Southwest Airlines' Transformation: A Traveler's Guide to New Fares & Perks

Southwest Airlines, long known for its customer-friendly policies like "bags fly free" and open seating, is undergoing a significant overhaul. This transformation includes a new fare system, the introduction of assigned seating, and enhanced benefits for credit cardholders and elite status members.¹ The airline aims to offer a wider range of travel experiences, with changes rolling out in phases starting March 2025 and continuing throughout the year.¹

Decoding Southwest's New Fare Structure

Southwest is introducing four new fare types, replacing its familiar offerings. The Basic fare (formerly Wanna Get Away) launched on May 28, 2025, while Choice (formerly Wanna Get Away Plus), Choice Preferred (formerly Anytime), and Choice Extra (formerly Business Select) will be available in the third quarter of 2025, coinciding with the sale of assigned seating for flights in 2026.¹

Key Features of the New Fares:

• Basic (Formerly Wanna Get Away):
  • Seat Selection: Standard seat in the back, assigned at check-in.⁵
  • Boarding: Last group.⁴
  • Bags: Fees apply for checked bags.¹
  • Changes/Cancellations: Non-refundable and non-changeable. Flight credits expire six months from the original booking date.⁴
  • Rapid Rewards: Lowest earning rate.³
• Choice (Formerly Wanna Get Away Plus):
  • Seat Selection: Select a standard seat in the back at booking.⁵
  • Boarding: General group.⁵
  • Bags: Fees apply for checked bags.¹
  • Changes/Cancellations: Transferable Flight Credit™ upon cancellation; free same-day confirmed changes (taxes/fees may apply).⁷
  • Rapid Rewards: Previously 6 points per dollar, adjusted in March 2025.³
• Choice Preferred (Formerly Anytime):
  • Seat Selection: Select a preferred seat (front of cabin) or standard seat at booking.⁵
  • Boarding: Early general group.⁵
  • Bags: Fees apply for checked bags.¹
  • Changes/Cancellations: Refundable; free same-day confirmed changes (taxes/fees may apply).⁴
  • Rapid Rewards: Previously 10 points per dollar.¹²
• Choice Extra (Formerly Business Select):
  • Seat Selection: Select an Extra Legroom seat or any other seat at booking.⁵
  • Boarding: Priority (A1-A15).⁵
  • Bags: Two free checked bags included.¹
  • Changes/Cancellations: Refundable; free same-day confirmed changes (taxes/fees may apply).¹²
  • Rapid Rewards: Highest earning rate; includes free Inflight Internet and a premium drink.³

"Bags Fly Free" Evolves (Effective May 28, 2025)

The "Bags Fly Free" policy is changing. For flights booked on or after May 28, 2025, bag fees will apply to Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred fares.¹ However:

• Choice Extra fares still include two free checked bags.¹
• Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers get their first checked bag free (plus up to eight companions on the same reservation).¹
• A-List members get their first checked bag free (plus up to eight companions).⁵
• A-List Preferred members get two free checked bags (plus up to eight companions).⁵

Carry-on bags (one standard, one personal) remain free for all.¹

Flight Credits & Same-Day Travel Updates (Effective May 28, 2025)

• Flight Credits: Credits from bookings made before May 28, 2025, do not expire if the original booking was made under terms that allowed for non-expiring credits and the cancellation also occurs before May 28, 2025. However, if a flight booked before May 27th is cancelled after May 28th, the resulting credit will expire.⁸ For credits from bookings/changes on or after May 28, 2025:
  • Basic fare credits expire six months from the original booking date.⁸
  • Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra credits are valid for travel completed within 12 months of the original ticket purchase date.⁸
  • Higher-tier fares offer Transferable Flight Credits™.¹¹
• Same-Day Change: Free for Choice Extra, Choice Preferred, and Choice fares. A-List/A-List Preferred members no longer get free same-day changes on Basic fares; they must purchase a qualifying higher fare.¹³
• Same-Day Standby: Available for all fare types. A-List/A-List Preferred members still qualify for same-day standby on Basic fares.¹²

Enhanced Perks for Southwest Credit Cardholders

Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards (issued by Chase) are gaining significant new benefits ¹:

• Seat Selection: Cardmembers can select a seat, regardless of fare type (rolls out with assigned seating system).¹
• Earlier Boarding: An "earlier boarding" benefit for cardmembers (details to come with assigned seating).¹
• First Checked Bag Free: Effective May 28, 2025, for the cardmember and up to eight companions on the same reservation.¹

These new perks are in addition to existing benefits like anniversary points, points earning on purchases, EarlyBird Check-In®, Upgraded Boardings, travel credits (Priority card), and inflight purchase rebates (benefits vary by card).¹⁷ The new benefits, particularly the free checked bag, directly offset some of the new fare restrictions, making card ownership more valuable.

A-List Status: Upgraded Benefits for Loyal Flyers

Southwest’s A-List and A-List Preferred members will also see benefit enhancements:

A-List Members:

• Checked Bags: First checked bag free (for member and up to eight companions) starting May 28, 2025.⁵
• Seat Selection: Ability to select a Preferred or Standard seat at booking; option for Extra Legroom seat within 48 hours of departure (if available, no extra cost) – coming with assigned seating.⁵
• Same-Day Standby: Remains a perk, even on Basic fares.¹³
• Same-Day Change: Now requires purchase of a Choice, Choice Preferred, or Choice Extra fare.¹³
• Existing perks like priority boarding and earning bonus continue.⁵

A-List Preferred Members:

• Checked Bags: First and second checked bags free (for member and up to eight companions) starting May 28, 2025.⁵
• Seat Selection: Select any available seat at booking, including Extra Legroom (if available, no extra cost) – coming with assigned seating.⁵
• Same-Day Standby: Remains a perk, even on Basic fares.¹³
• Same-Day Change: Also now requires purchase of a Choice, Choice Preferred, or Choice Extra fare.¹³
• Existing perks like higher priority boarding, larger earning bonus, free inflight internet, and complimentary premium drinks continue.⁵

Other Notable Southwest Enhancements

Beyond fares and loyalty, Southwest is investing in the overall travel experience:

• Assigned Seating: Coming in Q3 2025 for flights in 2026, with Standard, Preferred, and Extra Legroom seat options.¹
• Redeye Flights: Already introduced on some routes, with more planned.²¹
• Cabin Upgrades: In-seat power, larger overhead bins, and faster WiFi are being rolled out.²¹
• Digital Tools: Improved app features for baggage tracking, upgraded boarding purchases, and lap child management.²¹
• Cash + Points: Book flights using a mix of points and cash; earn points on the cash portion for flights from January 1, 2025.¹⁴

Tips for Navigating the New Southwest

• Choose Fares Wisely: Don't default to Basic. Assess if the restrictions on bags, seats, and changes are worth the lower price.
• Maximize Credit Card Benefits: If you have a Southwest card, use the new free bag, seat selection, and boarding perks. Consider getting one if you fly Southwest regularly.
• A-List Members, Adapt: Note the new same-day change rules; standby is still an option on Basic fares.
• Book Before May 28, 2025 (for old rules): For travel where you want the old bag and flight credit rules, book before this date, but be aware that cancelling a pre-May 28 booking after May 28 may subject the credit to new expiration rules.⁸
• Understand Flight Credit Expirations: Be mindful of the new 6-month (Basic) or 12-month (other fares) expiration for credits from post-May 28 bookings.⁸

Southwest is evolving to offer more customized experiences. While this means more complexity, understanding the new fare system and leveraging loyalty and credit card benefits will be key for travelers to continue finding value with the airline.¹