Southwest Airlines Review 2026
Southwest.com reviewSouthwest is the budget carrier that still includes two free bags.
A low-cost airline review: the two-free-bags policy, open seating, the Rapid Rewards program, and what you give up for the low fare.
Overall verdict
The friendliest budget airline, and still the best baggage deal in the sky.
Southwest keeps things simple: two checked bags fly free, change fees are gone, and fares stay low. The trade-off is open seating and no premium cabin.
Southwest’s standout is baggage: two checked bags fly free on every fare, a policy almost no other airline matches, saving families real money.
No change or cancellation fees is the other big draw — plans change, and Southwest won’t punish you for it.
The trade-offs: open seating (no assigned seats) and no first class, so premium travelers should look elsewhere.
What matters most
Four things that decide whether Southwest fits your flight.
What matters most when choosing Southwest over other low-cost carriers.
Baggage
Two bags free
Every fare includes two checked bags — unmatched value.
Change fees
None
Change or cancel without penalty — plans change.
Fares
Consistently low
Budget pricing without most budget-airline gotchas.
Seating
Open seating
No assigned seats and no first class.
Final take
Southwest is the smart choice when bags and flexibility matter.
For budget travelers and families, Southwest’s free bags and no change fees are tough to beat. Just be ready for open seating.
