Last Updated on July 31, 2026 by Daniel Globe
Southwest Airlines can still be a good choice for travelers who value a broad U.S. network, flexible mid- and upper-tier fares, friendly economy service, and a simple all-Boeing fleet. However, the airline changed significantly in 2026. It now uses assigned seating, charges many passengers for checked bags, and sells four redesigned fare bundles.
Quick Answer
Yes, Southwest is a good airline for many domestic travelers, especially those who value straightforward service, useful nonstop routes, assigned seating, and flexible Choice fares. It is less appealing for passengers seeking first class, a large global network, full meal service, or free checked bags on the lowest fares.
Key Takeaways
- Southwest switched from open seating to assigned seating on January 27, 2026.
- Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred passengers generally pay to check bags unless a status, credit card, or other exception applies.
- Choice and higher fares can be changed without an airline change fee, although a fare difference may apply.
- Southwest offers free streaming entertainment on designated aircraft and free Wi-Fi for Rapid Rewards members where available.
- Southwest is strongest for U.S. and near-international economy travel, not traditional first-class or long-haul premium trips.
Southwest Airlines Background
Southwest Airlines was founded in 1967 and began scheduled service in 1971 between Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio. It grew from a Texas carrier into one of the largest airlines in the United States.
The airline is still known for a mostly point-to-point network. This structure creates many nonstop options that do not require a connection through one dominant hub. It can shorten some journeys, but it does not guarantee a faster trip or protection from delays.
Southwest has also built its brand around informal service and an employee-focused culture. That friendly style remains part of the experience, although the airline’s fares, seats, boarding process, baggage policy, and loyalty benefits now look different from the policies many longtime passengers remember.
The Pros of Flying with Southwest
Assigned Seating Provides More Certainty
Southwest ended its long-running open-seating system for flights departing on or after January 27, 2026. Most travelers can now know where they will sit before boarding.
Seat access depends on the fare purchased. Basic customers normally receive a Standard seat assignment at check-in. Choice includes Standard-seat selection at booking. Choice Preferred includes a Preferred or Standard seat, while Choice Extra includes an available Extra Legroom seat or any other available seat.
The airline also replaced its former A, B, and C boarding positions with Groups 1 through 8. Boarding priority depends on fare, seat location, Rapid Rewards status, and eligible credit-card benefits. Full rules are available on Southwest’s assigned-seating page.
Useful Flexibility on Choice and Higher Fares
Southwest does not charge a standard airline change fee on Choice, Choice Preferred, or Choice Extra fares. Travelers may still have to pay the difference when the new flight costs more.
Choice and higher fares also include free same-day change or standby, subject to availability, deadlines, and applicable taxes. This can be valuable for travelers whose plans may shift on the day of departure.
No Separate Cancellation Fee
All four fare types can be canceled without a separate cancellation fee, but the value returned and its expiration depend on the fare. Passengers generally must cancel at least 10 minutes before the original departure to avoid the no-show rules.
Basic is nonrefundable outside applicable exceptions and normally produces a flight credit that expires six months after the original booking date. Choice flight credits are transferable and generally expire after 12 months. Choice Preferred and Choice Extra are refundable when the cancellation rules are met.
Strong Economy Customer-Satisfaction Results
Southwest ranked highest in the economy and basic-economy segment of the 2026 J.D. Power North America Airline Satisfaction Study. It earned a score of 670 and placed first in that segment for the fifth consecutive year.
That result supports Southwest’s reputation for friendly staff and an approachable onboard experience. It does not mean that every passenger will receive the same service, especially during weather disruptions or large-scale operational problems.
Large Domestic and Near-International Network
Southwest states that it serves 121 airports across 12 countries. Its network is especially useful for domestic trips, Hawaii travel, the Caribbean, Mexico, and other nearby international destinations.
Pro Tip: Compare the total trip price rather than the base fare alone. A Choice Extra ticket may cost more upfront but can include an Extra Legroom seat, two checked bags, earlier boarding, and refundable fare rules.
The Cons of Flying with Southwest
Most Lower Fares No Longer Include Free Checked Bags
Two free checked bags are no longer included with every Southwest ticket. For U.S. mainland travel booked, ticketed, or changed on or after April 9, 2026, the published charge is generally $45 for the first checked bag and $55 for the second on Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred fares.
Choice Extra and Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred include two standard checked bags. A-List members and eligible Rapid Rewards credit cardmembers generally receive the first checked bag free. Active-duty military customers and some other travelers may qualify for different allowances.
