{"id":165038,"date":"2025-04-28T17:45:07","date_gmt":"2025-04-28T17:45:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2025\/04\/28\/southwest-airlines-unveils-new-credit-card-a-list-and-extra-legroom-seat-perks-the-points-guy\/"},"modified":"2025-04-28T17:45:07","modified_gmt":"2025-04-28T17:45:07","slug":"southwest-airlines-unveils-new-credit-card-a-list-and-extra-legroom-seat-perks-the-points-guy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2025\/04\/28\/southwest-airlines-unveils-new-credit-card-a-list-and-extra-legroom-seat-perks-the-points-guy\/","title":{"rendered":"Southwest Airlines unveils new credit card, A-List and Extra Legroom seat perks &#8211; The Points Guy"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<p>It&#8217;s been a dizzying few months for Southwest Airlines, from its <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/news\/southwest-assigned-seating\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">shift away from open seating<\/a> to its <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/news\/southwest-airlines-ends-free-bags\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">new checked bag fees<\/a> that take effect next month.<\/p>\n<p>And the changes aren&#8217;t done.<\/p>\n<p>On Monday, the Dallas-based carrier announced a handful of new perks for its frequent flyers and credit card holders that&#8217;ll take effect once the airline launches assigned seating in 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Southwest is planning to rename <em>all <\/em>of its fare products once assigned seating begins \u2014 not just its hallmark Wanna Get Away fare, which will become the airline&#8217;s new Basic (aka basic economy) class next month.<\/p>\n<p>Plus, the airline revealed its highest-end credit card holders \u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/news\/southwest-airlines-a-list-perks-assigned-seating\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">like its elite status members<\/a> \u2014 will be able to select its new Extra Legroom seats in the not-too-distant future.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"jsx-1853040249 tpg-figure\">\n<div style=\"padding-top:0\" class=\"jsx-36530878 full-width-auto-height-image\"><span style=\"box-sizing:border-box;display:block;overflow:hidden;width:initial;height:initial;background:none;opacity:1;border:0;margin:0;padding:0;position:relative\"><span style=\"box-sizing:border-box;display:block;width:initial;height:initial;background:none;opacity:1;border:0;margin:0;padding:0;padding-top:66.6875%\"\/><noscript><img alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"responsive\" style=\"position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%\" sizes=\"100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2024\/09\/20240927_Southwest-New-Seats-Boarding_SCudahy-33.jpg?width=640 640w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2024\/09\/20240927_Southwest-New-Seats-Boarding_SCudahy-33.jpg?width=750 750w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2024\/09\/20240927_Southwest-New-Seats-Boarding_SCudahy-33.jpg?width=828 828w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2024\/09\/20240927_Southwest-New-Seats-Boarding_SCudahy-33.jpg?width=1080 1080w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2024\/09\/20240927_Southwest-New-Seats-Boarding_SCudahy-33.jpg?width=1200 1200w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2024\/09\/20240927_Southwest-New-Seats-Boarding_SCudahy-33.jpg?width=1920 1920w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2024\/09\/20240927_Southwest-New-Seats-Boarding_SCudahy-33.jpg?width=2048 2048w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2024\/09\/20240927_Southwest-New-Seats-Boarding_SCudahy-33.jpg?width=3840 3840w\" src=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2024\/09\/20240927_Southwest-New-Seats-Boarding_SCudahy-33.jpg?width=3840\"\/><\/noscript><\/span><\/div><figcaption class=\"jsx-1853040249 figcaption\">SEAN CUDAHY\/THE POINTS GUY<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Meanwhile, TPG has learned Southwest is mulling new &#8220;soft product&#8221; services it&#8217;ll offer flyers who select its more spacious seats.<\/p>\n<p>And one of the airline&#8217;s top executives is shedding light on why Southwest decided to ditch its one-of-a-kind boarding process.<\/p>\n<p>Here&#8217;s a rundown of all the changes to know about.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"new-fare-products\" class=\"jsx-2362441780 anchor\"\/><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"jsx-2362441780\">New fare products<\/h2>\n<p>For starters, Southwest on Monday announced it will rename all of its fare classes once it shifts to assigned seating.