Southwest Airlines is currently undergoing a major transformation, whereby basically everything is changing. The airline is introducing assigned and extra legroom seating, will start charging for checked bags, and more.
Southwest has today revealed details of how it plans to overhaul its fare classes, replacing the “Wanna Get Away” concept with “Basic” and “Choice.” Along similar lines, the airline has also revealed how it plans to update its seating and baggage policy for both A-List elite members and Rapid Rewards credit card members.
In this post:
A-List & Rapid Rewards credit card assigned seating perks
In the third quarter of 2025, Southwest will start selling assigned seating, for travel as of 2026. As part of this, the airline will introduce extra legroom seating (at the front of the plane), preferred seating (in the middle of the plane), and standard seating (in the back half of the plane).
So, what can elite members and those with an eligible co-branded credit card expect when it comes to seating perks? Here’s what Southwest has revealed:
- A-List Preferred members can select any seat at the time of booking, including extra legroom seating
- A-List members can select extra legroom seats within 48 hours of departure, or preferred or standard seats at the time of booking
- Members with the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Card or Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Card can select extra legroom seats within 48 hours of departure, or preferred or standard seats at the time of booking
- Members with the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Card or Southwest Rapid Reward Premier Business Card can select preferred or standard seats within 48 hours of departure
- Members with the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Card or Southwest Rapid Reward Premier Business Card can select standard seats within 48 hours of departure
The same benefits will apply to up to eight companions traveling on the same reservation.
I’d say that this is roughly what you’d expect, and if anything, it’s nice that those with a premium credit card will be able to select extra legroom seats close to departure. These rules also apply to Basic fares.
A-List & Rapid Rewards credit card checked bag perks
As of May 28, 2025, Southwest will start charging for checked bags, which is a major departure from the carrier’s current policy of giving all passengers two free checked bags. Fortunately for those with elite status or a co-branded credit card, some sort of free bag benefit will still apply. Here’s what Southwest has revealed:
- A-List Preferred members will receive two free checked bags
- A-List and all Southwest Rapid Rewards card members will receive one free checked bag
The same benefits will apply to up to eight companions traveling on the same reservation.
Bottom line
With Southwest moving to assigned seating and introducing checked bag fees, the airline has also revealed what elite and credit card members will receive in terms of perks. As you’d expect, free seat assignments and checked bags are being introduced as perks for eligible travelers.
I’d say Southwest’s execution here is roughly what you’d expect, if not a bit more generous than other airlines. For those with high tier elite status or a premium credit card, the Southwest flying experience might just be better than before.
What do you make of Southwest’s planned elite and credit card perks for assigned seats and bags?
I've been A-list member for 14 years in a row. I've also had the Chase Southwest Priority Card since it's inception. Based on what I'm reading about benefit changes as far as what the A-list elite benefits will be after May 28th or next year, there is no incentive to keep earning A-list status if I have the priority card. Am I missing something here?
Any word on Companion Pass?
Am I missing something??? I had been assuming that seat assignment meant you could assign yourself a seat at time of purchase (with a possible up-charge). But having just read the latest email from WN, it looks like the earliest you will be able assign yourself a seat is 48 hours before departure.
I fear WN just shot itself in the foot:-(
My big question is how same day confirmed flight change will work. That is my favorite A-List benefit.
So for award bookings, the move is to 1) have personal Priority card or business Performance card and 2) book Basic tickets.
From what I can tell, this new setup might actually be *better* than before. All the same perks as the old Southwest, but now with ability to lock in extra legroom seats on every flight.
This news makes me cautiously optimistic as I don’t care about the quality of the seats or location, I just want the peace of mind of knowing I will be sitting with my family without having to pay extra for it.
I do wonder if we’re about to see a massive overhaul of the three personal cards as a result, particularly with the Priority Card being “only” $149 and paying for itself with $75...
This news makes me cautiously optimistic as I don’t care about the quality of the seats or location, I just want the peace of mind of knowing I will be sitting with my family without having to pay extra for it.
I do wonder if we’re about to see a massive overhaul of the three personal cards as a result, particularly with the Priority Card being “only” $149 and paying for itself with $75 credit and 7500 anniversary points. This seems like a chance for Chase to turn it into a premium or mid-tier card with higher annual fees.
you are absolutely right. This is my first year with the Priority card and bought into the card "paying for itself".
Are you able to stack a free checked bag with credit card combined with A-List status to get two free bags?
Lol so they got rid of the 24 hour checkin smash reload on your phone game just to replace it with a 48 hour one for extra legroom seats. What clowns.
This is a better program now for frequent biz fliers, but otherwise eek.
is there basically no difference between AList and having the credit card?
So if I have the rapid rewards priority card I can book a basic economy fare and select an extra legroom seat withing 48H of departure?
@ Regis -- Yep!
So for award bookings, the move is to 1) have personal Priority card or business Performance card and 2) book Basic tickets.
From what I can tell, this new setup might actually be *better* than before. All the same perks as the old Southwest, but now with ability to lock in extra legroom seats on every flight.
I know other guests on the same reso can get bags, will the same thing apply to seats for those with credit cards?
Yes, up to 8 companions.
@ John -- I should've included that, and just added it to the post. Thanks!