The Basic Fare Is Restrictive
Basic is Southwest’s lowest fare, but it is also the least flexible. A Standard seat is normally assigned at check-in, the customer boards later, and the ticket cannot be changed unless it is upgraded to Choice, Choice Preferred, or Choice Extra.
A canceled Basic ticket may produce a six-month flight credit if the cancellation requirements are met. Travelers who book far in advance should consider whether that shorter credit window fits their plans.
No Traditional First-Class or Business-Class Cabin
Southwest offers Standard, Preferred, and Extra Legroom seats, but it does not operate a separate traditional first-class or business-class cabin. Travelers looking for lie-flat seats, airport lounges, multi-course meals, or premium long-haul service will need another airline.
Limited Long-Haul International Coverage
Southwest has a large domestic network and serves several near-international destinations, but it does not provide the same long-haul global reach as a large international network carrier. Some international journeys require a separate ticket or an itinerary involving an airline partner.
Cabin Features Can Vary by Aircraft
Southwest operates several versions of the Boeing 737. Seat design, power access, Wi-Fi performance, and cabin age can differ. The airline has begun installing newer cabin features and Starlink connectivity, but travelers should not assume every aircraft has identical equipment.
Note: Seat prices, bag charges, Wi-Fi availability, aircraft assignments, and partner-airline benefits can change. Review the final booking screen and current rules before paying.
Southwest’s Customer Service
Southwest’s staff and informal hospitality remain major strengths. The airline’s 2026 J.D. Power result shows that surveyed economy passengers rated it highly for factors that included staff, ease of travel, trust, onboard experience, digital tools, and value.
Passengers can seek help through Southwest’s website, mobile app, airport agents, telephone support, and social media. Response time varies by channel and can increase sharply during storms, technology outages, or widespread cancellations. There is no verified universal 10-minute response-time guarantee.
Southwest’s official Customer Service Plan explains its commitments concerning refunds, delays, cancellations, baggage, accessibility, and communication. Travelers should use that document rather than relying on an undated service claim.
| Metric | Latest Verified Information |
| Economy customer satisfaction | First in J.D. Power’s 2026 economy/basic-economy segment, with a score of 670 |
| On-time arrivals | 71.9% in May 2026; 76.8% for January through May 2026 |
| Mishandled baggage | 0.31 mishandled bags per 100 enplaned bags in May 2026 |
| Universal response-time target | No verified public benchmark; response time varies by contact method and operating conditions |
Southwest’s Pricing and Fees
Southwest now sells four fare bundles. The cheapest option is not always the best value because seat selection, refundability, checked bags, boarding priority, and Rapid Rewards earning rates differ.
| Fare | Seat and Boarding | Changes and Refunds | Standard Checked Bags |
| Basic | Standard seat assigned at check-in; later boarding | Nonrefundable; change requires fare upgrade; eligible credit generally expires after six months | Generally $45 first and $55 second on qualifying mainland itineraries |
| Choice | Choose a Standard seat at booking; general boarding | Changes allowed; fare difference may apply; transferable credit generally expires after 12 months | Generally $45 first and $55 second on qualifying mainland itineraries |
| Choice Preferred | Choose a Preferred or Standard seat; Groups 3–4 boarding | Refundable when cancellation rules are met; changes allowed with fare difference | Generally $45 first and $55 second on qualifying mainland itineraries |
| Choice Extra | Choose an Extra Legroom seat or any available seat; Group 1 boarding | Refundable when cancellation rules are met; changes allowed with fare difference | First and second standard checked bags included |
Every fare includes one carry-on bag and one personal item within Southwest’s limits. Paid seat upgrades can cost extra, and overweight, oversized, third, and additional bags carry separate charges.
Current fare benefits and conditions are listed on Southwest’s fare comparison page. Current optional charges are listed on its travel-fees page.
Warning: Cancel or change an eligible reservation before the published deadline. Failing to act at least 10 minutes before the original departure may trigger Southwest’s no-show rules and cause funds or points to be forfeited.
Southwest’s Fleet and Safety Record
Southwest operates an all-Boeing 737 fleet. At the end of the second quarter of 2026, the airline reported 803 aircraft after taking delivery of 13 Boeing 737-8 aircraft and retiring 10 older aircraft during the quarter.
A single-aircraft-family strategy can simplify pilot training, maintenance, parts, and scheduling. From a passenger’s perspective, it also means less variety than an airline that operates wide-body aircraft, regional jets, and several premium cabin types.
Southwest operates within the Federal Aviation Administration’s regulatory system and maintains a Safety Management System. Still, no airline has a spotless or risk-free history. The National Transportation Safety Board has investigated Southwest accidents and incidents, including the 2018 Flight 1380 engine failure that caused one passenger fatality.
