Southwest Airlines Cancels Hundreds of Flights July to September 2025

Key Takeaways

• Southwest cuts 247 flights at St. Louis Lambert Airport July–September 2025, a 2% Q3 schedule reduction.
• Introducing checked baggage fees May 28, 2025; few exceptions include Business Select and A-List members.
• Assigned seating starts late 2025; Southwest faces a $140 million DOT penalty and a new lawsuit.

Southwest Airlines Cuts Hundreds of Flights at St. Louis Lambert International Airport Amid Broader Capacity Reductions

Southwest Airlines has announced a major reduction in its flight schedule for the second half of 2025, with a particular impact on St. Louis Lambert International Airport. Between July and September 2025, the airline will cut 247 flights at this key Midwest hub, representing a 2% reduction in its third-quarter schedule at the airport. This move is part of a larger trend across the airline’s network, as Southwest responds to slowing demand for domestic travel and growing economic uncertainty.

The decision comes at a time when many travelers are planning summer and fall trips, and it raises important questions for passengers, airport workers, and the broader travel industry. Here’s what you need to know about the changes, why they’re happening, and how they could affect your travel plans.

Why Southwest Airlines Is Cutting Flight Capacity

Southwest Airlines, known for its focus on affordable fares and domestic routes, has faced a tough year. The airline reported a $149 million loss in the first quarter of 2025, which, while better than the $231 million loss in the same period of 2024, still signals ongoing financial challenges. The main reason for these losses is a drop in bookings, especially for leisure travel within the United States 🇺🇸.

Unlike some competitors that rely more on international or business travelers, Southwest’s business model depends heavily on people looking for budget-friendly trips. When families and individuals cut back on vacations or weekend getaways, Southwest feels the impact more than airlines with a broader mix of customers.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, this makes Southwest especially sensitive to changes in the economy. When people have less money to spend or feel unsure about the future, they often skip non-essential travel. This trend has forced Southwest to rethink its flight capacity and make tough choices about where and how often it flies.

The Scope of the Reductions: St. Louis and Beyond

The most immediate and visible impact of these changes will be felt at St. Louis Lambert International Airport. Over the three-month period from July to September 2025, Southwest will cut 247 flights at STL. This is a significant reduction, especially for travelers who rely on Southwest for affordable connections to other cities.

While the exact number of flights being cut across the entire Southwest network has not been made public, the airline describes the reduction as “significant.” Other major U.S. airlines, including United, Delta, and Alaska, have also trimmed their schedules and pulled back financial forecasts in response to similar market pressures.

For now, the Southwest flight schedule is open for booking through November 1, 2025. However, further changes are possible if travel demand continues to weaken.

New Policies and Fare Changes Affecting Travelers

Southwest’s response to these challenges goes beyond just cutting flights. The airline has rolled out several new policies and fare changes in 2025 that affect how people book, pay for, and experience their flights.

Checked Baggage Fees

One of the most notable changes is the introduction of checked baggage fees. As of May 28, 2025, most Southwest passengers must now pay to check bags. This is a big shift from the airline’s long-standing policy of allowing two free checked bags per passenger.

• Who still gets free checked bags?
  • Business Select passengers
  • Hawaii residents traveling between islands
  • A-List Preferred loyalty members
  • Certain Southwest credit card holders

Everyone else will need to pay for checked bags, so it’s important to check your fare class and loyalty status before heading to the airport.

New Fare Structure

Southwest has also launched a new “Basic” fare, which comes with more restrictions than other ticket types. Basic fares are non-transferable, and any credits from canceled Basic tickets expire in just six months. More fare tiers—Choice Extra, Choice Preferred, and Choice—are expected to roll out later in 2025.

• Key points about Basic fares:
  • Lower price, but fewer benefits
  • Credits expire faster (6 months)
  • Not eligible for some perks

Flight Credit Expiration

Another important change is the new policy on flight credits. Credits created on or after May 28, 2025, now have an expiration date—usually one year, but only six months for Basic fares. Credits issued before this date do not expire unless they are used for a new booking after May 28 and then canceled.

Assigned Seating Coming Soon

Southwest has always been known for its open seating policy, where passengers pick any available seat when they board. This will soon change. Starting with bookings in the second half of 2025, Southwest will offer assigned and premium seating options, with full operations using assigned seating beginning in 2026. Premium seats will come with an extra fee.

This is a big shift for the airline and could change the boarding experience for millions of travelers.

Regulatory Scrutiny and Legal Challenges

Southwest’s recent troubles have not gone unnoticed by regulators. On June 18, 2025, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced a lawsuit against the airline for “holding out” chronically delayed flights. The DOT is seeking the maximum civil penalties allowed by law and relief for affected passengers.

Earlier in January 2025, the DOT penalized Southwest $140 million for consumer protection violations related to the airline’s 2022 holiday meltdown, when thousands of flights were canceled or delayed, leaving travelers stranded.

These actions show that the government is closely watching how airlines treat their customers, especially during times of disruption.

For more information on your rights as an air traveler, you can visit the U.S. Department of Transportation Air Consumer Protection page.

What Travelers Should Do If Their Flight Is Canceled

If you are booked on a Southwest Airlines flight from St. Louis Lambert International Airport or any other airport and your flight is canceled, here are the steps you should take:

1. Check Your Flight Status

• Use the Southwest website or mobile app for real-time updates on your flight.

