Southwest Airlines has announced significant changes effective May 28, 2025, including modifications to its baggage policy and fare structure. Here's what you need to know about Southwest's credit card benefits and recent changes.

Key Policy Changes (Effective May 28, 2025):

• Two free bags policy ends (except for elite status members, Business Select flyers, and Rapid Rewards credit cardholders)
• New Basic fare replaces Wanna Get Away fares (earning 2 points per dollar)
• Flight credits expire after one year (six months for Basic tickets)
• Seat assignments and extra-legroom seats coming in 2026

Southwest Credit Card Options:

• Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card ($69 annual fee)
• Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card ($99 annual fee)
• Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card ($149 annual fee)

Rewards Structure:

• Plus Card: 2x points on Southwest purchases
• Premier and Priority Cards: 3x points on Southwest purchases
• All cards earn 2x points on:
  • Hotel and car rental partner purchases
  • Local transit and commuting
  • Internet, cable, phone, and select streaming
  • 1x points on all other purchases

Anniversary Bonuses:

• Plus Card: 3,000 points
• Premier Card: 6,000 points
• Priority Card: 7,500 points

Elite Status Benefits:

• Cards help earn Companion Pass through sign-up bonuses
• Premier and Priority cards earn tier-qualifying points for A-List status
• A-List status includes priority boarding, bonus points, and same-day standby

Additional Card Benefits:

• No foreign transaction fees (Premier and Priority cards)
• EarlyBird Check-In (Plus and Premier cards)
• Upgraded boardings (Priority card)
• 20% back on in-flight purchases
• $75 annual Southwest credit (Priority card only)

Points are valued at approximately 1.5 cents each and can be redeemed for flights, hotels, rental cars, and other travel experiences.

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