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:
- May 28, 2025: Checked bag fees began ($35/$45)
- July 29, 2025: Assigned seat booking opened (for travel starting Jan 27, 2026)
- January 27, 2026: Assigned seating fully launches (open seating ends)
These changes fundamentally alter how passengers book, board, and budget for Southwest flights. This comprehensive guide explains every change, who’s affected, strategies to save money, and how Rapid Rewards members can still find value in the new Southwest.
For travelers who’ve flown Southwest for decades, these shifts feel personal. But understanding the new system puts control back in your hands and reveals opportunities to maximize value even under the transformed model.
Assigned Seating: End of an Era (January 27, 2026)
For the first time in Southwest’s 53-year history, the airline introduces assigned seating on flights departing January 27, 2026 and later. Open seating and the iconic A-B-C boarding groups officially retire.
What Changes on January 27, 2026
Before (through January 26, 2026):
- Check in 24 hours before flight
- Receive boarding position (A1-A60, B1-B60, C1-C60)
- Line up at gate poles
- Board in order and choose any open seat
After (January 27, 2026 forward):
- Select seat during booking (or get assigned based on fare)
- Eight new boarding groups (Groups 1-8)
- No more gate lineup poles
- Board in group order, go directly to assigned seat
Three Seat Types
Southwest now offers three tiers of seating:
| Seat Type | Location | Legroom | Cost | Benefits |
| Extra Legroom | Exit rows + front rows | Up to 5 extra inches | Highest premium | Earlier boarding, bin space, enhanced snacks, premium beverages |
| Preferred | Front of cabin | Standard pitch | Mid-tier premium | Faster deplaning |
| Standard | Back of cabin | Standard pitch | Included with most fares | Basic seating |
Legroom note: Five extra inches available on 737-700 aircraft; seat pitch varies by aircraft type.
Eight New Boarding Groups
The new boarding process uses eight groups (Groups 1-8) instead of A-B-C positions:
Priority boarding (Groups 1-2):
- Extra Legroom seat holders
- Choice Extra fare passengers
- A-List Preferred members
- Active military (with ID)
- Families with children under 6
Mid boarding (Groups 3-5):
- Preferred seat holders
- Choice Preferred fare passengers
- A-List members
Standard boarding (Groups 6-8):
- Standard seat holders
- Choice and Basic fare passengers (assigned at check-in)
Important: Passengers can also purchase Priority Boarding 24 hours before departure for earlier access.
To avoid delays at screening, travelers should review current airport security liquid and power rules in advance, especially as battery limits and carry-on restrictions continue to tighten on international routes.
Why Southwest Made This Change
According to Southwest’s official research:
- 80% of existing customers prefer assigned seating
- 86% of potential customers prefer knowing seats in advance
- Aligns Southwest with industry standards
- Unlocks premium seating revenue opportunities
CEO Bob Jordan stated the change is about giving customers “more choice and greater control over their travel experience.”
Checked Bag Fees: “Bags Fly Free” Ends
Southwest’s “Two Bags Fly Free” policy officially ended on May 28, 2025no.4one of the most controversial changes in the airline’s history.
New Baggage Fee Structure
For bookings made May 28, 2025 or later:
| Bag | Standard Fee | Weight Limit | Size Limit |
| First checked bag | $35 | 50 lbs | 62 linear inches |
| Second checked bag | $45 | 50 lbs | 62 linear inches |
| Third checked bag | $100 | 50 lbs | 62 linear inches |
| Overweight (51-100 lbs) | +$100-$200 | – | – |
Critical note: Bag fees currently can ONLY be paid at the airport (at kiosks or with agents). Online payment for bags is not yet available.a major inconvenience that Southwest has not provided a timeline to fix.
Who Still Gets Free Checked Bags
Two free checked bags:
- Business Select fare passengers
- Choice Extra fare passengers
- A-List Preferred Rapid Rewards members
- Companion of A-List Preferred members (same reservation)
One free checked bag:
- A-List Rapid Rewards members
- Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cardholders (Chase)
- Companion of A-List members (same reservation)
Pro tip: The Southwest credit card benefit alone ($35 savings per round-trip) can pay for the annual fee if you fly Southwest 2-3 times yearly.
Industry Context
Southwest’s new fees align with major carriers:
- American, Delta, United: $35 first bag, $45 second bag
- Southwest now matches industry standard pricing
However, Southwest’s change marks the end of one of the airline industry’s last “free bags” policies among major U.S. carriers.
