Southwest Airlines, long celebrated for its two free checked bags and no-frills approach to flying, is entering a new era. The airline has announced sweeping changes designed to boost revenue and reward its most loyal customers—changes that will directly impact travelers starting May 28, 2025.
End of Free Checked Bags for Most Travelers
One of the most notable changes is the end of free checked bags for the majority of customers. For years, this signature perk differentiated Southwest from competitors and attracted budget-conscious travelers. That’s about to change.
After May 28, only select customers will still benefit from free baggage allowances:
- Business Select passengers and A-List Preferred members will continue to receive two free checked bags.
- A-List members will receive one free checked bag.
- Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cardholders will be credited one free checked bag.
All other customers will now be charged for both their **first and second checked bags**, though the airline has not yet released specific pricing.
A New Basic Fare—and Fewer Points for Budget Travelers
To target price-sensitive flyers, Southwest will introduce a new Basic fare, its lowest-cost ticket option. This fare will offer minimal perks—no free seat selection, fewer Rapid Rewards points, and less flexibility—in line with basic economy offerings from other major U.S. carriers.
At the same time, Southwest is adjusting how Rapid Rewards points are earned:
- Business Select fares will now earn more points.
- Wanna Get Away® and Wanna Get Away Plus® fares will earn fewer points, reducing rewards for budget travelers.
In addition, Southwest is moving to a variable redemption system, where the number of points needed to book a flight will fluctuate based on demand. Travelers may see higher award ticket prices during peak seasons and potentially lower prices during off-peak times.
Flight Credits Now Have Expiry Dates
Travelers booking tickets after May 28 should also note that flight credits will now expire:
- Most credits will be valid for 1 year from the ticketing date.
- Credits from Basic fares will expire after six months.
This shift marks a significant departure from Southwest’s previous, more lenient policy on unused funds.
What Else Is Changing?
These policy changes come amid a broader transformation at the airline. Other recent initiatives include:
- Assigned seating and extra legroom options, set to roll out later this year.
- A partnership with Icelandair, allowing customers broader international travel options.
- Availability of Southwest flights on Expedia, expanding the airline’s reach to new customer segments.
- Record-setting on-time performance and minimal cancellations in early 2025, reflecting a push for operational excellence.
Traveler Reactions: A Mixed Bag
Loyal customers and frequent flyers have voiced their concerns online.
One Reddit user lamented, “That was really the main reason I stayed with Southwest. No reason to stay with them now.”
Mae Hamilton, an editor at Travel + Leisure and a longtime Southwest passenger, expressed disappointment: “Free checked bags were the biggest benefit of flying Southwest and a major part of its brand identity. With this, the points devaluation, and the seating policy change, Southwest is starting to feel like just any other airline.”
What This Means for Your Next Trip
If you’re planning to fly Southwest after May 28, read the fine print before booking:
- Consider joining Rapid Rewards or upgrading to Business Select if baggage savings are important to you.
- Factor in baggage fees when comparing fare prices.
- Use or redeem any existing travel credits soon, especially if you’ve booked under the more flexible policies.
- Watch for sales or off-peak dates to get better value when redeeming Rapid Rewards points.
As Southwest adapts to a more competitive market, travelers will need to be more strategic than ever to make the most of their bookings.
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