9 BIG Changes Announced by Southwest Airlines

When it comes to getting to and from Disney World, we know a lot of AllEars readers are big fans of Southwest Airlines.

However, Southwest Airlines has recently announced some BIG changes, including changes that are proving controversial. Now, you’re probably already aware of some of these changes, but other changes might have passed under your radar. So we’re going through all the big changes you’ll be seeing soon if you fly Southwest.

Getting rid of open boarding

One of the first big announcements that Southwest made recently was that it was getting rid of its open boarding and seating policy. If you’ve ever flown Southwest, you’ll know that there is no assigned seating. Instead, you’re given a boarding letter and number and you board at the time the letter and number is called.

As seats are not reserved, when you board, you just choose whatever seat is open. However, that will change in 2026, which brings us to the next huge change…

Adding premium and assigned seating

Open seating and boarding will end when Southwest begins its switch to assigned seating. That means you’ll have to choose a seat when you book your flight. You’ll be boarding each flight according to your assigned seat.

Southwest will also offer premium seating with up to five inches of additional legroom. Those who choose premium seating, as well as “the carrier’s most loyal Customers” will also get to board before other fares.

New basic fare

For those who want the best fare, a new Basic fare will be introduced. However, if you book this fare, you’ll lose out on some Southwest perks that used to come with EVERY fare.

You won’t be allowed to make free changes to your flight with a basic fare.

Red eye flights

Southwest also recently introduced red eye flights. As of February 2025, Southwest started overnight flights from Baltimore and Orlando to Las Vegas, as well as from Los Angeles to Baltimore and Nashville and from Phoenix to Baltimore.

This is the first time Southwest has offered overnight flights.

Icelandair partnership

Southwest Airlines has also announced its first airline partnership with Icelandair. This partnership will allow flyers to easily connect between the two airlines’ networks.

This partnership effectively connects Southwest flyers to European destinations.

Changes to Rapid Rewards program

The amount of rewards you can earn on a flight will also be changing if you’re a Rapid Rewards program. Basically, you’ll earn more rewards on Business Select fares, while earning less on Wanna Get Away and Wanna Get Away Plus fares.

Variable redemption rates will also be introduced based on higher-demand and lower-demand flights.

Partnership with Expedia

Up until recently, you could not book a Southwest fare on any website except for the Southwest Airlines website. Southwest has now partnered with Expedia, so you will be able to search for and book Southwest flights through that third-party website.

This is a first for Southwest.

Expiration date for flight credits

Southwest flight credits are funds you receive when you cancel a Southwest reservation, which can be used towards future flights. However, flight credits issued by the airline will now have an expiration date.

Flight credits issued for tickets purchased on or after May 28th, 2025, will expire one year or earlier from the date of ticketing, depending on the fare purchased.

Bags no longer fly free

For the longest time, Southwest’s biggest tagline in its advertising and marketing was that “Bags Fly Free.” We even received assurances after the other changes were announced that this would not change. However, Southwest recently announced that it would start charging for checked bags as of May 28th, 2025.

However, Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members and those who purchase Business Select fares will still get two free checked bags. Southwest will credit one checked bag for Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers. A-List Members and other select customers will also get one free checked bag. Everyone else will have to pay for any bag they check.

We’ve seen a lot of discussion over many of these changes, and we’ll have to see where Southwest Airlines goes from here. We’ll be keeping an eye out for more announcements, so check back with AllEars again soon for more.

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What do you think of these changes? Sound off in the comments!