Southwest Airlines has always marched to the beat of its own drum, and while some things remain consistent, the airline has been undergoing some significant changes in 2025! If you're planning to fly with them soon, or just curious about how this unique carrier operates now, you've come to the right place. We're going to break down everything you need to know, step by step, to make your Southwest experience as smooth as possible.
Ready to unravel the mysteries of Southwest Airlines? Let's dive in!
How Does Southwest Airlines Work Now? A Step-by-Step Guide
Southwest's charm has always been its distinct approach to air travel: no assigned seats, two free checked bags (though this has changed for most in 2025!), and a focus on low fares and friendly service. While they're evolving, understanding their core principles is key.
Step 1: Understanding the Southwest Philosophy (with a 2025 Twist!)
Southwest Airlines has traditionally set itself apart with a few key differentiators. However, 2025 marks a significant shift, particularly concerning baggage and seating.
Open Seating, Evolving Towards Assigned: This has been Southwest's hallmark! Instead of pre-assigned seats, you board in a specific group and number, then pick any available seat. However, beginning in Q3 2025, Southwest will introduce assigned seating with premium options for flights operating in 2026. They're also rolling out a new "Basic" fare which will assign you a standard seat at check-in. So, while open seating still largely applies now for most bookings, be aware of this upcoming change!
"Bags Fly Free" (Mostly Gone for New Bookings in 2025!): This was arguably Southwest's most beloved perk. As of May 28, 2025, Southwest has revised its "Bags Fly Free" policy for most travelers. Now, you'll generally pay for your first and second checked bags, unless you're flying Business Select, are an A-List Preferred member, or a Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmember. This is a major shift and brings them more in line with other airlines.
No Change Fees (with exceptions): Southwest has long been praised for its flexibility. If you need to change your flight, you generally won't pay a change fee, unless you booked a Basic fare. You'll just pay the difference in fare if the new flight is more expensive. This remains a significant advantage over many other carriers.
Point-Based Loyalty Program (Rapid Rewards): Southwest's Rapid Rewards program is revenue-based, meaning the number of points you earn depends on the fare you purchase and the price of the ticket. Points don't expire, and there are no blackout dates for reward flights. They've also introduced a "Cash + Points" option in 2025, allowing you to combine payment methods.
Step 2: Booking Your Flight
Booking a Southwest flight is straightforward, but knowing the nuances of their fare types is crucial, especially with the 2025 updates.
Sub-heading: Choosing Your Fare Type
Southwest is updating its fare bundles in phases in 2025, with new names and benefits.
Basic (New in May 2025): This is Southwest's new lowest-priced fare. It's non-refundable (except for the 24-hour cancellation policy) and will assign you a standard seat at check-in for flights in 2026. Flight changes are allowed but require a fare upgrade. You'll also pay for checked bags.
Wanna Get Away Plus® (Becoming "Choice"): This fare offers more flexibility than Basic, including transferable flight credits that expire after 12 months (for bookings after May 28, 2025). You will generally pay for checked bags with this fare.
Anytime (Becoming "Choice Preferred"): These fares are refundable to your original form of payment if canceled at least 10 minutes before departure. They also include earlier boarding and potentially some day-of-travel perks. You will generally pay for checked bags with this fare.
Business Select® (Becoming "Choice Extra"): This is Southwest's highest fare class, offering the most perks. It's fully refundable, includes priority boarding (A1-A15), and still includes two free checked bags. You'll also earn more Rapid Rewards points.
Pro-Tip: Always compare the benefits of each fare type against your travel needs, especially with the new baggage policies!
Step 3: Checking In and Getting Your Boarding Position
This is where Southwest's unique system truly comes into play for the open seating experience. Your boarding position determines when you get on the plane and, therefore, your seat choice.
Sub-heading: The 24-Hour Check-in Window
The Golden Rule: For the best boarding position, check in exactly 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time. This is when online check-in opens, and positions (A, B, or C, followed by a number 1-60) are assigned based on who checks in first.
How to Check In:
Online: Go to Southwest.com or use the Southwest mobile app. Select "Check in," enter your confirmation number, first name, and last name.
Airport: You can also check in at a self-service kiosk or with a Southwest Agent at the ticket counter. However, these options will likely result in a later boarding position.
Sub-heading: Boosting Your Boarding Position
If you want a better shot at your preferred seat (window or aisle!), consider these options:
EarlyBird Check-In®: You can purchase this add-on during or after booking. Southwest will automatically check you in 36 hours before departure, giving you a significantly earlier boarding position than general check-in. Note that this service is not available for all flights or fare types (e.g., partner itineraries).
Business Select® Fare: As mentioned, this fare guarantees you an A1-A15 boarding position.
Upgraded Boarding: If available, you can purchase an upgraded boarding position (A1-A15) beginning 24 hours before departure via the Southwest app or website, or at the gate. This is subject to availability and can vary in price.
Rapid Rewards A-List & A-List Preferred Status: Elite members automatically receive earlier boarding positions. A-List members get priority boarding, and A-List Preferred members receive the best available boarding position (A1-A15 if available) for themselves and their companions.
