Southwest modifies fare offerings and introduces new credit card perks

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Southwest modifies fare offerings and introduces new credit card perks

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Emily Thompson Credit cards editor | The Points Guy

By Sky Industry News

Apr 28, 2025

Southwest Airlines has announced upcoming changes to its fare and credit card offerings. The changes, set to coincide with the transition to assigned seating in 2026, involve renaming all fare classes and introducing extra-legroom perks.

The airline's existing "Wanna Get Away" fare will be rebranded as "Basic" beginning next month, aligning with upcoming checked bag fees for flights sold starting May 28. Additional fare class changes will occur later this year. "Wanna Get Away Plus" will be renamed "Choice," "Anytime" will become "Choice Preferred," and "Business Select" will change to "Choice Extra." These updated fare classes are planned for market availability between July and September 2025.

Southwest's new seating configurations will feature three types of seats: Extra Legroom, Preferred, and Standard. Sean Cudahy of The Points Guy noted that the seat choice will impact passengers' boarding positions on the plane, though the seats themselves will remain standard coach fare, with no major class variations such as economy and business class differences.

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Passengers holding the highest-end Southwest credit cards or elite status will have access to select Extra Legroom seats in the future. Moreover, cardholders with the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card or the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card will be eligible for seating upgrades within 48 hours of departure.

As of May 28, every Southwest credit cardholder will receive a free checked bag, along with up to eight companions on the same reservation. These changes are part of a broader refresh of Southwest's credit card portfolio following a new agreement with Chase. Although there may be a future increase in annual fees, Southwest alluded to potential new bonus categories to enable cardholders to earn more points on everyday purchases.

Southwest Executive Vice President of Customer and Brand, Tony Roach, explained the rationale behind eliminating the traditional boarding method, a move tailored to attract new customers. According to Roach, "Once you go to assigned seating I'll consider you."

The airline will maintain most of its A-List elite status perks, such as free premium inflight drinks for A-List Preferred members and priority boarding. Southwest also plans to experiment with enhanced services, particularly for passengers choosing Extra Legroom seats, which might include improved snack offerings.

Significantly, the carrier will not impose limits on full-size carry-on bags as part of its basic economy provisions, setting it apart from several competitors that have restricted carry-on allowances.