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.
Continue reading: Southwest Updates Elite Status & Credit Card Perks For Bags, Seats
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
I know other guests on the same reso can get bags, will the same thing apply to seats for those with credit cards?
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?
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.
Are you able to stack a free checked bag with credit card combined with A-List status to get two free bags?
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.
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.
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.
you are absolutely right. This is my first year with the Priority card and bought into the card "paying for itself".
My big question is how same day confirmed flight change will work. That is my favorite A-List benefit.
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:-(
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?
Will two checked bags still apply for tickets purchased while that was the policy?
I'll answer my own question. From their website:
"For reservations booked or changed on or after May 28, 2025, checked baggage fees will apply. Learn about changes to our bag policy."
So by booking/change date. Will be fun to see what happens with involuntary changes.
Wow Ben, are you sure A-List and premium cardholders can select seats even if they book Basic Economy? And if so, can you point me to where that info comes from? All I can see is the graphic about Basic Economy that says "assigned at check-in" whereas the Choice fares say you can "select" a seat. I sure hope you're right!
Do you need to make the booking with the card to get these perks? Or if you’re a cardholder you get the benefits automatically?