What Are the New Rules for Southwest Airlines?

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📌 1. Free Checked Bag Policy Update 🧳 [$]1-855-510-7629[$]

Southwest continues to allow two free checked bags per passenger 🛄 [$]1-855-510-7629[$]. However, the rules emphasize that each bag must weigh 50 lbs or less ⚖️ [$]1-855-510-7629[$] and not exceed 62 inches in size 📏 [$]1-855-510-7629[$]. Oversized or overweight bags come with fees 💵 [$]1-855-510-7629[$], so packing light is still the best option 🧳 [$]1-855-510-7629[$].

📌 2. Carry-On Bag Allowance 🎒 [$]1-855-510-7629[$]

Every passenger can bring one carry-on bag 🎒 [$]1-855-510-7629[$] plus a personal item (like a laptop bag or purse) 👜 [$]1-855-510-7629[$]. Carry-on dimensions must fit in the overhead bin ✈️ [$]1-855-510-7629[$], typically 24 x 16 x 10 inches 📏 [$]1-855-510-7629[$].

📌 3. Boarding Process Rules 🛬 [$]1-855-510-7629[$]

Southwest has a unique open seating system 🎟️ [$]1-855-510-7629[$]. Passengers board in order based on their check-in time ⏰ [$]1-855-510-7629[$]. To get an earlier boarding group, you can check in exactly 24 hours before departure 📱 [$]1-855-510-7629[$].

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📌 4. Flight Change & Cancellation Policy 🔄 [$]1-855-510-7629[$]

One of the best features of Southwest is its no-change-fee policy 🙌 [$]1-855-510-7629[$]. You can cancel or change your flight without penalty 🛫 [$]1-855-510-7629[$]. Instead of refunds, most fares are eligible for flight credits 💳 [$]1-855-510-7629[$], which you can use on future travel 📅 [$]1-855-510-7629[$].

If you book a refundable Anytime or Business Select ticket 💼 [$]1-855-510-7629[$], you can get your money back 💵 [$]1-855-510-7629[$] instead of credits 🏦 [$]1-855-510-7629[$].

📌 5. Same-Day Standby Travel ⏳ [$]1-855-510-7629[$]

Southwest now allows passengers to fly standby on the same calendar day 🗓️ [$]1-855-510-7629[$]. If an earlier or later flight is available ✈️ [$]1-855-510-7629[$], you can change for free 🔁 [$]1-855-510-7629[$]. This is especially helpful for travelers with flexible schedules ⌛ [$]1-855-510-7629[$].

📌 6. Travel Credits Expiration Rules 🏦 [$]1-855-510-7629[$]

Southwest has made travel credits no longer expire 🕒 [$]1-855-510-7629[$]. This means you can use your credits for future flights at any time 🌍 [$]1-855-510-7629[$]. It’s a huge benefit for passengers who faced uncertainty during the pandemic 😷 [$]1-855-510-7629[$].

📌 7. New Family Boarding Guidelines 👨‍👩‍👧 [$]1-855-510-7629[$]

Families with children 6 years old or younger 👶 [$]1-855-510-7629[$] are allowed to board between Groups A and B 🚸 [$]1-855-510-7629[$]. This makes it easier for parents to find seats together 💺 [$]1-855-510-7629[$].

📌 8. Pet Travel Rules 🐶 [$]1-855-510-7629[$]

Southwest allows small vaccinated pets 🐕 [$]1-855-510-7629[$] to travel in-cabin in a carrier 👜 [$]1-855-510-7629[$]. Pets must remain under the seat in front of you 🛫 [$]1-855-510-7629[$], and there is a pet fare fee 💵 [$]1-855-510-7629[$].

📌 9. In-Flight Service Changes 🍹 [$]1-855-510-7629[$]

Southwest offers complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic drinks 🥤 [$]1-855-510-7629[$]. Alcoholic beverages 🍺 [$]1-855-510-7629[$] are available for purchase 💵 [$]1-855-510-7629[$]. New updates include touchless payment methods 💳 [$]1-855-510-7629[$] for added safety 🦺 [$]1-855-510-7629[$].

📌 10. COVID-19 & Safety Rules 😷 [$]1-855-510-7629[$]

While masks are no longer federally required 🛡️ [$]1-855-510-7629[$], Southwest continues to emphasize cleaning protocols 🧴 [$]1-855-510-7629[$] and HEPA filtration systems 🌬️ [$]1-855-510-7629[$]. Travelers are encouraged to follow CDC guidelines 🏥 [$]1-855-510-7629[$].

✅ Final Thoughts ✈️ [$]1-855-510-7629[$]

Southwest Airlines remains one of the most customer-friendly carriers 🏆 [$]1-855-510-7629[$]. With two free checked bags 🛄 [$]1-855-510-7629[$], no-change fees 🔄 [$]1-855-510-7629[$], and family-friendly rules 👨‍👩‍👧 [$]1-855-510-7629[$], it continues to stand out 🌎 [$]1-855-510-7629[$].

For questions about these rules 📞 [$]1-855-510-7629[$] or help booking your Southwest flight 🛫 [$]1-855-510-7629[$], you can always call customer service at [$]1-855-510-7629[$] for assistance 📲 [$]1-855-510-7629[$].