<\/p>\n<div class=\"EmailSignUp_container__qYzYT tw-border tw-border-gray-2\"><picture class=\"EmailSignUp_graphic__zgpFm tw-opacity-0\"><source media=\"screen and (max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"\/images\/EmailSignUp\/daily-mob.svg\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/images\/EmailSignUp\/daily-dt.svg\"\/><\/picture>\n<div class=\"EmailSignUp_form__C8FWb\">\n<p>Daily Newsletter<\/p>\n<p>Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletter<\/p>\n<p>Join over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG\u2019s experts<\/p>\n<form class=\"jsx-1071010234 newsletter-form\">\n<div class=\"jsx-1071010234 EmailCapture_confirmation__xasB3 EmailCapture_noCheckbox__n4fsN   \">\n<p class=\"tw-text-xs-regular !tw-text-gray-4 hover:!tw-text-gray-4 tw-max-w-lg\">By signing up, you will receive newsletters and promotional content and agree to our<!-- --> <a class=\"!tw-text-gray-4 hover:!tw-text-gray-4\" href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/terms-of-use\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Terms of Use<\/a> <!-- -->and acknowledge the data practices in our<!-- --> <a class=\"!tw-text-gray-4 hover:!tw-text-gray-4\" href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/privacy-policy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Privacy Policy<\/a>. You may unsubscribe at any time.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/form>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/news\/southwest-airlines-fare-types-benefits\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">We already knew<\/a> Wanna Get Away would become Basic. That will happen when the carrier starts charging checked bag fees, which will apply to flights sold from May 28 onward.<\/p>\n<p>Then, later this year:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Wanna Get Away Plus will become Choice.<\/li>\n<li>Anytime will become Choice Preferred.<\/li>\n<li>Business Select will become Choice Extra.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The three &#8220;choice&#8221; fares will go on sale sometime between July and September, when Southwest starts selling assigned seats for flights departing in early 2026.<\/p>\n<h3>New seat types<\/h3>\n<p>The benefits you&#8217;ll get with Southwest&#8217;s renamed fare classes will actually look quite similar to the benefits of its current fare products \u2014 that is, the revamped fare classes the airline <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/news\/southwest-airlines-fare-types-benefits\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">announced last month<\/a> when it pivoted to bag fees and <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/news\/southwest-wanna-get-away-points-reduction\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">shook up Rapid Rewards earnings rates<\/a>.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"jsx-1853040249 tpg-figure\">\n<div style=\"padding-top:0\" class=\"jsx-36530878 full-width-auto-height-image\"><span style=\"box-sizing:border-box;display:block;overflow:hidden;width:initial;height:initial;background:none;opacity:1;border:0;margin:0;padding:0;position:relative\"><span style=\"box-sizing:border-box;display:block;width:initial;height:initial;background:none;opacity:1;border:0;margin:0;padding:0;padding-top:66.6875%\"\/><img alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"responsive\" style=\"position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%\"\/><noscript><img alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"responsive\" style=\"position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%\" sizes=\"100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2024\/09\/southwest-ord.jpeg?width=640 640w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2024\/09\/southwest-ord.jpeg?width=750 750w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2024\/09\/southwest-ord.jpeg?width=828 828w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2024\/09\/southwest-ord.jpeg?width=1080 1080w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2024\/09\/southwest-ord.jpeg?width=1200 1200w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2024\/09\/southwest-ord.jpeg?width=1920 1920w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2024\/09\/southwest-ord.jpeg?width=2048 2048w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2024\/09\/southwest-ord.jpeg?width=3840 3840w\" src=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2024\/09\/southwest-ord.jpeg?width=3840\"\/><\/noscript><\/span><\/div><figcaption class=\"jsx-1853040249 figcaption\">A Southwest Airlines jet taxis at Chicago&#8217;s O&#8217;Hare International Airport. SEAN CUDAHY\/THE POINTS GUY<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The fare you select will dictate the row of the plane you&#8217;ll be able to access.