Southwest Airlines, once known as the “cool” budget-friendly airline in the United States, is starting to look more and more like the traditional airlines it once set out to challenge.
The Texas-based carrier, which started flying in 1971 with a rebellious attitude and low fares, is now the fourth largest airline in the U.S.—and it’s making changes that longtime fans may not love.
What Made Southwest Airlines Different?
For many years, Southwest Airlines stood out by doing things differently. It was famous for:
- No assigned seats – You could sit wherever you wanted.
- No baggage fees – You could check in bags for free.
- No change fees – You could change your flight without paying extra.
- Low fares – Great value for budget travellers.
- A fun, casual vibe – Their flight attendants were known for humour and friendliness.
They built a loyal customer base by keeping things simple, affordable, and traveller-friendly.
But Now, Things Are Changing
As the airline has grown into one of the biggest in the country, it’s slowly started to act more like the big players in the industry. Many of the customer-friendly perks that made Southwest unique are being scaled back or removed.
Here’s what has changed (or is about to change):
No More Free Checked Bags – Starting May 28, 2025
One of Southwest’s most popular features was free checked luggage. But that’s going away. For any flight booked on or after May 28, 2025, passengers will now have to pay to check their bags. The exact fee hasn’t been announced yet, but this move brings them in line with other major U.S. airlines that already charge for checked baggage.
No Change Fees – But With a Catch
Technically, Southwest still doesn’t charge a fee to change your flight. But there’s a hidden cost. If your new flight is cheaper, the airline keeps the difference as a flight credit. And if you don’t use that credit in time, you lose it. So, while there’s no official fee, you can still end up out of pocket.
Paying for Early Boarding
Previously, if you wanted a good seat, you just needed to check in early. Now, you’ll need to pay extra for “Early Bird” boarding to get ahead in the boarding line and secure your favourite spot.
Assigned Seating Coming Soon
Southwest has always operated on an open seating model—first come, first served. But now, they’re planning to introduce assigned seating, moving away from one of their most unique features.
In-Flight Service Shrinking
Another change that passengers have noticed is that in-flight service ends sooner than it used to. That means fewer snacks and shorter service times, especially on shorter flights.
Still a Few Perks Left
Despite the changes, Southwest isn’t taking away everything. They still offer:
- Four free drinks a year, offered on special days: Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Halloween, and the airline’s birthday.
- A mostly friendly flying experience compared to some competitors.
But for many travellers, these perks don’t fully make up for the new fees and reduced flexibility.