Southwest Airlines, in addition to replacing its Wanna
Get Away fare with Basic beginning May 28—which is also the same date the
carrier begins to charge for checked bags—will rebrand its remaining fare
bundles as the airline prepares to add seat assignments, Southwest announced
Monday.
The new fare products will be available for sale "in
the third quarter of 2025," according to the carrier.
Choice Extra will replace Business Select and allow for
selection of an extra legroom seat, or any seat, and early boarding. Choice
Preferred will replace Anytime and allow for selection of a preferred seat, or
any standard seat, and early general boarding. Choice will replace Wanna Get
Away Plus and allow for selection of a standard seat in back which can be
selected at the time of booking, and general boarding. The Basic fare launching
next month allows for a standard seat that will be assigned at check-in and
will board last, according to the carrier.
Southwest also is adding new benefits to its Southwest Rapid
Rewards loyalty program. A-List and A-List Preferred tier members will receive
preferred seating, earlier boarding, and a free checked bag for A-List members
and two free checked bags for A-List Preferred members. The baggage benefit
begins May 28; the remaining benefits will roll out when the carrier begins to
sell and operate assigned seating.
Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card holders also will
be able to select their seat, regardless of fare type purchased, and will
receive earlier boarding. Their first checked bag will be free, unless they've
purchased a Business Select/Choice Extra fare, which comes with two free
checked bags.