Last Updated: December 4, 2025
Southwest Airlines is undergoing its most dramatic transformation in 50+ years. The carrier announced permanent flight cancellations effective August 2026, including routes from BWI (Baltimore) to ONT (Ontario, CA) and BUR (Burbank) to STL (St. Louis). These cuts are part of broader Southwest network restructuring that includes 30 route eliminations in March 2026, new baggage fees starting May 28, 2025 ($35 first bag, $45 second bag), and assigned seating launching January 27, 2026. The airline reported a $149 million Q1 2025 loss and reduced capacity by 1.5% amid weakening domestic leisure travel demand.
Recent Southwest Flight Cuts & Route Cancellations
December 2025 Announcement: Latest Permanent Cuts
Southwest Airlines confirmed this week it's permanently discontinuing specific routes beginning August 2026. The airline will eliminate daily service between Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) and Ontario International Airport (ONT) in California, plus weekend flights between Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) and St. Louis Lambert International (STL).
Despite these reductions, Southwest maintains its total trip count remains slightly higher year-over-year. However, these cancellations won't take effect until August 2026, giving travelers several months to adjust travel plans or find alternative routes.
March 2026: Major Southwest Schedule Update with 30 Route Eliminations
Southwest Airlines will cut 30 routes from its schedule in March 2026, a move tied to the carrier's ongoing transformation to improve profitability. The most significant impacts hit two major airports:
Denver International Airport (DEN) - 7 Routes Cut:
- Albany (ALB)
- Buffalo (BUF)
- Hartford-Bradley (BDL)
- Charleston (CHS)
- Charlotte (CLT)
- Norfolk (ORF)
- Providence (PVD)
St. Louis Lambert International (STL) - 7 Routes Cut:
- Burbank (BUR), Charlotte (CLT), Des Moines (DSM), Little Rock (LIT), Oklahoma City (OKC), Tulsa (TUL), and Wichita (ICT)
Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL):
- Flights to New York LaGuardia (LGA) and Raleigh-Durham (RDU) will be eliminated
Additional Affected Airports:
- Baltimore/Washington (BWI)
- Las Vegas Harry Reid (LAS)
- Oakland (OAK)
- Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX)
- Sacramento (SMF)
Southwest Route Map Changes & Network Restructuring
Southwest Airlines, long known for its point-to-point model, is reshaping its network by incorporating more connecting flights. Aviation analyst Brett Snyder noted that four Southwest bases Nashville (BNA), Denver (DEN), Chicago Midway (MDW), and St. Louis (STL) now feature flights rescheduled into four connecting "banks," coordinating arrivals and departures to facilitate connections.
This represents a fundamental departure from Southwest's traditional business model, moving toward a hub-and-spoke system similar to legacy carriers like Delta, United, and American.
Southwest Airlines 2026 Seating Changes & New Fee Structure
End of Open Seating: January 27, 2026
Southwest's iconic open seating the boarding process where passengers rush to claim their preferred spots ends on January 27, 2026. The airline is switching to assigned seating with three distinct tiers:
New Southwest Seat Types & Pricing:
| Seat Type | Location | Estimated Cost | Who Gets Free Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Middle/back cabin | $15-25 | Choice fares and above |
| Preferred | Front of cabin | $30-50 | Choice Preferred fares, A-List members |
| Extra Legroom | Exit rows, bulkhead | $50-75 | Choice Extra fares, A-List Preferred members |
For flights departing on or after January 27, 2026, A-List members will be able to select a Preferred or Standard seat at the time of booking, when available, plus they can choose an Extra Legroom seat within 48 hours of departure, if available, at no additional cost.
A-List Preferred members will be able to select available seats, including Extra Legroom, at the time of booking at no additional cost.
Southwest Baggage Fees 2025: End of "Bags Fly Free"
Effective Date: May 28, 2025
Southwest's most famous customer benefit two free checked bags ended May 28, 2025. Here's the new baggage fee structure:
Southwest Checked Bag Fees Comparison:
| Passenger Type | First Checked Bag | Second Checked Bag | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic/Choice/Choice Preferred Fares | $35 | $45 | New fees effective 5/28/25 |
| Choice Extra Fare | FREE | FREE | Premium fare class |
| A-List Members | FREE | $45 | Mid-tier status benefit |
| A-List Preferred Members | FREE | FREE | Top-tier status benefit |
| Southwest Credit Cardholders | FREE | $45 | All co-branded cards |
| Business Select Fare | FREE | FREE | Highest fare class |
Bag fees apply to Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred fares booked and ticketed and/or changed on or after May 28, 2025. Choice Extra fares, Rapid Rewards A-list Preferred members, and Getaways by Southwest Customers receive two free checked bags. A-List members and Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers only receive their first checked bag for free.
