Southwest Airlines Guide
Airlines
Southwest Airlines is the largest domestic carrier in the United States by passengers carried. In 2025 and 2026, the airline overhauled nearly everything that made it distinctive: free checked bags ended in May 2025, open seating was replaced by assigned seats in January 2026, and the fare structure was completely renamed. The Southwest you remember may not be the Southwest you fly next.
This guide covers what changed, what the new fare types mean, how baggage and boarding work now, and what Southwest still does differently from every other carrier.
- Free checked bags ended May 2025. First bag now $45, second $55 after April 2026 increase.
- Open seating replaced by assigned seats on January 27, 2026 with numbered groups 1 through 8
- Four new fare types: Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra
- No change fees on any fare type. Rapid Rewards credit card holders get one free checked bag.
A reference guide for travelers navigating Southwest’s 2026 changes.
Southwest Airlines at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Carrier Type | Domestic leader, low cost carrier |
| Headquarters | Dallas, Texas |
| Major Cities | Dallas Love Field, Denver, Las Vegas, Baltimore, Chicago Midway, Phoenix |
| Alliance | None (partnership with Philippine Airlines for international connections) |
| Fleet | 770+ Boeing 737 aircraft (all variants) |
| Loyalty Program | Rapid Rewards (no blackout dates, no point expiration, Companion Pass) |
| First Checked Bag | $45 (raised April 2026). Free with Rapid Rewards credit card or Choice Extra fare. |
| Second Checked Bag | $55 (raised April 2026). Free with Choice Extra fare or A-List Preferred status. |
| Carry On | Included on all fares (overhead bin access) |
| Seat Selection | Included with Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra. Basic fare seats assigned at check in. |
| Change Fees | None on any fare type (still unique among major U.S. airlines) |
| Seating Model | Assigned seating (replaced open seating January 27, 2026) |
Is Southwest Airlines Right for You?
Southwest is no longer the automatic choice it was for a decade. The changes in 2025 and 2026 removed most of the structural advantages that made it unique. But it still has a few things no other major carrier offers.
- You value no change fees and flexible rebooking on any fare
- You hold the Rapid Rewards credit card and get the free bag benefit
- You fly domestic frequently and can earn Companion Pass
- You want free WiFi for Rapid Rewards members on every flight
- You prefer nonstop routes and Southwest serves your city pair
- You assumed bags still fly free (they do not since May 2025)
- You need international routes beyond Mexico and the Caribbean
- You want a premium cabin, business class, or extra legroom across the entire cabin
- You are comparing total trip cost and a legacy carrier with credit card bag waivers is cheaper
- You want to earn miles in a global alliance (Southwest has no alliance partners)
Southwest Baggage at a Glance
Southwest ended its long running two free checked bags policy in 2025. A carry on bag and a personal item are still included on every fare, and checked bags now start at $45 for the first bag. Free checked bags remain available with elite status, the Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card, and Business Select fares.
For the current fee table by fare type, overweight and oversize charges, and every way to avoid a bag fee, see the Southwest Airlines Baggage Fees Guide.
Southwest Boarding Groups and Assigned Seating
On January 27, 2026, Southwest replaced its open seating model with assigned seats and numbered boarding groups 1 through 8. The old A, B, and C groups based on check in time are gone. Boarding order is now determined by seat location in the cabin, with Extra Legroom seats boarding first in Groups 1 and 2.
Three seat types are now available: Extra Legroom (first five rows and exit rows, 34 inches of pitch), Preferred (standard legroom near the front), and Standard (back of the cabin, 31 inches of pitch). Basic fare passengers receive a seat assignment at check in. Choice and higher fares include seat selection at booking.
For a comparison of boarding systems across all carriers, see the Airline Boarding Groups Guide.
Carry-on essentials
Move through the airport fast and keep everything in its place from gate to gate.
Southwest Fare Types
Southwest renamed all of its fare types in 2025 and 2026. The old names (Wanna Get Away, Business Select) are gone.
| Fare | Seat Selection | Free Bags | Changes | Refundable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | Assigned at check in (Standard seat) | None | Only via fare upgrade | No (flight credit if canceled 10+ min before departure) |
| Choice | Standard seat at booking | None | Free same day changes | Flight credit (12 month expiration) |
| Choice Preferred | Preferred seat (front of cabin) at booking | None | Free same day changes and standby | Transferable flight credit |
| Choice Extra | Extra Legroom seat (34″ pitch) at booking | 2 free checked bags | Free same day changes and standby | Fully refundable |
The most important distinction is between Basic and everything else. Basic is nonrefundable, does not include seat selection, and only allows changes through a fare upgrade. Choice and above restore the flexibility that Southwest was historically known for.
