Airline News & Dispatch Center

Starting this year, Southwest travelers will choose their specific seat during booking rather than lining up in numerical boarding columns at the gate. Approximately one-third of the aircraft cabin will now feature premium extra-legroom seating available for purchase or complimentary for top-tier Rapid Rewards elites. Crucially, Southwest's hallmark 'two free checked bags' policy remains intact.

If your flight departing from or arriving in the US is cancelled or significantly delayed (over 3 hours domestic or 6 hours international), airlines can no longer default to flight credits or vouchers. They must issue a full 100% cash refund to your original credit card within 7 business days if you choose not to travel.

Budget airline customers will encounter fewer hidden fee surprises at the boarding gate. As carriers bundle carry-on luggage, priority boarding, and free seat selection into transparent fare bundles, the price gap between budget carriers and legacy airlines has narrowed to historical lows.