Key Takeaways
• Southwest ends ‘Bags Fly Free’ for most on May 28, 2025; only certain frequent flyers keep baggage perks.
• Travel credits will expire: 12 months for regular tickets, 6 months for Basic fares, after new policy starts.
• Assigned seating, new Basic fare, and 120 layoffs reshape Southwest to match major U.S. airline policies.
Southwest Airlines has announced several new changes that will impact travelers starting May 28, 2025. These changes include ending the famous “Bags Fly Free” policy, setting strict expiration dates for travel credits, bringing in assigned seating, adding a new Basic fare category, and even laying off some employees. As these shifts come into place, many customers feel upset, especially those who loved the flexible and friendly features that set the airline apart for years.
Let’s break down these updates, what they mean for you, and how they fit into the bigger picture of airline travel.
What’s New at Southwest Airlines?
1. End of “Bags Fly Free” Policy
For decades, Southwest Airlines stood out from other big U.S. airlines because it let travelers check two bags for free. This “Bags Fly Free” policy made trips cheaper and easier for families, students, and anyone carrying a lot of luggage.
That’s about to change. From May 28, 2025, most people flying with Southwest Airlines will have to pay extra to check their bags. The airline plans to keep some exceptions:
- A-List Preferred members can still check two bags for free.
- Regular A-List members get one free checked bag.
- Business Select ticket holders can check up to two bags with no charge.
- People who have a Southwest Airlines credit card can check one bag for free.
This is a big change for Southwest Airlines and its loyal customers. The new rule means that many travelers will need to pay more, just like they would with other big airlines in the United States 🇺🇸.
2. Travel Credits Will Now Expire
Another top reason many people liked Southwest Airlines was its flexible travel credits. Before, if you canceled a flight or made changes, you’d get travel credits that never expired. You could hold onto those credits and use them whenever you wanted, even years later.
That’s changing too. After May 28, 2025, most travel credits will expire 12 months from the date you buy your ticket. If you buy a Basic Economy fare, your credits will expire in just six months.
This new rule means travelers have to be careful. If you cancel a trip and get travel credits, remember that you need to use them within a year—or within just six months if you picked the cheapest ticket. Otherwise, you’ll lose your money. Frequent flyers who rely on travel credits for their plans feel this move is unfair and removes some of the airline’s friendly charm.
3. Assigned Seating Is Coming
Southwest Airlines has always been famous for its unique way of boarding. If you flew Southwest Airlines, you never got an assigned seat. Instead, you checked in online, lined up at the gate, and picked any open seat once on the plane. This often felt less stressful for families who wanted to sit together or groups who boarded early.
That system is going away. Soon, Southwest Airlines will assign seats, just like most other airlines. When you check in, your seat will be on your boarding pass. The new seating plan will also include premium seats that cost more and changes to how boarding groups work.
There are reasons behind this switch. Many business travelers and families have asked for assigned seats. Still, regular flyers who liked picking their own seats might not be happy. As VisaVerge.com reports, this is one of many updates pushing Southwest Airlines closer to resembling other big carriers in the United States 🇺🇸.
4. New Basic Fare Category
Have you heard of Southwest’s “Wanna Get Away” deals? These low-cost fares made it easier for people to fly on a budget. Going forward, those options will disappear. Now, the airline will offer a “Basic” fare, which is the lowest-priced ticket available from May 28 onward.
This new Basic fare will have fewer benefits compared to other tickets. For example, travelers choosing the Basic fare will have tighter rules about luggage, refund policies, and now even shorter travel credits. If you look for the cheapest flight, pay close attention to what is and isn’t included.
5. Layoffs
Among all these changes, Southwest Airlines has also announced job cuts. Around 120 employees will lose their jobs as part of a larger plan to cut costs. Rising prices for fuel, growing labor costs, and pressure from investors are the main reasons behind these moves.
Layoffs like this are never easy for those who work at the airline. They also show that Southwest Airlines is under serious pressure to save money wherever it can and to keep profits for those who invest in the company.
Why Are These Changes Happening?
Why would Southwest Airlines change so many things at once, especially rules that made people love flying with them?
The answer is money—but not just profit. Over the past few years, running an airline in the United States 🇺🇸 has gotten more expensive. Fuel prices have climbed, workers’ pay has gone up, and all airlines are spending more on technology and customer service. On top of that, big investors are asking the airline to make more profit.
By ending the “Bags Fly Free” policy and shortening the time for travel credits, Southwest Airlines is bringing in new ways to make more money on each ticket. Selling assigned seats and premium options means they can charge extra fees too. Adding the Basic fare also helps Southwest Airlines compete with other “ultra-low-cost” airlines, but it could leave budget travelers with fewer choices.
How Are Customers Responding?
Not surprisingly, these updates have sparked lots of strong feelings among travelers. Many loyal customers feel let down. They’re used to checking bags for free, getting long-lasting travel credits, and enjoying a no-hassle boarding process. Without these policies, some say Southwest Airlines loses what made it special.
You may find yourself asking:
- Will it be worth paying more to fly Southwest Airlines now?
- Should I start comparing other airlines if the “Bags Fly Free” policy is gone?
- Are my unused travel credits safe, or do I need to use them soon before they expire?
