Southwest Airlines Announces Policy Updates: What You Need to Know
If you or your family love flying with Southwest Airlines, there are some important changes coming that could impact your future trips. Southwest recently announced updates to its checked baggage policy and fare bundles, giving travelers more options while also adjusting some benefits. Here’s what you need to know before booking your next Southwest flight.
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Changes to Southwest’s Checked Baggage Policy (Effective May 28, 2025)
Southwest Airlines has long been known for its generous baggage policy, but starting May 28, there will be some key changes:
✅ Who Gets Free Checked Bags?
Two free checked bags: Available for Rapid Rewards® A-List Preferred Members and Business Select® fare travelers.
One free checked bag: Available for A-List Members and other select Customers.
One checked bag credit: Offered to Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers.
🚨 Who Will Pay for Checked Bags?
All other travelers will now pay for their first and second checked bags.
Southwest will continue to charge fees for third and fourth checked bags.
Fare Bundle Updates: More Choices, More Changes
Southwest is rolling out changes to its fare options in two phases, impacting how travelers earn rewards, redeem points, and choose fares.
Phase 1 – Already in Effect
Increased Rapid Rewards points on Business Select fares.
Lowered Rapid Rewards points on Wanna Get Away® and Wanna Get Away Plus™ fares.
Redemption rates will vary for high- and low-demand travel periods.
Phase 2 – Effective May 28, 2025
New “Basic” fare introduced – Southwest’s lowest-priced option with fewer benefits.
Flight Credits will now have expiration dates, varying by fare type purchased.
What This Means for You:
If you regularly fly Southwest, these updates could impact your future bookings:
Frequent flyers with status or credit cards will still enjoy free baggage perks, but all other travelers should budget for baggage fees.
Budget-conscious travelers may see savings with the new Basic fare, but it will come with more restrictions.
Earning and redeeming Rapid Rewards points will change, so it’s essential to check how your fare type affects your rewards.
Need Help Booking Your Next Southwest Flight?
At Polaroid Travel, LLC, we do our best to stay on top of airline policy changes so you don’t have to! Whether you need help selecting the best fare, maximizing rewards, or planning a seamless trip, we’re here to make travel easier.
📩 Contact us today to start planning your next getaway with Southwest or any other airline!
Happy Travels,
Megan at Polaroid Travel, LLC
Reading about Southwest’s new policy changes brought back a memory from a trip I took two years ago when I was caught off guard by a sudden baggage fee on another carrier. I had packed a spare pair of shoes and a small gift for a friend, only to learn at the gate that the airline’s “basic economy” rules meant I’d have to pay extra for anything beyond the personal item. I scrambled, repacked, and ended up leaving the gift behind—something I still regret https://www.choice.com.au/ The relief I felt when I discovered that Southwest still offers two free checked bags per passenger was huge, and now these updates feel like a reminder that the airline really does care about keeping…
Reading about the new baggage fee structure brought me back to a trip last summer when I booked a cheap fare just to get to a family reunion in Austin. I thought I’d saved a bundle, but at the gate the agent reminded me that the “basic economy” ticket didn’t include a carry‑on, so I ended up paying $35 for a small duffel I could have easily stowed under the seat. The surprise cost turned a smooth journey into a stressful scramble for a seat‑back bin https://aifs.gov.au/ I appreciate that Southwest is clarifying what’s included and what isn’t; it saves travelers from that last‑minute scramble and hidden fees. It also makes me wonder if the new policy will affect the…
Reading about Southwest’s new policy changes took me right back to the first time I booked a flight with them a few years ago, when I was juggling a tight schedule and a nervous toddler https://www.freetv.com.au/ I remember arriving at the gate only to find out the boarding process had shifted, and I was scrambling to keep my little one seated while the crew explained the new procedures. It was chaotic, but the staff’s patience made all the difference, and we eventually made it to our destination without missing the connection. Royal Reels Casino Your rundown of the latest updates reminded me how much those small adjustments can impact a family’s travel day. I’m hoping the revised baggage fees and…