Going forward, even more changes are on the horizon. On Thursday, Southwest shared a revamp to its Rapid Rewards Credit Cards. Those adjustments involve new perks that are effective immediately, but come with a cost. Each of the five credit cards will have a spike in annual fees .

Passengers planning to fly on Southwest Airlines will have to pay for checked bags after the company ended the free-bag options for those paying basic fares. The new policy is set to take effect ...

Southwest Airlines hiked annual fees on its credit cards, but also announced a host of new benefits and other changes.

Just two months after ending its long-standing “Bags Fly Free” policy, the airline has announced when it will roll out assigned seating — a significant shift from its traditional boarding process. For decades, Southwest used a first-come, first-served system, along with free checked bags, that set it apart from its competitors.

Southwest will assign seats for the first time ever in 2026. Here’s how group boarding will work — and what it means for your next flight.

Southwest passengers will be assigned seats, ending the chaotic scramble of its current open seating plan. The ability to choose your seat opens July 29, 2025, for flights departing in 2026 and beyond.

Starting July 24, 2025, Chase’s Southwest credit cards are adding new benefits but increasing their annual fees.

Southwest Airlines will officially end its decades-old open seating policy and introduce assigned seating starting January 27, 2026.

Southwest will begin charging for checked bags beginning May 28. However, members of its A-List loyalty program or those traveling on a business fare will be exempt.

Travelers say the free bag policy is why they chose to fly Southwest in the first place. Screen said, "What gets it over the hump is the two free checked bags because that makes a difference ...

Dallas-based Southwest Airlines is on target to reach its financial goals after it reported higher-than-expected revenues from checked bags.