Southwest is making some major — and, dare I say, controversial — moves.
Coming from a ride-or-die Southwest loyalist, I’ll admit: my faith is a little shaken (not to be dramatic). But whether you’re a frequent flyer or a loyal Rapid Rewards member, you’ll definitely want to pay attention.
Starting later in 2025, Southwest is introducing assigned seating, new fare bundles, updated baggage policies, and enhanced perks for Rapid Rewards members and credit cardholders.
Here’s a breakdown of everything changing — and what it means for your future flights.
Southwest’s New Fare Products
Beginning in the third quarter of 2025, Southwest will replace its current fare categories with three new options:
Choice Extra (replacing Business Select)
Choice Preferred (replacing Anytime)
Choice (replacing Wanna Get Away Plus)
Along with these new fares, Southwest will introduce assigned seating for flights starting in Q1 2026 — a major shift away from its traditional open-seating model.
Here’s how it will work:
Choice fares include standard seat selection.
Choice Preferred fares offer access to Preferred seats — typically closer to the front of the plane.
Choice Extra fares include Extra Legroom seats with more space to stretch out.
Basic Fares (more on that below) will not include complimentary seat selection, though customers will still be able to pay extra to upgrade their seat.
What About Basic Fares?
If you’re looking for the most budget-friendly option, Southwest’s popular Wanna Get Away fare will transition into the airline’s new Basic Fare starting May 28, 2025.
Basic Fares will still offer lower prices, but with more restrictions:
Less flexibility (i.e., no same-day changes)
No complimentary seat selection
Checked bag fees
Last to board
New Perks for Southwest Rapid Rewards Cardholders
Like I said… Southwest is making some serious moves, y’all!
If you hold a Southwest Rapid Rewards® credit card, there’s good news. Starting later this year and into early 2026, cardholders will get:
Seat selection access with every fare purchased
Some Southwest cards will unlock free Preferred seats
Premium cardholders will unlock access to Extra Legroom seats
Earlier boarding privileges, regardless of fare type
First free checked bag for themselves and up to eight companions on the same reservation
The free checked bag benefit kicks in May 28, 2025, while seat selection and boarding perks will roll out once assigned seating launches with 2026 flights.
Combined with existing benefits like anniversary bonus points and 10,000-point Companion Pass boosts, Southwest cards are about to become a lot more valuable.
Southwest’s New Bag Fees
One of the biggest changes: checked bag fees will start applying to some fares.
Business Select fares will still offer two free checked bags.
Basic (Wanna Get Away), Choice (Wanna Get Away Plus), and Choice Preferred (Anytime) fares may be subject to bag fees
Southwest hasn't yet detailed exact fees but noted they would “align with industry standards” — typically around $35 for the first checked bag on most U.S. carriers.
The new bag fees for applicable fares will begin with bookings made or changed on or after May 28, 2025.
Upgrades for A-List and A-List Preferred Members
Southwest is also upgrading all of you A-List and A-List Preferred members out there.
A-List members can look forward to:
First free checked bag for themselves and up to eight companions
25% more points earned on qualifying flights
Access to preferred seating at booking
Access to extra legroom seats within 48 hours of departure
A-List Preferred members will receive:
Two free checked bags for themselves and up to eight companions
100% more points earned on qualifying flights
Extra Legroom or Preferred seating at booking
Free Wi-Fi
Up to two free premium drinks per flight
As with cardholder perks, checked bag benefits start in May 2025, while seat selection upgrades will launch in early 2026 alongside assigned seating.
Why These Changes Matter
Southwest’s updates are a pretty big deal.
For decades, Southwest built its brand around simplicity: open seating, two free checked bags, and no change fees.
These changes push Southwest closer to a more traditional airline model, but they also give travelers more control to customize their experience.
My personal opinion? If it ain't broke, don't fix it. But change happens. And as savvy travelers, we have to stay flexible.
While the introduction of bag fees stings, assigned seating and expanded perks, especially for credit card holders and loyal flyers, help balance it out.
Timeline of Southwest’s 2025 Changes
Here’s a quick timeline to keep in mind:
May 28, 2025:
Wanna Get Away becomes Basic Fare
New bag fee rules take effect for some fares
Q3 2025:
New Choice Extra, Choice Preferred, and Choice fares become available for purchase
Q1 2026:
Assigned seating officially begins for flights
Seat selection perks for cardholders and elites go live
So, if you’re planning summer or fall trips, these updates will start affecting how you book (and board) very soon.
Bottom Line
Southwest is entering a new era.
With assigned seating, new fare bundles, and expanded perks for cardholders and elite members, Southwest is giving travelers more options than ever, albeit at the cost of some of the simplicity it was known for.
For frequent Southwest flyers, having a Rapid Rewards credit card or elite status will become even more valuable. For occasional travelers, reading the fine print before booking will be more important than ever.
Either way, the Southwest you know is about to look — and feel — a little different.
As always, we’ll keep you posted as more details roll out!