<\/p>\n<p>Starting next year, Southwest plans to designate three types of seats:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Extra Legroom (first five rows of the aircraft, and three rows around the midcabin exit door)<\/li>\n<li>Preferred (standard rows situated closer to the front of the aircraft)<\/li>\n<li>Standard (the seats in the back of the plane)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure class=\"jsx-1853040249 tpg-figure\">\n<div style=\"padding-top:0\" class=\"jsx-36530878 full-width-auto-height-image\"><span style=\"box-sizing:border-box;display:block;overflow:hidden;width:initial;height:initial;background:none;opacity:1;border:0;margin:0;padding:0;position:relative\"><span style=\"box-sizing:border-box;display:block;width:initial;height:initial;background:none;opacity:1;border:0;margin:0;padding:0;padding-top:58.62500000000001%\"\/><img alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"responsive\" style=\"position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%\"\/><noscript><img alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"responsive\" style=\"position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%\" sizes=\"100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2025\/04\/southwest-new-seat-map.png?width=640 640w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2025\/04\/southwest-new-seat-map.png?width=750 750w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2025\/04\/southwest-new-seat-map.png?width=828 828w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2025\/04\/southwest-new-seat-map.png?width=1080 1080w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2025\/04\/southwest-new-seat-map.png?width=1200 1200w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2025\/04\/southwest-new-seat-map.png?width=1920 1920w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2025\/04\/southwest-new-seat-map.png?width=2048 2048w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2025\/04\/southwest-new-seat-map.png?width=3840 3840w\" src=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2025\/04\/southwest-new-seat-map.png?width=3840\"\/><\/noscript><\/span><\/div><figcaption class=\"jsx-1853040249 figcaption\">SOUTHWEST AIRLINES<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The seats themselves will all be standard coach seats, so we&#8217;re not exactly talking about the difference between economy and lie-flat business class \u2014 but this will figure into how much legroom, or how close to the front of the aircraft, you&#8217;ll be.<\/p>\n<p>Here&#8217;s the full picture of Southwest&#8217;s updated fares and benefits:<\/p>\n<div class=\"jsx-3297233758 tpg-table \">\n<div tabindex=\"0\" class=\"jsx-3297233758\">\n<table class=\"jsx-3297233758\">\n<thead class=\"jsx-3297233758\">\n<tr class=\"jsx-3297233758\">\n<th class=\"jsx-3297233758\"><strong>Benefit<\/strong><\/th>\n<th class=\"jsx-3297233758\"><strong>Choice Extra<\/strong><\/th>\n<th class=\"jsx-3297233758\"><strong>Choice Preferred<\/strong><\/th>\n<th class=\"jsx-3297233758\"><strong>Choice<\/strong><\/th>\n<th class=\"jsx-3297233758\"><strong>Basic <\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"jsx-3297233758\">\n<tr class=\"jsx-3297233758\">\n<td><em>Previously<\/em><\/td>\n<td><em>Business Select<\/em><\/td>\n<td><em>Anytime<\/em><\/td>\n<td><em>Wanna Get Away Plus<\/em><\/td>\n<td><em>Wanna Get Away<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"jsx-3297233758\">\n<td><strong>Effective<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Goes on sale in the third quarter of 2025, for 2026 flights<\/td>\n<td>Goes on sale in the third quarter of 2025, for 2026 flights<\/td>\n<td>Goes on sale in the third quarter of 2025, for 2026 flights<\/td>\n<td>Goes on sale May 28<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"jsx-3297233758\">\n<td><strong>Seat selection<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Extra Legroom (or any seat)<\/td>\n<td>Preferred (or any standard seat)<\/td>\n<td>Standard<\/td>\n<td>Not included; standard seat assigned at check-in<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"jsx-3297233758\">\n<td><strong>Checked bags <\/strong>(starts May 28)<\/td>\n<td>Two free<\/td>\n<td>Costs extra<\/td>\n<td>Costs extra<\/td>\n<td>Costs extra<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"jsx-3297233758\">\n<td><strong>Rapid Rewards earnings\u00a0<\/strong>(same as what TPG reported in March)<\/td>\n<td>14 points per dollar<\/td>\n<td>10 points per dollar<\/td>\n<td>6 points per dollar<\/td>\n<td>2 points per