2026 basic economy guide
Southwest Basic: what's included
Southwest Airlines's cheapest fare: what you get, what you give up and when it's worth paying more.
Verified Oct 17, 2026By Steven MoHow we check Report a correction
Quick answer
Southwest Basic includes a full-size carry-on. A standard seat is assigned at check-in unless you pay to choose one; other fares pick a seat when they book. Can't be changed (you can upgrade to a higher fare), and there's no free same-day change or standby. Earns Rapid Rewards points at the lowest rate of any fare.
- Carry-on
- Yes: a full-size carry-on (24 × 16 × 10 in (61 × 41 × 25 cm)) and a personal item.
- Checked bags
- On flights within the U.S.
- Seat selection
- A standard seat is assigned at check-in unless you pay to choose one; other fares pick a seat when they book.
- Boarding
- The last boarding group, unless you have a Southwest card or elite status that boards earlier.
- Changes
- Can't be changed (you can upgrade to a higher fare), and there's no free same-day change or standby.
- Cancelling
- You can cancel for a flight credit, but it expires six months after the original booking date, not the travel date.
What changed: Southwest switched to assigned seating on January 27, 2026; Basic gets its seat at check-in, and Basic credits expire six months after booking.
Southwest Basic rules
- Carry-on
- Yes: a full-size carry-on (24 × 16 × 10 in (61 × 41 × 25 cm)) and a personal item.
- Checked bags
- On flights within the U.S. mainland, the first checked bag on Southwest costs $45 and the second $55.
- Seat selection
- A standard seat is assigned at check-in unless you pay to choose one; other fares pick a seat when they book.
- Boarding
- The last boarding group, unless you have a Southwest card or elite status that boards earlier.
- Changes
- Can't be changed (you can upgrade to a higher fare), and there's no free same-day change or standby.
- Cancelling
- You can cancel for a flight credit, but it expires six months after the original booking date, not the travel date.
- Miles and points
- Earns Rapid Rewards points at the lowest rate of any fare.
- Upgrades
- Not included; you can pay to upgrade to a higher fare.
Is Southwest Basic worth it?
Fine if…
You're carrying on (bags are included on every Southwest fare) and you're sure about the dates.
Pay for the next fare up if…
Your plans might change: a credit that expires six months after booking is easy to lose.
FAQ
Yes: a full-size carry-on (24 × 16 × 10 in (61 × 41 × 25 cm)) and a personal item.
Sources
Last verified Oct 17, 2026. Basic economy rules change often and can differ by route and where you bought the ticket; check the fare rules when you book.
- Southwest Airlines: Basic fare
- Business Traveller: Southwest ends expiration-free travel credits
- ABC News: Southwest ends open seating (Jan 27, 2026)
- Southwest Airlines: official baggage policy
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