If you’ve ever loved Southwest for their “bags fly free” policy, flexible flight credits, and easygoing vibe, heads up: some big changes rolled out in 2025 and there’s more to come in 2026.

And honestly, I am be more happy than ever to hang on to my Southwest credit card because now being a card holder will help you navigate these changes and even come out head!

Let’s break it down

Assigned Seating Is (Finally) Coming, But Not Until 2026

It’s official: Southwest is slowly moving away from its “open seating only” model.

• Starting January 27, 2026, assigned seats will begin rolling out on select flights.
• Not all flights will have assigned seats right away.
• For now, the classic “check in early and grab your seat” policy still applies to most routes.

👉 Why it matters for families:

• No more sprinting to check in at exactly 24 hours.
• Parents of young kids won’t have to beg a stranger to swap seats so their toddler isn’t stuck in a middle seat three rows away.

If you’re flying before 2026, EarlyBird Check-In (often a perk with Southwest credit cards) can still help your whole crew sit together.

“Bags Fly Free” Now Comes With Fine Print

Southwest’s beloved free bag policy is getting more complicated, and yes, checked bag fees are now a thing.

Here’s the deal:

• If you book or change your ticket on or after May 28, 2025, baggage fees apply to:
  • Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred fares.
• Two free checked bags still apply to:
  • Choice Extra fares
  • A-List Preferred Members
• A-List Members and Southwest credit cardholders get one free checked bag.
• Good news: This applies to you and up to 8 others on your reservation.
• Hawaii residents flying between islands still get two free checked bags.

👉 Why it matters:

• Families used to checking two big bags per person may need to rethink their packing strategy or book a higher fare class.

💳 Cardholder tip: If you’re a Southwest credit cardmember, your first checked bag is still free, and it extends to others on your reservation. That perk alone can save your family hundreds on longer trips.

Flight Credit Policy Just Got Less Flexible

Remember when canceled Southwest flights meant a credit you could use anytime? That’s changed.

Here’s what’s new:

• Credits from flights booked or changed after May 28, 2025 now come with an expiration date.
• Most expire within one year of the original booking date.
• Any credits issued before May 28, 2025 still don’t expire… unless you use them toward a new flight and then cancel again. In that case, the new credit will have an expiration date.

👉 Why it matters:

• Plans change (especially with kids). You’ll want to check when you booked your flight to understand if your credit has a shelf life.
• If you cancel a fare booked with points, your points go back into your account and won’t expire. Another reason why booking with points rocks!

New Fare Types: What You Should Know (And Why It Matters)

In 2025, Southwest began rolling out a new fare system. As of July 29, 2025, you’ll see new names and options when booking:

• Basic – lowest price, most restrictions (fees apply for bags and changes)
• Choice – formerly Wanna Get Away Plus
• Choice Preferred – formerly Anytime
• Choice Extra – formerly Business Select

You don’t need to memorize all the rules. Just know:

• The fare you choose affects how many bags fly free, if you can change flights, how many points you earn, and your seat assignment options.
• Picking the cheapest fare may cost more in the long run (especially if you need to change plans or check bags).

Southwest created this chart to help us understand the difference.

Why Your Southwest Credit Card Still Matters

Now more than ever, having a Southwest credit card can really come in handy:

• One free checked bag for you and up to 8 passengers
• EarlyBird Check-In credits = better boarding = better seats
• Boost toward A-List status (hello, priority perks)
• Annual bonus points
• Discounts on inflight snacks + drinks

👉 Whether you’re flying solo or with your whole crew, the card gives you a buffer against these new changes.

✨ Psst… 100,000 Points Could Change Your Travel Game

Right now, there’s a limited-time 100,000 point welcome offer on the Southwest personal credit card—and it’s one of the best ways to offset all these changes.

Here’s why it’s a big deal:

• That bonus can cover multiple roundtrip flights for your family.
• Even better: It puts you this close to earning the Southwest Companion Pass, aka buy one, get one free flights for up to TWO years.

💥 Here is a full blog post on how to earn and use the Companion Pass like a pro.

📲 click here to grab the 100K offer with my referral link before it disappears.

TL;DR: Here’s What You Really Need to Know

✅ Assigned seating starts Jan 2026 (and yes, that’s good news for families)
✅ Bags still fly free, but only on higher fares or with status/card benefits
✅ Flight credits now expire if booked after May 28, 2025
✅ New fares = more choices, but more to keep track of
✅ Holding a Southwest credit card helps you keep your travel perks
✅ And that 100K point bonus? Could unlock nearly-free vacations and BOGO flights for years

Southwest is changing. But with the right info (and the right credit card) you’re still in the driver’s seat when it comes to planning dream-worthy family trips.