Southwest Airlines remains one of the most recognizable names in U.S. aviation, known for its friendly service, competitive fares, and a long history of traveler-friendly policies. Over the years, the airline developed a unique identity built on simplicity and value. But the company has also been undergoing major changes, modernizing its model, adjusting fees, revising baggage rules, and transitioning its long-standing open-seating system to assigned seats. For travelers, this means more options — and more details to understand when planning a trip.
This article breaks down everything you need to know about Southwest in 2025, including its flight network, customer service experience, baggage allowances, onboard Wi-Fi, job opportunities, and answers to common traveler questions. The goal is to help you navigate the airline’s new policies confidently and determine whether Southwest is the right choice for your travel needs.
Southwest Airlines Today: A Quick Overview
Southwest was founded in 1967 and built around a point-to-point model rather than the hub-and-spoke operations used by many major airlines. This allowed the airline to run fast turnarounds and offer frequent flights with a simple fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft.
In recent years, Southwest has made several changes designed to modernize the passenger experience. These include updated fare bundles, seat selection options, revised baggage rules, expanded Wi-Fi, and a greater focus on loyalty perks. Even with these changes, the airline still prioritizes approachable service and straightforward pricing — although passengers now need to pay closer attention to fare details when booking.
Where Southwest Airlines Flies
Southwest maintains one of the largest domestic networks in the United States. Its route map covers major cities, regional airports, vacation destinations, and high-frequency business routes. The airline is particularly strong in cities such as:
- Denver
- Las Vegas
- Chicago (Midway)
- Baltimore/Washington
- Phoenix
- Dallas (Love Field)
- Houston (Hobby)
- Orlando
Along with its domestic coverage, Southwest flies to several international destinations, mainly in Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America. These destinations generally cater to leisure travelers, with seasonal service in some markets.
Travelers often choose Southwest for its combination of frequent flights, convenient schedules, and competitive prices, especially on popular short- and medium-haul routes.
Southwest Flights, Fare Types, and What’s New
Southwest’s fare structure has grown more varied in 2025. Where the airline once offered a very simple three-tier system, it now provides expanded fare bundles. These allow travelers to choose from a variety of options, such as low-cost fares for minimal extras or higher-end fares that include benefits like boarding priority, seat selection, and checked baggage waivers.
Typical fare types include:
- Lower-cost options designed for budget-minded travelers
- Mid-tier bundles that add flexibility, boarding perks, and bag allowances
- Premium or business-focused fares that include priority services and enhanced benefits
- Loyalty-integrated fares that reward frequent flyers
Because the fare structure is more layered than it used to be, customers should review their options at checkout to make sure they’re selecting the right package for their needs.
Baggage and Carry-On Rules: What Travelers Need to Know
One of the biggest changes Southwest made recently involves its checked baggage policy. For decades, the airline was known for its “two bags fly free” benefit. However, beginning in 2025, the policy was revised: many passengers must now pay checked-bag fees unless they hold certain fare types or elite-tier benefits that waive them.
Carry-on rules remain mostly unchanged. Every passenger may bring:
- One carry-on bag
- One personal item (such as a backpack, purse, or laptop bag)
Carry-ons must fit in the overhead bin, while personal items must fit under the seat in front of you.
To avoid surprises, travelers should:
- Check baggage fees and allowances for their specific fare type
- Consider whether a fare bundle with included bags provides better value
- Arrive early enough to avoid last-minute gate-checking during busy flights
While the shift away from two free checked bags is significant, the airline still offers generous carry-on allowances and provides exemptions for certain fare categories.
Assigned Seating Replaces Open Seating
Southwest has long been famous — or infamous — for its open-seating policy, where passengers board in groups and choose any available seat. In 2025, the airline began rolling out a transition to assigned seating. This marks one of the most significant changes in its history.
Assigned seating provides:
- The ability to choose or purchase a specific seat at booking
- New seat categories, such as extra-legroom or preferred seating
- More predictable boarding patterns and fewer last-minute seat scrambles
- Easier family seating arrangements
Some travelers appreciated the spontaneity of open seating, while others disliked the uncertainty. The new system aims to reduce stress at boarding and offer more choice — though it may introduce new fees depending on the seat selected.
