Key Takeaways
• Southwest Airlines introduces assigned seating and new checked bag fees starting May 28, 2025.
• Four new fare bundles will replace current ticket options, each with different fee structures and perks.
• Exclusive groups retain some free checked bag benefits, but most travelers will now pay bag fees.
Southwest Airlines has long been known as the airline that makes flying simple—no costly extras, free checked bags, and an open seating system where you just pick any open seat after boarding the plane. However, starting in 2025, this approach will change in a big way. For the first time in five decades, Southwest Airlines is introducing assigned seating and new fees, including checked bag charges. These changes are big news for travelers, as they’re meant to draw new customers and respond to growing financial pressures on the business.
In this article, we’ll walk through what’s changing, why it’s happening, and how it will affect you and other flyers. Whether you’re a frequent Southwest Airlines customer or thinking about flying with them in the future, it’s important to know what to expect when booking trips in 2025 and beyond.
Key Changes Coming in 2025
Southwest Airlines is introducing a new fare structure, ending its free checked bag policy for most customers, and moving to assigned seating. Let’s break down each of these major updates.
A New Fare Structure With More Choices—And More Fees
Starting in the third quarter of 2025, if you book a flight with Southwest Airlines, you’ll notice four new fare bundles replacing the old options. Here’s what each one will offer:
- Choice Extra (previously Business Select):
– This will be Southwest’s most expensive option.- You get extra legroom, which means more space to stretch your legs.
- Early boarding privileges, so you get on the plane before most others.
- Two free checked bags, which is helpful for those who travel heavy.
- Free in-flight internet and other special perks.
- Choice Preferred (previously Anytime):
- Early general boarding, meaning you’ll board before most travelers.
- You can select a preferred standard seat when you book.
- One checked bag comes with a fee.
- Choice (previously Wanna Get Away Plus):
- You get general boarding. This isn’t as early as the other options.
- Your seat assignment is in the back of the plane, set when you book.
- You’ll pay fees for checked bags.
- Basic (replacing Wanna Get Away):
- This is the lowest-priced and most restrictive option.
- You’ll only be assigned a seat at check-in (likely in the very back).
- You’re last to board.
- This fare is non-refundable and non-changeable, except if you cancel within 24 hours of booking.
- You also pay for any checked bags.
These bundles give travelers more specific choices, but they also introduce new fees that Southwest Airlines hasn’t charged in the past.
Ending the Free Checked Bags Tradition
For nearly sixty years, Southwest Airlines customers enjoyed not having to pay extra for checked luggage. That ends on May 28, 2025, when new fees will apply.
- When: From May 28, 2025, most flyers must pay to check bags.
- Why: Southwest said these changes help it keep up with other airlines and generate new revenue.
- How much: The exact fees aren’t known yet, but Southwest said they will be similar to other airlines.
- Who still gets free checked bags?
- Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred members: two free checked bags
- A-List members and Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers: one free checked bag
- Choice Extra fare flyers: two free checked bags
If you don’t fit into these special groups, expect to pay for every checked bag after May 2025.
Assigned Seating Replaces Open Seating
Perhaps the most surprising change is that Southwest Airlines will no longer use its traditional open seating method, where you choose any open seat once on board. Instead:
- Booking and assigned seats: Assigned seating will be an option to book starting in the second half of 2025.
- First flights: Planes offering assigned seating will begin running in 2026.
- Reason: Research shows that 80% of current Southwest customers and 86% of potential customers actually prefer having a reserved seat before the flight.
- Premium seats: Some extra legroom seats will be available as early as May 2025. At first, these will be offered at no additional charge, but it’s possible fees may be added later.
So, if you like knowing exactly where you’ll sit, these changes might welcome you to Southwest. For loyal customers who like picking any open seat, this will be a big adjustment.
Why Is Southwest Airlines Making These Changes?
Many customers are asking: Why is Southwest Airlines moving away from the no-frills, simple pleasure of open seating and free checked bags? The answers come down to competition, money, and the future direction of the airline.
Financial Pressure and New Revenue
Southwest Airlines is under serious pressure to raise new revenue. Elliott Management, a large investment company, has pushed the airline to change its business model and improve profits. The goal is to compete better and bring in billions in fresh income over the next few years.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, Southwest’s leaders say the new fare structure, assigned seating, and checked bag fees bring the airline in line with the rest of the U.S. industry. These steps will create new sources of cash that Southwest hasn’t tapped until now.
Attracting New Customers
Executives say they want to appeal to more types of travelers, especially those who may have chosen other airlines because they prefer assigned seating or bundles with more add-ons. By giving choices similar to what other airlines offer, Southwest hopes to attract business passengers, budget travelers, and those who care about their seat assignment or want extra space.
Staying Different, But Not Too Different
Even with these changes, Southwest Airlines still plans to stand out. CEO Bob Jordan calls the new approach a way to make Southwest “leaner, faster, and more agile.” The airline will keep some perks, like a focus on friendly service, but will now add features that are common elsewhere.
Southwest is also spending “hundreds of millions” to upgrade technology for these changes, updating over sixty tech systems and getting [Federal Aviation Administration] approval for new seat layouts. This investment shows Southwest is serious about making these updates work smoothly.
