Last Updated on July 24, 2026 by Daniel Globe
Southwest Airlines changed several long-standing travel rules in 2026, including its move to assigned seats, Groups 1 through 8, and new checked-bag fees. Before you book, compare the four fare bundles, seat access, boarding order, cancellation terms, and loyalty benefits. A few minutes of planning can prevent surprise fees and help your family sit together.
Quick Answer
Southwest now uses assigned seating and boarding Groups 1 through 8. Basic is the cheapest but most restrictive fare, while Choice Extra includes any available seat and two free checked bags. Most Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred travelers pay checked-bag fees. Rapid Rewards members receive free WiFi where available.
Key Takeaways
- Assigned seating replaced Southwest’s old open-seating system on January 27, 2026.
- Basic passengers normally receive a Standard seat at check-in, while Choice and higher fares include seat selection at booking.
- For most U.S. mainland tickets booked or changed on or after April 9, 2026, the first checked bag costs $45 and the second costs $55 unless a fare, tier, card, or military benefit applies.
- EarlyBird Check-In and Upgraded Boarding ended when assigned seating began. Priority Boarding is the current paid boarding upgrade.
- Cancel at least 10 minutes before departure to protect your refund or flight-credit eligibility.
- Rapid Rewards points do not expire, and Companion Pass requires 100 qualifying one-way flights or 135,000 qualifying points in a calendar year.
Southwest Fare Types Explained
Southwest sells four fare bundles for flights with assigned seating: Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra. The best option depends on how much flexibility, seat choice, boarding priority, and baggage allowance you need. You can confirm the current benefits on Southwest’s assigned seating and fare benefits page.
| Benefit | Basic | Choice | Choice Preferred | Choice Extra |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Included seat | Standard seat assigned at check-in or the gate | Choose a Standard seat at booking | Choose a Preferred or Standard seat at booking | Choose any available seat, including Extra Legroom |
| Boarding | Group 8 | Groups 3 through 7, based on seat and other benefits | Groups 3 or 4 in Standard or Preferred seats | Group 1 |
| Checked bags | Fees usually apply | Fees usually apply | Fees usually apply | First two standard bags free |
| Rapid Rewards earning | 2 points per $1 of qualifying base fare | 6 points per $1 | 10 points per $1 | 14 points per $1 |
| Cancellation result | Nontransferable flight credit, generally valid up to 6 months | Transferable Flight Credit, generally valid up to 12 months | Refundable or a Transferable Flight Credit | Refundable or a Transferable Flight Credit |
| Changes | Requires an upgrade to a higher fare | Allowed; fare difference may apply | Allowed; fare difference may apply | Allowed; fare difference may apply |
| Same-day change and standby | Not included, unless a tier benefit applies | Included, subject to rules and availability | Included, subject to rules and availability | Included, subject to rules and availability |
Basic
Basic is usually the lowest-priced option, but it has the tightest rules. You do not receive free seat selection at booking unless a Rapid Rewards tier or eligible credit-card benefit applies. Southwest assigns a Standard seat when check-in opens 24 hours before departure, or at the gate if an immediate assignment is not available.
A Basic fare is nonrefundable and cannot be changed unless you first upgrade to Choice, Choice Preferred, or Choice Extra. If you cancel on time, the resulting flight credit is nontransferable and usually expires six months from the original booking date.
Choice
Choice includes a Standard seat selected at booking, a transferable credit after an eligible cancellation, and free same-day change or standby when the rules are met. It is a practical middle option for travelers who want to choose a seat and keep more flexibility without paying for a premium fare.
Choice Preferred
Choice Preferred includes a Preferred seat near the front of the cabin, earlier boarding in Groups 3 or 4, refundable ticket value, and airport priority-lane benefits where available. It does not include free checked bags unless another benefit applies.
Choice Extra
Choice Extra includes any available seat, including Extra Legroom, Group 1 boarding, two free standard checked bags, a refundable fare, and the highest base earning rate. It may also include a premium drink on select flights of 251 miles or more.
Note: Fare benefits can change, and separately purchased seat fees are optional travel charges. Review the exact bundle and seat price shown during booking before paying.
How Southwest Assigned Seating Works
Southwest moved from open seating to assigned seating for flights departing on or after January 27, 2026. Your fare, selected seat, Rapid Rewards status, and eligible credit-card benefits determine when you can choose a seat and when you board.
Seat Types Explained
Southwest has one cabin with three seat categories:
- Standard: Standard-legroom seats in the back portion of the cabin.
- Preferred: Standard-legroom seats closer to the front for a faster exit.
- Extra Legroom: Seats at the front and near exit rows with three to five more inches of pitch than Standard seats, depending on aircraft type.
