Texas Border Business
Texas Border Business
Southwest Airlines, long known for its customer-friendly policies like free checked bags, flexible fares, and open seating, has officially begun implementing sweeping changes to its operations. Starting May 28, 2025, the Dallas-based carrier is rolling out a series of updates that bring it more in line with competitors — a move that marks a major shift in the airline’s decades-old identity.
One of the most significant changes is the introduction of checked baggage fees. Historically, Southwest distinguished itself from other major U.S. airlines by allowing two free checked bags for all passengers. That policy has now been revised. Going forward, passengers will be charged $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second on all bookings made or modified on or after May 28. However, the airline has implemented a tiered benefit structure to retain some advantages for loyal customers. Business Select fare holders and Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred members will still receive two free checked bags. A-List members and Southwest co-branded credit card holders will be entitled to one free checked bag. These benefits will also apply to up to eight travelers on the same reservation. Companion pass holders’ baggage benefits extend to their companions as well.
Alongside the new baggage policy, Southwest is introducing a new Basic fare, which replaces the airline’s lowest-cost “Wanna Get Away” option. The Basic fare comes with stricter limitations: tickets are non-changeable and non-refundable, passengers cannot fly standby on the same day, and flight credits are not transferable. Additionally, flight credits issued from May 28 onward will now expire — six months for Basic fares and up to one year for higher fare classes — effectively reversing Southwest’s pandemic-era policy of never-expiring credits.
The airline has confirmed that these policy updates will be implemented in phases. While checked baggage fees take effect immediately for new and updated bookings, online self-service options for managing bag fees will not be available initially. Travelers must handle baggage transactions at airport kiosks or with ticket agents.
In a move likely to further reshape the Southwest flying experience, the carrier has announced plans to adopt assigned seating beginning in 2026. Currently, the airline operates on an open seating model where passengers choose their seats on a first-come, first-served basis during boarding. The new seating policy will include options for preferred seats and additional legroom. Reservations for assigned seating flights are expected to open later this year.
These changes, first announced two months ago, come during increasing pressure to boost revenue and remain competitive in a challenging aviation market.
Under the old policy, passengers had a brief window to book or modify flights. Bookings made or changed before May 28 will retain the two free checked bags. The airline encourages Rapid Rewards members to include their loyalty number in reservations to ensure baggage benefits are applied correctly.
Southwest’s transformation is among the most dramatic in its 50-year history. While the company insists that many core values remain intact — including free carry-ons and friendly service — the rollout of these new policies marks a clear departure from the no-frills, high-value model that has long set the airline apart from its peers.
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