That history should be presented accurately rather than reduced to a vague claim that the airline has experienced “very few accidents.” Travelers can review the official NTSB Flight 1380 investigation and search the NTSB database for additional records.
Southwest’s Route Network and Destinations
Southwest reports serving 121 airports across 12 countries. Its strongest coverage is within the United States, including major leisure and business destinations, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and many secondary airports.
International service focuses mainly on Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and other nearby markets rather than long-haul flights to Europe, Asia, Africa, or the Middle East. This makes Southwest practical for many short- and medium-haul trips but less useful for travelers building a large global itinerary.
The point-to-point structure often creates convenient nonstop routes between cities that might otherwise require a connection. However, route frequency varies, and an irregular operation can still lead to a long wait when a particular city pair has only a few flights per day.
Southwest has also expanded airline partnerships. Benefits on a partner-operated flight may not match those on a Southwest-operated flight, so passengers should check the operating carrier, seat rules, baggage allowance, and loyalty earning before purchase.
Southwest’s In-Flight Experience
The onboard experience remains casual and economy-focused. Flight attendants are often friendly and conversational, but service depends on flight length, weather, turbulence, and operating conditions.
Southwest now offers three seat categories:
- Standard: Regular-legroom seats, generally farther back in the cabin.
- Preferred: Regular-legroom seats located closer to the front.
- Extra Legroom: Seats near the front and exit rows with approximately three to five additional inches of pitch, depending on aircraft type.
Southwest does not generally provide seatback entertainment screens. Instead, passengers use a phone, tablet, or laptop to access movies, television, live programming, and other content on designated Wi-Fi-enabled aircraft.
Rapid Rewards members receive free Wi-Fi on supported aircraft where the service is available. Nonmembers may purchase access on select aircraft. Connectivity can be interrupted or unavailable, and not every aircraft has the same system.
Complimentary snacks and nonalcoholic drinks are normally offered on select flights of at least 251 miles. Longer flights may receive additional snack choices, but Southwest does not provide the full complimentary meal service found in some premium cabins or on many long-haul international flights.
Pro Tip: Download entertainment, documents, and important travel information before boarding. Wi-Fi availability and speed can change with the aircraft, route, weather, and number of connected passengers.
Southwest’s Loyalty Program
Southwest’s Rapid Rewards program earns points according to fare type and eligible spending rather than flight distance alone. Current base earning rates are two points per dollar on Basic, six on Choice, 10 on Choice Preferred, and 14 on Choice Extra, subject to program rules.
Members can redeem points for eligible Southwest-operated flights. The number of points required generally tracks the cash fare, so a lower-priced flight usually requires fewer points.
A-List and A-List Preferred
A-List requires 20 qualifying one-way flight segments or 35,000 tier-qualifying points in a calendar year. Benefits include Preferred or Standard seat selection when available, Group 1 boarding, a possible Extra Legroom upgrade within 48 hours of departure, a first checked bag, priority support, and a 25% earning bonus.
A-List Preferred requires 40 qualifying one-way flight segments or 70,000 tier-qualifying points. It includes stronger seating and boarding benefits, two checked bags, a 100% earning bonus, and other priority services.
Companion Pass
Companion Pass is one of Southwest’s most valuable loyalty benefits. A member can qualify by completing 100 qualifying one-way flights or earning 135,000 Companion Pass qualifying points in a calendar year.
The member can then designate one companion to travel on eligible flights without an airline fare, although taxes and fees apply. Qualification rules are detailed on Southwest’s Companion Pass page.
Southwest’s On-Time Performance
Airline reliability should be measured with dated government data rather than a permanent label such as “excellent” or “poor.” Weather, airport congestion, maintenance, staffing, and air-traffic-control restrictions can cause large monthly changes.
Southwest recorded a 71.9% on-time arrival rate in May 2026 and a 76.8% rate for January through May 2026. The total reporting-carrier rate was also 76.8% for that five-month period.
In May alone, Southwest ranked eighth among nine reporting marketing carriers. That weaker month followed stronger results earlier in the year, including 82.4% in January and 80.8% in February.
The same Department of Transportation report recorded 0.31 mishandled bags per 100 enplaned bags for Southwest in May 2026, compared with 0.42 for all listed operating carriers combined.
Travelers can review the latest monthly figures in the Department of Transportation’s Air Travel Consumer Reports. Historical airline-wide data cannot predict the outcome of one particular flight.
Who Is Southwest Best For?
Southwest is most likely to suit:
- Domestic travelers who can use its nonstop network.
- Passengers who prefer assigned seating without paying for a traditional premium cabin.
