which card you hold). This makes the card_name a keeper card for us as it comes with the ability to select a Standard or Preferred seat at booking on any fare. 

 

 

Why this matters:

• No more elbowing your way to rows with extra legroom.

• Families can finally sit together without the pre-boarding anxiety of the unassigned-seats era.

• Premium seats with extra space will be available (for a fee, of course).

• If you travel often, having a Rapid Rewards credit card or A-List status will help you score better seats.

I am actually a huge fan of this as I seldom traveled Southwest Airlines® because I hated those unassigned seats. Less anxiety coming my way may equal an interest in the companion pass for me and flying the airline more often.

 

 

New Fare Types 

Southwest is rolling out four clearer fare options. These new fare types will go into effect in the third quarter of 2025 for flights starting the first quarter 2026. Each comes with different rules on bags, refunds, and changes. So double-check those boxes before you book!

• Choice Extra—This was formerly known as Business Select and will include early boarding, two free checked bags, complimentary access to extra legroom seats, and in-flight internet.
• Choice Preferred—This fare used to be called Anytime, and it includes benefits such as early general boarding, access to preferred seating, and refundable tickets.
• Choice—This was formerly known as Wanna Get Away Plus, and has added perks like transferable flight credits valid for one year and same-day flight changes. 
• Basic (bare bones)—Avoid this if you want flexibility or bags included! This fare offers minimal benefits, including standard seating at the back of the plane assigned at check-in and non-transferable flight credits that expire after six months. It replaces the previous “Wanna Get Away” fare.

 

 

Red-Eye Flights Are Coming

Starting in 2026, Southwest will finally offer overnight flights. Is this good or bad news, though? It’s great for squeezing in extra vacation time . . . if you like red-eyes.

 

 

Bottom Line

What do you think about no more “bags fly free” and other changes to Southwest Airlines®? Will you be flying Southwest more often or less often? The loss of free bags stings, for sure. However, assigned seating was what many people wanted, including me. If you play it smart with credit card perks, reward status, and efficient packing, Southwest can still be a solid choice for travel. Be sure to check out all the details on the Southwest website if you want to know more.

 

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