For years, Southwest Airlines has been a fan favorite for its customer-friendly policies—free checked bags, generous flight credits, and open seating. However, the airline is making significant changes that may leave loyal travelers reconsidering their loyalty. Here’s what’s changing and how it could impact your travel strategy.
1. No More Free Checked Bags
One of Southwest’s biggest selling points has been its “Bags Fly Free” policy, allowing two checked bags per passenger at no extra cost. Unfortunately, this perk is coming to an end. Like many other airlines, Southwest will now charge for checked baggage, aligning itself more with competitors. While pricing details haven’t been fully revealed, expect fees similar to those on major carriers like Delta and American.
2. Reduced Reward Points on Flights
Southwest has historically been known for its Rapid Rewards program, where points are earned based on the price of the ticket. Unfortunately, the airline is lowering the number of points travelers earn for flights. This means it will take more flights (or more spending on the Southwest credit card) to accumulate enough points for a free flight. If you rely on Rapid Rewards for budget-friendly travel, this is a big hit.
3. Flight Credits Will Expire
Previously, Southwest’s travel credits never expired, allowing travelers to rebook flights with flexibility. Now, those credits will have an expiration date, forcing travelers to use them within a set period. This change makes it harder to hold onto credits for future plans and adds pressure to book flights before they go to waste.
4. Non-Refundable Fares
Southwest has long been one of the most flexible airlines when it comes to refunds and changes. However, they are shifting toward a model where many fares will now be non-refundable. While they may still allow changes, expect to lose the option of getting your money back if you need to cancel.
5. Introduction of Basic Economy
Southwest has resisted a true “basic economy” fare for years, offering a simpler booking experience. That’s about to change. Like other major airlines, they’re introducing a lower-tier fare with heavy restrictions. Expect no changes, no refunds, and possibly even boarding restrictions. This could make their already competitive pricing feel less valuable if you’re stuck with a restrictive fare.
6. No More Open Seating
The airline’s unique open seating policy—where you pick your seat once onboard—is also disappearing. Instead, Southwest will shift to assigned seating, meaning your spot will be determined when you check in. While some may welcome this change for predictability, many longtime Southwest flyers valued the flexibility of choosing their seat upon boarding.
What This Means for Travelers
These changes signal a significant shift in Southwest’s identity. If you’ve relied on their customer-friendly policies, it may be time to rethink your travel strategy. Other airlines now offer similar (or even better) perks in some cases. If free bags, flexible policies, and strong reward earnings were why you chose Southwest, you may find better value elsewhere.
For points and miles travelers, this is yet another reminder that loyalty programs and airline policies are always evolving. Diversifying your options by earning flexible points (like Chase Ultimate Rewards or Amex Membership Rewards) ensures you aren’t locked into an airline that no longer serves your needs.
Will these changes impact your decision to fly Southwest? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
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