Southwest Airlines is set to dramatically reshape its long-standing travel model, abandoning its iconic open seating and "Bags Fly Free" policies in favor of a more traditional airline approach. Beginning May 28, 2025, passengers will encounter a completely redesigned fare and boarding system that marks a pivotal moment in the carrier's history.
The airline will replace its current fare categories with three new options: Choice Extra, Choice Preferred, and Choice, effectively retiring Business Select, Anytime, and Wanna Get Away Plus fare types. The basic Wanna Get Away fare will now function as a more restrictive Basic Fare with limited benefits and final boarding group placement.
Perhaps most significant is the introduction of baggage fees, ending Southwest's decades-long commitment to free checked luggage. Passengers can expect to pay approximately $35-$40 for the first checked bag and $45-$50 for a second bag. Some relief exists for Rapid Rewards cardmembers and A-List Members, who will receive two free bags for up to eight guests on the same reservation.
Seat selection, previously a spontaneous process, will become a strategic decision. Starting in the third quarter of 2025, select fares will offer assigned seating, fundamentally altering the boarding experience that made Southwest distinctive in the airline industry.
The changes reflect broader industry trends toward unbundled services and additional revenue generation. By introducing more complex fare structures and fee-based services, Southwest aligns itself more closely with traditional airline business models while potentially increasing per-passenger revenue.
Travelers will need to carefully evaluate fare options, understanding that "Basic" fares now come with significantly fewer amenities. The new system rewards loyalty, with expanded seat selection, early boarding, and enhanced Companion Pass benefits for cardholders and frequent flyers.
Southwest's CEO Bob Jordan framed the changes as part of the airline's evolutionary process, emphasizing a "transformational journey" toward an "Even Better Southwest." However, the modifications represent a substantial departure from the carrier's historical brand identity of simplicity and customer-friendly policies.
As the airline industry continues to adapt to changing economic landscapes, Southwest's strategic shift signals a potential broader trend of reevaluating traditional low-cost carrier models. Passengers will need to become more sophisticated in their travel planning, carefully comparing fare types and anticipating potential additional costs.
