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Southwest Airlines currently offers Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred and Choice Extra fares. Southwest Airlines Flights departing from January 27, 2026 use assigned seating with Standard, Preferred and Extra Legroom options. Travelers can book flights, select eligible seats, manage reservations and compare fare benefits through Southwest.
When making a Southwest Airlines Booking, compare fares by flexibility, seat type, boarding group, baggage benefits and Rapid Rewards® earnings. Also check the fare rules and total price before booking.
On a Southwest Airlines reservation, you can compare flights, fares and seat options for your selected route and travel dates. The process is similar to making other flight reservations, but available fares, seats and benefits depend on the itinerary.
When making a reservation, review:
For international travel, check the itinerary, operating carrier and destination entry requirements before booking. Bring the required passport and travel documents.
For international flights, depending on the destination, there may be passport and document checks. Southwest’s current check-in cutoff is generally 60 minutes before departure (75 minutes for Aruba departures).
Southwest began assigning seats on flights beginning Jan. 27, 2026. The current fare structure is Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred and Choice Extra. The seats are Standard, Preferred and Extra Legroom.
The older open-seating system and related products such as EarlyBird Check-In no longer apply to current flights. Anytime and Business Select are former fare names, not current Southwest fare options.
Southwest’s fare types now are Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred and Choice Extra. Each fare provides different benefits for seating, boarding, flexibility, baggage and Rapid Rewards.
| Fare | Seat | Boarding | Key benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | Standard seat assigned at check-in | Group 8 | Lowest fare; 2X Rapid Rewards points |
| Choice | Standard seat at booking | General boarding; group depends on seat and applicable benefits | Flight changes; 6X points |
| Choice Preferred | Preferred or Standard seat | Groups 3-4 | Refundable under applicable rules; 10X points |
| Choice Extra | Extra Legroom or another available seat | Group 1 | Two free checked bags; 14X points |
Boarding groups can also be affected by Rapid Rewards tier status, qualifying credit card benefits, seat type and cabin location.
For more information about Southwest Airlines unaccompanied minor age requirements and available services, contact Unicorntravelz for assistance with your travel arrangements.
| What you want | Fare to consider |
|---|---|
| Lowest upfront fare | Basic |
| Standard seat selection | Choice |
| Preferred seat and refundability | Choice Preferred |
| Extra Legroom and two free checked bags | Choice Extra |
Current seat types are Standard, Preferred and Extra Legroom.
Southwest currently uses boarding Groups 1 through 8. Boarding priority can depend on fare, seat type and location, Rapid Rewards status and qualifying credit card benefits.
Under the current standard boarding structure:
A-List Preferred members get a jump on Group 1 boarding, and A-List members get Group 1. Eligible Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers can receive Group 5 or an earlier group when another qualifying benefit gives them higher priority.
For Southwest Airlines flight deals, travelers can check current promotional fares, flexible-date options and vacation package offers. Promotions are only valid on certain routes, travel dates and applicable fares.
When searching for Southwest cheap flights you can also compare flexible travel dates and use Southwest’s Low Fare Calendar. The lowest advertised fare may not provide the lowest overall trip cost after considering seats, baggage and other applicable charges.
As of October 8, 2026, Southwest is providing up to 40% off base fares on select flights booked by October 8, 2026 for eligible travel from October 26, 2026 through March 3, 2027.
Southwest Getaways offers up to $250 off on selected domestic vacation packages, or up to $500 off on selected international vacation packages. Offer conditions, eligible packages, dates and other restrictions apply.
These are savings on vacation packages, not the standard individual Southwest flight fare savings.
If comparing Southwest flight deals, review booking dates, travel dates, destinations, package requirements and restrictions.
Southwest baggage fees depend on fare, travel date, Rapid Rewards status, credit card benefits and applicable exceptions.
For applicable U.S. Mainland travel booked, ticketed and/or changed on or after April 9, 2026:
| Fare | 1st checked bag | 2nd checked bag |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $45 | $55 |
| Choice | $45 | $55 |
| Choice Preferred | $45 | $55 |
| Choice Extra | Free | Free |
Southwest’s website and app permit check-in online 24 hours prior to the original scheduled departure.
Partner itineraries can have different procedures. So, check which airline is operating the first flight and follow their check-in procedures.
Southwest Airlines Manage Booking options allow travelers to review an itinerary, available seat options, eligible changes and applicable fare differences.
If you need to manage your reservation, you can:
Southwest Airlines ticket changes are subject to fare rules and itinerary conditions.
Same-day confirmed change permits an eligible traveller to change to an earlier or later flight on the same calendar day between the same origin and destination airports if the applicable conditions are met.
Southwest Early Bird Check-In was a legacy product that was tied to Southwest’s old open seating boarding process. It was on flights on or before January 26, 2026.
When comparing Southwest fares, consider:
Compare travel dates and the final price before booking. Southwest Low Fare Calendar and available fares can change.
Check out all airline policies, baggage fees, and unaccompanied minor rules before booking your flight to ensure an effortless journey.