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Southwest Airlines has ended its "Bags Fly Free" policy and now charges for most checked luggage.

The airline will replace its open seating policy with assigned and premium seating in January 2026.

Southwest has introduced new fare bundles, changed its Rapid Rewards point structure, and added red-eye flights.

Travelers who only fly during the fall and winter holidays might notice that the Southwest Airlines flying experience has changed dramatically.

Since last Christmas, the airline ended its Bags Fly Free policy in May and began charging for checked luggage . It also reclassified its cheapest Wanna Get Away fare as a Basic fare with more restrictions and reduced Rapid Rewards Point accrual . Southwest also laid off thousands of workers .

Southwe

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