Southwest Airlines Unveils New Fares and and VIP Perks for Credit Cardholders

In an effort to meet the evolving needs of modern travelers, Southwest Airlines has unveiled a suite of new benefits and fare options, aimed at elevating the passenger experience.

Whether you’re a Rapid Rewards® Member, Credit Cardmember, or hold A-List status, there’s something new to love.

New Fare Options for Greater Flexibility

Starting in the third quarter of 2025, Southwest will launch its redesigned fare lineup: Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra. These new products replace the familiar Business Select, Anytime, and Wanna Get Away Plus fares.

The rollout will coincide with one of the airline’s biggest changes—the introduction of assigned and premium seating, offering more predictability and comfort to flyers.

Additionally, as of May 28, 2025, the popular Wanna Get Away fare will transition to become Southwest’s Basic fare, maintaining affordability while aligning with the new structure.

Exciting Perks for Southwest Credit Cardmembers

Southwest Credit Cardmembers are in for a serious upgrade. Alongside their current benefits, they will now enjoy:

• Seat selection, regardless of the fare type purchased
• Earlier boarding access
• First checked bag free for themselves and up to eight travel companions on the same reservation

These benefits enhance existing perks like inflight purchase discounts, bonus points on cardmember anniversaries, and an annual 10,000-point boost toward Companion Pass® qualification.

Enhanced Rewards for A-List and A-List Preferred Members

For loyal frequent flyers, Southwest is also expanding perks for A-List and A-List Preferred Tier Members. These travelers will receive:

• Preferred seating
• Earlier boarding privileges
• Complimentary checked bags for themselves and up to eight fellow passengers on the same reservation
• Upgraded inflight experiences

While checked bag benefits for both Tier Members and Credit Cardmembers take effect on May 28, seating and boarding enhancements will become available once Southwest begins selling assigned seating later in the year.

A New Era of Travel with Southwest

These sweeping changes signal a new chapter for Southwest Airlines—one where flexibility, loyalty, and customer experience come first. From revamped fare classes to exclusive benefits for cardholders and loyal members, the airline is making it easier and more enjoyable to fly.

To learn more about the new fare structure, Credit Cardmember perks, and Tier Member benefits, visit Southwest.com.