Southwest Airlines Travel Assistance
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Southwest Airlines OVERVIEW
About Southwest Airlines
Hub
Point-to-point network with major bases at Dallas Love, Denver, Las Vegas, Chicago Midway, Baltimore, and Phoenix, among others
Alliance
None (Independent, not part of IAG/oneworld)
Loyalty Program
Rapid Rewards
Founded
1967 (as Air Southwest; first flights in 1971)
Fleet Size
About 800 Boeing 737s (all-737 fleet)
Destinations
Over 100 in the U.S., Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean
Southwest Airlines Guide
Southwest Airlines is a leading U.S. low-fare carrier. That’s gone, and for decades it was known for open seating and free checked bags. It is now a lot closer to other airlines on seating and baggage but still has some flexibility.
Seating
On January 27, 2026, assigned seating replaced open seating. There were three types of seats:
- Standard: Situated at the rear of the cabin.
- Preferred: Situated toward the front of the cabin.
- Extra Legroom: Exit Rows provide about 3-5 more inches of legroom.
Fare Types
There are four types of fares:
- Basic: The lowest fare. You get a Standard seat assignment at check-in, the last boarding group, and 2x Rapid Rewards points per dollar.
- Choice: Select a normal seat at booking and get 6x points per dollar.
- Choice Preferred: Choose a preferred seat at booking and get 10x points per dollar.
- Choice Extra: You can choose any seat, including Extra Legroom, and get early boarding, two free checked bags, and 14x points per dollar.
All fares include carry-on bags. Southwest Airlines ended its "bags fly free" policy May 28, 2025, and started charging $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second. One 2026 source lists higher fees of $45 and $55, so check current amounts when you book. Choice Extra fares, A-List Preferred members (two bags), and A-List members and Rapid Rewards credit card members (one bag) still receive free checked bags.
Rapid Rewards
The Southwest Airlines loyalty program is called Rapid Rewards, and its points never expire and have no blackout dates. The Companion Pass lets you pick someone to fly on your flights for only taxes and fees, starting at $5.60 each way, for up to two years. Companion Pass holders may share their boarding, bag, and seat selection privileges with their designated companion.
Benefits of Credit Cards
The new fees make co-branded Southwest Airlines cards even more important now. Each card offers at least one free checked bag for the cardholder and up to 8 guests on the same reservation, early seat selection, and a jump start on the Companion Pass.