Four New Fare Bundles Explained
To support assigned seating and tiered benefits, Southwest introduced four new fare bundles replacing its traditional simple pricing:
Basic (Formerly “Wanna Get Away”)
Price: Lowest
Seat selection: Standard seat assigned automatically at check-in
Boarding: Groups 6-8 (later boarding)
Changes: Not allowed (but can upgrade to Choice/Choice Preferred/Choice Extra)
Refund: Non-refundable
Checked bags: Pay $35/$45
Best for: Budget travelers with carry-on only, flexible dates
Choice (Formerly “Wanna Get Away Plus”)
Price: Mid-low tier
Seat selection: Standard seat at booking
Boarding: Groups 5-7
Changes: Same-day changes allowed
Refund: Transferable Flight Credit™
Checked bags: Pay $35/$45 (unless A-List or credit card)
Best for: Most leisure travelers wanting seat choice
Choice Preferred (Formerly “Anytime”)
Price: Mid-high tier
Seat selection: Preferred seat (front of cabin) at booking
Boarding: Groups 3-5 (earlier)
Changes: Same-day standby, changes allowed
Refund: Fully refundable
Checked bags: Pay $35/$45 (unless A-List or credit card)
Day-of perks: Priority check-in, security
Best for: Business travelers, those needing flexibility
Choice Extra (Formerly “Business Select”)
Price: Highest
Seat selection: ANY seat including Extra Legroom at booking
Boarding: Groups 1-2 (earliest)
Changes: Unlimited same-day changes
Refund: Fully refundable
Checked bags: Two free bags included
Premium perks: Enhanced snacks, premium beverages, accelerated Rapid Rewards earning
Best for: Premium travelers, status chasers, those checking bags
For nervous flyers, understanding what turbulence actually is and why it’s rarely dangerous can make a huge difference; this guide on turbulence anxiety breaks down the science and coping strategies in a calm, practical way.
Fare Bundle Comparison Table
| Feature | Basic | Choice | Choice Preferred | Choice Extra |
| Seat at booking | (assigned at check-in) | Standard | Preferred | Any (including Extra Legroom) |
| Boarding | Groups 6-8 | Groups 5-7 | Groups 3-5 | Groups 1-2 |
| Changes | Same-day | Anytime | Unlimited | |
| Refundable | Transfer credit | |||
| Free bags | (2 bags) | |||
| Rapid Rewards | 2x points | 6x points | 10x points | 14x points |
Key insight: The “right” fare depends on your needs. A Basic fare passenger paying $35+$45 for bags effectively pays $80 more than the ticket price potentially making Choice Extra a better value for families checking bags.
Rapid Rewards Changes: Loyalty in the New Southwest
Southwest’s loyalty program evolves to align with the new fare structure and assigned seating model.
Tier Benefits Enhanced
A-List (earned with 25,000 tier-qualifying points or 20 one-way flights):
- One free checked bag (for member + 8 companions on same reservation)
- Select Preferred or Standard seat free at booking (flights after Jan 27, 2026)
- Boarding Groups 3-5
- 25% earning bonus on points
- Priority check-in and security lanes
A-List Preferred (earned with 50,000 tier-qualifying points or 40 one-way flights):
- Two free checked bags (for member + 8 companions on same reservation)
- Select ANY seat including Extra Legroom free at booking (flights after Jan 27, 2026)
- Free upgrade to Extra Legroom within 48 hours of departure (space available)
- Boarding Groups 1-2 (earliest)
- 100% earning bonus on points
- Dedicated phone line
Passengers with chronic conditions, mobility needs, or required medications should plan ahead, and our overview on flying with medical needs outlines what to arrange with airlines and security before travel day.
Companion Pass Still Exists
Southwest’s legendary Companion Pass survives the changes:
- Earn 135,000 tier-qualifying points in a calendar year
- Designate one person to fly with you free (pay taxes/fees only: $5.60+ each way)
- New in 2026: Companion gets seat selection and checked bag benefits matching your tier
- Valid through end of following calendar year
Example: Earn Companion Pass in 2026, valid through December 31, 2027.
Points Earning by Fare Type
Higher fares earn significantly more Rapid Rewards points:
| Fare Type | Points Multiplier | Example (on $200 base fare) |
| Basic | 2x | 400 points |
| Choice | 6x | 1,200 points |
| Choice Preferred | 10x | 2,000 points |
| Choice Extra | 14x | 2,800 points |
Important: Southwest has not yet announced changes to redemption rates, but devaluations are expected in 2026.
Southwest Credit Cards
Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Card ($149/year):
- 4 upgraded boardings per year
- 7,500 anniversary points
- One free checked bag per flight
- 3x points on Southwest purchases
Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Card ($199/year):
- 9,000 anniversary points
- One free checked bag per flight
- 3x points on Southwest, rapid transit, internet/cable/phone
- Employee cards at no extra charge
Strategy: If you fly Southwest 3+ times yearly and check bags, the credit card pays for itself through bag fee savings alone ($35 × 6 trips = $210 saved).
Customer of Size Policy Changes (January 27, 2026)
Southwest’s “Customer of Size” policyno.4one of the most accommodating in the industry changed significantly on January 27, 2026.
Old Policy (through January 26, 2026)
- Extra seat not required to be purchased in advance
- Extra seat provided free if space available
- Full refund after travel if seat was used
New Policy (January 27, 2026 forward)
Requirements:
- Must purchase extra seat in advance at booking
- Must pay any applicable seat fee (if selecting Preferred or Extra Legroom)
- Both seats must be in same fare class
Refund eligibility (after travel, within 90 days): If plane departed with at least one empty seat
If plane was full BUT included space-available passengers (airline employees traveling leisure)
If plane was completely full with all revenue passengers
Controversy: Disability advocates criticized this policy as Southwest removes the guarantee of accommodation and shifts burden to passengers who may not know if the plane will have empty seats.
