How Southwest Bag and Seating Policy Will Impact New York Flyers

It looks like Southwest customers are not happy about their latest changes, and the company may be pushing back the launch date on the new seating policy.

For a very long time Southwest airlines was one of the best options for traveling around the United States. Wherever you wanted to get to, Southwest seemed to have an affordable option to get you there. The biggest benefits to customers were the fact that two bags could fly free per customer and the rewards system. This spring all that is going to be changing on Southwest.

The discount airline announced earlier this year that they would be doing away with the two bags fly free policy in favor of having customers pay for checked bags. Customers will still be allowed two carry on items, and you can bet more will be trying to fly with less in order to combat the baggage fees set to begin in May 2025. Many have even voiced their displeasure on social media as a result.

Southwest is taking some major hits on social media and is doing their best to answer all the feedback being provided by angry customers with very generic and robotic replies. This was a reply they issued to the above customer who voiced his displeasure with the changes.

We know the policy updates are a big change for our Customers—we hear you and understand you’re disappointed.

So is Southwest's baggage policy set in stone? Unfortunately it seems so for now. So don't expect for two bags to fly free this summer unless you're one of their preferred customers.

Read More: Is Southwest Doing Assigned Seating in New York?

Not all the changes that Southwest has talked about at the end of 2024 and beginning of 2025 look to be happening on schedule, though.

Assigned Seating

According to Men's Journal the new seating policy might be getting pushed back. They reported that Southwest said that on X in reply to a customer's feedback on the changes taking place.

We have found open seating works best for our Customers, so, no worries, we have no plans to change the boarding process at this time.

In the meantime, Southwest's website still depicts seating changes that will be taking place at some point. They've said that customers can expect those changes in early 2026, but some assumed it may be in the fall of 2025. I personally just booked a flight for September and did not have the option to select a seat.

One thing is for sure, New York travelers are in for some big changes not only with their seating, but with the rewards system as well. They say that most benefits won't change, but points will expire for some in the coming year.