Southwest Airlines Changes 2026: Assigned Seats, Bag Fees & New Fare Bundles

Southwest Airlines aircraft flying across the sky

Southwest Airlines is undergoing its most dramatic transformation in 53 years. The airline famous for open seating, “Bags Fly Free,” and no-frills simplicity is adopting assigned seating, checked bag fees, and tiered fare bundles bringing it closer to legacy carriers like American, Delta, and United. Critical dates: These changes fundamentally alter how passengers book, board, … Read more

Carry-On Luggage Rules 2026: Airline Size Limits, Weight & Packing Tips

Illustration showing airline cabin and checked luggage size categories with height measurements

Carry-on luggage rules in 2026 remain largely unchanged in terms of dimensions, with the standard U.S. size at 22 × 14 × 9 inches (including wheels and handles). However, enforcement has fundamentally shiftedgate agents now use discretion rather than rigid bag sizers, oversized bags are checked more frequently, and fees have increased. This comprehensive guide … Read more