Southwest Airlines Makes Big Changes To Baggage Policy And Fare Structure

If you’re a frequent flyer with Southwest Airlines, it’s time to take note, as big changes are coming to baggage fees and fare options. The airline just announced updates that will affect travelers starting May 28, 2025. Whether you’re a budget-conscious flyer or a Southwest loyalist, here’s what you need to know.

Free Checked Bags? It Depends on Your Status

For years, Southwest has been known for its generous two-free-checked-bags policy. While that benefit isn’t going away entirely, it’s now tied to your status with the airline:

• Two free checked bags will be available only for Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members and Business Select fare customers.
• One free checked bag will be offered to A-List Members and select customers.
• Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers will receive credit for one checked bag.
• All other passengers will need to pay for their first and second checked bags. The airline will continue to charge for the third and fourth checked bags.

These changes apply to flights booked on or after May 28, 2025.

New Southwest Fare Tiers and What They Mean for You

Southwest is also rolling out a new fare structure, giving passengers more options depending on price and flexibility preferences.

Phase 1: Adjusted Rewards Earning

The first phase of the update, which began this month, affects how passengers earn Rapid Rewards points:

• Business Select fares will now earn more points, making them more rewarding for frequent business travelers.
• Wanna Get Away and Wanna Get Away Plus fares will earn fewer points than before.
• Southwest is also introducing variable redemption rates for points, meaning that higher-demand flights may cost more points to book.

Phase 2: Introducing Basic Fare & Expiring Flight Credits

Come May 28, 2025, Southwest will introduce a new Basic fare for budget-conscious travelers. This will be the airline’s lowest-priced ticket but will come with less flexibility than other fare types.

Additionally, flight credits will now have expiration dates, which will vary depending on the fare you purchase. Basic fare credits will expire the fastest, while higher-tier fares will have longer expiration windows.

Why Is Southwest Making These Changes?

According to Southwest CEO Bob Jordan, the airline is focused on balancing customer loyalty with profitability:

“We have tremendous opportunity to meet current and future Customer needs, attract new Customer segments we don’t compete for today, and return to the levels of profitability that both we and our Shareholders expect.”

Southwest is also looking ahead to future upgrades, including assigned seating and extra legroom options, as well as its new partnership with Icelandair, which launched in February.

Final Thoughts: What This Means for Travelers

For Southwest’s most loyal travelers, these changes could be a win—more rewards for Business Select flyers, extra perks for A-List members, and new travel options. But for the average flyer, the introduction of checked baggage fees and lower rewards on cheaper fares might feel like a downgrade.

If you’re a Southwest regular, it’s a good time to evaluate your travel habits and see if a Rapid Rewards credit card or elite status is worth pursuing to keep your costs low.

Would these changes make you reconsider flying Southwest? Let us know in the comments section below!