Effective May 28, 2025, Southwest Airlines is implementing significant changes to its fare structure and policies, marking a shift from its traditional customer-friendly approach.
New Fare Categories Introduced
Southwest will offer four distinct fare options:
- Basic: Replacing the “Wanna Get Away” fare, this lowest-priced option includes restrictions such as no seat selection and non-refundable tickets.
- Choice: Allows standard seat selection and includes transferable flight credits.
- Choice Preferred: Offers preferred seating near the front of the cabin, earlier boarding, and refundable tickets.
- Choice Extra: Provides extra legroom seats, priority boarding, two free checked bags, and the highest Rapid Rewards points earning rate.
These changes align Southwest more closely with other major airlines by offering tiered fare options with varying levels of flexibility and amenities.
Click to learn more about what’s changing with Southwest Airline’s policies including: Checked Bags, Fares and Flight Credits, Rapid Rewards Points, and Assigned Seats: Policy Changes | Southwest Airlines