dollar<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"jsx-3297233758\">\n<td><strong>Boarding<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Early<\/td>\n<td>Earlier group within general boarding<\/td>\n<td>General boarding<\/td>\n<td>Last to board<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"jsx-3297233758\">\n<td><strong>No cancellation fees<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>\u221a<\/td>\n<td>\u221a<\/td>\n<td>\u221a<\/td>\n<td>\u221a<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"jsx-3297233758\">\n<td><strong>Refundability<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Fully refundable<\/td>\n<td>Fully refundable<\/td>\n<td>Transferable flight credit<\/td>\n<td>Nontransferable flight credit<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"jsx-3297233758\">\n<td><strong>Flight credit expiration<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>12 months<\/td>\n<td>12 months<\/td>\n<td>12 months<\/td>\n<td>Six months<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"jsx-3297233758\">\n<td><strong>Itinerary changes<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>\u221a (fare difference)<\/td>\n<td>\u221a (fare difference)<\/td>\n<td>\u221a (fare difference)<\/td>\n<td>&#8211;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"jsx-3297233758\">\n<td><strong>Same-day changes\/standby<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>\u221a<\/td>\n<td>\u221a<\/td>\n<td>\u221a<\/td>\n<td>&#8211;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"jsx-3297233758\">\n<td><strong>Free inflight entertainment<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>\u221a<\/td>\n<td>\u221a<\/td>\n<td>\u221a<\/td>\n<td>\u221a<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"jsx-3297233758\">\n<td><strong>Priority\/express lane access<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>\u221a<\/td>\n<td>\u221a<\/td>\n<td>&#8211;<\/td>\n<td>&#8211;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"jsx-3297233758\">\n<td><strong>Free premium drink in flight<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>\u221a<\/td>\n<td>&#8211;<\/td>\n<td>&#8211;<\/td>\n<td>&#8211;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"jsx-3297233758\">\n<td><strong>Free inflight Wi-Fi<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>\u221a<\/td>\n<td>&#8211;<\/td>\n<td>&#8211;<\/td>\n<td>&#8211;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a id=\"credit-card-benefits\" class=\"jsx-2362441780 anchor\"\/><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"jsx-2362441780\">Credit card benefits<\/h2>\n<p>As part of Monday&#8217;s announcement, Southwest revealed a few new perks with its <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/credit-cards\/southwest\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">credit card portfolio<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Once assigned seating begins, members with the <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/apply-now\/southwest-rapid-rewards-priority-credit-card\/?tid=post&amp;pid=6269\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Southwest Rapid Rewards\u00ae Priority Credit Card<\/a> (see <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/apply\/southwest-rapid-rewards-priority-credit-card-rates-and-fees\/?tid=post\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">rates and fees<\/a>) and <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/apply-now\/southwest-rapid-rewards-performance-business-credit-card\/?tid=post&amp;pid=6703\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Southwest\u00ae Rapid Rewards\u00ae Performance Business Credit Card<\/a> (see <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/apply\/southwest-rapid-rewards-performance-business-credit-card-rates-and-fees\/?tid=post\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">rates and fees<\/a>) will be able to upgrade an Extra Legroom seat within 48 hours of departure (when available).<\/p>\n<p>But <em>all<\/em> Southwest cardholders will, at a minimum, be able to select a seat for free on every flight within 48 hours of departure (when available).<\/p>\n<p>That goes even for passengers flying on a Basic fare. Remember, for standard passengers, basic economy won&#8217;t come with seat selection in the future.