Southwest Rapid Rewards

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

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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

Best Airline Loyalty Programs 2026: Top Picks for Real Value & Redemptions

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Model airplane placed over two passports with boarding passes and US dollar bills, symbolizing airline travel, loyalty programs, and flight-related expenses.

In 2026, the best airline loyalty programs prioritize usable awards, flexible earning, and meaningful perks amid continuing industry shifts toward dynamic pricing and revenue-based structures. While legacy programs like Delta and United move further toward spending requirements, Alaska Airlines’ Atmos Rewards stands out by maintaining distance-based earning while adding unprecedented flexibility. U.S. News & World … Read more