Southwest lists Extra Legroom pitch at 35 to 36 inches on the Boeing 737-700 and 34 inches on the 737-800 and 737 MAX 8. Standard and Preferred pitch generally ranges from 31 to 33 inches. See Southwest’s aircraft seat specifications for the current measurements.
Fare-Based Selection Rules
Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra customers can select an included seat during booking, subject to availability. Basic customers normally receive a Standard seat at check-in. Any traveler may be able to buy a higher seat category when seats are available.
Seat sales and changes normally close 60 minutes before a domestic flight’s original departure and 90 minutes before an international flight’s original departure. A-List and A-List Preferred members, plus eligible Rapid Rewards cardmembers, may receive better seat access than their fare alone provides.
How Family Seating Works
Travelers on the same reservation receive the same boarding group, except for certain group-travel bookings. Families on Choice or higher fares should select adjacent seats at booking. Southwest says it will try to seat a child age 12 or younger next to at least one accompanying passenger age 13 or older at no extra charge when practical.
For Basic fares, check in as soon as the 24-hour window opens and review the assigned seats. If a child is not seated next to an accompanying adult, speak with a gate agent or flight attendant. If adjacent seats are unavailable, Southwest may offer the next available flight with adjacent seats.
Pro Tip: When traveling with children, put everyone on one reservation and choose seats during booking when your fare allows it. Do not wait until boarding to solve a seating problem.
Southwest Boarding Groups and Check-In
The old A, B, and C boarding lines are gone for current assigned-seat flights. Southwest now boards by numbered groups, and boarding order mainly affects overhead-bin access rather than which seat you receive.
| Boarding stage | Typical eligibility |
|---|---|
| Preboarding | Travelers with qualifying disability-related needs and unaccompanied minors |
| Priority Boarding | Purchased Priority Boarding, active-duty U.S. military with valid ID, and A-List Preferred members |
| Group 1 | A-List members and Choice Extra fares |
| Group 2 | Extra Legroom seats purchased with Choice or Choice Preferred fares |
| Groups 3 and 4 | Choice Preferred in Standard or Preferred seats |
| Group 5 | Eligible primary Rapid Rewards credit cardmembers, unless another benefit gives an earlier group |
| Groups 3 through 7 | Choice fares, depending on seat location and other benefits |
| Group 8 | Basic fares |
Check-In Timing and Deadlines
Online check-in opens 24 hours before the flight’s original scheduled departure. Checking in early is especially useful for Basic travelers because it lets you see your assigned seat and obtain a boarding pass. It does not replace the seat-selection benefit included with higher fares.
- Domestic check-in deadline: 30 minutes before original departure.
- International check-in deadline: 60 minutes before original departure, or 75 minutes for Aruba.
- Gate deadline: Be in the gate area with your boarding pass at least 10 minutes before departure.
Priority Boarding Replaced EarlyBird Check-In
EarlyBird Check-In and Upgraded Boarding ended when assigned seating began. Southwest now sells Priority Boarding, when available, starting 24 hours before departure and up to 30 minutes before departure. It places you ahead of Group 1 but does not change your assigned seat.
Warning: Do not rely on older advice about checking in for an A1 to C60 position. Current Southwest flights use assigned seats and Groups 1 through 8.
Southwest Baggage Fees and Carry-On Rules
Southwest no longer gives two free checked bags to every passenger. For U.S. mainland travel booked, ticketed, or changed on or after April 9, 2026, Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred fares usually cost $45 for the first checked bag and $55 for the second. Choice Extra includes two free standard checked bags.
The biggest baggage change is simple: most Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred travelers now pay for checked bags, while Choice Extra still includes two.
Who May Get Free Checked Bags?
- Choice Extra: First and second standard checked bags free.
- A-List Preferred: First and second standard checked bags free for the member and up to eight additional passengers on the same reservation.
- A-List: First standard checked bag free; the second is normally $35.
- Eligible primary Rapid Rewards cardmembers: First standard checked bag free for the cardmember and up to eight passengers on the same reservation when the account and reservation meet the rules.
- Active-duty U.S. military: First and second checked bags free with valid military ID.
Checked Bag Size and Weight
A standard checked bag must be 50 pounds or less and no more than 62 total linear inches, calculated as length plus width plus height. For most mainland travel, overweight bags of 51 to 70 pounds cost $100 plus the standard bag fee, while bags of 71 to 100 pounds cost $200 plus the standard fee. Oversized bags from 63 to 80 linear inches cost $200 plus the standard fee.
Carry-On and Personal Item Rules
Each ticketed passenger may bring one carry-on bag and one personal item free. The carry-on can measure up to 10 by 16 by 24 inches, including wheels and handles. The personal item must fit under the seat in front of you. Common personal items include a purse, briefcase, laptop bag, or small backpack.
