Club Cruise™ advises travelers as Southwest Airlines® ends open seating, adds baggage fees, and introduces new fare bundles beginning May 28, 2025.
CLUB CRUISE™ BREAKING NEWS: SOUTHWEST AIRLINES® ENDS OPEN SEATING — INTRODUCES ASSIGNED SEATS, BAGGAGE FEES & FARE CHANGES
Club Cruise™ Issues Passenger Advisory as Southwest Airlines' 2025 Policy Updates Reshape Travel Booking Expectations
LINCOLN, CA, May 14, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Club Cruise™, a trusted name in cruise and air travel since 1991, is alerting clients to major policy changes from Southwest Airlines®. Beginning May 28, 2025, travelers will experience new fare bundles, baggage policies, and for the first time in the airline's history—assigned seating. This significant shift ends the carrier's legacy "Bags Fly Free" and open boarding approach.
"Evolving is part of our ethos, and we have done so successfully time after time. There's so much to look forward to," said Bob Jordan, President & CEO of Southwest Airlines®. "We're excited, we're focused, and we're just so honored to have you join us on this transformational journey to an Even Better Southwest."
Southwest Airlines will replace its current fares with three new options:
• Choice Extra
• Choice Preferred
• Choice
(These will replace Business Select, Anytime, and Wanna Get Away Plus.)
Additionally, the Wanna Get Away fare will transition to a Basic Fare with fewer benefits, final boarding group placement, and no seat selection included.
Club Cruise™ Statement on Southwest Airlines 2025 Changes
"Southwest evolving, well I know that well enough," recalls Jef Huber, CEO and Founder of Club Cruise™. "I actually remember being part of the original rollout of Southwest to the Sacramento airport back in 1991—during my Travel Bureau Old School days, I was the SMF Gate Host for Meet & Greet Team. That's a long legacy. Southwest helped boost agency cruise sales with 7,500+ guests on RT LA Mexico cruises making trips more accessible and affordable with $39pp flights and free bags. Now, they're merging back into the herd with seat fees and bundled fares. I understand the strategy, but travelers need to stay alert, as it's a big move away from the past."
Club Cruise™ Summary: What Travelers Need to Know
• Assigned Seating: Begins Q3 2025 for select fares
• Baggage Fee Structure: Starts May 28, 2025
- 1st Checked Bag: ~$35–$40
- 2nd Checked Bag: ~$45–$50
- Rapid Rewards® Cardmembers and A-List Members: 2 free bags for up to 8 guests on the same reservation
• Loyalty Perks: Expanded seat selection, early boarding, and Companion Pass® boosts for cardholders and Tier Members
CLUB CRUISE™ TIPS FOR SOUTHWEST AIRLINES® TRAVELERS:
• Compare Fare Types Carefully: "Basic" fares are now more restrictive.
• Watch for Baggage Fees: Not all tickets include checked bags.
• Book Early for Best Seats: Especially for family or group cruise travel.
• Use a Trusted Travel Advisor: Highly Recommend Club Cruise™ can help avoid surprise fees and plan your trip smarter.
Disclaimer: Club Cruise is an independent travel agency with travel news reports and is not affiliated with Southwest Airlines. All pricing, seating, and baggage policies are subject to change and may vary by fare, status, or date of booking. Always confirm policies at time of purchase or speak to a travel advisor or visit Southwest online for up-to-date details.
About Club Cruise™
Founded in 1991, Club Cruise™ is a privately owned, nationally recognized, cruise and travel reservations agency based in Lincoln, California. Known for Club Cruse News, expert advisor insight, planning, personalized service, best deals anywhere booking reputation and cruise-industry leadership, Club Cruise™ is a top producer partner for most major cruise lines. Also, a vacation specialist for Southwest Vacations with its' Presidential Club consortium status within the Travel Leaders Network, affiliation. With over three decades of experience helping travelers get to their cruise ship ports with ease, Club Cruise™ offers peace of mind and unmatched industry insight.
Visit online www.ClubCruise.com or book@clubcruise.com or call 1-800-CLUB-SEA.
About Southwest Airlines®
Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) is one of the largest U.S. airlines, known for low fares, friendly service, and industry-leading reliability. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Southwest serves over 100 destinations and operates a popular Rapid Rewards® loyalty program. In 2025, Southwest will debut fare bundles, assigned seating, and enhanced customer perks—marking a new chapter in the airline's evolution.
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