This week has been “Southwestaggedon” for Southwest customers, as the airline officially ended its long-standing and much-loved two free bags policy. What used to be free could now cost two people $160 in each direction.
Southwest has made a slew of negative program changes over the past few months, not only ending the free bag policy but also gutting earnings on paid flights, adding expiration dates to travel credits, and much more.
Yesterday AwardWallet noticed yet another, unadvertised nerf: A-list and A-list Preferred members no longer get free same-day changes on Wanna Get Away basic economy fares.
The News
- Southwest A-list and A-list Preferred members are no longer able to make same-day changes for free on basic economy (previously Wanna Get Away) fares:
For reservations booked and ticketed and/or changed on or after May 28, 2025, free same-day change is only available for Business Select®, Anytime, or Wanna Get Away Plus® fares. Basic fares, and Rapid Rewards® A-List Preferred and A-list Members will no longer be eligible for free same-day change unless the Member purchases a qualifying fare.
Quick Thoughts
Previously, Southwest elite members could change their flights on the day of travel with no change fee AND with no fare difference. This allowed folks to book a cheaper fare than what they intended to travel on, then change flights the day of, assuming that there was still space. It also provided incredible flexibility in the event that travel plans changed or flat tires struck.
That’s no longer the case, now. Going forward, only more-expensive Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime or Business Select fares will be eligible for the benefit.
Although Southwest has taken away free same-day changes, elite members are still able to do same-day standby, allowing them to change to a flight on the same date/origin/destination, but without a seat guarantee. They’re then only able to board if there’s space. Obviously, this isn’t near as useful and could leave you stuck if there’s no space available on a late flight.
The hits just keep on coming for Southwest loyalists. I’d have a hard time thinking of the last time that a travel brand of any sort did so much damage to itself in so short a time.
Maybe “LUV” is the new “Bonvoy?”
The post Southwest A-list members no longer have same-day flight change on all tickets appeared first on Frequent Miler. Frequent Miler may receive compensation from CHASE. American Express, Capital One, or other partners.