Free checked bags and seat selection: How the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card can save you money on every trip
Southwest Airlines is changing the way its passengers fly. Starting Jan. 27, 2026, the airline will operate with assigned seating, allowing travelers to select their seats before departure. It's a significant change for Southwest regulars used to open boarding, and it means certain seats will come at a premium.
That's where the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card (see rates and fees) comes in. Its travel benefits include complimentary seat selection, complimentary seat upgrades and a checked bag included on every journey.
Benefits that elevate every flight
The Priority card's refreshed perks pair perfectly with Southwest's updated seating system, giving cardmembers more control, comfort and convenience.
Cardmembers could receive an average of $290 in travel value per round trip with these benefits:
- Complimentary Preferred seat selection at booking: Choose a Preferred seat in the front half of the cabin, when available, as you book your flight (average value of $70 per seat round-trip).
- Extra Legroom seat upgrades: Select an upgraded seat within 48 hours of departure, when available, and enjoy up to 5 additional inches of legroom (average value of $150 per seat round-trip).
- First checked bag free: Check one bag each for you and up to eight companions on the same reservation at no additional cost (save up to $35 per bag, per trip).
- Early boarding: Board with Group 5, giving you earlier access to overhead bins.
- Accelerated earning power: Earn 4 points per dollar spent on Southwest Airlines purchases and 2 points per dollar spent at gas stations and restaurants, with no earning cap. (Earn 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.)
When you combine these benefits with Southwest's assigned seating model, the Priority card becomes one of the easiest ways to enjoy a more comfortable flight and still come out ahead on value.
Classic benefits that still deliver
Beyond these perks, the Priority card has kept the long-standing features Southwest travelers already love:
- 7,500 anniversary points each year that you can use toward your next trip
- 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points each year to bring you closer to earning the coveted Companion Pass
- 2,500 tier qualifying points for every $5,000 spent annually, helping you reach A-List status faster
- 25% back on inflight purchases, including drinks and snacks
- No points expiration, plus no blackout dates on award flights
These benefits can make the card valuable each year.
How the Priority card compares to other Southwest cards
All the Southwest cards — including the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card and the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card — have received updates alongside the airline's seating transformation.
Each now includes a first checked bag free (for you and up to eight passengers on the same reservation) along with seating and boarding benefits for added comfort.
However, the Priority card stands out as the most rewarding option. According to our review, it delivers the best combination of perks, earning power and real-world travel value.
Who the Southwest Priority card is for
The Southwest Priority card is ideal for:
- Frequent Southwest flyers who want Preferred or Extra Legroom seats without paying extra
- Couples, families or friends who benefit from free checked bags and being seated together
- Travelers new to Southwest who want a more premium experience
With Southwest's pricing structure for seats, these built-in benefits can help cardmembers stay ahead of rising travel costs.
Bottom line
Southwest's move to assigned seating marks one of the biggest transformations in its history, and the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card can be the perfect tool to take advantage of it.
With upgraded seating options, accelerated earning rates and flexible redemptions, the Priority offers real comfort and value that travelers can see from their very first Southwest flight.
Learn more: Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card
Credit cards are issued by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. Accounts subject to credit approval. Restrictions and limitations apply. Offer is subject to change.
Terms apply. Seat selection is subject to availability. Weight and Size limits apply. A fee of $35 per checked bag, per trip applies. Preferred seat selection at booking provides an average value of $35 per seat, per flight. Extra Legroom seat upgrades are available within 48 hours prior to departure and are valued (on average) at $75 per seat, per flight. Seat selection and upgrades are subject to availability. Seat value is based on the average seat price for published fares from July 29 to August 28, 2025. Seat price varies based on factors such as destination and demand. Companion Pass is the benefit that lets a friend fly with you free of airline charges for a year. (Does not include taxes and fees from $5.60 one-way.) Visit Southwest.com/rrterms for a complete list of Companion Pass® rules.