For many years, Southwest Airlines has been a favorite among travelers. Part of that appeal is grounded in some of the special perks the carrier offers.
However, fans of the airline are likely disappointed by Southwest’s recent elimination of some of these popular goodies. On the bright side, Southwest also has announced new upgrades that might help soothe concerns among the airline’s loyalists.
Here are the beloved perks that recently ended or will end soon, as well as the upgrades.
1. Free extra seats for plus-sized passengers
What’s changing: The rules regarding plus-sized passengers and how they purchase extra seats.
When the change takes effect: Flights departing on or after Jan. 27, 2026
Southwest is changing its policy for plus-size passengers who may require a second seat.
Up to now, Southwest has allowed plus-sized passengers to pay for an extra seat up front — with the option of requesting a refund later — or to ask for a free extra seat at the airport.
Beginning on Jan. 27, Southwest says on its website that “customers who encroach upon the neighboring seat(s)” either must proactively purchase a second seat or will be required to do so at the airport.
The airline notes that “the armrest is considered to be the definitive boundary between seats.”
If you do not proactively purchase the extra seat and are required to buy one at the airport, you will pay “any applicable seat fee at the airport (at the applicable fare available on the day of travel),” Southwest says.
If the flight is sold out or adjacent seats are not available, you will be rebooked on another flight.
The extra seat cost will be refunded if the following conditions apply:
- “The flight(s) must depart with at least one open seat (or with Passengers traveling on space available passes).
- Both seats should be purchased in the same fare class (i.e., Choice, Choice Preferred, Choice Extra, or Basic).
- The refund request must be made within 90 days of your date of travel.”
2. Open seating
What’s changing: Open seating will be replaced with assigned and premium seating.
When the change takes effect: Southwest plans to fully adopt these two seating options on Jan. 27, 2026.
Arguably, Southwest’s open seating policy has been the airline’s most distinctive feature. But after a half-century, Southwest is junking that perk in favor of assigned seating. That means Southwest will become just like other major airlines in this regard. The airline said it is making the change based on customer preference.
3. Free checked luggage
What’s changed: Southwest no longer offers two free checked bags for all passengers.
When the change took effect: May 28, 2025
For years, Southwest offered to check two bags per traveler for free. That perk set Southwest apart from its competitors.
However, the airline now limits this perk to Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members and customers traveling on Business Select fares. Certain customers, such as those with a Rapid Rewards Credit Card, have the option of checking one bag for free.
4. Expiration-less credits
What’s changed: Travel credits expire.
When the change took effect: May 28, 2025
Previously, those who earned Southwest travel credits did not have to worry about the credits expiring. However, Southwest recently changed that policy. Now, travel credits will expire six months from the ticketing date on all Basic fares. Credits tied to other types of fares will expire one year from the ticketing date.
The good news
Those disappointed by the disappearance of beloved Southwest perks may take some solace in the following recent or upcoming upgrades:
- Free Wi-Fi for rewards members: Rapid Rewards members now have access to free in-flight internet service thanks to a collaboration between Southwest and T-Mobile.
- Upgraded planes: Southwest now boasts faster Wi-Fi across its fleet. Additionally, all its new 737 MAX 8 aircraft feature in-seat power ports and larger overhead bins. The airline is also in the process of retrofitting existing planes with those features.
- More self-service tools: Travelers can now pre-check and track their luggage via Southwest’s website and app.
- Lower prices: A new Basic fare has been introduced, becoming the airline’s lowest price point. It’s effective for tickets purchased on May 28 or later.
- Redeye flights: Overnight flights became available for transcontinental and Hawaii routes in February 2025.
- Expedia availability: You can now book Southwest flights through the Expedia online travel agency. This is a change that started in February 2025.
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