Updated August 22, 2025
Are you looking for an airline where you can choose your own seat, check 2 bags for free and have no change or cancel fees? Look no further because you’ve found it with Southwest Airlines. I’m going tell you my 7 things you need to know when flying Southwest.
Let me tell you a little bit about the first time I flew Southwest Airlines.
I had a Carnival Cruise planned for January 2023 that I had been anticipating for months. I had never flown with Southwest Airlines , it made me a little nervous after the system failure that they had experienced the month before that I wouldn’t make my cruise.
I had never been on a cruise before, so like an amateur I booked my flight for the same day of my cruise. A week before I was supposed to leave I was scrambling, wondering if I should change my flight.
I had booked my ticket with my cruise line on a restricted ticket, so I thought there was no hope. I thought if I change my flight, the money I spent on my flight would be lost.
I called Southwest Airlines and was on the phone over an hour waiting for someone to answer. They had the option of calling me back when it was my turn, but I had did that before with another company and didn’t hear back, so I decided against it and continued to wait.
Once the lady answered, I was happy and relieved that I could cancel the first part of my flight, but I kept the flight back, and got a refund for the departing flight.
I didn’t want to take the risk of not showing up for my departure flight, then they cancel my returning flight because I had booked a one way flight with Allegiant for cheap, but there was no returning flight for the date I was supposed to return from my cruise.
Plus, as a bonus, I didn’t realize you could check your bag for free. Needless to say I was not fully aware of the flight details, but was pleasantly surprised when I arrived. Luckily my flight left without a hitch and I was able to make it home on time.
From then on Southwest Airlines has been one of my favorite Airlines to travel with. Now on to what you’re really here for, the 7 thi is you need to know when flying Southwest.
Southwest is a low fare airline that as of October 2023, they fly to 121 destinations throughout North America, Central America, and the Caribbean.
Plus, with Southwest Airlines adding their itineraries to Google flights this year, 2024 is a great year to start flying Southwest.
1. Rapid Rewards
● Redeem points for Southwest flights, gift cards, hotels, rental cars, merchandise and more
● No blackout dates means you can book with points anytime
● Points don’t expire like some other Airlines do
● Sign up for their Rapid Rewards credit card to earn points on flights and everyday purchases
● Companion Pass, after taking 100 flights or earning 135,000 points you can bring Along anyone you like and only have to pay taxes and fees – what a deal
● Use cash and points to pay for flights
2. Four Price Categories
There are four different fare categories: Business Select, Anytime, Wanna Get Away and Wanna Get Away Plus. I am going to break down each one so you can decide which one is right for you.
With all fares there are no change or cancel fees. Everyone gets 2 free checked bags and flight credits don’t expire. What more could you ask for with my 7 things you need to know for flying Southwest.
– Wanna Get Away
Wanna Get Away is their base fare that includes a flight credit if you cancel. This ticket is non refundable.
New someday standby, which means you can retain your current flight while searching for an earlier one. You can also change your flight the same day if there’s an open seat. Your departing airport and destination have to stay the same. You only have to pay the fare difference.
You get 6 Rapid Rewards points for booking when you are a member.
– Wanna Get Away Plus
All the benefits of Wanna Get away except, you get a transferable flight ticket. Free same day change, you dont have to pay the fare difference and you earn 8 Rapid Rewards points.
– Anytime
All the benefits of Wanna Get Away Plus, with a refundable ticket, early bird check in, priority and express Lanes and you earn 10 Rapid Rewards points.
– Business Select
All the benefits of Anytime,plus priority boarding A1-A15, complimentary premium drinks on flight 176 miles or more. New free in flight internet and you earn 12 Rapid Rewards points.
3. Seats aren’t assigned
You can check into your flight 24 hours before, if you want to be even earlier than that you can also purchase early bird check in 36 hours before flight for $15 one way.
You will be assigned in group A, B, C and a number 1-60 plus. Such as B20, that determines when you will be boarding and you have to pick the seats that are available to you when you Board the plane.
If you are traveling with children 6 and under you will get Family Boarding which is A or B. You can also upgrade your boarding pass 24 hours before flight depending on availability.
4. Entertainment Is Free
Southwest offers a wide variety of movies and shows including new releases. You don’t have to download or sign up for anything.
This is great for those times you forgot to download your favorite shows or movies to watch on the plane.
Everyone can enjoy the benefits of thos list of things you need to know when flying Southwest.
5. Snacks and Non Alcoholic Beverages are Free
Have you ever forgotten to bring your snacks or drinks with you on the plane? Or maybe you were running late and didn’t have time to pick something up.
Southwest Airlines offers free snacks and non alcoholic beverages on every flight. They even come around twice if it’s a longer flight. You won’t be hungry flying Southwest.
6. New Digital Bag Checking for Checked Bags
You know that feeling you get when you have to check your bag and are worried if your luggage will even make it to you.
One of the best things you need to know when flyi g Southwest is thay they launched a new bag tracker, so you dont habe to worry about losing your bag. Now you can track your bag the whole way. Even if it does get lost it will be easier to find. You can check your bag with piece of mind.
7. Low Fare Calendar
Ever wondered what the best month to take a trip is? You don’t have to wonder anymore. With their low fare calendar you cam search round trips, one ways and even multi city.
