Southwest Airlines has announced several significant changes affecting its services and customer policies:
- Checked Baggage Fees: Starting May 28, 2025, Southwest will charge for checked bags. Only A-List Preferred members and Business Select passengers will get free checked luggage. Others will pay a fee.
- Fare Class Changes: The “Wanna Get Away” fare will be rebranded to “Basic,” which can’t be changed but can be canceled. These passengers won’t have free same-day changes or standby options.
- Flight Credit Expiration: Credits for Basic fares expire in 6 months; for other fare types, it’s 12 months.
- Assigned Seating: Southwest is shifting to assigned seating with premium options, moving away from its open seating model.