- Travelers who value same-day flexibility and transferable credits on Choice or higher fares.
- Rapid Rewards members who can use free Wi-Fi, tier benefits, or Companion Pass.
- Passengers who qualify for included checked bags through Choice Extra, A-List Preferred, an eligible card, military status, or another exception.
Southwest may be less suitable for:
- Travelers who want a traditional first-class or business-class cabin.
- Basic-fare customers who need advance seat choice or easy flight changes.
- Passengers checking two bags who do not qualify for an allowance.
- Travelers who need a large long-haul international network.
- Passengers who expect full meals, airport lounges, or guaranteed high-speed Wi-Fi.
Is Southwest a Good Airline?
Southwest is a good airline for many economy travelers, but its value now depends more heavily on the fare purchased. Choice can be a practical middle option because it includes Standard-seat selection, same-day flexibility, and a transferable flight credit. Choice Extra can be attractive when the traveler needs Extra Legroom seating and two checked bags.
Basic offers the lowest entry price but carries the most restrictions. It is best for travelers with firm plans, little or no checked luggage, and no strong need to select a seat before check-in.
Southwest’s strongest qualities are its domestic network, friendly economy service, assigned seating, loyalty program, and flexible higher fares. Its main weaknesses are checked-bag charges on most fares, limited premium service, a smaller international footprint than global carriers, and operating performance that can vary sharply by month.
The best decision is to compare the complete Southwest price—including the fare, seat, checked bags, and flexibility—with the complete price offered by competing airlines on the same route.
Travelers preparing for wet-weather trips may also find this guide to waterproof travel sneakers useful when planning what to pack.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southwest a good airline?
Southwest is a good option for many domestic economy travelers. It offers a broad network, assigned seating, useful fare flexibility, a strong loyalty program, and highly rated economy service. It is less suitable for travelers seeking traditional first class, long-haul international routes, full meals, or free checked bags on the lowest fares.
Does Southwest still have open seating?
No. Southwest transitioned to assigned seating on January 27, 2026. Basic passengers generally receive a Standard seat at check-in, while Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra include different seat-selection benefits.
Does Southwest still include two free checked bags?
Not with every fare. Choice Extra and A-List Preferred include two standard checked bags. A-List members and eligible Rapid Rewards cardmembers generally receive the first bag free. Most Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred passengers pay the published bag charges unless an exception applies.
How much does Southwest charge for checked bags?
For qualifying U.S. mainland travel booked, ticketed, or changed on or after April 9, 2026, Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred generally cost $45 for the first standard checked bag and $55 for the second. Different rules apply to Choice Extra, status members, cardmembers, military travelers, Hawaii itineraries, partner flights, and special baggage.
Does Southwest charge a flight-change fee?
Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra can be changed without a separate airline change fee, although the passenger must pay any higher fare difference. A Basic reservation must first be upgraded to an eligible fare before it can be changed.
Does Southwest have first class?
Southwest does not have a separate traditional first-class or business-class cabin. It offers Standard, Preferred, and Extra Legroom seats. Choice Extra includes an available Extra Legroom seat and additional benefits, but it is not the same as a conventional first-class product.
Does Southwest have a good safety record?
Southwest operates within the regulated U.S. airline system and maintains a Safety Management System. It also has documented accidents and incidents in the NTSB record, including the fatal 2018 Flight 1380 accident. Safety should be evaluated using current FAA and NTSB information rather than an unsupported claim that any airline is risk-free.
How does Southwest compare with other airlines?
Southwest competes well for domestic economy service, nonstop routes, fare flexibility, and Rapid Rewards benefits. Other airlines may offer stronger first-class cabins, airport lounges, long-haul international networks, seatback entertainment, or more aircraft and cabin choices. The best value depends on the route and total trip cost.
What are the main drawbacks of flying Southwest?
The main drawbacks are checked-bag fees on most fares, restrictive Basic tickets, no traditional first-class cabin, limited long-haul international service, variable Wi-Fi and cabin equipment, and monthly operating performance that may trail competitors.
Sources
- Southwest Airlines Assigned Seating — assigned seats, boarding groups, seat categories, and fare-based seat selection
- Southwest Fare Types and Benefits — Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra rules
- Southwest Optional Travel Charges — checked-bag, seat, pet, and other published fees
- U.S. Department of Transportation July 2026 Air Travel Consumer Report — May 2026 on-time and mishandled-baggage statistics
- J.D. Power 2026 North America Airline Satisfaction Study — independent economy/basic-economy customer-satisfaction ranking
- Southwest Airlines Second-Quarter 2026 Results — current fleet, destinations, partnerships, and connectivity rollout