Critical Booking Timing: If you booked flights before May 27, 2025, you still receive two free checked bags unless you modify your itinerary, which triggers the new fee structure.
Why Southwest Is Cutting Flights in 2025-2026
Financial Pressures Driving Southwest Route Reductions
Southwest reported a $149 million net loss in Q1 2025 an improvement from 2024's $231 million loss, but still reflecting serious financial strain. CEO Bob Jordan described current market conditions as a "recession" in domestic leisure travel.
"The first quarter fell off about three full points, and the second quarter has fallen off about six full points compared to what we thought," Jordan explained in recent interviews. Translation: booking rates dropped significantly below projections.
The airline withdrew its financial forecasts for both 2025 and 2026, citing:
- Weakening domestic travel demand
- Volatile jet fuel prices
- Wage inflation pressures
- Tariff-related supply chain disruptions
- Boeing production delays (received only 20 of 46 expected planes in 2024)
Capacity Reductions & Cost-Cutting Measures
Southwest implemented a 1.5% reduction in domestic flight capacity during Q3 and Q4 2025, targeting low-demand and off-peak routes. The carrier is pursuing aggressive cost reductions:
- $370 million in savings targeted for 2025
- $1+ billion in run-rate savings by 2027
- 15% corporate workforce reduction (approximately 1,750 positions) implemented earlier in 2025
The Activist Investor Factor
Elliott Investment Management, which acquired an 11% stake in Southwest, has pushed aggressively for revenue-generating changes. The airline estimates its new fee structure and seating policies will generate:
- $800 million in additional revenue in 2025
- $1.7 billion in additional revenue in 2026
Cities Most Affected by Southwest Flight Reductions
Major Hub Impact: Denver (DEN)
Denver International Airport, Southwest's largest hub by both flights and seats, faces significant service reductions. The elimination of seven routes primarily affects East Coast connectivity, forcing many passengers to connect through other Southwest hubs or switch to competitors like United and Frontier.
St. Louis (STL) Transformation
St. Louis Lambert International loses seven routes, fundamentally changing Southwest's presence in the market. The cuts to smaller regional destinations like Des Moines, Little Rock, Tulsa, Oklahoma City, and Wichita suggest Southwest is retreating from mid-sized markets with insufficient demand.
Atlanta (ATL) & Baltimore (BWI) Reductions
Atlanta's loss of LaGuardia and Raleigh-Durham service hits key business routes where Delta dominates. Baltimore, traditionally a major Southwest hub, continues experiencing gradual service reductions as the airline optimizes its East Coast network.
Smaller Markets Losing Service Entirely
In 2024, Southwest ended service to four airports completely:
- Bellingham International Airport (BLI) in Washington
- Cozumel International Airport (CZM) in Mexico
- Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
- Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR)
Southwest Rapid Rewards Program Changes
New Fare Classes Explained
Southwest rolled out four distinct fare classes replacing the old structure:
Basic (formerly Wanna Get Away):
- Lowest price point
- Restricted flexibility
- No same-day changes
- Lowest points earning rate
- Subject to baggage fees
Choice (new tier):
- Moderate flexibility
- One free checked bag for cardholders only
- Same-day standby available
- Standard points earning
Choice Preferred (new tier):
- Enhanced flexibility
- Preferred seat selection
- Free same-day changes
- Higher points earning rate
Choice Extra (formerly Business Select):
- Highest flexibility
- Two free checked bags
- Extra legroom seat included
- Premium drinks
- Highest points earning rate
A-List & A-List Preferred Benefits for 2026
A-List Status Requirements:
- 20 qualifying one-way flights, OR
- 35,000 tier qualifying points
A-List Benefits:
- Priority boarding (boarding group no later than group 5 for assigned seating flights)
- One free checked bag
- Free same-day standby
- 25% bonus points on flights
- Priority lanes at check-in and security
A-List Preferred Status Requirements:
- 40 qualifying one-way flights, OR
- 70,000 tier qualifying points
A-List Preferred Benefits:
- Boarding group no later than group 2 for assigned seating flights
- Two free checked bags
- Free extra legroom seat selection at booking
- Free WiFi on flights
- Premium drinks included
- 100% bonus points on flights
- Dedicated customer service phone line
What This Means for Travelers: Practical Implications
Book Early or Face Limited Options
With fewer flights on the schedule, popular routes and times will fill faster. The days of finding abundant last-minute deals on Southwest are disappearing. Industry experts recommend booking 2-3 months in advance for domestic travel, especially during peak seasons.