Impacts on Travelers and Other Groups
How Will These Changes Affect Flyers?
If you’re a regular flyer with Southwest Airlines, here’s what you need to know:
- More Choices, More Costs: You’ll have the flexibility to choose between different fare types, but you’ll likely pay more for extra services, like checking bags or getting a better seat.
- Seat Assignment: No more rushing to check in early for the best boarding spot. Your seat is assigned, especially if you book a higher fare, which many people may find easier and less stressful.
- Loyalty Pays: If you’re an A-List Preferred or A-List member or have a Southwest Airlines credit card, you keep some luggage perks like one or two free checked bags.
- Cheapest Tickets Offer Less: If you always look for the lowest price, expect to be in the last boarding group, with a random seat at check-in and new fees for checked luggage.
- Advanced Booking Needed: To get the best choice of seats or perks, you’ll probably need to book earlier, especially as new seats are phased in.
For families or groups traveling together, assigned seating means you won’t have to worry about sitting apart on board. This could make flying less stressful for parents with young kids or friends who want to sit next to each other.
What About Businesses and Frequent Flyers?
For people who travel for work or fly Southwest Airlines often, the new “Choice Extra” or “Choice Preferred” fares offer perks like early boarding, extra space, and fewer baggage fees. You’ll likely pay more upfront, but may find the added comfort and convenience worth it.
Companies may also find it easier to book flights for employees, since seats and perks are clear from the start.
How Will This Affect the Airline Industry?
These changes mean Southwest Airlines is moving closer to how most airlines work worldwide. Almost all major airlines already charge for checked bags, offer different fare tiers, and let customers pick their seats. Southwest’s shift could:
- Start new price battles and special deals among airlines
- Push other carriers to add or improve their own perks
- Make air travel pricing more predictable, but possibly more expensive for those who pick the lowest fares
Possible Concerns and Reactions
Some Loyal Customers May Be Upset
A large part of Southwest Airlines’ loyal customer base loved the airline’s old way of doing things. Free bags, open seating, and fewer extra fees have been the hallmarks of its appeal. Some travelers may leave, feeling like the airline is becoming just like all the others.
Others may accept—or even embrace—the changes, especially if they benefit from assigned seating or like the clear fare bundles.
Will Security or Safety Change?
The changes mainly affect fares, seating, and luggage. There are no suggestions that safety or basic service will be reduced. In fact, for seat assignments and new plane layouts, Southwest is working with the Federal Aviation Administration to ensure full compliance with safety standards.
Concerns About Higher Prices
Because Southwest Airlines had been a low-cost choice with fewer fees, some worry that flying will now cost more for typical families, especially after adding new baggage and seat assignment charges. Travelers looking to save will need to consider these added costs when booking their tickets.
Making the Transition: What Travelers Should Do
If you fly Southwest Airlines or are thinking about booking with them in the future, there are some steps you can take to adjust to these new changes:
- Watch for Announcements: Keep an eye on Southwest Airlines’ official news release page for updates on fees, assigned seating roll-out, and details about fare bundles.
- Sign Up for Loyalty Programs: If you fly often, joining Rapid Rewards or using a Southwest credit card could save you money on baggage and give you better boarding options.
- Plan Ahead: If sitting with family is important, or you want to maximize comfort, be ready to book early and select higher fare classes if possible.
- Check Policies Before Booking: Once specific fee amounts are published, compare Southwest’s prices and benefits with other airlines to find what works best for your needs and budget.
Conclusion: A New Era for Southwest Airlines and Its Customers
Southwest Airlines’ planned changes for 2025 are some of the biggest changes in its history. The days of always getting free checked bags and picking any open seat are coming to a close. Soon, new fees, assigned seating, and bundled fare options will reshape how people fly with the airline.
For some, the changes will bring peace of mind and new conveniences. For others, the loss of beloved perks is a real disappointment. Whatever your opinion, it’s clear the airline hopes these moves will help it stay strong in a tough market. As you plan future trips, staying informed and flexible will be key.
By knowing about Southwest Airlines’ new fees and the move to assigned seating now, you can make the best choices for your travel plans in 2025 and beyond. If you want to learn more about these and other airline changes, VisaVerge.com’s investigation reveals that staying updated is more important than ever as the travel industry shifts and adapts to new trends.
Learn Today
Assigned Seating → A system where passengers are given a specific seat number before boarding, rather than choosing any open seat.
Fare Bundles → Grouped ticket options, each offering distinct combinations of amenities, boarding priority, and baggage policies for varying prices.
Rapid Rewards → Southwest Airlines’ frequent flyer program, offering points, status tiers, and benefits like free checked bags or early boarding.
A-List Preferred → An elite membership tier in Southwest’s Rapid Rewards program, providing perks such as priority boarding and free checked bags.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) → The U.S. governmental agency responsible for regulating civil aviation, including aircraft safety and seat layout approvals.
This Article in a Nutshell
Southwest Airlines will end its famous free checked bags and open seating policy in 2025, introducing assigned seating and new fees. Travelers must choose from new fare bundles with different perks and bag policies. These changes aim to boost revenue and attract customers seeking predictability, matching broader airline industry practices.
— By VisaVerge.com
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