Latest news with #AListPreferred
Forbes
6 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Southwest's New Assigned Seating: What Travelers Need To Know
Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations. Starting January 27, 2026, Southwest passengers will be assigned seats, ending the chaotic scramble of its current open seating plan. The ability to choose your seat opens July 29, 2025, for flights departing in 2026 and beyond. The changes aren't limited to seat assignments. Boarding groups will move from the familiar A-B-C model to a numbered Group 1 through Group 8 system. For many, that will mean fewer gate-side negotiations and less passive-aggressive jockeying for position. For others, it will mean your seat is locked in at either booking or check-in, whether you like it or not. What Changes for Those With Southwest Status? Quite a Bit If you fly Southwest frequently, earning status can significantly enhance your experience. Both A-List and A-List Preferred members get early boarding (no later than Group 5), same-day standby access, and priority lanes at check-in and security. But A-List Preferred takes things further. A-List Preferred members can select Extra Legroom seats at booking, enjoy free inflight Wi-Fi, and get two free premium in-flight drinks. They also earn double the points on eligible flights and get both checked bags free. A-List members, by comparison, get one free checked bag and can only move into Extra Legroom seats if space is available 48 hours before departure. If you value comfort, perks, and points, A-List Preferred may be worth aiming for, especially if you travel with Southwest frequently. Here's What's Changing for Southwest Cardholders Starting in 2025, Southwest credit cards come with new travel perks that go beyond earning points. All cardholders will get one free checked bag, not just for themselves but for up to eight people on the same reservation—just make sure your Rapid Rewards number is added at booking. Seating perks also get a boost: Plus cardholders can select a Standard seat within 48 hours of departure on any fare when available Premier cardholders can choose a Standard or Preferred seat within 48 hours of departure on any fare when available Priority and Performance Business cardholders can select Standard or Preferred seats at booking on any fare, and even upgrade to Extra Legroom 48 hours of departure on any fare, if it's still available The top-tier Premier Business, Priority and Performance Business cards also help you earn status faster, with up to 2,000 or 2,500 Tier Qualifying Points per $5,000 spent starting late summer 2025 depending on the product. In short: your card now helps you board earlier, sit better, and earn more. Featured Partner Offers Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card Apply Now → Apply Now On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website Welcome Bonus Earn 50,000 bonus points. Annual Fee $149 Credit Score Good, Excellent Regular APR 20.49% - 27.49% Variable Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed. Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card Apply Now → Apply Now On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website Welcome Bonus Earn 50,000 bonus points. Annual Fee $69 Credit Score Good, Excellent Regular APR 20.49% - 27.49% Variable Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed. Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Thinking About a Southwest Credit Card? Here's What To Know If you fly Southwest often, one of their co-branded credit cards could help you earn rewards faster and unlock added travel perks. Each card offers different benefits, depending on how much you travel and what you value most. The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card has the highest annual fee at $149, but it also comes with the most perks. You'll get a $75 annual travel credit, four upgraded boardings per year when available (expected to be removed for flights after January 27, 2026), and 7,500 anniversary points. The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card has the lowest annual fee of $69 and still includes key perks like a free checked bag for you and up to eight companions on the same reservation, 3,000 anniversary points, and two EarlyBird Check-Ins per year (expected to be removed for flights after January 27, 2026). It does charge foreign transaction fees, which may be a drawback for international travelers. The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card* sits in the middle with a $99 annual fee. It offers 6,000 anniversary points, no foreign transaction fees, and access to seat selection 48 hours before departure (starting July 29, 2025 for flights taking off January 27, 2026 or later). You'll also earn points toward A-List status and the Companion Pass. With Southwest's new assigned seating model, understanding how seat selection works has never been more important; especially if you want to avoid being stuck in a middle seat near the lavatory.
