Southwest Airlines is introducing significant changes to its fare structure and related benefits, with updates rolling out in two key phases. The transition begins May 28, 2025 with the launch of the highly restrictive Basic fare and updates to the baggage policy and flight credits policy, followed by the rollout of additional upgraded fare options and assigned seating later in the year. Travelers who book university-sponsored travel should review these updates carefully, as they may impact fare eligibility, reimbursement policies, and booking procedures.
Changes to fare class, checked bag policy, and flight credits on May 28
The Wanna Get Away® fare class will be replaced by the Basic fare. Basic is a highly restrictive airfare that may not allow any changes under any circumstance, and may lead to financial loss. For these reasons, the university does not recommend purchasing this fare type, so these lower cost, high risk fares will not be displayed in the Stanford Travel booking options. For guidance on selecting the appropriate fare, visit the Airfare page.
Southwest Airlines will introduce checked bag fees for most fare types, with exceptions based on fare class and traveler status. Reservations booked, ticketed, or changed before that date will remain eligible for two free checked bags under the current policy. After May 28, checked baggage fees will apply to most fares, though some travelers will still qualify for waived fees under specific conditions.
Bag fee pricing details will be released closer to the implementation date, and cardmembers will also see updated seating and boarding perks aligned with the upcoming assigned seating model. For Stanford travelers on university-sponsored business, a checked bag is a permissible expense as an ancillary airline fee.
Southwest Airlines will implement a new policy regarding flight credits, marking a shift from its current no-expiration policy.
- Flight credits issued from reservations booked or changed on or before May 27, 2025, will continue to have no expiration date, preserving the flexibility many travelers have relied on.
- However, any flight credits created from reservations booked or modified on or after May 28, 2025, will come with a set expiration date, by which all travel must be completed.
New fare types and benefits restructured beginning in Fall 2025
On April 28, Southwest Airlines announced that it is updating its fare structure to offer more defined travel options; the new fare bundles—Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra—will replace the airline’s current lineup and introduce differences in seating, flexibility, boarding order, and rewards.
The other new fare bundles will launch in early fall, aligning with the introduction of assigned and premium seating. Customers can expect to start booking flights with assigned seats in early fall 2025 for travel beginning in early 2026.
Key details are outlined below:
The following three fare types (Choice Extra, Choice Preferred, and Choice) are typically permissible fares under Business Expense guidance, as they provide flexibility and allow for changes.
- Business Select® will become Choice Extra and includes the ability to select an Extra Legroom seat at the time of booking, two checked bags for free (weight and size limits apply), earlier boarding, ticket refundability, day-of travel perks, and the highest Rapid Rewards® points earn ratio.
- Anytime will become Choice Preferred and includes the ability to select a Preferred seat at the time of booking, earlier boarding, ticket refundability, and day-of travel perks similar to those of Choice Extra.
- Wanna Get Away Plus® will become Choice and includes the ability to select a Standard seat at the time of booking, Transferable Flight Credit, and flexibility to make same-day changes.
This fare type is not recommended by the university.
- Travelers who purchase Basic will have a Standard seat assigned at check-in, this fare is nonrefundable and will not allow for changes.
Please note that these updates are subject to change. The Travel team will keep you updated about further changes as needed.
