Empire State Review Team 
Southwest Airlines Introduces New Fare Bundles for 2025
DALLAS – This week, Southwest Airlines announced the launch of new fare bundles as part of their ongoing transformation and preparation for significant policy changes expected in the near future.
Overview of New Fare Bundles
Beginning in the third quarter of 2025, Southwest will start offering a range of fare bundles to enhance customer choice, with flights set to commence in 2026. The new options include:
- Choice Extra: Featuring extra legroom, early boarding, two complimentary checked bags, in-flight internet, and more.
- Choice Preferred: Includes early boarding and access to preferred seating during booking.
- Choice: Offers general boarding with a standard seat assignment, typically in the rear of the aircraft.
- Basic: The most economical option, which assigns a seat during check-in with last boarding privileges. This tier is set to replace the existing “Wanna Get Away” fares.
Executive Insights
In a statement, Tony Roach, Southwest’s Executive Vice President of Customer & Brand, emphasized, “With new choices like seat selection and extra legroom, our enhanced fare bundles let customers customize their trip while still enjoying our industry-leading reliability and hospitality.”
Changes to Baggage Policy
In conjunction with the new fare structure, Southwest Airlines is altering its checked baggage policy. Effective for bookings made after May 28, 2025, customers will be required to pay fees for checked bags, marking a significant shift from the airline’s long-standing policy of offering two free checked bags.
The details regarding the fee for checked baggage are still forthcoming; however, the airline indicated it will reflect industry standards.
Seating Policy Updates
As part of its fare bundle rollout, Southwest will introduce assigned and premium seating beginning in late 2025, transitioning away from its historically open seating policy.
Company Restructuring
Earlier this year, Southwest Airlines announced plans to cut approximately 1,750 jobs, representing 15% of its corporate workforce. This is part of a larger strategy to streamline operations and create a more efficient organizational structure.
Bob Jordan, the airline’s CEO, described this initiative as essential for “transformation into a leaner, faster, and more agile organization.”
