186 | New Rules, Same Free Perks? How to Outsmart Southwest’s Changes
Description
Southwest Airlines is shaking things up—starting with assigned seating in January 2026 and a new policy that could mean paying for checked bags. 😲
But don’t panic! In this episode, I’ll walk you through exactly what’s changing, what’s not changing, and most importantly—how you can still get your checked bags free and snag a great seat without paying extra.
We’ll cover:
- ✈️ How to navigate the new bag fee rules
- 🧳 The trick to keeping your checked bags FREE
- 💺 What assigned seating really means—and how to get the best spot
- 💡 My insider tips to make the most of Southwest’s evolving policies
If you love flying Southwest (like I do!) and want to keep the perks you’ve always enjoyed, this episode is a must-listen.
Want to travel more—without the stress, the endless Googling or overpaying for flights and hotels?
Join me inside my Secrets of a Travel Journalist Club, where I’m pulling back the curtain on 25+ years of insider travel know-how to help you fly smarter, score luxury perks and unlock unforgettable experiences for less.
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RESOURCES:
See the complete list of Southwest's changes here: https://www.southwest.com/customer-enhancements/assigned-seating/
United States
