At Southwest Airlines, change is in the air! They’re making updates to fare bundles and baggage policy to offer more choices and flexibility. If you’re a Southwest traveler, here’s what you need to know before booking your next trip.
I don’t know about you, but I’ve long loved flying Southwest simply for the fact that you got 2 free checked bags!
Checked Baggage Policy Changes (Effective May 28, 2025)
Southwest has long been known for its generous baggage policy, but starting May 28, there are some key updates:
✅ Two Free Checked Bags – Available to Rapid Rewards® A-List Preferred Members and Customers booking Business Select fares.
✅ One Free Checked Bag – Available to A-List Members, Rapid Rewards Credit Cardholders, and other select Customers.
💰 All Other Customers – Will now pay for their first and second checked bags. Fees will also apply for third and fourth checked bags as usual.
📅 When Does This Start? – These changes apply to all flights booked on or after May 28, 2025.
👉 If you’re a frequent Southwest flyer, check your status and fare type to ensure you’re maximizing your benefits!
Southwest’s Updated Fare Bundles – What’s Changing?
To give travelers more pricing and flexibility options, Southwest is rolling out fare updates in two phases:
Phase 1 (Now in Effect)
✈️ Increased Rapid Rewards Earnings on Business Select Fares – Earn more points per dollar spent.
📉 Lowered Rapid Rewards Earnings on Wanna Get Away® and Wanna Get Away Plus™ fares.
⚖️ Flexible Redemption Rates – Southwest will begin adjusting the number of points needed to redeem flights based on demand.
Phase 2 (Starting May 28, 2025)
🚨 New “Basic” Fare Introduced – Southwest’s lowest-cost fare, offering fewer benefits and less flexibility.
⏳ Flight Credit Expiration Changes – Flight credits will now expire based on fare type instead of remaining indefinitely available.
Here’s a breakdown of the updated fare options, ranked from most flexible to most value-driven:
| Feature | Business Select | Anytime | Wanna Get Away Plus™ | Basic (NEW!) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ✅ Checked Bags | 2 Free | Paid | Paid | Paid |
| 🎯 Rapid Rewards Points | 14X Fare | 10X Fare | 6X Fare | 2X Fare |
| 🏷️ Flight Credit Expiry | 12 Months | 12 Months | 12 Months | 6 Months |
| 🔄 Transferable Credit | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| 💵 Refundable? | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| ✈️ Changes | Fare Difference | Fare Difference | Fare Difference | ❌ |
| ⏳ Same-Day Change/Standby | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| 🎟️ Priority Boarding | A1-A15 | EarlyBird Check-In | $ | $ |
| 🍹 Premium Drink | ✅ | $ | $ | $ |
| 📶 Inflight Internet | ✅ | $ | $ | $ |
What This Means for You
✔ If you value flexibility, Business Select and Anytime fares still offer the best options with refundable tickets and transferable flight credits.
✔ If you want lower costs but some perks, Wanna Get Away Plus™ allows transferable flight credits and some flexibility.
✔ If you prioritize savings over flexibility, the new Basic fare may be a good option—but note the stricter rules!
Final Thoughts: Should You Change How You Book with Southwest?
Southwest remains one of the most traveler-friendly airlines, even with these adjustments. However, if you fly frequently, consider:
🔹 Earning Status – A-List and A-List Preferred Members will still enjoy perks like free bags and priority boarding.
🔹 Choosing the Right Fare – If flexibility matters, avoid the new Basic fare and opt for Anytime or Business Select.
🔹 Using Credit Cards & Loyalty Points – Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cardholders can still get one free checked bag.
Need help choosing the best fare for your next trip? I’m here to help!