Southwest Airlines just extended its flight schedule through early January 2026, and if you’re a fan of the airline’s current fare structure, this might be your final opportunity to lock it in before major changes take effect.
Book Now, Fly Later — And Keep the Old Rules
With the schedule now open through January 5, 2026, travelers can book holiday flights, winter getaways, and early 2026 trips. But here’s the catch: after May 28, 2025, Southwest is rolling out major changes to its fare types and passenger perks.
The familiar Wanna Get Away fares will be retired for bookings made after that date. In their place, Southwest will introduce a basic fare with more restrictions and fewer built-in benefits.
One of the most notable losses? The end of two free checked bags for everyone. Starting with bookings made on or after May 28:
- Customers with Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred status and those flying on Business Select fares will still be allowed to check two bags for free.
- A-List members and Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card holders will be allowed one free checked bag.
- All other passengers must pay for checked bags, marking a big shift from the airline’s long-standing “bags fly free” policy.
So if you’ve got travel plans for later this year—or into early 2026—booking now means you’ll lock in the current terms, including:
- Two free checked bags
- No change fees
- Open seating (for now)
Open Seating Will Stick Around… For Now
Southwest has confirmed that its signature open seating policy will continue at least into 2026. That decision likely stems from the logistical nightmare of switching to assigned seating when travelers have already booked under the open seating model.
However, the boarding process is also getting a makeover. According to a recent announcement, the familiar “line up by boarding position” process will eventually be replaced. Southwest plans to introduce nine distinct boarding groups, aiming to make the process more orderly and align with how other major airlines board passengers.
Final Thoughts
This schedule extension isn’t just another batch of new flights—it may be your last chance to experience Southwest under the rules we’ve known and loved. If you appreciate the flexibility, simplicity, and value Southwest has offered, now’s the time to book.
As always, flights booked with points are fully refundable, and cash fares can be changed or canceled without fees—so there’s little downside to locking in travel under the current rules before they’re gone.
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1 comment
I predict that the imbeciles running/ruining Southwest will regret what they are doing to Southwest.