2. If Your Flight Is Canceled

• Rebook or travel standby: You can rebook or travel standby within 14 days of your original travel date, between the same city pairs, at no extra charge.
• Request a refund: If you decide not to travel, you are eligible for a refund for your unused ticket and any optional travel charges, such as EarlyBird or Upgraded Boarding.

3. Contact Southwest for Help

• Visit the Southwest Help Center for assistance.
• International customers can find local contact numbers through the Help Center.
• For policy questions, you can also email [email protected].

4. Review Baggage Fees and Fare Rules

• Make sure you understand the new baggage fee rules and how your fare class affects your options.
• If you have flight credits, check the expiration date and use them before they expire.

How These Changes Affect Different Groups

Passengers

Travelers who rely on Southwest Airlines for affordable flights, especially from St. Louis Lambert International Airport, will face fewer options and possibly higher prices. The introduction of baggage fees and more restrictive fares may also increase the total cost of travel, especially for families or those who check bags.

Passengers who value Southwest’s open seating policy will need to adjust to assigned seating starting in 2026. While some may appreciate the ability to reserve a specific seat, others may miss the flexibility and speed of the old system.

Airport Workers and Local Economy

Fewer flights at St. Louis Lambert International Airport could mean less work for airport staff, ground crews, and local businesses that depend on travelers. Hotels, restaurants, and transportation services near the airport may also see fewer customers during the affected months.

The Airline Industry

Southwest’s decision to cut flight capacity is part of a larger trend among U.S. airlines. As demand for domestic travel softens, airlines are adjusting their schedules and looking for new ways to boost revenue. The move to assigned seating and new fare structures is seen as an attempt to attract new types of customers and increase income from extras like premium seats and baggage fees.

However, these changes also carry risks. Southwest has built a loyal customer base by offering simple, affordable fares and a unique boarding process. Moving away from these traditions could upset longtime fans, even as the airline tries to appeal to new travelers.

Statements from Key Stakeholders

Bob Jordan, CEO of Southwest Airlines, has said that the airline is seeing some positive results from new initiatives like listing fares on third-party websites, introducing basic economy tickets, and charging for checked bags. However, he remains cautious because of unpredictable booking trends and ongoing economic challenges.

The U.S. Department of Transportation, meanwhile, is keeping a close eye on airlines that schedule more flights than they can reliably operate. The DOT’s recent lawsuit and penalties against Southwest show that regulators are ready to step in when they believe passengers are being treated unfairly.

What’s Next for Southwest Airlines and Its Passengers?

Looking ahead, Southwest Airlines may make further changes to its schedule if demand continues to weaken. The airline’s financial outlook for 2025 and 2026 remains uncertain, and it has suspended its official forecasts until it has a clearer picture of future bookings.

Travelers should expect more changes to fare options, baggage policies, and seating assignments in the coming months. Assigned seating and premium seat choices will be available for booking in late 2025, with full rollout in 2026.

Regulatory scrutiny is likely to continue, especially if there are more disruptions or customer complaints. The DOT may impose additional penalties or require new consumer protections if airlines do not meet their obligations.

Practical Tips for Travelers

If you plan to fly with Southwest Airlines in the second half of 2025 or beyond, here are some practical steps to protect your travel plans:

• Book early: With fewer flights available, popular routes may sell out faster.
• Check your fare class: Understand what your ticket includes, especially regarding baggage fees and change policies.
• Monitor your flight status: Stay updated on any changes or cancellations through the Southwest website or app.
• Keep track of credits: Use any flight credits before they expire, especially if they were issued after May 28, 2025.
• Know your rights: If your flight is canceled, you are entitled to a refund for unused tickets and optional fees if you choose not to rebook.

For the latest updates on travel advisories and schedule changes, always check the Southwest Airlines Travel Advisories page.

Summary Table: Key Changes and Cancellations at a Glance

Final Thoughts

Southwest Airlines’ decision to cut hundreds of flights at St. Louis Lambert International Airport and reduce flight capacity across its network is a clear sign of the challenges facing the airline industry in 2025. With new baggage fees, fare restrictions, and a move toward assigned seating, travelers will need to pay close attention to the details of their bookings.

While these changes may help the airline weather tough economic times, they also mean less flexibility and potentially higher costs for passengers. By staying informed and understanding your rights, you can make the best choices for your travel needs in this changing environment.

For more information on your rights and the latest airline news, visit the U.S. Department of Transportation Air Consumer Protection page.

Learn Today

St. Louis Lambert International Airport → Primary airport in St. Louis, Missouri, and a key Southwest Airlines hub in the Midwest.
Checked Baggage Fees → New charges for checked bags introduced by Southwest from May 28, 2025, with few exceptions.
Basic Fare → Southwest’s lowest ticket tier starting 2025, with more restrictions and shorter credit expiration.
Assigned Seating → New policy starting late 2025, replacing Southwest’s traditional open seating with reserved seats.
Department of Transportation (DOT) → U.S. government agency regulating airlines, enforcing passenger rights and imposing penalties.

This Article in a Nutshell

Southwest Airlines reduces 247 flights at St. Louis Lambert Airport in mid-2025 due to falling domestic travel demand, adds baggage fees, and plans assigned seating by 2026 amid DOT lawsuits and financial challenges impacting passengers and the industry.
— By VisaVerge.com