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"jsx-1853040249 tpg-figure\">\n<div style=\"padding-top:0\" class=\"jsx-36530878 full-width-auto-height-image\"><span style=\"box-sizing:border-box;display:block;overflow:hidden;width:initial;height:initial;background:none;opacity:1;border:0;margin:0;padding:0;position:relative\"><span style=\"box-sizing:border-box;display:block;width:initial;height:initial;background:none;opacity:1;border:0;margin:0;padding:0;padding-top:66.6875%\"\/><img alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"responsive\" style=\"position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%\"\/><noscript><img alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"responsive\" style=\"position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%\" sizes=\"100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2024\/09\/20240927_Southwest-New-Seats-Boarding_SCudahy-30.jpg?width=640 640w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2024\/09\/20240927_Southwest-New-Seats-Boarding_SCudahy-30.jpg?width=750 750w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2024\/09\/20240927_Southwest-New-Seats-Boarding_SCudahy-30.jpg?width=828 828w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2024\/09\/20240927_Southwest-New-Seats-Boarding_SCudahy-30.jpg?width=1080 1080w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2024\/09\/20240927_Southwest-New-Seats-Boarding_SCudahy-30.jpg?width=1200 1200w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2024\/09\/20240927_Southwest-New-Seats-Boarding_SCudahy-30.jpg?width=1920 1920w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2024\/09\/20240927_Southwest-New-Seats-Boarding_SCudahy-30.jpg?width=2048 2048w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2024\/09\/20240927_Southwest-New-Seats-Boarding_SCudahy-30.jpg?width=3840 3840w\" src=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2024\/09\/20240927_Southwest-New-Seats-Boarding_SCudahy-30.jpg?width=3840\"\/><\/noscript><\/span><\/div><figcaption class=\"jsx-1853040249 figcaption\">SEAN CUDAHY\/THE POINTS GUY<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Here are the updated card benefits:<\/p>\n<p><em>The information for the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier and Southwest Rapid Reward Plus Business has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Checked bag benefits, too<\/h3>\n<p>Plus, effective May 28, every Southwest cardholder will get a free checked bag, and so will up to eight companions traveling on the same reservation.<\/p>\n<h3>Larger card &#8216;refresh&#8217; to come<\/h3>\n<p>Expect more card-related announcements to come soon; the airline is framing these card changes as part of an overall &#8220;refresh&#8221; of its card portfolio, after recently reaching an amended deal with Chase.<\/p>\n<p>The airline didn&#8217;t rule out an annual fee increase in the near future \u2014 but also teased new bonus categories that could allow cardholders to earn more points for everyday spending.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;That&#8217;s an area of our card that we feel like we can do better at,&#8221; Southwest Executive Vice President of Customer and Brand Tony Roach told TPG. &#8220;If you use your card for your top-of-wallet purchases, you&#8217;re going to earn more.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"a-list-elite-status\" class=\"jsx-2362441780 anchor\"\/><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"jsx-2362441780\">A-List elite status<\/h2>\n<p>As TPG reported in recent months, elite status at Southwest will come with a few new perks related to the airline&#8217;s updated seating, baggage and boarding policies.<\/p>\n<p>Here&#8217;s a reminder of how A-List and A-List Preferred baggage and seating perks will shake out:<\/p>\n<div class=\"jsx-3297233758 tpg-table \">\n<div tabindex=\"0\" class=\"jsx-3297233758\">\n<table class=\"jsx-3297233758\">\n<thead class=\"jsx-3297233758\">\n<tr class=\"jsx-3297233758\">\n<th class=\"jsx-3297233758\"><strong>Status<\/strong><\/th>\n<th class=\"jsx-3297233758\"><strong>Baggage benefit <\/strong><\/th>\n<th class=\"jsx-3297233758\"><strong>Extra Legroom seat selection<\/strong><\/th>\n<th class=\"jsx-3297233758\"><strong>Preferred seat selection<\/strong><\/th>\n<th class=\"jsx-3297233758\"><strong>Standard seat selection<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"jsx-3297233758\">\n<tr class=\"jsx-3297233758\">\n<td><strong>A-List Preferred<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Two free checked bags<\/td>\n<td>At booking<\/td>\n<td>(included)<\/td>\n<td>(included)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"jsx-3297233758\">\n<td><strong>A-List<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>One free checked bag<\/td>\n<td>Within 48 hours of departure<\/td>\n<td>At booking<\/td>\n<td>(included)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"jsx-3297233758\">\n<td>Begins<\/td>\n<td>When checked bag fees launch May 28<\/td>\n<td>When assigned seating begins (flights in 2026)<\/td>\n<td>When assigned seating begins (flights in 2026)<\/td>\n<td>When assigned seating begins (flights in 2026)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Most other <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/loyalty-programs\/what-is-southwest-elite-status-worth\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">A-List perks<\/a> will remain unchanged, from priority lane access on the ground to up to two free premium inflight drinks for A-List Preferred members.