Southwest Makes Big Changes: No More Free Bags for Most Flyers Plus More Policy Shifts

Southwest Airlines has announced major changes to their policies. Starting May 28, 2025, they will no longer let all customers check two bags for free. Only A-List Preferred members and Business Select fare passengers will keep this perk. A-List members and Southwest credit cardholders will get one free checked bag. Everyone else will have to pay fees for all checked bags. Southwest hasn’t said how much these fees will be yet. The airline is also changing how points work for award flights, with “variable redemption rates” that will charge different amounts based on demand.

Other big changes include introducing basic economy fares with fewer benefits, and making flight credits expire. Currently, if you cancel a flight, you get a credit that never expires. After May 28, 2025, these credits will only last 12 months for regular fares, and just 6 months for basic economy tickets. Southwest is also moving to assigned seating and adding extra legroom seats, making it more like other airlines.

Our Take

These changes turn Southwest into just another airline. The things that made Southwest special, like free checked bags, no expiring credits, open seating, are going away. Now they’ll be like every other carrier but with fewer routes and destinations.

We think many loyal customers will start looking at other airlines. Why stick with Southwest when you can get the same limited perks and fees elsewhere, often with better schedules?