Inflight Wi-Fi and Entertainment Options
Southwest has made major investments in onboard connectivity. Most of its fleet now provides Wi-Fi service and an entertainment portal accessible through passengers’ devices.
Here’s what travelers typically find onboard:
- A free entertainment portal with movies, TV, and flight information
- Wi-Fi available for purchase on most flights
- Periodic offers or complimentary Wi-Fi for some Rapid Rewards members
- Device-based entertainment without the need to download an app beforehand
Because the availability of Wi-Fi can vary by aircraft and route, checking your flight’s Wi-Fi capability in advance is helpful. Streaming and general browsing are increasingly reliable, but performance can still vary during peak usage times.
Customer Service Experience
Southwest continues to emphasize customer service, offering multiple channels of support:
- Phone support for U.S. and international travelers
- An online help center with detailed guides
- Mobile app support and chat options
- Social media assistance for day-of-travel issues
- Airport service desks and gate agents
Generally, Southwest has maintained strong customer satisfaction scores, especially among economy travelers. Quick problem-solving and friendly staff remain key elements of the Southwest brand, though like any airline, peak travel disruptions can stretch service resources.
Travelers are encouraged to handle simple tasks online — such as rebooking, credit usage, and check-in — while reserving phone or in-person service for more complex issues.
Is Southwest a Good Airline?
The answer largely depends on your travel priorities.
Southwest is a good airline for travelers who value:
- Competitive economy fares
- Friendly customer service
- A large domestic network
- Simple loyalty rewards
- Generous carry-on allowances
However, changes to baggage and seating policies mean travelers who previously relied on predictable perks should read fare details closely.
If you prefer guaranteed free checked bags, premium cabin options, or long-haul international service, another carrier may better meet those needs. For domestic travel with a mix of value and convenience, Southwest remains a strong choice.
Careers at Southwest Airlines
Southwest continues to be known for its positive employee culture, emphasizing teamwork, hospitality, and long-term professional development. Job opportunities include:
- Pilots
- Flight attendants
- Ground operations
- Customer service representatives
- Maintenance technicians
- Corporate roles
- Seasonal and part-time positions
Applicants can expect:
- A formal online application
- Resume review
- Interviews and assessments
- Background and compliance checks (for many roles)
Southwest highlights benefits such as profit-sharing, retirement plans, travel perks, and career advancement programs. For those seeking work in aviation, the airline remains a popular and competitive employer.
Helpful Tips for Flying Southwest in 2025
- Review fare bundles carefully to avoid unexpected baggage or seat fees.
- Use the mobile app for check-in, boarding passes, and real-time flight alerts.
- If you need Wi-Fi, confirm aircraft capability before your flight.
- For families, verify seating rules during booking to ensure you sit together.
- Loyal travelers should link their Rapid Rewards number to unlock potential Wi-Fi or baggage benefits.
Small steps like these can help you avoid stress on travel day and ensure you’re getting the best value from your booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is carry-on allowed on Southwest?
Yes. Every passenger may bring one carry-on and one personal item, as long as they meet size limits.
Where does Southwest fly?
Southwest operates a large U.S. network and flights to select destinations in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.
Does Southwest Airlines have Wi-Fi?
Most Wi-Fi–enabled aircraft offer a paid Wi-Fi service and a free entertainment portal.
Is Southwest the best airline?
It’s among the best for domestic economy travel, especially for travelers who value service, convenience, and price. However, “best” depends on individual needs.
Is Southwest a good choice for families?
With the move to assigned seating and its flexible service style, many families find Southwest easier to navigate than some competitors.
Final Thoughts
Southwest Airlines is navigating a major transition. Long-known for its no-frills, customer-friendly model, the airline is now modernizing through updated fare options, new seating policies, revised baggage rules, stronger connectivity, and an expanded focus on loyalty benefits.
These changes mean travelers must pay closer attention to fare details — but Southwest still offers strong value through a broad domestic network, competitive pricing, and a service culture that remains one of the airline’s most defining strengths.
Whether you’re planning a family vacation, business trip, international gateway connection, or considering employment with the airline, Southwest continues to be a major player in U.S. air travel with plenty to offer in 2025.
