Southwest Airlines announced sweeping policy and fare changes that began taking effect in mid-2025. These updates have altered many of the hallmarks Southwest has long been known for and many travelers have come to rely on, including Wanna Get Away fares and free checked bags.
The Travel Team is here to help you navigate changing airfares and policy updates so you can make the right choice for your travel needs. Southwest passengers should be aware of the following changes.
Fare Options
These changes apply to tickets purchased on or after May 28, 2025.
A “Basic” fare category replaced Wanna Get Away fares. While these fares are still low-cost, they do not include the flexibility and other benefits Wanna Get Away tickets were known for. Instead, these tickets are comparable to other carriers’ Basic Economy options.
These changes apply to tickets purchased on or after July 29, 2025 for flights taking off on or after January 27, 2026.
Choice fares, previously referred to as Wanna Get Away Plus fares, will be similar to Economy fares at competing airlines and will allow travelers to select seats within the Standard section during booking, among other conventional features. In order for travelers to maintain many of the benefits they’re used to on Southwest Airlines, they will need to book Choice fares.
Historically, Wanna Get Away Plus fares have been $40 more per round trip ticket than Wanna Get Away fares.
For more information on the future of Southwest’s fare offerings, visit the Airline’s website for fare bundle details and policy FAQs.
Assigned Seating
These changes apply to tickets purchased on or after July 29, 2025 for flights taking off on or after January 27, 2026.
Like other airlines, travelers’ seating options (and any associated costs) will be determined by fare category, the airline announced in fall 2024. Travelers using Basic or Choice fares will be seated in the Standard section; Choice fares will allow travelers to choose their seat at booking, while Basic fares will not allow for this option.
Tier benefits will include premium seating options. Cardmembers will also enjoy some seating benefits.
The launch of assigned seating will be paired with a new boarding process. Beginning January 27, 2026, there will be eight boarding groups, primarily based on seat location. Tier members, Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers, and premium fare passengers will board earlier in the process.
Premium Seating Options
Choice Preferred and Choice Extra tickets will include additional premium seating options at booking.
In January 2025, Southwest announced two premium seating options as part of the transition to assigned seating:
Extra Legroom
Located at the front of the cabin and near exit rows, these seats have up to five inches of additional legroom.
Preferred Seating
These seats are located behind Extra Legroom seats, putting them near the front of the cabin and exit rows.
All other passengers will fly in what Southwest now calls “Standard” seats, located toward the back of the plane.
For more information on Southwest’s future seating options, visit the Airline’s website for fare benefit details.
Expiring Flight Credits
These changes apply to flight credits issued on or after May 28, 2025.
Flight credits will now expire within 6 or 12 months, depending on the fare the credits were issued for. Basic fare flight credits will only be valid for 6 months. All other fare flight credits will be valid for 12 months. This change marks a departure from Southwest’s current policy, in which flight credits never expire.
Baggage Policies
These changes apply to tickets purchased on or after May 28, 2025.
One of travelers’ favorite things about Southwest Airlines is its “Bags Fly Free” policy, which has historically allowed all passengers to check two bags at no cost. This policy is being retired, with very few exceptions. Now, most travelers will have to pay to check their bags.
- Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members and customers traveling via Business Select fares can still check two bags for free.
- A-List Members and other select customers will receive one free checked bag.
- Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers will receive a credit for one checked bag.
Southwest's Fare Bundles
Starting July 29, 2025; for flights taking off January 27, 2026.
