Welcome to an Even Better Southwest. Here’s a look at what is new, next, and coming soon.
We’re moving to assigned seating with a redesigned cabin, an enhanced Rapid Rewards® program, a new vacations offering and our very first international partnership with Icelandair®.
Our transformational journey is launching us into the future.
For your comfort, we’re introducing seat assignments with different options based on the experience you prefer. Our lowest fare offer will still come with two free checked bags,1 no change2 or cancel fees,3 travel credits that never expire, and a seat assigned to you prior to your day of travel.
You love Bags fly free,1 and we’re keeping our industry-leading policy. Every ticket with us comes with two free checked bags.
We’re introducing Getaways by Southwest™ in 2025. This is an entirely new vacation package offering only Southwest can deliver—with the unmatched, flexible policies you know and love. So, if plans change and you have to cancel your vacation, it’s a-okay on this vacay.
We’re launching our first international partnership with Icelandair® in 2025. Customers will be able to book Southwest flights through Icelandair booking channels. We expect to add at least one additional partner in the next year, and this is just the beginning!
Rapid Rewards® Members will continue to enjoy our industry-leading loyalty program. All Members will earn and redeem points at the same rate they do today, and we will continue to offer no blackout dates, uncapped reward seat availability, and points that don’t expire.
Tier benefits | A-List | A-List Preferred |
---|---|---|
Extra legroom seat (NEW) | If available within 48 hours of departure (no additional cost) |
✔ (if available at booking) |
Up front standard legroom seat (NEW) | ✔ (if available at booking) |
✔ (if available at booking) |
Boarding benefit | ✔ | ✔ |
Earning bonus6 | 25% | 100% |
Priority Lane and Express Lane7 | ✔ | ✔ |
Same-day change and standby5 (taxes and fees may apply) |
✔ | ✔ |
Dedicated phone line | ✔ | ✔ |
Free inflight internet8 | ✔ | |
Up to two premium drinks9 | ✔ |
Click here for Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about digital bag tracking, upgraded WiFi, in-seat power, bigger overhead bins, and beyond.
Learn more ›See how our self-service solutions can streamline the way you travel.
Learn more ›Enjoy even more flexibility when you fly Southwest® with flight credits that don't expire, updates to My Account, and new ways to pay online and onboard.
Learn more ›We’ve got it in the bag. Enjoy a more seamless day-of-travel experience when checking your bags with these new upgrades:
• Pre-check your bags: Next time you fly with us, you can add your checked bags digitally in the app or at Southwest.com® before arriving at the airport and print your bag tags at the kiosk when you arrive. Doing so will expedite the self-service bag tag process at our kiosks to make checking in faster and easier.
• Digital bag tracking: With Southwest’s new digital bag tracking, you are now able to track your checked bags from tagging to arriving at your destination.
We’ve upgraded WiFi equipment on every one of our planes to give you a better in-air experience. More bandwidth and faster data transfer rates mean you can stay connected to what’s important to you at all times. Here’s how:
Whether you’re keeping the kids entertained, or working to complete an important presentation, more power at your fingertips is always a good thing. That’s why we’ve included in-seat power ports on all new 737 MAX 8 aircraft delivered to Southwest, and why we’ll be adding them to our existing MAX 8 and 737-800 planes in the next few years.
All new 737 MAX 8 aircraft being delivered to Southwest feature larger overhead bins. Not only do the new bins provide more room for more carryon items, they’re easier to access when you’re boarding, and grabbing-and-going upon arrival. We’re also making steady progress on refitting our fleet with these larger overhead bins and expect that process to be complete in the next 2-3 years.
From boardrooms to beaches and everywhere in between, no matter your reason for flying, we aim to provide an enjoyable inflight experience. To help make your flight a great one, we're focusing on:
Inflight entertainment
• Double the movies: We've doubled the selection10 and now have over 100 movies available in our inflight portal's free-to-watch movie library.
• Improved movie discovery: We updated our inflight movie page to help you discover more great content to watch.
• Easier wayfinding in our airport lobbies: We're making it easier to navigate the airport lobbies with our new airport signage that will direct you exactly where you need to go.
Over the last year, we've worked hard to put more functionality in your hands with new digital capabilities.
Flight credits don't expire: Wanna get away®, but you're not sure when? We're making expiring flight credits a thing of the past. Now flight credits are just like Rapid Rewards® points: they don't expire. Your flight credits are yours to keep.
Transferable Flight Credits™12: Select fares now include Transferable Flight Credits, allowing you to make a one-time transfer to another Rapid Rewards Member. Look for this benefit on our Wanna Get Away Plus®, Anytime, or Business Select® fares. Transferable Flight Credits don't expire.
