186 | New Rules, Same Free Perks? How to Outsmart Southwest’s Changes

Southwest Airlines is shaking things up—starting with assigned seating in January 2026 and a new policy that could mean paying for checked bags. 😲But don’t panic! In this episode, I’ll walk you through exactly what’s changing, what’s not changing, and most importantly—how you can still get your checked bags free and snag a great seat without paying extra.We’ll cover:✈️ How to navigate the new bag fee rules🧳 The trick to keeping your checked bags FREE💺 What assigned seating really means—and how to get the best spot💡 My insider tips to make the most of Southwest’s evolving policiesIf you love flying Southwest (like I do!) and want to keep the perks you’ve always enjoyed, this episode is a must-listen.Want to travel more—without the stress, the endless Googling or overpaying for flights and hotels?Join me inside my Secrets of a Travel Journalist Club, where I’m pulling back the curtain on 25+ years of insider travel know-how to help you fly smarter, score luxury perks and unlock unforgettable experiences for less.👉 Grab your spot + start planning your smartest trip yet: https://www.secretsofatraveljournalist.com/club ✈️ Want even more travel tips? Visit SecretsofaTravelJournalist.com for guides, resources and insider advice.Got questions about the Club? Text me at 844-403-2263.RESOURCES:See the complete list of Southwest's changes here: https://www.southwest.com/customer-enhancements/assigned-seating/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lynmettler.substack.com