We’ve loved Southwest for decades—literally. We earned our first Companion Pass all the way back in 1996 and have been huge fans ever since. In 2024 alone, we saved $3,441 thanks to our Companion Pass tricks.
That’s why the recent changes feel like such a gut punch.
Southwest just abandoned some of the best parts of flying with them:
- No more two bags fly free for most travelers
- A new Basic Economy fare that strips away key perks
- Dynamic award pricing (likely a points devaluation)
- Flight credits will now expire in 6–12 months instead of lasting forever
These changes erase much of what made Southwest different. If they go too far, they risk becoming just another airline. Let’s break down what’s happening and how it affects you and me.
No More Bags Fly Free
For decades, Southwest stood out because they let every passenger check two bags for free. That’s over. Here’s the new baggage policy:
- Two free checked bags: Business Select fares & A-List Preferred members
- One free checked bag: A-List members (like us) & Southwest credit cardholders
- Zero free bags: Everyone else
Southwest hasn’t announced pricing yet, but let’s be real—this isn’t going to be $5 per bag. If they charge $30-40 per checked bag like Delta, United, and American, then Southwest loses one of its biggest competitive advantages.
We’ve been Team Carry-On for years, so this doesn’t affect us directly. But it does mean:
- More people lugging carry-ons instead of checking bags
- Fierce competition for overhead bin space
- Early boarding (A-List, A-List Preferred) becomes even more valuable
If you travel as a family or take longer trips, you’re now looking at higher costs.
SWA Flight Credits Now Expire
Southwest used to have the best flight credit policy in the industry—credits never expired. Now?
- Most fares: Flight credits expire in 12 months
- Basic fares: Flight credits expire in just 6 months!
What About Existing Credits?
Will Southwest flight credits issued before May 28, 2025, still be valid indefinitely, or will they expire? Southwest hasn’t said yet. If you have existing flight credits, I suggest you make plans to use them ASAP.
Award Price Changes – aka “Devaluation”
For years, Rapid Rewards points were predictable, worth about 1.2–1.3 cents per point. Now? Dynamic pricing is coming.
- Good news? You might get cheaper redemptions on low-demand flights.
- Bad news? You’ll pay more on high-demand flights.
If you have Southwest points, use them before they lose value!
BTW, you should really be earning transferrable points like Chase Ultimate Rewards points or Amex Membership Rewards points instead of Southwest points. When we transfer Chase points to Hyatt, those points are actually worth 3.7 cents each to us!
Never transfer Chase points to Southwest unless you just need a few points to top off your RR account.
Is Southwest Still Worth It?
The Companion Pass is still the single best deal in airline loyalty if you can use it 5+ times per year. But with these massive shifts, how long before they gut that too?
Right now, the Companion Pass still works exactly the same. But if you’re considering going for it, do it NOW before they change the rules. Check out our guides:
- Southwest Companion Pass Guide – Everything you need to know about how it works
- Southwest Companion Pass Tricks – Advanced tips to maximize its value
Final Thoughts: The End of an Era?
Southwest used to be an easy recommendation. Now? Not so much.
Southwest Airline is still a good option if:
- You maximize the Companion Pass like Zuzu & I do
- You have A-List status (since early boarding is now even more valuable)
- You need direct flights on their route network
These changes are a huge gamble by Southwest. If they don’t pull it off, they’ll become just another airline—but without any of the perks that made them special.
What do you think? Will these changes make you fly Southwest less? Let us know in the comments!
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