We get it - sometimes plans change. We're making it easier to go with the flow with updates to our change and cancel process. These include:
My Account is your one-stop-shop for managing your booked travel:
Pay your way online or onboard with flexible payment options:
Our Customers love Bags fly free1, and we are keeping our industry-leading policy. Every ticket at Southwest comes with two free checked bags (weight and size limits apply).
We're focused on evolving our product to meet changing Customer preferences; tailoring our product offerings to what Customers want has long been a hallmark of Southwest Airlines®. The addition of assigned and premium seating options will give Customers more choices and provide further dimension to the overall value Southwest Airlines provides.
We’re planning to offer premium, extended legroom seating that research shows many Customers strongly prefer. Extended legroom seating will offer at least three additional inches of legroom compared to standard seating. The legroom (pitch) for these seats will be between 34 and 36 inches (along with existing seats that already have more space such as bulkhead and emergency exit rows). About one-third of seats onboard the aircraft will offer extra legroom.
Our boarding process will be similar to what it is today—we will board in order, preserving our fast boarding process and get you on your way as quickly as possible.
Rapid Rewards Members will continue to enjoy our industry-leading loyalty program. All Members will earn and redeem points at the same rate they do today, and we will continue to offer no blackout dates, uncapped reward seat availability, and points that don’t expire. To earn Tier status for A-List and A-List Preferred, neither the tier qualifying points nor tier qualifying flight requirements are changing.
Our A-List and A-List Preferred Members will enjoy new seating benefits.
Anyone traveling with a Tier Member, and on the same reservation, will receive the seating benefits of the Tier Member or the fare purchased by the Tier Member, as available. Any ancillary seating product purchased by the Tier Member will only apply to the Tier Member.
Companions will receive the seating benefits of the Companion Pass holder, or the fare purchased by the Companion Pass holder, as available. Any ancillary seating product purchased by the Companion Pass holder will only apply to the Companion Pass holder.
All Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers will receive details in early 2025 on how their card benefits will be enhanced with our new changes. Until then, Cardmembers can continue to enjoy the benefits they currently have on their card.
We recognize these changes will impact your day-to-day and aspects of your partnership with Southwest Business once these products are available to purchase. Know that we are actively working through details on how best to integrate new features into future contracts, and we promise to keep you informed on any updates.
Yes, all channels will have the ability to assign seats. We are engaging with our partners and are working through their configurations to display a seamless experience across all booking tools.
The aforementioned investments were included in the Company's five-year annual targets through 2026 for operating costs and capital spending provided at its Investor Day in December 2021—annual inflation in operating expenses per available seat mile (CASM, or unit costs), excluding fuel, profit-sharing, and special items, in the low single digits range, and average annual capital spending of approximately $3.5 billion.
All Rapid Rewards® rules and regulations apply and can be found at Southwest.com/rrterms.
1First and second checked bags. Weight and size limits apply.
2Fare difference may apply.
3Failure to cancel a reservation at least 10 minutes prior to scheduled departure may result in forfeited flight credits.
4Boarding positions will be automatically reserved for you and the Passengers on your reservation 36 hours prior to the flight. You and Passengers on your reservation will still need to check in within 24 hours of scheduled departure to retrieve your boarding passes. Some restrictions apply. These restrictions include, but are not limited to, your reservation must be booked 36 hours prior to scheduled departure; on group travel itineraries, priority boarding will only apply to A-List and A-List Preferred Members.
5Same-day change: On the day of travel, you can switch free of airline charges to another flight with space available departing on the same calendar day between the same origin airport and destination airport as your original flight. With the exception of A-List Preferred and A-List Members, Customers who purchase Wanna Get Away® fares are not eligible for free same-day change. Same-day standby: You can list for same-day standby for an earlier flight via a Southwest Customer Service Agent at the airport or the Southwest app or mobile web. You will receive a message based on the contact preference selected during booking if you are cleared on the flight.
For both same-day change and same-day standby, you must change your flight or request to be added to the same-day standby list at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled departure of your original flight or the no-show policy will apply. If using the app or mobile web for standby, you must list your name 30 minutes ahead of scheduled departure. You will be required to pay any government taxes and fees associated with these itinerary changes but refunds will be provided. Your original boarding position is not guaranteed. Southwest Business Customers booked through travel agencies may need to see a Southwest agent at the airport for both a same-day change or standby listing. See Southwest.com/standby for more details.
6Qualifying flights include flights booked and flown through Southwest and flights paid entirely with dollars, Southwest LUV Vouchers®, gift cards or flight credits, and with no portion of the purchase price paid for with Rapid Rewards points. Cash + Points bookings will not earn Rapid Rewards points, tier qualifying points for A-List or A-List Preferred status or Companion Pass qualifying points.
