Airlines have been going through some tumultuous times recently, not to mention their passengers.
Financial pressures have led some airlines to make changes with existing business plans, which can cause unsatisfactory reactions from customers. One of those airlines, Southwest Airlines, has been high on the frustration list with its customer base.
Southwest is a major carrier and flies passengers to and from Southwest Florida International Airport (RWS) in Fort Myers. In May, Southwest (161,349) only trailed Delta (191,325) for total number of passengers carried for the month among the major commercial airlines.
Under pressure from the activist investor Elliott Investment Management, the Southwest ended its Bags Fly Free policy in May and began charging for checked luggage. It also reclassified its cheapest Wanna Get Away fare as a Basic fare with more restrictions and reduced Rapid Rewards Point accrual.
Assigned and premium seating are coming next, ending its open seating policy. Southwest is reconfiguring its planes with the new seating arrangements for flights starting in early 2026.
Southwest Airlines is considering other potential changes as well, some that would make most passengers happy.
Flyers can expect more changes if ideas floated recently by Southwest CEO Bob Jordan become reality. In a late June interview with CNBC, Jordan said airport lounges, international flights and a premium class are possible.
Here are Southwest Airlines’ announced and potential changes for 2025 and beyond.
Southwest Airlines potential changes
While Jordan mentioned airport lounges, international flights and a premium class as potential future changes to Southwest’s customer experience, it’s too early to say when or if they’ll happen.
Southwest spokesperson Chris Perry told The Arizona Republic that the airline had “nothing additional to offer past Bob (Jordan)’s transparent commentary about things that are ‘on the table’ for Southwest, but by no means set in any type of stone.”
Southwest airport lounges
As part of its efforts to keep costs low, Southwest never offered airport lounges exclusive to its passengers.
In 2023, the airline experimented with giving select customers a membership to Priority Pass, which grants access to independent airport lounges worldwide.
Does Southwest Airlines have international flights?
Southwest offers international flights from the U.S. to Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America. It does not fly long-haul routes such as Europe or Asia, but the U.S. Department of Transportation in May received an application from Southwest to serve any country with an Open Skies agreement with the U.S.
Approval of the application would mean Southwest could begin offering flights to Canada, most European and Latin American countries and some Asian and African countries.
Does Southwest have premium class?
On the opposite end of the recently introduced Basic fare, Southwest’s highest-priced Business Select fare class is being rebranded as Choice Extra. It will include early boarding, free checked bags and a complimentary welcome drink.
There’s no premium seating for the highest-paying customers right now, but that will change when Southwest introduces extra-legroom seats.
What are the changes to Southwest Airlines in 2025?
Southwest changed or will change these aspects of the customer experience in 2025:
How much is Southwest baggage fee?
Southwest baggage fees are $35 for the first bag and $45 for the second bag.
The airline began charging for checked luggage for flights booked as of May 28. Flights booked May 27 or earlier still include up to two free checked bags. Bag fees will apply if a passenger changes a reservation that was booked before May 27.
Southwest passengers who book fares under the Basic (formerly Wanna Get Away), Wanna Get Away Plus and Anytime fare classes must pay for checked luggage.
How to avoid baggage fees on Southwest?
Passengers who book Southwest’s Business Select fare, the most expensive fare class, can check up to two free checked bags.
A-List Preferred customers can also check up to two free checked bags.
A-List customers and other select customers can check up to one free checked bag.
How will assigned seating work on Southwest?
Passengers’ ability to select a seat will depend on the fare class that a passenger books.
Southwest will launch new fare bundles: Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred and Choice Extra. Passengers who buy Basic tickets can select a seat for a fee, or a seat will be assigned to them the day before their flight.
Seat selection will be included with Choice, Choice Preferred and Choice Extra fares.
Choice Preferred passengers can choose a preferred seat, which are standard seats near the front of the cabin, at no extra cost.
Choice Extra passengers can choose an extra-legroom seat.
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Southwest Airlines potential changes in 2025: What RSW travelers need to know
Reporting by Mark H. Bickel and Michael Salerno, Fort Myers News-Press / Fort Myers News-Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