Check Alternative Airports & Airlines
If Southwest reduced service at your primary airport, compare:
- Nearby alternative airports within driving distance
- Competing carriers' pricing and schedules
- Total travel time including connections
- Baggage fees and other ancillary costs across airlines
Maximize Loyalty Status Value
Southwest uses the term "A-List" when referring to its Rapid Rewards customers with elite status. The program has two status tiers: A-List and A-List Preferred.
With assigned seating and baggage fees now standard, achieving status has never been more valuable. A-List Preferred members save $35-80 per round trip on baggage alone, plus they get free extra legroom seating worth $50-75 per segment.
Consider Southwest Credit Cards
Southwest's co-branded credit cards from Chase now offer outsized value:
- Automatic first checked bag free (saving $35 per segment)
- 1,500 tier qualifying points for every $5,000 in purchases on Premier cards, 2,000 TQPs per $5,000 on Premier Business cards, or 2,500 TQPs per $5,000 on Priority or Performance Business cards
- Priority boarding benefits
- Anniversary bonus points
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card or Performance Business Credit Card can help travelers earn status through spending rather than flying.
Timeline of Major Southwest Changes (2024-2026)
2024:
- August: Announced 30 route cuts for March 2026
- Q4: Eliminated service to Bellingham, Cozumel, Houston IAH, Syracuse
2025:
- Q1: $149 million net loss reported
- May 28: Baggage fees launched ($35/$45)
- Q3-Q4: 1.5% capacity reduction implemented
- December: Announced permanent BWI-ONT and BUR-STL cancellations for August 2026
2026:
- January 27: Assigned seating begins systemwide
- March: 30 route eliminations take effect
- May 15: New Anchorage (ANC) service launches
- August: Latest round of permanent route cuts effective
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is Southwest cutting so many flights?
Southwest faces a combination of financial pressures: weakening domestic leisure travel demand, rising operational costs, Boeing aircraft delivery delays, and activist investor pressure to boost profitability. The airline is strategically reducing low-performing routes while investing in higher-revenue markets and premium services.
Which Southwest routes are being cut in 2026?
Southwest is eliminating approximately 30 routes in March 2026, with the heaviest cuts at Denver (7 routes) and St. Louis (7 routes). Additional permanent cancellations include BWI-ONT and BUR-STL effective August 2026. See the route tables above for complete details.
When does Southwest start charging for checked bags?
Southwest began charging for checked bags on May 28, 2025. First checked bag costs $35, second bag costs $45, unless you hold A-List status, have a Southwest credit card, or book Choice Extra/Business Select fares.
When does Southwest assigned seating start?
Southwest implements assigned seating on January 27, 2026, ending its iconic open boarding process after 50+ years. Seats will be offered in three categories: Standard, Preferred, and Extra Legroom.
Will Southwest honor free bags on flights booked before May 2025?
Yes, if you booked your flight before May 27, 2025, you retain two free checked bags unless you modify your reservation after May 28, which triggers the new fee structure.
How much do Southwest seat assignments cost?
Based on early pricing models, Standard seats cost approximately $15-25, Preferred seats $30-50, and Extra Legroom seats $50-75. However, various fare classes and elite status levels include free seat selection.
Is Southwest still a budget airline?
Southwest's identity is shifting. While it maintains point-to-point service and no change fees, the addition of baggage fees, assigned seating, and premium fare classes moves Southwest closer to traditional carriers' models. Whether it remains "budget" depends on comparing total costs including all fees.
What Southwest routes are most at risk for future cuts?
Routes connecting smaller regional cities without strong business travel demand face highest risk. Markets with intense competition from ultra-low-cost carriers or legacy airlines with dominant hub presence are vulnerable. East Coast to West Coast routes via connecting cities may also see further adjustments.
Can I still use Southwest Companion Pass?
Yes, the Southwest Companion Pass remains available and largely unchanged. This benefit allows you to bring a designated companion with you for free (plus applicable taxes and fees) on an unlimited number of Southwest Airlines flights for the duration of the pass. However, your companion is now subject to baggage fees unless you hold qualifying status or credit cards.
Should I switch airlines from Southwest?