For families, students, and anyone on a budget, losing free checked bags might be the biggest blow. If you travel often, having your travel credits expire in just a year (or six months with Basic fares) makes planning harder and less flexible. If you liked being able to choose your own seat, the move to assigned seating might feel like a step back.
Still, if you’re an A-List Preferred member, a Business Select flyer, or a Southwest Airlines credit card holder, you’ll keep some of your perks. But for most people, flying with the airline will mean higher costs and tighter rules.
Industry Context: Are These Shifts New in U.S. Airline Travel?
Southwest Airlines has long stood out for its friendly policies. Letting bags fly free and offering flexible travel credits put the airline in a league of its own among U.S. airlines. Most other large carriers started charging for checked bags and added extra fees years ago.
Now, by ending these policies, Southwest Airlines aligns itself more closely with airlines like American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. These airlines have charged for most checked bags for more than a decade and often set tight limits on travel credits.
Southwest Airlines’ changes don’t just affect travelers. They mark a big shift in how airlines compete in the United States 🇺🇸. More and more, airlines are looking for ways to add extra fees, reward only top-tier customers, and give special treatment to those willing to pay more or use their branded credit cards. In many ways, Southwest Airlines is just catching up—but losing what once made it unique.
What Should Travelers Do Next?
If you’re used to flying with Southwest Airlines, here’s a checklist to keep in mind before May 28, 2025:
- Check your travel credits: If you have old credits, plan to use them before the new rules kick in. After May 28, unused credits may expire quickly depending on your ticket type.
- Review your luggage needs: If you’re not in a special category (A-List, Business Select, or credit card holder), factor in bag fees when comparing flight prices.
- Look at other airlines: Since Southwest Airlines is ending some customer-friendly perks, it might make sense to price-shop. You may find similar or better deals with other airlines, especially if they offer free bags or more flexible credits.
- Think about assigned seating: Assigned seats could be a positive if you like having a seat picked for you or if you’re traveling with children or in a group. If you enjoyed the old boarding system, you’ll now need to adjust.
- Understand the new Basic fare: Make sure you know what comes with the cheapest option. Read the ticket rules carefully, especially when it comes to bag limits and refund policies.
For more details about the official airline changes, you can review Southwest Airlines’ official policy update.
Addressing Common Concerns
You might wonder if these changes are final or if there’s a chance Southwest Airlines will bring back any old perks. Right now, all signals point to these updates staying in place. With airlines under more cost pressure than ever, it’s unlikely Southwest Airlines will be able to return to its previous policies unless something big changes in the travel industry.
It’s also important to know that if you have a Southwest Airlines credit card, you’ll still get some baggage perks, but these cards can come with yearly fees. If you travel a lot, it might be worth it—but anyone who only flies sometimes should weigh the cost against what they really need.
How Will This Affect Immigration and International Travelers?
If you’re an immigrant, a student, or a traveler visiting the United States 🇺🇸, these rule changes could make your trip more expensive and less flexible:
- International students or workers often travel with more bags. The end of the “Bags Fly Free” policy could mean higher fees.
- If you’re booking flights home months in advance, remember your travel credits will expire faster, which can make rescheduling plans harder if your visa or immigration appointment dates change.
- If you travel as a family or group, assigned seating could help, but only if you’re able to pick your seats at a good price.
- Those on a budget who used “Wanna Get Away” tickets may find the Basic fare comes with more rules and fewer chances to change plans.
Final Thoughts
Southwest Airlines is at a crossroads. The changes in baggage policies, travel credits, and other features show the airline is trying to meet financial challenges by making passengers pay extra for perks that once came standard. This may help the company make more profit and keep investors happy, but it also means loyal customers will need to make careful choices when booking flights—from luggage planning to understanding travel credit limits.
As always, it’s smart to check official information, compare options, and plan ahead to avoid any surprises. These new rules affect all types of travelers—especially those who are new to the United States 🇺🇸 or rely on easy, affordable options for visiting family, studying, or working abroad.
For the latest updates about Southwest Airlines policies and how they affect travel, keep an eye on trusted sources like Southwest Airlines’ Help Center and leading platforms such as VisaVerge.com. Being informed will help you make the best choices for your travel needs.
Learn Today
Bags Fly Free → Southwest Airlines’ former policy allowing travelers to check two bags at no additional cost with most tickets.
A-List Preferred → Top-tier frequent flyer status on Southwest Airlines, offering enhanced benefits like free checked bags and priority boarding.
Travel Credits → Vouchers or credits issued for canceled or changed flights, now expiring 12 months after ticket purchase, or six for Basic fares.
Basic Fare → Southwest’s new lowest-priced ticket option, with more restrictions on luggage, refunds, and shorter credit expiration periods.
Assigned Seating → System where passengers receive specific seat assignments on boarding passes, replacing Southwest’s previous open seating policy.
This Article in a Nutshell
Starting May 28, 2025, Southwest Airlines will eliminate its ‘Bags Fly Free’ policy, enforce expiration on travel credits, introduce assigned seating, and add a Basic fare. These changes align Southwest with other U.S. airlines, impacting loyal customers who previously enjoyed flexibility and cost savings. Prepare for higher costs and stricter rules.
— By VisaVerge.com
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