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Southwest Airlines is a popular airline that flies to more than 100 destinations across the United States. It was long known for its generous free baggage policy and controversial open seating model.
However, the Dallas-based carrier has undergone a radical transformation in recent years, with the introduction of basic economy, assigned seating, extra-legroom seats and checked bag fees. These changes bring it closer in line with traditional legacy airlines in the U.S.
The airline also has a loyalty program known as Rapid Rewards, allowing travelers to earn and redeem points when traveling with Southwest.
We’ve outlined the essential things to know before flying Southwest below.
Things to know about flying Southwest and its loyalty program
1. Seats are now assigned
Southwest has moved to an assigned seating model, ditching its open seating policy.
Passengers can select from three types of seats:
- Standard seats with standard legroom are located toward the back of the plane.
- Preferred seats with standard legroom are located between the middle and front of the plane.
- Extra legroom seats offer five extra inches of seat pitch toward the front of the plane and in exit rows.
Seat selection options and your boarding group depends on the fare class you choose:
- Basic: Seat assigned at check-in, with boarding in Groups 6-8.
- Choice: Standard seat selection at booking, with boarding in Groups 6-8.
- Choice Preferred: Preferred or Standard seat selection at booking, with boarding in Groups 3-5.
- Choice Extra: Extra Legroom, Preferred or Standard seat selection at booking, with boarding in Groups 1-2.
If you have Southwest elite status or a Southwest credit card, you may have access to better seats beyond the ones available to you based on your fare class.
» Learn more: How to hack Southwest's boarding groups
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2. You can cancel a flight at least 10 minutes before departure without penalty
If you know that you won’t make your flight as planned, you can cancel your flight without penalty. If you booked a Choice Extra or Choice Preferred fare, you can get a refund to your original method of payment. For travelers who booked a Choice fare, you can cancel and get a transferable travel credit, which expires 12 months from the booking and ticketing date (not the cancelation date). If you cancel a Basic fare, you'll receive a non-transferable credit that expires six months from the booking and ticketing date.
To cancel without penalty, you’ll need to cancel your reservation at least 10 minutes before your scheduled departure time. Flyers on a Choice or Basic fare who don't cancel by then will forfeit their funds. Choice Preferred and Choice Extra passengers will receive travel credit if they don't cancel by the deadline.
3. You have to pay for checked bags
Southwest Airlines used to be one of the most generous airlines when it comes to baggage allowance.
However, passengers now have to pay. The first checked bag is $35, and the second checked bag is $45.
There are some exceptions:
- Choice Extra fares get two free bags.
- A-List Preferred elite members get two free bags for themselves and up to eight companions on the same reservation.
- A-List Preferred elites get one free bag for themselves and up to eight companions on the same reservation. The second bag will cost $35.
- Rapid Rewards credit cardholders get one free bag for themselves and up to eight companions on the same reservation, as long as they provide their Rapid Rewards account number at booking. The second bag will cost $45.
- Active-duty military customers get two free checked bags.
All customers get a carry-on and personal item, even if flying on a Basic fare.
» Learn more: The guide to Southwest baggage and other fees
4. Snacks and nonalcoholic beverages are free
When flying with Southwest Airlines, snacks and nonalcoholic beverages may be available at no extra cost. However, unlike other airlines, Southwest Airlines doesn’t serve full meals or sell additional snacks. Southwest offers alcoholic beverages for purchase.
If you have a long journey coming up, you may want to pack some snacks so you’re not hungry.
5. Wi-Fi is free for Rapid Rewards members
If you're a Rapid Rewards member, you have access to free Wi-Fi on Southwest.
Joining the program is free, so that can result in significant savings. Non-members pay $8 for Wi-Fi per flight, per device.
6. The Rapid Rewards program earns based on spending, not miles
Some frequent flyer programs are spending-based, while others are distance-based. In the Southwest Rapid Rewards loyalty program, you’ll earn based on the dollar amount you spend, not miles flown.
7. Your fare type will determine how many points you earn
The fare type purchased will dictate how many points per dollar you earn as a Rapid Rewards member.
As a general member you will earn:
- Basic: 2 points per $1.
- Choice: 6 points per $1.
- Choice Preferred: 10 points per $1.
- Choice Extra: 14 points per $1.
You can also earn Rapid Rewards points in other ways:
- Use Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards to make purchases.
- Book with hotel or rental car partners.
- Book hotel stays through the Southwest hotel portal.
- Book tours and travel experiences through Southwest Experiences.
- Shop with partners (dining, home, specialty).
» Learn more: The best airline credit cards right now
8. Elite status members will earn more points and get more perks
In addition to the type of fare purchased, you’ll earn more points if you’ve achieved elite status through the Rapid Rewards loyalty program. Basic members will earn at the rates noted above, but A-List and A-List Preferred members earn more. A-List status flyers will earn 25% more points, while A-List Preferred status flyers will earn 100% more points.
| Wanna Get Away | Anytime | Business Select | |
|---|---|---|---|
| A-List members | 2.5 points per $1. | 12 points per $1.5 | 17.5 points per $1. |
| A-List Preferred members | 4 points per $1. | 20 points per $1. | 28 points per $1. |
Additionally, elite status members get more perks.
A-List members get the following:
- Priority boarding, no later than Group 2.
- Priority check-in.
- Same-day standby.
A-List Preferred members get the following:
- Priority boarding, no later than Group 5.
- Priority check-in.
- Same-day standby.
9. Southwest credit cards come with valuable perks
If you fly somewhat often on Southwest, you'll want to consider opening a Southwest credit card.
Depending on the card you choose, you can get perks like seat selection, free checked bags, anniversary bonus points and a faster path to elite status.
The best Southwest cards typically come with an annual fee, so make sure you're getting enough value to justify paying the fee.
» Learn more: Is a Southwest credit card worth it?
10. Rapid Rewards points never expire
Unlike some other airline loyalty programs, Southwest Airlines’ points never expire. You won’t have to worry about having account activity to keep your points. However, the points in your account will be terminated if you choose to close the account.
11. Earning a Companion Pass is a big money saver
For those who earn a Companion Pass, traveling is more affordable. That’s because you can choose one companion to join you for nearly free travel. You’ll need to pay only taxes and fees for your companion’s ticket. Here’s how it works:
If you fly on 100 qualifying one-way flights or earn 135,000 qualifying points in a calendar year, you will earn the Companion Pass. Once earned, a Companion Pass lets you pick someone to fly with you every time you purchase a flight or redeem points for a flight. All you’ll do is pay for your companion’s taxes and fees. Companion Pass status remains valid for the remainder of the calendar year in which the pass is earned and for the entirety of the subsequent calendar year. You can also change your designated companion up to three times per calendar year. If you regularly fly with others, this could result in significant money savings.
12. There are no blackout dates
When redeeming your Rapid Rewards points for travel, there are no blackout dates. Book your trip for whatever dates work best for you.
The bottom line
These are the things to know before flying Southwest. Since this airline is so friendly, flexible and accommodating, it’s no wonder why so many travelers prefer to fly with Southwest Airlines.
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2026:
- Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- No annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph® Card
- Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Luxury perks: American Express Platinum Card®
- Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
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