Southwest Airlines is implementing several major updates starting today that may impact how you book, manage, and pay for your travel. Here’s what you need to know:

Checked Bag Fees Now Apply to Most Fares

• Checked bag fees apply to Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus, and Anytime fares.
• Business Select passengers and Hawaii residents (inter-island travel only) still receive two free checked bags.
• A-List Preferred Members get two free bags; A-List and Credit Cardmembers get one.
• Reservations booked or changed before May 28 remain eligible for Southwest's former “bags fly free” policy.
• Group reservations booked or changed before January 26, 2026 remain eligible for Southwest's former “bags fly free” policy.

Credit Card & Tier Member Benefits Updated

• Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers now receive one free checked bag for themselves and up to 8 companions on the same reservation.
• Companion Pass holders will have their baggage benefits extended to their Companion traveler when flying together.

Fare Structure Changes (Phased Rollout)

• May 28, 2025: A new Basic fare launches. Like all basic economy fares, this is not recommended by the university due to its strict limitations. (Cannot transfer credits and credits expire 6 months after purchase date.)
• Later in 2025: New fare tiers will become available:
  • Choice Extra (currently Business Select)
  • Choice Preferred (currently Anytime)
  • Choice (currently Wanna Get Away Plus)

Flight Credit Expiration Changes

• Flight credits created on or after May 28 will now have expiration dates. Typically one year after purchase date, with the exception of Basic fare which expires 6 months after purchase date.
• Credits issued before May 28 will continue to never expire, unless applied toward a post-May 28 booking and then canceled.

Assigned Seating Coming Soon

• Assigned seating will roll out in late 2025 for travel in 2026.
• New fare options will include Standard, Preferred, and Extra Legroom seating choices.

More detailed information can be found in this Southwest help center article. If you need assistance navigating the changes or updating your department’s travel guidance as a result of these changes, please reach out to PSC@cu.edu.