March 18, 2025
As someone who's traveled extensively for both personal and professional reasons, I've developed a strong preference for certain airlines and travel perks. Southwest Airlines has always held a special place for me—not necessarily because it offered the most luxurious flying experience, but because it simplified the process of getting from point A to point B. For years, I've appreciated Southwest's unique travel perks, especially the freedom of checking bags without extra fees, along with its quirky but efficient open seating policy. When I first heard about the upcoming changes, I'll admit I had mixed feelings. While I'm intrigued by some of these new developments, especially the option to choose my seat ahead of time, I'll genuinely miss the ease of those two free checked bags. So, what exactly is changing at Southwest, and how might this impact your future travel plans?
The End of “Bags Fly Free”
The first and perhaps most significant change travelers will notice is the end of Southwest's signature "Bags Fly Free" policy. Beginning on May 28, 2025, Southwest Airlines will join the ranks of other major carriers by charging fees for checked baggage. For travelers accustomed to freely checking up to two bags at no additional cost, this represents a major shift. According to the airline, the reason behind this decision is purely economic—they're aligning their policies with industry standards to remain competitive in an increasingly tight market.
There are still some ways around these fees, however. Southwest’s A-List Preferred Members, along with travelers flying on Business Select fares, will continue to enjoy the privilege of two free checked bags. For everyone else, the new policy means you'll need to budget accordingly for checked luggage, especially when traveling with family or groups.
As someone who frequently flies Southwest, especially to the Caribbean and Mexico, I’ve always valued the flexibility of traveling without stressing about luggage fees. Now, like many other travelers, I’ll have to carefully reconsider my packing strategy or factor these additional fees into my overall vacation budget.
Assigned Seating Arrives at Southwest
Perhaps equally surprising for longtime Southwest travelers like me is the airline's decision to transition from open seating to an assigned seating system. This change is a significant departure from the airline’s famously casual boarding process, where passengers line up by boarding group and number, then choose any available seat once onboard. While this approach has sparked debates among passengers over the years (either you love it, or you dread it), it’s undeniably a defining feature of Southwest's brand.
Starting in late 2025 and fully rolling out by early 2026, Southwest passengers will be able to select their seats in advance. This shift will introduce multiple tiers of seating: Premium, Preferred, and Standard. Premium seats will likely offer more legroom and preferred boarding, similar to offerings found on other airlines, while Preferred seats might offer slightly earlier boarding and better seat locations. Standard seats will essentially reflect what most travelers already experience on a typical Southwest flight.
Personally, I see both upsides and downsides here. I've often enjoyed the spontaneity and casual nature of choosing my seat onboard, but there have also been flights where the lack of seat assignment created anxiety, especially when traveling in a group or hoping to snag that perfect aisle seat for longer trips. Having the ability to pre-select my preferred seat location might ease some of that pre-flight stress.
New Premium Options and Fare Types
Southwest’s transformation doesn't stop at baggage and seating policies. They're also introducing a variety of new premium seating options and fare classes designed to enhance the onboard experience and cater to different types of travelers.
For the first time, Southwest will offer premium seating options, featuring additional legroom, priority boarding, and upgraded onboard amenities. These new Premium seats will compete directly with the offerings from larger legacy carriers, providing a comfortable option for those willing to pay extra for a bit more luxury and convenience. This might be especially appealing on longer routes, such as flights to destinations like Costa Rica or Punta Cana, where extra comfort can make a significant difference.
At the other end of the spectrum, Southwest is also adding Basic Economy fares—an ultra-low-cost ticket option for price-sensitive travelers. This fare class, common with other airlines, offers lower base prices but imposes more restrictions, including reduced flexibility in flight changes, limited boarding priority, and potentially higher fees for baggage or seat selection.
While I've always appreciated Southwest’s simplified fare structure (Wanna Get Away, Anytime, and Business Select), the introduction of a basic economy fare makes sense from a business perspective. Budget-conscious travelers, particularly those taking short domestic trips, might find these lower fares appealing despite the limitations.
Overnight Flights and Expanded Schedules
In another significant development, Southwest has begun offering red-eye flights to accommodate travelers with varying schedules. For years, Southwest avoided overnight flights, primarily due to their operational complexities. However, as part of its strategic changes, Southwest will now include these flights to offer greater flexibility, especially for travelers looking to maximize their time in a destination.
