Southwest Airlines is shaking things up—starting with assigned seating in January 2026 and a new policy that could mean paying for checked bags. 😲
But don’t panic! In this episode, I’ll walk you through exactly what’s changing, what’s not changing, and most importantly—how you can still get your checked bags free and snag a great seat without paying extra.
We’ll cover:
If you love flying Southwest (like I do!) and want to keep the perks you’ve always enjoyed, this episode is a must-listen.
Want to travel more—without the stress, the endless Googling or overpaying for flights and hotels?
Join me inside my Secrets of a Travel Journalist Club, where I’m pulling back the curtain on 25+ years of insider travel know-how to help you fly smarter, score luxury perks and unlock unforgettable experiences for less.
👉 Grab your spot + start planning your smartest trip yet: https://www.secretsofatraveljournalist.com/club
Got questions about the Club? Text me at 844-403-2263.
RESOURCES:
See the complete list of Southwest's changes here: https://www.southwest.com/customer-enhancements/assigned-seating/
🚨 LIMITED-TIME Travel Deal: Get 100,000 Points! 🚨
Right now, my #1 recommended travel credit card—the Chase Sapphire Preferred®—is offering an incredible 100,000-point sign-up bonus. That’s the highest we’ve seen since 2021, the highest of the year—and it likely won’t be back for another year.
If you’re ready to start flying free and traveling more for way less, this is your golden opportunity.
✨ Why I Love It:
If you’ve been waiting for the right time to dive into travel rewards, this is it.
👉 Apply here using my affiliate link - https://www.familiesflyfree.com/favorite-card - to support the podcast and my small business at no extra cost to you. Thank you! 💙