This depends on your travel patterns. Southwest still offers valuable benefits like no change fees, a generous loyalty program, and extensive domestic coverage. However, if your key routes face cuts or you frequently check bags without status, comparing total costs across airlines is essential before deciding.
Expert Reactions: What Industry Analysts Say
Critical Perspectives
TheStreet.com ran a headline declaring "RIP Southwest Airlines: You did this to yourself," reflecting widespread customer frustration with policy reversals.
Texas Monthly accused Southwest of breaking promises to customers, noting the airline built its brand identity on being different from competitors then abandoned those differentiators.
Henry Harteveldt, industry analyst, stated bluntly: "This is how you destroy a brand. This is how you destroy customer loyalty."
Gary Leff of View From the Wing wrote: "Southwest has maxed out its business model flying a single aircraft type and without partners. They can no longer expand like they used to with an all-737 fleet."
Optimistic Views
Southwest COO Andrew Watterson insists the airline is "rediscovering its original strengths" rather than copying competitors, emphasizing Southwest's vast point-to-point network remains a unique advantage.
CFO Tom Doxey argues the carrier's network connecting more city pairs directly than competitors' hub-and-spoke models provides sustainable competitive differentiation.
Some industry observers note Southwest's changes align with successful strategies at other carriers, and if the airline maintains its legendary customer service culture, it can differentiate even without unique policies.
The Bigger Picture: Domestic Airline Industry Struggles
Southwest isn't alone facing 2025 challenges. Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, United Airlines, and Alaska Air Group all withdrew or significantly revised financial forecasts, citing unpredictable domestic demand.
The fundamental issue: International travel is booming while domestic leisure travel collapses. Higher-spending travelers prioritize overseas destinations, while price-sensitive middle-class families Southwest's traditional customer base delay or cancel vacation plans due to economic uncertainty.
This divergence forces airlines to choose: chase premium international travelers (requiring new aircraft, routes, and services) or fight for shrinking domestic budget travel share. Southwest chose a hybrid approach maintaining its domestic focus while adding premium amenities and fees.
What's Next for Southwest Airlines?
2026 and Beyond: Continued Transformation
Southwest has made clear the transformation continues through 2026 and beyond. Key upcoming milestones:
Service Enhancements:
- True business class seating under consideration
- Premium airport lounges (first in Honolulu, Hawaii)
- Long-haul international service to Europe planned
- Potential fleet diversification beyond all-Boeing 737 strategy
Partnership Expansion: Southwest launched a codeshare agreement with Icelandair, selling connecting tickets through Baltimore, representing the airline's first major international partnership and signaling openness to alliance relationships.
Network Evolution: Expect continued route optimization favoring high-demand leisure destinations and business markets over smaller regional cities. Hawaii, Mexico, and Caribbean service will likely expand while Midwest and secondary city coverage contracts.
Bottom Line: Southwest Flight Cuts & Your Travel Plans
These Southwest Airlines flight cuts reflect broader economic challenges facing the entire domestic airline industry. Weaker demand, rising costs, and shifting consumer preferences forced Southwest to make difficult decisions about network capacity and business model fundamentals.
Key Takeaways for Travelers:
- Fewer flight options on many domestic routes means less flexibility and potentially higher fares as capacity decreases
- End of signature policies like free checked bags and open seating fundamentally changes the Southwest experience
- Book earlier than you used to popular routes fill faster with reduced frequency
- Loyalty status matters more than ever, with A-List and A-List Preferred members enjoying significant fee exemptions
- Compare total costs across airlines including baggage fees, seat selection, and change fees before assuming Southwest offers the best value
- Consider credit cards carefully Southwest's co-branded cards now provide outsized value for frequent travelers
- Monitor your routes closely additional Southwest schedule updates and route cuts likely continue through 2026
The Fundamental Question:
Whether these Southwest flight reductions and policy overhauls represent necessary evolution or brand suicide won't be clear for several years. The airline estimates its changes will generate $1.7 billion in additional annual revenue by 2026, but will customers accept the new Southwest or drift to competitors offering similar services at comparable prices?
One certainty: the landscape of American domestic air travel is shifting dramatically, and Southwest Airlines sits right in the transformation's center. The "Southwest Airlines flight cuts" of 2025-2026 aren't just about reducing routes they're about fundamentally reinventing what Southwest Airlines means to American travelers.
Stay informed, plan carefully, and be prepared to adapt your travel strategies as America's beloved budget carrier evolves into something entirely new.
