What we know about the shocking changes from Southwest — and what you should do now

It's a tough news day for Southwest Airlines loyalists. We thought the worst was over when Southwest announced an end to its open-seating policy last summer, but we were wrong — Southwest has now announced an end to its beloved free-checked-bags policy.

The announcement also includes other changes, such as a new "Basic" fare option, dynamic pricing for award tickets and the return of expiration dates for flight credits.

Here's what we know and what you can do to lessen the blow.

Checked bag fees

The biggest shocker for Southwest loyalists is the end of the airline's policy of two free checked bags for everyone. After May 28, only A-List Preferred elite members and those traveling on Business Select fares will receive two free checked bags.

A-List elite members, credit card holders and "other select Customers" will receive one free checked bag, and all remaining customers will need to pay for their checked bags.

Related: Comparing the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority, Premier and Plus credit cards

Basic fare replaces Wanna Get Away

Another major piece of the announcement is that Southwest will add a new Basic fare. This will replace the current Wanna Get Away fare and strip down the perks budget-minded travelers have loved.

Southwest already took a step in this direction last week, slashing Rapid Rewards earnings on this lowest fare by two-thirds. Now, the full details of the new fare are available.

If you purchase a Basic fare, it will not be eligible for changes — though it can still be canceled for free, as long as you do it at least 10 minutes prior to departure. In addition, Basic travelers will not be eligible for free same-day changes (currently an option by paying any applicable fare difference), nor can they request complimentary same-day standby.

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Read more: Southwest Airlines slashes Rapid Rewards earnings: Is it a bad sign for customers?

Expiration of flight credits

Southwest made headlines in July 2022 for being the first airline to eliminate expiration dates for its flight credits, adding one more reason for customers to choose Southwest over other airlines.

But now, that customer-friendly feature is being walked back. Flight credits issued on or after May 28 will expire in 12 months for Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime and Business Select fares — and in just six months for the new Basic fare class.

What we don't know

Even with these changes, it's too early to have all the details of what flying with Southwest will look like in the future. Southwest has not yet shared what it will charge for checked bags or what (if any) additional benefits will be added for Southwest credit card holders aside from a free checked bag.

Southwest has also said that it will add "variable" redemption pricing for Rapid Rewards award flights, but we don't yet know exactly what that will look like. It's worth noting that redeeming Rapid Rewards points is already variable, with award rates that rise (and fall) with the ticket's paid price — so it remains to be seen what this means for customers.

How you can prepare now

Perhaps the one silver lining in this announcement is that customers are getting more than 2 1/2 months' worth of notice. That gives you time to plan accordingly — so here are a few things to consider.

Book your travel before May 28

Many of these changes go into effect for travel booked on or after May 28, so if you've been eyeing a Southwest flight for a trip later this year, try to lock in those travel plans ahead of that date. Flights booked before May 28 — even for future travel — will still come with two free checked bags, and you should still be eligible for free changes by booking a Wanna Get Away fare.

Get a Southwest cobranded credit card

If you want the option to check a bag for free without having to pay for a ticket in a higher fare class, holding a credit card is the only insurance you'll have moving forward. And now is a great time to add a Southwest credit card to your wallet since they have some solid limited-time welcome offers.

Related: Earn a Companion Pass plus 30,000 points with these Southwest card offers

Share your frustrations with Southwest

If these changes are making you reconsider your loyalty to Southwest, share that feedback directly with the carrier. We have seen instances where airlines have rolled back major overhauls of their loyalty programs (Delta Air Lines immediately comes to mind), so if enough frustrated customers reach out, there's a chance these changes will be softened — at least partially.

Bottom line

Southwest has announced some major changes, including charging for checked bags, more variable award pricing, a new Basic fare class and the return of flight credit expirations. It's a sad day for Southwest loyalists, but you can take action by adding a Southwest cobranded card to your wallet and solidifying your travel plans before these changes go into effect May 28.