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"boarding-benefits\" class=\"jsx-2362441780 anchor\"\/><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"jsx-2362441780\">Boarding benefits<\/h2>\n<p>One additional benefit for both A-Listers and cardholders: They&#8217;ll get access to earlier boarding groups.<\/p>\n<p>In recent weeks, Southwest revealed plans to <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/news\/southwest-airlines-changes-boarding-process\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">shift away from its classic single-file boarding process<\/a> \u2014 and ditch those silver, numbered posts in the boarding area. That&#8217;s after airline executives told me in January the carrier hoped to <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/news\/southwest-airlines-new-boarding-process-plans\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">keep the spirit of its unique boarding procedures in place<\/a>.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"jsx-1853040249 tpg-figure\">\n<div style=\"padding-top:0\" class=\"jsx-36530878 full-width-auto-height-image\"><span style=\"box-sizing:border-box;display:block;overflow:hidden;width:initial;height:initial;background:none;opacity:1;border:0;margin:0;padding:0;position:relative\"><span style=\"box-sizing:border-box;display:block;width:initial;height:initial;background:none;opacity:1;border:0;margin:0;padding:0;padding-top:66.6875%\"\/><img alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"responsive\" style=\"position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%\"\/><noscript><img alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"responsive\" style=\"position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%\" sizes=\"100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2024\/12\/20241220_Plane-Spotting-Assorted_SCudahy-47.jpg?width=640 640w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2024\/12\/20241220_Plane-Spotting-Assorted_SCudahy-47.jpg?width=750 750w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2024\/12\/20241220_Plane-Spotting-Assorted_SCudahy-47.jpg?width=828 828w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2024\/12\/20241220_Plane-Spotting-Assorted_SCudahy-47.jpg?width=1080 1080w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2024\/12\/20241220_Plane-Spotting-Assorted_SCudahy-47.jpg?width=1200 1200w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2024\/12\/20241220_Plane-Spotting-Assorted_SCudahy-47.jpg?width=1920 1920w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2024\/12\/20241220_Plane-Spotting-Assorted_SCudahy-47.jpg?width=2048 2048w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2024\/12\/20241220_Plane-Spotting-Assorted_SCudahy-47.jpg?width=3840 3840w\" src=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2024\/12\/20241220_Plane-Spotting-Assorted_SCudahy-47.jpg?width=3840\"\/><\/noscript><\/span><\/div><figcaption class=\"jsx-1853040249 figcaption\">Southwest Airlines boarding area at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY). SEAN CUDAHY\/THE POINTS GUY<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The process, Roach said, will now look quite similar to those found at other airlines, with eight groups now planned.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Just kind of what everybody else is used to,&#8221; Roach said, explaining the thinking. &#8220;We expect there will be a lot of customers that will be new to Southwest, because, frankly, they&#8217;ve told us, &#8216;Once you go to assigned seating I&#8217;ll consider you.'&#8221;<\/p>\n<h3>What about Companion Pass?<\/h3>\n<p>Rapid Rewards members who earned the airline&#8217;s coveted Companion Pass will be able to extend their boarding, bag and seat selection privileges to their designated companion.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"jsx-2362441780\">Additional services in the Extra Legroom section?<\/h2>\n<p>Southwest executives have maintained the new Extra Legroom seats are not meant to resemble a full first-class cabin with hot meals and the like.<\/p>\n<p>But Roach told TPG the carrier <em>is<\/em> mulling some new, elevated benefits for its more spacious rows.