Roaming With Scott: Southwest Airlines Shake-Up—What Travelers Need to Know

Roaming With Scott: Southwest Airlines Shake-Up—What Travelers Need to Know

Ready or not, Southwest Airlines has rolled out one of the biggest sets of changes in its history. From bag fees to new fare tiers, here’s a breakdown of what’s shifting—and how you can stay ahead of the curve.

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Baggage Policy Overhaul

Southwest’s beloved “Bags Fly Free” policy has officially landed in the rear-view. As of May 28, most passengers will pay $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second.  

The only travelers who keep two free bags are those flying Business Select or holding Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred status. A-List members and Southwest credit-card holders still get one free bag; all others now pay up front.

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New Fare Structure and Basic Fare

Southwest has introduced a Basic fare to sit beneath its existing tiers. Basic tickets—available for bookings on or after May 28—come with the fewest perks:  

- No free bags (beyond what elite or card status offers)  

- No same-day standby or free seat changes  

- Expiring flight credits (typically one year from issue)  

This new class replaces Wanna Get Away and aims to align Southwest with legacy carriers’ budget options.

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Loyalty Program Tweaks

Rapid Rewards is evolving with:  

- Higher point multipliers on Business Select fares and reduced points on Wanna Get Away and Wanna Get Away Plus  

- Variable award pricing to reflect peak vs. off-peak demand  

- A leaked survey hinting at Companion Pass access being restricted to top-tier members only  

The goal is to reward big spenders while opening doors for new customer segments.

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Boarding and Seating Changes

Open seating lives on—for now. Southwest will maintain its free-for-all boarding through at least early 2026, even as it refines the process into nine numbered groups to speed things up. Assigned and premium seats are slated to debut later next year, but details remain sparse.

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Route Adjustments and Service Cuts

In the midst of these policy shifts, Southwest is also trimming service at its hubs. St. Louis travelers will see a 2% cut in flights this summer, with sharp reductions on key West Coast routes like San Jose, San Diego, and Portland.  

If you rely on less-served markets, it may be time to compare schedules and fares with other carriers.

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Practical Tips for Savvy Travelers

1. Book now to lock in current perks—two free bags and flexible boarding—through January 2026.  

2. If you fly Southwest frequently, consider ramping up to A-List or upgrading your credit-card status to retain at least one free checked bag.  

3. Factor bag fees into your overall fare comparison; low-cost carriers may edge you out once Southwest charges for luggage.  

4. Keep an eye on routes at risk of cuts. If your favorite nonstop vanishes, snag early award space or look at nearby airports.  

5. Stay tuned to Rapid Rewards updates—dynamic pricing could make your points stretch further on off-peak dates.

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Change can be tough, but knowledge is power. By understanding these new policies, you can continue to get the most value out of your Southwest travel—whether you’re chasing family vacations, business trips, or community fundraisers on the high seas.  

See you onboard,  

Scott

443-703-6600

sfaust@idotrips.net