Strollers, Car Seats, and Child Items
Each ticketed customer traveling with a child may check one stroller and one car seat or child-restraint system free. You may check them at the curb, ticket counter, or gate. Portable cribs and play yards count as regular checked bags, so normal fees and limits can apply.
Note: Hawaii interisland baggage fees and partner-airline rules can differ. Always review Southwest’s current optional travel charges for your route and ticket date.
Southwest Cancellation Rules and Flight Credits
Southwest does not charge a cancellation fee, but the money you receive back depends on the fare. You must cancel at least 10 minutes before the flight’s original scheduled departure to protect your refund or flight-credit eligibility.
| Fare | Voluntary cancellation before the deadline | Typical credit period |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | Nontransferable flight credit | Up to 6 months from original booking |
| Choice | Transferable Flight Credit | Generally 12 months from original booking |
| Choice Preferred | Refund to the original payment method or a Transferable Flight Credit | Credit generally valid 12 months from original booking |
| Choice Extra | Refund to the original payment method or a Transferable Flight Credit | Credit generally valid 12 months from original booking |
Credits can inherit an earlier expiration date when you use an existing flight credit or voucher to book. Travel must be completed by the listed expiration date. Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra credits may be transferred once between Rapid Rewards members, subject to Southwest’s rules.
Cancellation Within 24 Hours of Booking
If you cancel within 24 hours of booking, you can generally choose a refund to the original payment method or keep the value as the applicable flight credit. This option applies even when the fare would normally be nonrefundable.
No-Show Policy
If you fail to cancel at least 10 minutes before departure, Basic and Choice ticket value may be forfeited. Choice Preferred and Choice Extra value is generally returned as a Transferable Flight Credit. Reward-ticket rules also differ by fare, so do not assume points will always be redeposited after a no-show.
Pro Tip: Cancel in the Southwest app as soon as you know you will not travel. Then save the confirmation and check the expiration date under My Travel Funds.
Free WiFi, Entertainment, and the App
Rapid Rewards members receive free WiFi on WiFi-enabled designated aircraft, thanks to T-Mobile. Nonmembers can buy access for $8 per device from takeoff to landing on select aircraft. Service may not be available for the whole flight, and availability and allowed uses can vary by aircraft and system.
The free inflight entertainment portal can include a flight tracker, movies, TV series, and live TV on your own device. Content can vary by aircraft, route, licensing, and location. Southwest does not provide seatback screens, rental devices, or headphones, so bring a charged device and headphones.
Starlink WiFi Rollout
Southwest’s first Starlink-equipped aircraft entered service on June 22, 2026. The airline said it planned to retrofit more aircraft during 2026 and have Starlink on more than 300 aircraft by the end of the year. Starlink is therefore rolling out, but it is not yet guaranteed on every flight. See the June 23, 2026 Southwest newsroom update.
What the Southwest App Can Do
- Check in and retrieve your boarding pass.
- View your assigned seat and boarding group.
- Change eligible seats or flights.
- Track flight status and receive notifications.
- Track checked bags on supported trips.
- View Rapid Rewards points and travel funds.
Warning: Effective April 20, 2026, Southwest limits each customer to one power bank or portable charger. It must stay in your carry-on, cannot go in checked baggage, and cannot be charged from in-seat power.
Southwest Snacks, Drinks, and Onboard Rules
Southwest serves complimentary nonalcoholic drinks and snacks on select flights of 251 miles or more. The exact snack depends on flight length, time, route, and availability. Extra Legroom customers may receive a premium snack on select flights of 301 miles or more and premium drinks on select flights of 251 miles or more.
You may bring your own food and nonalcoholic drinks onboard. You may not drink alcohol that was not served by the airline. Alcoholic drinks are sold on select flights, and you must be at least 21 years old. Southwest does not sell extra food onboard, so bring enough for a longer flight.
Packaged snacks may contain milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy, sesame, or other allergens. Travelers with food allergies should review ingredients and bring a safe backup meal or snack.
How Rapid Rewards Works
Rapid Rewards is free to join. You earn points based mainly on the qualifying base fare and fare bundle, not the distance flown. Basic earns 2 points per dollar, Choice earns 6, Choice Preferred earns 10, and Choice Extra earns 14. Taxes and many fees do not earn points.
Rapid Rewards points do not expire. You can redeem them for any available seat on a Southwest flight, and Southwest does not use blackout dates. The number of points needed changes with route, date, demand, fare, and other pricing factors.