You just put in your airport, where you are going, your arrival and return month and voilà. You can even put in to pay with cash or points. It’s that simple. Now you know the best time to book your trip.
HOw SOuthwest has changed their rewards program
Here’s a blog-style post detailing how Southwest Airlines has transformed its Rapid Rewards loyalty program starting in 2024 and ramping up through 2025 with a clear breakdown of what’s been added, adjusted, or rolled back.
Southwest Rapid Rewards: A Loyalty Makeover Unfolds
1. Easier Status, More Options (Starting 2023–2024)
- Lower thresholds for elite tiers: Beginning January 1, 2024, earning A-List status required just 20 one-way qualifying flights (down from 25) or 35,000 tier qualifying points (TQPs). A-List Preferred dropped to 40 flights (from 50), still requiring 70,000 TQPs.
- Faster status via credit cards: Rapid Rewards credit cardholders now earn 1,500 TQPs after $5,000 in annual spending (versus $10,000 previously).
- Free premium drinks for top-tier flyers: A-List Preferred members get two complimentary premium drinks per flight leg (for flights ≥176 miles), as of November 6, 2023.
- Cash + Points introduced: Launched April 2024, this feature lets you book flights using both points (as few as 1,000) and cash in a single booking.
- Expanded perks for Companion Pass holders: Now they and their companions board together (with some exceptions, such as if business fares or upgraded boarding were purchased).
- No-show policy for award travel updated: Starting July 1, 2023, if you don’t cancel “Wanna Get Away” or “Wanna Get Away Plus” bookings made with points at least 10 minutes before departure, your points are forfeited.
2. Points & Redemption: A Shift to Variable Value (2025)
- Adjusted earning rates by fare class: As of early 2025:
- Business Select / Choice Extra → approximately 14× points
- Anytime / Choice Preferred → 10×
- Wanna Get Away Plus / Choice → 6×
- Wanna Get Away / Basic → just 2×
- Variable redemption rates: Gone are the days of a fixed point value. Redemption costs now fluctuate based on demand—higher for busy routes, lower during off-peak. As fans have noted: “points are no longer fixed to a certain $ amount and will vary for different flights at their discretion.” And Reddit analysis shows:
- Typical value dropped from 1.4 cents/point to sometimes 1.1–1.13¢, a significant devaluation.
- Cash + Points now earns points: Beginning January 1, 2025, the cash portion of such bookings earns Rapid Rewards points, tier-qualifying points, and Companion Pass credit.
3. Reversal of Free Perks & New Restrictions (Mid-2025 Onward)
- Ending of “Bags Fly Free”: Beginning May 28, 2025, Southwest no longer offers two free checked bags for most travelers:
- Who still keeps free bags?
- A-List Preferred members and Business Select fare purchasers retain two free checked bags.
- A-List members and Southwest credit cardholders get one free bag.
- All others will be charged per bag, approximately $35 for the first, $45 for the second.
- Who still keeps free bags?
- Flight credit expirations introduced:
- Credits now expire in 12 months, except for Basic fares, whose credits expire in six months.
- Fare tiers expand:
- As of May 2025, fare classes are restructured into Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra. Assigned seat selection varies based on fare, Basic passengers may pay or get randomly assigned; higher fares include selection at no extra cost.
What’s Changed, and What It Means
| Feature | Old Policy | New Reality (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Elite status qualification | Higher flight thresholds & spend | Easier thresholds, faster with card spend |
| Cash + Points | Not available | Yes, and earns points now |
| Companion boarding | Limited | Now boards together (with exceptions) |
| Point earning rate | Uniform multipliers | Tiered by fare, much lower on cheapest fares |
| Point redemption value | Fixed (~1.3–1.5¢) | Variable, often lower (1.1–1.2¢) |
| Checked bags | Always free (2 bags) | Only for elites and cardholders |
| Flight credits | Never expired | Now expire (6–12 months) |
Southwest has steadily evolved from a disruptor with transparent, customer-first perks to aligning closer with legacy carriers’ strategies. While status thresholds and booking flexibility have improved, the loss of uniform point values and free bags, plus the introduction of expirations, mark a significant shift in value
- 2023–2024: Easier status, Cash + Points, Companion boarding, stricter no-show policies.
- 2025: Fare-based earning tiers, variable redemption value, free baggage largely gone, credit expiration, tiered fare classes, and new seat assignment options.
Conclusion
Southwest’s Rapid Rewards program is no longer the simple, customer-first system it once was. While travelers benefit from easier paths to elite status, the introduction of Cash plus Points, and new perks like Companion Pass boarding, the trade-offs are hard to ignore. Variable redemption rates, stricter credit expirations, and the loss of universally free checked bags shift the airline closer to the legacy carriers it once stood apart from.
For loyal Southwest flyers, the program still holds value, especially for those who reach elite tiers or maximize credit card perks, but the days of straightforward, generous rewards are fading. If you fly Southwest regularly, staying on top of these changes will be key to making the most of your points and perks.
Southwest Airlines is still one of the most affordable flight you can take. I hope you found my 7 things you need to know when flying Southwest helpful. Now it’s time to enjoy your next Southwest flight.