Choose Southwest if you want a $0 change fee and Rapid Rewards points that never expire, and plan for a $45 first checked bag unless you hold status, a Southwest card or a Choice Extra fare. It's no longer the open-seating, free-bags airline: seats have been assigned since January 27, 2026.
Changes and Cancellations
Southwest lists its change fee as $0. On Choice, Choice Preferred and Choice Extra fares you pay only the fare difference when you change a flight, and a Basic fare can be upgraded to one of those higher fares. That flexibility is the strongest reason to book Southwest over an airline that still charges to change a ticket.
What Bags Cost Now
Southwest's pricing is transparent, but it is no longer fee-free. A first checked bag costs $45 and a second costs $55 for travel booked on or after April 9, 2026. The first bag is free for A-List Members, A-List Preferred Members, Rapid Rewards credit cardmembers who add their Rapid Rewards number at booking, and active-duty military with a valid ID. A-List Preferred Members and Choice Extra fares include two bags. Our Southwest credit card comparison shows which cards carry the free first bag.
Assigned Seating and Boarding
Southwest moved from open to assigned seating on January 27, 2026, and boards in Groups 1 through 8 instead of A, B and C. Seats come in three types: Standard, Preferred and Extra Legroom, which has up to five more inches of legroom. Basic fares get a Standard seat assigned at check-in, while Choice, Choice Preferred and Choice Extra fares can pick a seat at booking. Families on one booking board together, and Southwest seats children 12 and younger next to an adult in their party when seats are limited. Our guide to the end of open seating walks through the change.
Rapid Rewards
You earn points by flying, by spending with Southwest partners and with the Rapid Rewards cards. Points don't expire, and Southwest says points flights have no blackout dates. Your points also count toward the Companion Pass, which our Rapid Rewards guide explains.
A new Rapid Rewards program starts January 1, 2027, so check Southwest's current terms before you chase status this year. Our report on the 2027 tier changes covers what is changing.
Where Southwest Flies
Southwest keeps adding routes, and the route map on southwest.com shows whether it serves both ends of your trip. Our look at the summer 2027 schedule lists the newest additions from Austin, Nashville and San Diego.
Who Should Skip It
Skip Southwest if you check bags and hold no status, card or Choice Extra fare, because the $45 fee changes the price you compare. Price the whole trip, with your bags and your seat choice, on southwest.com before you book. If Delta is also on your list, our Southwest versus Delta comparison lays out the trade-offs.
Updated October 17, 2026: bags and seating.
