Assigned seats, four fare bundles and bag fees on most tickets — the Southwest you remember has been rebuilt. This guide explains the new rules so you can still fly it for less.
For fifty years Southwest meant open seating and two free bags. Both are gone for most tickets. The low-fuss approach to changing flights is still here.
Since 27 January 2026 every seat has a number. Most fares let you choose at booking; Basic is assigned at check-in.
Checked bags are now charged on most fares. The top bundle and some elite members still get them free.
You can change any Southwest ticket without a fee and pay only the fare difference.
Southwest still has a single cabin, but where you sit and what is included now depends on which of four bundles you buy.
Free on every fare
Free on every fare
Free only on Choice Extra
Length + width + height combined
Checked-bag fees apply on Basic, Choice and Choice Preferred fares. Amounts have changed more than once, so we confirm the current price when you book.
Fares are indicative one-way economy prices and change with dates and availability. Click a route for live prices.
Southwest does not run a classic hub-and-spoke network. It flies point to point, which is why you see so many nonstops between mid-size cities.
It also favours the smaller airport in big cities — Midway instead of O'Hare, Love Field instead of DFW, Hobby instead of Intercontinental.
Rapid Rewards points are earned on what you spend and have no expiry date. The prize most members chase is the Companion Pass, which lets one named person fly with you for just the taxes and fees for as long as you hold it.
Qualification rules are set by Southwest and can change.
With two checked bags, Choice Extra can cost less than a cheaper bundle plus bag fees.
There is no change fee. If your fare falls after booking, you can switch and keep the difference as credit.
Southwest often flies from a city's second airport. Check both before deciding it is cheaper.
Midweek flights are usually the lowest priced on Southwest's leisure routes.
Basic seats are assigned at check-in, so checking in early gives you the best of what is left.
We price Southwest against other airlines on the same route, bags included.
Enter your cities and dates and filter results to Southwest.
See fares, stops and cabins side by side with taxes shown up front.
Enter traveller names exactly as on ID and add your Rapid Rewards number.
Get your confirmation by email, then check in with Southwest before you fly.
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+1 (888) 356-6085SkylineSparrow is an independent travel agency and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by Southwest Airlines. Airline names and programme names are trademarks of their respective owners and are used here only to describe the flights we help you book. Fares shown are indicative; airline policies change, so always confirm details with the airline before you travel.
