3 days ago
Southwest Airlines Considering Rewards Change After Ending Free Bags
Late last month, Southwest Airlines instituted its new bag policy, which was previously announced in March.
"For reservations booked and ticketed or changed on or after May 28, 2025, checked baggage fees will apply. We will offer two free checked bags to our Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members and Business Select Customers, and one free checked bag to A-List Members and other select Customers. Southwest will credit the first checked bag for Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers," the airline said in a statement at the time.
A month after the airline ended one of its only benefits over opposing airlines, Southwest appears to be considering another major change - one that customers are already fuming over. Travel insider View From the Wing, revealed the airline is considering a change to its Rapid Rewards loyalty program, including major restrictions to the popular Companion Pass benefit, after a leaked survey was revealed in a Facebook chat and Reddit post.
"So I took a survey, husband A-List Preferred. Our 6th year with companion pass and it seems they want to change up the tiers of rewards to 5 levels and only give the highest level the ability to have Companion seat picked at booking. They are so going to start making us pay for every little thing," the Facebook post read.
The Reddit discussion thread:
"Southwest survey on loyalty levels for next year. Seems likely a big CP nerf incoming. They're looking at a 4 tier program, with only the top tier earning CP, if that. Top tier qualifying points requirements ranging from 100-160k or 30-50 round trips. Companion pass options are either nonexistent, 4 one way certs or full CP. No CP on the lower 3 tiers at all in the survey. They seem to be entertaining a option to keep the seat next to you open, with various numbers of certs. Any seat, 3 bags, 2 drinks, priority lane at top level. Various iterations down to almost nothing at a low level that bottoms out at 10k. No indication if card sign up bonuses count for qualifying points or not.
Currently, Rapid Rewards members can earn the Companion Pass, which allows a second traveler to fly free (excluding taxes) on both paid and award tickets. However, with the potential change only those in the highest tier would retain full Companion Pass Airlines Considering Rewards Change After Ending Free Bags first appeared on Men's Journal on Jun 30, 2025
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