Rapid Rewards and Loyalty Planning
Southwest’s Rapid Rewards program remains one of the simpler loyalty programs in the industry. Points do not expire. There are no blackout dates. Reward seats are always available if the flight is selling seats. The Companion Pass, which lets a designated person fly free on every flight you take for up to two years, is still one of the most valuable travel perks available from any airline.
Credit card holders now receive one free checked bag for themselves and up to eight companions on the same reservation, plus seat selection on Basic fares (subject to availability), and boarding no later than Group 5. Priority and Performance Business card holders can upgrade to Extra Legroom seats when available.
Free WiFi is now available to all Rapid Rewards members regardless of wireless provider, starting October 2025 through a partnership with T-Mobile.
Routes, Hubs, and Where Southwest Fits Best
Southwest operates from six major cities: Dallas Love Field, Denver, Las Vegas, Baltimore/Washington, Chicago Midway, and Phoenix. The airline is the largest domestic carrier by passengers and historically uses a nonstop route model connecting cities directly rather than routing through hubs. That model is gradually shifting toward a hybrid approach as the airline cuts thinner routes and concentrates on higher demand corridors.
Southwest flies domestically across the continental United States and Hawaii, plus routes to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America. The airline does not operate long international flights and has no premium cabin. A 2026 partnership with Philippine Airlines allows booking connections to Asia and the Middle East through West Coast hubs, though these flights do not earn Rapid Rewards points.
Southwest is strongest for domestic nonstop travel between major and midsize U.S. cities, Hawaii from the West Coast, and short leisure routes to Mexico and the Caribbean. It is weakest for international travel, premium cabin service, and routes where legacy carriers offer competitive total pricing with their own credit card bag waivers.
Common Southwest Booking Mistakes
Assuming bags are still free. The most common mistake in 2026. Bags have not been free since May 2025. Budget accordingly or get the credit card.
Booking Basic when you need flexibility. Basic fares are nonrefundable and do not allow free changes. If your plans might shift, Choice is worth the upgrade for the same day change benefit alone.
Comparing base fares without bags. Southwest’s base fares often look higher than Spirit or Frontier, but Southwest includes a carry on bag in every fare. Add bag fees to the budget carrier and compare totals. For a full comparison, see the Airline Baggage Fees Guide.
Ignoring the credit card math. The Rapid Rewards credit card costs roughly $69 to $149 per year depending on the tier. One round trip with a free checked bag for your family covers the annual fee. If you fly Southwest twice per year, the card is a net positive.
Not monitoring price drops after booking. Southwest still allows rebooking at a lower fare without a change fee. If the price drops after you book a Choice or higher fare, you can cancel and rebook to capture the difference as a flight credit. This is one of the few genuine advantages Southwest still holds over every competitor.
FAQ
Does Southwest still offer free checked bags?
No. Southwest ended its two free checked bags policy in May 2025. First bag now $45, second $55 after April 2026. Free bags remain for Choice Extra (2 bags), A-List Preferred (2 bags), A-List (1 bag), and Rapid Rewards credit card holders (1 bag + up to 8 companions).
Does Southwest have assigned seating now?
Yes. Assigned seating replaced open seating on January 27, 2026. Three seat types: Extra Legroom, Preferred, and Standard. Numbered boarding groups 1 through 8 replaced A/B/C groups.
What are the Southwest fare types in 2026?
From lowest to highest: Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra. Basic is nonrefundable with no seat selection. Choice and above include seat selection and free same day changes.
Does Southwest charge change fees?
No. No change fees on any fare type. This is still unique among major U.S. airlines. Choice and higher fares allow free same day changes. Basic fares require a fare upgrade to change.
How much are Southwest baggage fees in 2026?
First bag $45, second $55 (April 2026). Carry on bags are free on all fares. Credit card holders get one free checked bag for themselves and up to 8 companions.
Is the Southwest Companion Pass still available?
Yes. A designated person flies free (taxes/fees only, from $5.60 each way) on every Southwest flight you take for up to two years. Earned through qualifying flights or credit card spending.
For more airline coverage including baggage fees, boarding groups, and carrier news, see the Airline Travel Guides hub.