Red-eye flights could be a game-changer for business travelers or those who prefer to arrive early at their destination, maximizing vacation or business meeting time. While personally, overnight flights aren’t my first choice—I've never been good at sleeping on planes—I can appreciate the option to take advantage of cheaper or more convenient scheduling options.
Reflecting on What These Changes Mean
For me, Southwest has always represented ease and straightforwardness in air travel. No hidden fees, friendly service, and simple policies have kept me returning to them again and again. These upcoming changes mark a significant evolution in the company's business model, a clear acknowledgment of industry pressures and shifting passenger expectations.
While I will genuinely miss certain aspects—particularly the free checked bags—I'm cautiously optimistic about other changes. Assigned seating will eliminate uncertainty, and premium seat options might be a welcome luxury on longer journeys. Still, I’ll miss the casual charm that originally drew me to Southwest.
For regular travelers, the key will be planning and adapting to these new realities. Being proactive about seat selection, baggage planning, and understanding fare restrictions will be essential moving forward. It also underscores the importance of flexibility and patience during times of significant change.
Final Thoughts: Change is in the Air
Ultimately, change is inevitable in the airline industry, driven by market forces and passenger trends. Southwest Airlines’ decision to implement baggage fees, assigned seating, premium options, and new fare categories reflects a broader industry shift toward more personalized (and monetized) travel experiences.
As travelers, our best response is to remain informed and adaptable. While I feel nostalgic about some of the simplicity we're losing, I’m also looking forward to seeing how these new offerings shape future Southwest journeys. Perhaps, in the long run, these changes will lead to even better travel experiences—only time will tell.
In the meantime, it’s more important than ever to stay connected and prepared. Make sure you're subscribed to my weekly newsletter, where I'll keep you updated on important travel trends, tips, and exclusive offers that help make your journeys seamless, no matter which airline you choose.
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Have thoughts about these Southwest changes? I'd love to hear your opinion—drop your comments below!
Recipe of the Week: Southwest Breakfast Burrito Bowls 🌯🥓
If you're like me, the morning of a travel day can feel like organized chaos. Between double-checking passports and juggling luggage, breakfast often takes a backseat—but skipping breakfast is never a good idea. Over the years, I've learned that a satisfying, hearty meal helps ease my pre-travel anxiety and keeps me energized for the journey ahead.
With Southwest Airlines making major changes (farewell, free checked bags!), I felt inspired to create a breakfast recipe with a flavorful Southwest flair. This dish is quick to prep the night before, easy to reheat in the morning, and delicious enough to enjoy at home or even on the go.
Here's my go-to Southwest Breakfast Burrito Bowl, a tasty, no-mess breakfast you can whip up ahead of your next big adventure.
Ingredients (Makes 4 servings)
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend
- 8 slices bacon, cooked crispy and chopped
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup diced onions
- 1 medium avocado, sliced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Hot sauce or salsa, optional
- 2 cups frozen hash browns, cooked crispy (optional, but highly recommended!)
How to Make It
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
The night before, cook your bacon until crispy, let cool, then chop it into small pieces. Dice onions and bell pepper, slice avocado, and store separately. If using hash browns, cook them crispy and refrigerate overnight.
Step 2: Scramble Your Eggs
In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add beaten eggs, diced peppers, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until soft and fluffy, then gently fold in shredded cheese until melted. Set aside and allow to cool.
Step 3: Assemble the Burrito Bowls
Using reusable or disposable containers, build your breakfast bowls by layering the cooked hash browns at the bottom, then adding the scrambled eggs, crispy bacon pieces, diced avocado slices, and topped with extra shredded cheese if desired.
Cover tightly and store overnight in the fridge.
Morning-of Travel Instructions
Just before leaving the house, reheat each bowl in the microwave for 1–2 minutes until warm and melty. No microwave? You can quickly warm them in the oven for 10 minutes at 350°F.
Grab a fork, a napkin, and you're ready to hit the road—or the skies! ✈️
Pro Tips:
- Skip the hash browns if you prefer fewer carbs—but they're delicious, crispy, and really make this dish special.
- Add hot sauce or your favorite salsa on top right before eating if you like a spicy kick.
- Customize easily—swap bacon for sausage or ham, or add extra veggies like sautéed onions or mushrooms.
Enjoy your travels—and your breakfast!
Dave Gapin
Elevating Travel 🌴
P.S. Do you have a go-to travel day breakfast? I'd love to hear about it!
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