Step 4: Boarding the Aircraft
Southwest's boarding process is distinctive, but once you understand it, it's quite efficient.
Sub-heading: The Group and Number System
Finding Your Place: Your boarding pass will display your assigned Group (A, B, or C) and Number (1-60).
Gate Area Line-Up: At the gate, you'll see numbered posts or stanchions. When your group is called, find your designated place in line. For example, if you're A35, you'll stand between the A31 and A35 markers.
Boarding Order:
Preboarding: For customers with disabilities who need specific seating accommodations or assistance.
A Group (1-60): Business Select, A-List/A-List Preferred members, and those who purchased EarlyBird Check-In or checked in early.
Family Boarding: Occurs after the A group and before the B group. Up to two adults traveling with a child six years old or younger can board at this time.
B Group (1-60): General boarding, after A group and Family Boarding.
C Group (1-60): The final group to board.
Sub-heading: The Open Seating Experience
First Come, First Serve: Once you're on the plane, it's open seating. You can choose any available seat.
Strategy for Seating:
If you're in an early group (A): You'll have the pick of the litter. Many people head to the front, so if you prefer more space, consider walking towards the back of the plane.
If you're in a later group (B or C): Don't despair! Look for rows with empty middle seats or head to the back of the plane, as these often fill up last.
Saving Seats (Unofficially): While not officially allowed, you might see people placing bags on adjacent seats to "save" them for companions with later boarding positions. You are technically within your right to ask them to move their items, but be prepared for a potentially awkward flight!
Step 5: Inflight Experience and Beyond
Southwest continues to enhance its inflight offerings and overall customer experience.
Sub-heading: Entertainment and Connectivity
Free Inflight Entertainment: Southwest offers a satellite-based Inflight Entertainment Portal on most WiFi-enabled aircraft. This includes a flight tracker, free texting (iMessage and WhatsApp only), movies, TV series on demand, and live TV.
Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi is available for purchase on most flights.
In-Seat Power: Newer 737 MAX 8 aircraft are being delivered with in-seat power ports, and Southwest is in the process of adding them to existing planes.
Sub-heading: Food and Beverage
Complimentary Snacks and Drinks: Most Southwest flights offer free non-alcoholic beverages and a selection of snacks.
Premium Beverages: Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase.
Sub-heading: Digital Bag Tracking (New in 2025!)
Peace of Mind: Southwest has introduced digital bag tracking, allowing you to know where your checked luggage is throughout your journey. This is a welcome addition, especially with the changes to their baggage policy.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about how Southwest Airlines works now, with quick answers:
How to get the best boarding position on Southwest Airlines?
The best way is to check in exactly 24 hours before your flight, purchase EarlyBird Check-In, buy a Business Select fare, or have A-List/A-List Preferred status.
How to avoid checked baggage fees on Southwest Airlines in 2025?
To avoid checked baggage fees for your first and second bag, purchase a Business Select fare. A-List Preferred members get two free bags, while A-List members and Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers get one free bag. Otherwise, fees apply for most other fare types booked or changed on or after May 28, 2025.
How to change a Southwest Airlines flight without fees?
You can generally change your Southwest flight without a change fee for all fares except the Basic fare. You will, however, be responsible for any difference in fare if the new flight is more expensive.
How to cancel a Southwest Airlines flight and get a refund?
Refund eligibility depends on your fare type. Business Select and Anytime fares are refundable to your original form of payment if canceled at least 10 minutes before departure. Wanna Get Away Plus® fares offer transferable flight credits, while Basic fares offer non-transferable flight credits that expire in six months.
How to use Southwest Rapid Rewards points for a flight?
You can redeem Rapid Rewards points for Southwest flights directly on their website. They've also introduced a Cash + Points option in 2025, allowing you to combine points and cash for bookings.
How to check in for an international Southwest Airlines flight?
You can check in online 24 hours before your flight, but for international flights (with some exceptions), your passport must be verified by a Customer Service Agent or kiosk at the ticket counter before a physical or digital boarding pass is issued.
How to get an extra legroom seat on Southwest Airlines?
Southwest is introducing Extra Legroom seats as part of its new cabin design, expected to be available for booking in the second half of 2025 for travel beginning in Q1 2026. A-List and A-List Preferred members may get these at no additional cost.
How to track your checked bags on Southwest Airlines?
Southwest has rolled out digital bag tracking in 2025, allowing you to track your luggage through their mobile app or website.
How to get free inflight entertainment on Southwest Airlines?
Most WiFi-enabled Southwest aircraft offer a free Inflight Entertainment Portal with movies, TV shows, live TV, and free texting (iMessage and WhatsApp).
How to qualify for Southwest A-List or A-List Preferred status?
To achieve A-List status, you need to fly 20 qualifying one-way flights or earn 35,000 tier qualifying points in a calendar year. For A-List Preferred, it's 40 qualifying one-way flights or 70,000 tier qualifying points. You can also earn tier qualifying points through eligible Rapid Rewards Credit Card spending.