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"jsx-1853040249 tpg-figure\">\n<div style=\"padding-top:0\" class=\"jsx-36530878 full-width-auto-height-image\"><span style=\"box-sizing:border-box;display:block;overflow:hidden;width:initial;height:initial;background:none;opacity:1;border:0;margin:0;padding:0;position:relative\"><span style=\"box-sizing:border-box;display:block;width:initial;height:initial;background:none;opacity:1;border:0;margin:0;padding:0;padding-top:66.6875%\"\/><img alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"responsive\" style=\"position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%\"\/><noscript><img alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"responsive\" style=\"position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%\" sizes=\"100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2024\/12\/20241220_Plane-Spotting-Assorted_SCudahy-44.jpg?width=640 640w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2024\/12\/20241220_Plane-Spotting-Assorted_SCudahy-44.jpg?width=750 750w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2024\/12\/20241220_Plane-Spotting-Assorted_SCudahy-44.jpg?width=828 828w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2024\/12\/20241220_Plane-Spotting-Assorted_SCudahy-44.jpg?width=1080 1080w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2024\/12\/20241220_Plane-Spotting-Assorted_SCudahy-44.jpg?width=1200 1200w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2024\/12\/20241220_Plane-Spotting-Assorted_SCudahy-44.jpg?width=1920 1920w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2024\/12\/20241220_Plane-Spotting-Assorted_SCudahy-44.jpg?width=2048 2048w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2024\/12\/20241220_Plane-Spotting-Assorted_SCudahy-44.jpg?width=3840 3840w\" src=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2024\/12\/20241220_Plane-Spotting-Assorted_SCudahy-44.jpg?width=3840\"\/><\/noscript><\/span><\/div><figcaption class=\"jsx-1853040249 figcaption\">A Southwest Airlines aircraft at the gate at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY). SEAN CUDAHY\/THE POINTS GUY<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&#8220;We are looking at things like enhanced snacks, a more elevated experience for customers that choose to buy the extra fare,&#8221; he said. &#8220;You can expect it to be not just extra-legroom seats, but come with something extra in all the soft products.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"no-restrictions-on-full-size-carry-ons\" class=\"jsx-2362441780 anchor\"\/><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"jsx-2362441780\">No restrictions on full-size carry-ons<\/h2>\n<p>Checked bag fees are a sizable change for customers, on their own. At least for now, Southwest is not implementing restrictions on full-size carry-on bags \u2014 something a handful of its competitors have done, historically, on basic economy fares (United Airlines still does it).<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We looked at it,&#8221; Roach said. &#8220;But it wasn&#8217;t something that we decided to do.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>So, if you&#8217;re not an A-List member, a cardholder and want to fly basic economy, you can always carry your bag onto the plane &#8230; assuming, of course, that everything inside meets the Transportation Security Administration&#8217;s<a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/airline\/tsa-liquid-311-rule\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> 3-1-1 liquids rules<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><b>Related reading:<\/b><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/news\/southwest-airlines-new-fares-extra-legroom-credit-cards\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>It&#8217;s been a dizzying few months for Southwest Airlines, from its shift away from open seating to its new checked bag fees that take effect next month. And the changes aren&#8217;t done. On Monday, the Dallas-based carrier announced a handful of new perks for its frequent flyers and credit card holders that&#8217;ll take effect once [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":165039,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-165038","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-travel"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/165038","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=165038"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/165038\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/165039"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=165038"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=165038"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=165038"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}