7Priority Lane and Express Lane (where available) are designed to speed our Business Select and Anytime Customers, as well as A-List, and A-List Preferred Members, through check-in and security lines. Priority Lane is at the Southwest check-in counter, and Express Lane is at the security checkpoint.
8Where available. Available only on WiFi-enabled aircraft. Limited-time offer.
9Drink coupons for A-List Preferred Members: On flights traveling 176 miles or more, A-List Preferred Members receive up to two complimentary premium drinks per leg. Flights traveling 175 miles or less only serve water. Drink coupons are subject to availability. Service may also be limited at Southwest's discretion. This coupon has no cash value. Drink coupon is void if altered, sold, purchased, brokered, or bartered. Non-exchangeable for other goods or services. Southwest Airlines® reserves the right to discontinue its drink coupon program at any time. Coupon is invalid after expiration date and will not be updated or replaced. Must be 21 years of age or older to consume alcoholic beverages. Alcohol purchased with drink coupons must be consumed onboard the aircraft.
10As of May 2024, there are 124 movies in our Library.
11iOS Customers only, branded by Apple as “Preview Flight.”
12 Transferable Flight Credit™ allows you to transfer your flight credit to someone else. Both must be Rapid Rewards® Members and only one transfer is permitted. For bookings made through a Southwest® Business channel, there is a limitation to transfer only between employees within the organization.
All Rapid Rewards® rules and regulations apply and can be found at Southwest.com/rrterms.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This website contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Specific forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements related to (i) the Company's initiatives, strategic priorities and focus areas, goals, and opportunities, including with respect to Customer experience enhancements, improved self-service options, upgraded Wi-Fi and ongoing improvements, in-seat power, larger overhead bins, new seating, refreshed cabin design, digital experience upgrades, and airport experience enhancements; (ii) the Company’s plans and expectations with respect to assigned and premium seating, including expected benefits, Customer demand, timing of implementation and bookings, boarding process, and cabin layout; and (iii) the Company's financial and operational outlook, expectations, goals, plans, and projected results of operations, including with respect to its capital spending and initiatives, and including factors and assumptions underlying the Company's expectations and projections. These forward-looking statements are based on the Company's current estimates, intentions, beliefs, expectations, goals, strategies, and projections for the future and are not guarantees of future performance. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors that are difficult to predict and that could cause actual results to vary materially from those expressed in or indicated by them. Factors include, among others, (i) the impact of fears or actual outbreaks of diseases, extreme or severe weather and natural disasters, actions of competitors (including, without limitation, pricing, scheduling, capacity, and network decisions, and consolidation and alliance activities), consumer perception, economic conditions, banking conditions, fears or actual acts of terrorism or war, sociodemographic trends, and other factors beyond the Company's control, on consumer behavior and the Company's results of operations and business decisions, plans, strategies, and results; (ii) the Company's ability to timely and effectively implement, transition, operate, and maintain the necessary information technology systems and infrastructure to support its operations and initiatives, including with respect to revenue management; (iii) the cost and effects of the actions of activist shareholders; (iv) the Company's ability to obtain and maintain adequate infrastructure and equipment to support its operations and initiatives; (v) the impact of fuel price changes, fuel price volatility, volatility of commodities used by the Company for hedging jet fuel, and any changes to the Company's fuel hedging strategies and positions, on the Company's business plans and results of operations; (vi) the Company's dependence on The Boeing Company ("Boeing") and Boeing suppliers with respect to the Company's aircraft deliveries, Boeing MAX 7 aircraft certifications, fleet and capacity plans, operations, maintenance, strategies, and goals; (vii) the Company's dependence on the Federal Aviation Administration with respect to safety approvals for the new cabin layout and the certification of the Boeing MAX 7 aircraft; (viii) the Company's dependence on other third parties, in particular with respect to its technology plans, its plans and expectations related to revenue management, operational reliability, fuel supply, maintenance, Global Distribution Systems, and the impact on the Company's operations and results of operations of any third party delays or non-performance; (ix) the Company's ability to timely and effectively prioritize its initiatives and focus areas and related expenditures; (x) the impact of labor matters on the Company's business decisions, plans, strategies, and results; (xi) the impact of governmental regulations and other governmental actions on the Company's business plans, results, and operations; (xii) the Company's dependence on its workforce, including its ability to employ and retain sufficient numbers of qualified Employees with appropriate skills and expertise to effectively and efficiently maintain its operations and execute the Company's plans, strategies, and initiatives; (xiii) the emergence of additional costs or effects associated with the cancelled flights in December 2022, including litigation, government investigation and actions, and internal actions; and (xiv) other factors, as described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the detailed factors discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, and in the Company’s Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2024.