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Southwest Airlines·None
Every Southwest fare brand compared: what is included, what is restricted, and which cheap fare ends up costing more once you add a bag.
Key Travel Facts & Insights
Includes: The lowest Southwest fare with standard carry-on allowance. Watch out for: Non-changeable and non-refundable outside the 24-hour window, and boards last — the one Southwest fare that behaves like a traditional Basic Economy ticket.
Includes: Transferable flight credit, same-day standby and free changes. Watch out for: Fare difference still applies on a change.
Includes: Fully refundable to the original form of payment, priority boarding position. Watch out for: Materially more expensive than Wanna Get Away fares.
Includes: Refundable fare, boarding positions A1–A15, a free premium drink and bonus Rapid Rewards. Watch out for: There is no separate premium cabin — the seat is the same.
Southwest operates: Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, Business Select.
One full-size carry-on plus one personal item on every fare. Southwest historically included two free checked bags on every fare. The carrier has moved to a paid checked bag model for most fares, so confirm the allowance attached to your specific fare at booking rather than assuming the legacy policy.
No change fee on any Southwest fare except Basic — this is the carrier's signature policy and it long predates the industry-wide move away from change fees. You pay only the fare difference, and if the new fare is cheaper you keep the difference as flight credit.
Basic. Includes: The lowest Southwest fare with standard carry-on allowance. Restriction: Non-changeable and non-refundable outside the 24-hour window, and boards last — the one Southwest fare that behaves like a traditional Basic Economy ticket.
Southwest historically included two free checked bags on every fare. The carrier has moved to a paid checked bag model for most fares, so confirm the allowance attached to your specific fare at booking rather than assuming the legacy policy.
Fare rules, baggage allowances and change policies differ by route and fare brand. Our consultants confirm the exact terms attached to your itinerary before you pay — and handle the change or refund if plans move.