Daily Mail
28-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Southwest reveals new cost of checked luggage
By Southwest Airlines will soon be charging travelers $35 for one checked bag and $45 for two, bringing an end to the company's free baggage policy . The move will take effect tomorrow months after the airline confirmed it would end 'bags fly free' policy by charging some customers to help boost earnings. Southwest was the only major US carrier that allowed customers to check in two bags at no cost. The airline said it will continue to offer two free checked bags to loyal customers with the A-List Preferred status and to passengers that pay the most premium fare. Customers with the lower loyalty status, A-List, will get one free checked bag. The carrier will also credit one checked bag for passengers who hold its co-branded credit card. Southwest withdrew its financial forecast for the year over uncertainties from President Donald Trump's trade war. Following the price announcement, fliers expressed their fury and annoyance over the changes in a Reddit post created by a former Southwest employee. 'Good bye Southwest. Audios. Hasta la vista. That means good bye,' a flier wrote. 'I'm A-List Preferred and this is sickening to me. 'Plus imagine how many extra carry-on bags are gonna be tried to be taken on the plane now, slowing down boarding considerably,' another person responded. Members of the airline's 'A-List' and 'A-List Prefered' programs will still be able to enjoy some free bag perks. The airline, which has built a brand offering a no-frills, customer-focused experiences, has also announced other changes. Southwest is launching a basic economy fare to remain competitive with other major airlines. It's also launching dynamic pricing models for its rewards program, tracking how much money repeat customers spend on tickets instead of miles traveled. 'We have tremendous opportunity to meet current and future customer needs,' Bob Jordan, the brand's CEO, said. 'We will do all this while remaining focused on what's made us strong — our People and the authentic, friendly, and award-winning customer service only they can provide.' Southwest's announcement comes amid increased pressure from activist investors , particularly Elliott Investment Management who want to push it to cut costs and boost profits. It also laid off 1,750 corporate jobs as part of a restructuring effort. The mass layoff was the first in the company's history. The end of free bags comes after cuts to routes last year — plus the axing of other perks. In September, Southwest cut almost a third of its flights to and from Atlanta in a blow to the city and staff based there. In September, Southwest also said it is axing its popular open seating policy after half a century. Instead, it will soon charge passengers a fee to pick a seat. The end of the iconic 'bags fly free' perk was first mooted last year, but bosses denied the rumors. Southwest, which once boasted a record 47 consecutive years of profit prior to the pandemic, is struggling to regain sustained profitability. A report out earlier this year showed how airlines including Delta, United and American pocketed a staggering $33.3 billion from just baggage fees last year - a sharp 15 percent rise from $29 billion in 2022. This sum is solely made up of fees from larger carry-on bags, standard checked baggage fees, and fines for overweight or extra large checked bags and accounted for 4.1 percent of global airline revenue last year. Meanwhile, in January there was backlash against Southwest for letting able-bodied flyers use wheelchair assistance to board early.
Daily Mail
27-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Southwest reveals new cost of checking luggage... and fliers are FURIOUS: 'It's the end of the world
Southwest Airlines will soon be charging travelers $35 for one checked bag and $45 for two, bringing an end to the company's free baggage policy. The move will take effect tomorrow months after the airline confirmed it would end 'bags fly free' policy by charging some customers to help boost earnings. Southwest was the only major US carrier that allowed customers to check in two bags at no cost. The airline said it will continue to offer two free checked bags to loyal customers with the A-List Preferred status and to passengers that pay the most premium fare. Customers with the lower loyalty status, A-List, will get one free checked bag. The carrier will also credit one checked bag for passengers who hold its co-branded credit card. Southwest withdrew its financial forecast for the year over uncertainties from President Donald Trump's trade war. Following the price announcement, fliers expressed their fury and annoyance over the changes in a Reddit post created by a former Southwest employee. 'Good bye Southwest. Audios. Hasta la vista. That means good bye,' a flier wrote. 'I'm A-List Preferred and this is sickening to me. 'Plus imagine how many extra carry-on bags are gonna be tried to be taken on the plane now, slowing down boarding considerably,' another person responded. Members of the airline's 'A-List' and 'A-List Prefered' programs will still be able to enjoy some free bag perks. The airline, which has built a brand offering a no-frills, customer-focused experiences, has also announced other changes. Southwest is launching a basic economy fare to remain competitive with other major airlines. It's also launching dynamic pricing models for its rewards program, tracking how much money repeat customers spend on tickets instead of miles traveled. 'We have tremendous opportunity to meet current and future customer needs,' Bob Jordan, the brand's CEO, said. 'We will do all this while remaining focused on what's made us strong — our People and the authentic, friendly, and award-winning customer service only they can provide.' Social media users are furious and annoyed over the new rules and insist they will no longer fly Southwest because of it Southwest's announcement comes amid increased pressure from activist investors, particularly Elliott Investment Management who want to push it to cut costs and boost profits. It also laid off 1,750 corporate jobs as part of a restructuring effort. The mass layoff was the first in the company's history. The end of free bags comes after cuts to routes last year — plus the axing of other perks. In September, Southwest cut almost a third of its flights to and from Atlanta in a blow to the city and staff based there. In September, Southwest also said it is axing its popular open seating policy after half a century. Instead, it will soon charge passengers a fee to pick a seat. The end of the iconic 'bags fly free' perk was first mooted last year, but bosses denied the rumors. Southwest, which once boasted a record 47 consecutive years of profit prior to the pandemic, is struggling to regain sustained profitability. A report out earlier this year showed how airlines including Delta, United and American pocketed a staggering $33.3 billion from just baggage fees last year - a sharp 15 percent rise from $29 billion in 2022. This sum is solely made up of fees from larger carry-on bags, standard checked baggage fees, and fines for overweight or extra large checked bags and accounted for 4.1 percent of global airline revenue last year. Meanwhile, in January there was backlash against Southwest for letting able-bodied flyers use wheelchair assistance to board early. A passenger tweeted that he had counted 30 people get early boarding after lining up in wheelchairs. But only two needed them to disembark, he wrote - suggesting 28 passengers has either been cured on the flight or were gaming the system.