A-List and A-List Preferred
For 2026 qualification, A-List requires 20 qualifying one-way flight segments or 35,000 tier-qualifying points in a calendar year. A-List Preferred requires 40 qualifying one-way segments or 70,000 tier-qualifying points.
- A-List: Preferred or Standard seat selection at booking, possible Extra Legroom upgrade within 48 hours, Group 1 boarding, one free checked bag, and a 25% earning bonus.
- A-List Preferred: Any available seat at booking, boarding before Group 1, two free checked bags, a 100% earning bonus, and up to two premium drinks on eligible flights.
Check Southwest’s current Rapid Rewards tier page because status requirements and card-related benefits can change.
How Companion Pass Works
Companion Pass lets you choose one person to fly with you on qualifying Southwest trips without airline fare charges. You still pay required taxes and fees, which start at $5.60 one way for many U.S. trips. You can use the pass when you buy your own ticket with money or redeem Rapid Rewards points.
To qualify, complete 100 qualifying one-way flights or earn 135,000 Companion Pass qualifying points in one calendar year. Eligible sources include qualifying Southwest flights, Rapid Rewards credit-card points, and base points from qualifying partners. Purchased points, transferred points, and many bonus categories do not count.
Once earned, Companion Pass remains valid for the rest of the qualification year and the full following calendar year. You may change your designated companion up to three times per calendar year. Primary Southwest Rapid Rewards cardmembers may also receive one 10,000-point Companion Pass qualifying boost each calendar year, subject to current terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can families board early with small children?
Southwest no longer uses the old family-boarding position between A and B. Everyone on the same reservation normally receives the same numbered boarding group. Families should select adjacent seats at booking when possible. Southwest will try to seat a child age 12 or younger next to at least one accompanying passenger age 13 or older.
How do I keep my family seated together?
Book everyone on the same reservation and choose adjacent seats during booking with Choice or a higher fare. Basic travelers should check in at the 24-hour mark and review the assigned seats. Ask a gate agent for help before boarding if a child is not next to an accompanying adult.
Are Southwest flights good for long trips?
They can work well when you value flexible fares, assigned seats, free entertainment, and free WiFi for Rapid Rewards members. Southwest does not serve full meals or provide seatback screens, so bring food, headphones, and a charged device. Extra Legroom may be worth considering for a longer flight.
Can I bring a stroller on Southwest?
Yes. Each ticketed customer traveling with a child may check one stroller and one car seat or child-restraint system free. You can check these items at the curb, ticket counter, or gate. Portable cribs and play yards count as normal checked bags.
Does Southwest offer special assistance for children?
Southwest offers an Unaccompanied Minor service for eligible children ages 5 through 11 and assistance for travelers with disabilities or specific needs. Contact Southwest before travel when special seating, mobility help, or another accommodation is required.
Is EarlyBird Check-In still available?
No. EarlyBird Check-In and Upgraded Boarding ended when assigned seating began on January 27, 2026. Priority Boarding is the current paid option and may be purchased starting 24 hours before departure when available.
How much are Southwest checked bags?
For most U.S. mainland tickets booked, ticketed, or changed on or after April 9, 2026, Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred fares cost $45 for the first checked bag and $55 for the second. Choice Extra includes two free standard bags. Tier, credit-card, military, Hawaii, and partner-airline exceptions may apply.
Can a Basic passenger choose a seat?
Basic normally includes a Standard seat assigned at check-in or at the gate. A Basic passenger may buy an available seat before the cutoff, and eligible Rapid Rewards tier members or cardmembers may receive seat-selection benefits.
Do Rapid Rewards points expire?
No. Rapid Rewards points do not expire while the account remains open. Flight credits are different and may have six-month, 12-month, or other expiration rules based on the fare, payment method, and reason for cancellation.
Conclusion
Southwest can still offer strong value, but the airline works differently than it did before 2026. Compare the fare bundle, seat, boarding group, and baggage allowance instead of assuming every ticket includes the same benefits. Check in on time, cancel before the 10-minute deadline, and review your flight-credit expiration date. These steps can make your trip smoother and reduce surprise costs.
Sources
- Southwest Assigned Seating and Fare Benefits: fare bundles, seat types, boarding groups, earning rates, and credit periods.
- Southwest Optional Travel Charges: checked-bag fees, carry-on limits, WiFi pricing, and other charges.
- Southwest Refund Policy: refunds, cancellation deadlines, and flight-credit outcomes.
- Southwest Onboard Experience and WiFi: entertainment, food, drinks, power-bank rules, and connectivity.
- Southwest Newsroom: First Starlink Aircraft: June 2026 Starlink launch and rollout status.
- Southwest Companion Pass: qualification requirements, validity, taxes, and companion changes.