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 [3]. 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 [4].