Listen up, travelers. If you’re planning on flying in 2026, there are some rule changes you need to know, especially if you haven’t flown in a while! From policy changes on one of the country’s biggest airlines to shifting government regulations, there are things to be aware of.

In the 7+ years that I’ve been covering the travel industry, I’ve seen a lot of changes to the way we fly. However, the major changes coming to one of America’s most popular carriers next year just might take the cake and be most surprising to travelers flying for the first time in a while in 2026.

Let’s begin with THREE major changes coming to Southwest Airlines.

No More Free Bags

In 2025, Southwest ended its longtime “Bags Fly for Free Policy”, and the airline is now charging for checked bags on Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred fares.

However, there are some exceptions:

• Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members and Getaways by Southwest customers will receive two free checked bags.
• A-List Members and Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers will receive only their first checked bag for free.
• Hawaii residents traveling between the islands will continue to receive two free checked bags.

Of note, these checked bag benefits will not apply on flights booked with a partner carrier (like Icelandair or China Airlines).

Assigned Seats

Southwest will also begin using assigned seating as of January 27th, 2026. Fares will include new seat options to choose from: Standard, Preferred, and Extra Legroom.

The airline will also be updating its boarding process with the introduction of assigned seating. The current A/B/C groups with numbered positions will be transitioned to a new boarding structure using numbered groups ranging from 1 through 8.

Customer of Size Policy

In conjunction with the new seating rules, Southwest is updating its “Customer of Size” policy. Previously, the airline allowed customers to buy a single seat and discuss their seating needs with a gate agent ahead of departure. If it was determined that a second or third seat was needed, the airline would accommodate them with a complimentary additional seat the day of travel.

That will change on January 27th, 2026. From then on, Southwest says “Customers who encroach upon the neighboring seat(s) should proactively purchase the needed number of seats prior to travel to ensure the additional seat is available,” adding that it will refund the extra seat purchase if requested when travel is complete.

Southwest says if the flight is sold out or adjacent seats aren’t available, they will rebook you on an alternate flight. If you need this accommodation, we suggest buying a second seat when you make your reservation so you don’t have to take a different flight.

Government Enforcement

Moving beyond Southwest Airlines, travelers should also note that the U.S. government has paused enforcement of some provisions of the Ensuring Safe Accommodations for Air Travelers With Disabilities Using Wheelchairs Act.

The Department of Transportation says it is looking into potential changes to some provisions of the act. This shouldn’t really affect you in the airport, as the rules being looked into are mostly changes that haven’t happened yet, including clarifying the airlines’ liability for damaged wheelchairs, and annual training for airline employees.

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