Last Updated on May 27, 2025 by Tami
Southwest Airlines has been going through some recent changes, with more to follow. While some have been anticipated for quite some time — like implementing seat assignments — surprise Southwest Airlines policies begin as early as tomorrow (May 28, 2025).
Keep reading to see if all of these Southwest adjustments were on your radar…
1. New Checked Bag policy
Beginning May 28, 2025, Southwest Airlines will no longer allow free checked on bags. While Southwest did hold out much longer than most airlines, they will begin charging $35 for the first bag and $45 for the second. Overweight and extra-large luggage will incur additional charges.
You can get around these fees if you fly as a Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Member…or if you opt for a Business Select or Choice Extra fare. This will allow you to check on two bags free.
WHY THE CHANGE? Inflation, shifting demand, and higher prices for fuel have forced airlines to find ways to cut costs and/or increase ticket prices. Adding bag fees is an option for increasing income without affecting ticket prices.
2. Power Banks must be in plain sight
Southwest Airlines is actually the first airline to implement this surprising policy on portable chargers, starting May 28, 2025. Using portable power banks while stored in your luggage or in an overhead bin will not be allowed. You will be able to store power banks in your carry-on luggage while not in use. Note: Lithium-ion batteries size must not exceed 100 watt-hours.
When a portable charger/power bank is used during a flight, it must be out of any baggage and remain in plain sight. “In the rare event a lithium battery overheats or catches fire, quick access is critical and keeping power banks in plain sight allows for faster intervention and helps protect everyone onboard,” a Southwest rep said, according to Fortune.
Note: It has already been airline policy not to allow portable chargers in checked luggage. “When a carry-on bag is checked at the gate or at planeside, all spare lithium batteries and power banks must be removed from the bag and kept with the passenger in the aircraft cabin,” the FAA wrote. “The battery terminals must be protected from short circuiting.”
WHY THE CHANGE? This surprise Southwest Airlines policy will prevent devices from bursting into flame mid-flight. Lithium-ion batteries can overheat and are capable of stating fires. If flight attendants can keep an eye on power banks while in use, they can act more quickly to any overheating devices. According to Federal Aviation Administration statistics, there have already been 19 incidents involving batteries in 2025, while last year there were a record 89 charger-related issues.
3. Assigned Seating
Surprise Southwest Airlines policies includes the big switch to assigned seating. This has been announced for awhile but will not begin until 2026. Passengers will be able to choose seats for themselves and companions traveling on companion fares when purchasing their tickets. Passengers will no longer be required to line up according to boarding number assignments given when checking in.
WHY THE CHANGE? After surveying thousands of customers, Southwest Airlines determined that most passengers prefer to be able to choose their seats when booking their flights. Many did not like the open seating policy that has been unique to Southwest. They didn’t like the possibility of not being able to sit with others they are flying with — or worse, ending up in that dreaded middle seat next to two strangers. And there was the issue of passengers trying to save seats for friends or family who had not yet boarded! Not everyone loves the change however. (See this Dear Southwest Airlines article.
4. New Fare System
Beginning the third quarter of 2025, Southwest is rolling out a new fare system, offering several choices of benefits, legroom, and seat location. New names for each fare have been created. They are Choice Extra, Choice Preferred, Choice, and Basic.
- Choice Extra – offers extra legroom seat (selected by passenger at time of booking), early boarding, and two free checked bags. Rapid Rewards points are awarded at the rate of 14x the fare. Refunds are allowed upon cancellation. Enhanced snacks and complimentary beverages are also included.
- Choice Preferred – offers a standard seat, chosen during booking — and early general boarding. Rapid Rewards points are awarded at the rate of 10X the fare. Refunds are allowed upon cancellation.
- Choice – offers a standard seat at the back of the plane with seat selected by passenger upon booking. Rapid Rewards points are awarded at the rate of 6x the fare. When cancelling a flight, transferable flight credits are given and they expire in 12 months.
- Basic – standard seat in back of plane assigned at check-in. Rapid Rewards points are awarded at the rate of 2x the fare. When cancelling a flight, non-transferable flight credits are given, and they expire in 6 months.
All of the fares still offer free cancellation. For more details about Southwest’s new fare system, see this page.
WHY THE CHANGE? Southwest Airlines looks to elevate passengers’ experiences and choices. Now, all passengers can choose options like extra legroom, extra perks like enhanced snacks and complimentary beverages, as well as how early they board. Opting for four new booking options allows everyone to choose what is best for them.
Surprise Southwest Airlines policies?
I’m not going to miss the old boarding process that’s for sure
Great article, thanks for sharing!!
Thanks! Hope it helps…