How to Book Smarter Under Southwest’s New Rules
Strategic booking is now essential for maximizing value on Southwest.
Strategy 1: Calculate Total Trip Cost
Don’t just compare base fares. Calculate:
- Base fare
- Seat selection fee (if choosing Preferred/Extra Legroom)
- Baggage fees ($35 + $45 = $80 for two bags RT)
- Priority boarding (if desired)
Example:
- Basic fare: $129 + $80 bags = $209 total
- Choice Extra fare: $189 (includes 2 free bags) = $189 total
- Choice Extra is $20 cheaper despite higher base fare
Strategy 2: Book Early for Best Seats
Assigned seats fill quickly, especially:
- Extra Legroom seats (limited quantity)
- Preferred seats (front rows)
- Window and aisle seats (versus middle seats)
Book as soon as your travel dates are confirmed.
Strategy 3: Consider A-List Status
If you fly Southwest frequently:
- 20 one-way flights → A-List (1 free bag)
- 40 one-way flights → A-List Preferred (2 free bags + Extra Legroom)
A-List Preferred perks value: ~$80 per RT (bags) + $40+ (Extra Legroom) = $120+ per trip
Strategy 4: Leverage Credit Card Benefits
Southwest credit card ($99-$199/year) provides:
- One free checked bag every flight
- Anniversary points (7,500-9,000)
- Upgraded boardings
Break-even: 3 round-trips with one checked bag = $210 saved (vs. $149 card fee)
Strategy 5: Travel Light When Possible
Carry-on remains free (one carry-on + one personal item). For short trips:
- Pack carry-on only (saves $35-$80)
- Board with your group without bag stress
- Avoid airport kiosk lines
Strategy 6: Compare With Other Airlines
Southwest’s changes eliminate many of its traditional advantages. Now compare:
- American/Delta/United: Also charge $35/$45 for bags BUT offer more routes, better schedules, international options
- Advantages Southwest retains: No change fees, Companion Pass, Rapid Rewards flexibility
For airline comparison strategies, see our Spirit Airlines review.
What Travelers Should Expect Emotionally
Southwest’s transformation affects not just logistics but passenger relationships with the brand.
The Loss
For 50+ years, Southwest represented:
- Simplicity: No assigned seats, no bag fees
- Predictability: Two free bags, always
- Friendliness: “LUV” culture, no-frills fun
Loyal customers may feel this represents a loss of Southwest’s identity.
The Gain
The new system offers:
- Certainty: Know your seat before arriving
- Choice: Pick seat location that matters to you
- Premium options: Extra legroom previously unavailable
Families can sit together more easily. Travelers who value window/aisle seats gain predictability.
The Reality
Southwest in 2026 is different, not worse. Just more structured. The airline maintains:
- No change fees
- Companion Pass
- Rapid Rewards flexibility (no blackout dates)
- Points don’t expire
- Transferable flight credits (most fares)
Key insight: Travelers who adapt early and understand the new system will continue finding value. Those expecting “old Southwest” will feel disappointed.
Conclusion: Adapting to the New Southwest
Southwest Airlines’ 2026 transformationno.4assigned seating, bag fees, and fare bundles marks the end of an era. The airline famous for bucking industry trends now adopts them, pursuing revenue diversification and premium offerings.
For travelers:
- Calculate total trip costs (not just base fares)
- Book early for best seat selection
- Consider A-List status or credit card benefits
- Compare Southwest against other airlines’ total costs
- Adjust expectationsno.4this is a new airline
What remains:
- No change fees
- Companion Pass
- Rapid Rewards flexibility
- Points that don’t expire
Southwest in 2026 isn’t the Southwest of 1971-2025. It’s closer to American, Delta, and Unitedno.4with assigned seats, bag fees, and premium options. Whether that’s “better” or “worse” depends on what you value. For travelers who adapt and understand the new system, Southwest still offers competitive fares and valuable loyalty benefits.
FAQs: Southwest Airlines Changes 2026
When does Southwest assigned seating start?
January 27, 2026. Flights departing on or after this date use assigned seating. Booking opened July 29, 2025.
Does Southwest still offer free checked bags?
No, for most passengers. A-List Preferred members, Choice Extra passengers, and credit cardholders get free bags. Others pay $35 (first bag) and $45 (second bag).
Can I choose my seat when booking Southwest?
Yes, depending on fare type. Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra fares include seat selection at booking. Basic fares receive seats assigned at check-in.
What are Southwest’s new boarding groups?
Eight groups (Groups 1-8) replace A-B-C positions. Group assignment depends on fare type, seat selection, and loyalty status.
For ongoing travel tips and airline updates, visit TalkTravel.
