5 Things I Wish I’d Known Before Flying Southwest Airlines

Choosing an airline to fly to Disney World can be challenging!

The Orlando International Airport (MCO) is one of Florida’s busiest airports, and tons of airlines fly out of it as the demand to visit Central Florida and all its theme parks is high. One of the popular airlines that flies in and out of MCO is Southwest Airlines, which uses gates in Terminal A. Here are five things you should know before booking a flight on Southwest. 

Southwest has been in the news quite a bit recently as the company continues to announce many changes. Here is what you should know if you are thinking about using them as your air carrier to Disney World!

There’s no in-seat entertainment or chargers

While Southwest has been making many changes, no plans have been announced to add in-seat entertainment or chargers. So you will want to make sure you bring your own entertainment and charge your devices ahead of time. For the time being, fliers can log on to Southwest’s WiFi and unlock free messaging, as well as access free movies and free live TV via their own device.

3 Important Rules to Know Before Flying on Southwest Airlines in 2025

There’s no first class

When assigned seating rolls around, Southwest will offer more expensive and desirable seats with more legroom. If you are looking to relax on your first class flight, you may want to consider flying with another airline. 

Three new changes that you should be aware of

Open seating will soon be a thing of the past

Southwest is known for its open seating policy. 24 hours before our flight, you can check in and receive a boarding group. The most coveted boarding group is Group A, as those in this group get to board the plane first. Groups are divided by Group A 1-30, A 31-60, B 1-30, B 31-60, C 1-30, C 31-60. A List Preferred, as well as Family Boarding, are also boarding position options.

The New Southwest Airlines Boarding Process Changes Are Happening Sooner Than You Think

The classic Southwest boarding and open seating procedure is still around, for now. The process is expected to change in early 2026, with assigned seating tickets being sold in the latter half of 2025. So if you have a flight booked this year, make sure to check in exactly 24 hours before your flight to secure your boarding position!

Free checked bags will soon be a thing of the past

Another Southwest staple was that all passengers, regardless of their fare, could check two bags for free. Starting May 28th, 2025, this will no longer be the case. 

Two free checked bags will still be offered to Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members and customers traveling on Business Select fares. A-List Members and other select Customers will get one free checked bag. Southwest will also credit one checked bag for Rapid Rewards Credit Card members. If you do not fall into one of these categories, you will now need to pay to check your first and second bag.

Rapid Rewards are changing

Rapid Rewards is Southwest’s loyalty program, which rewards fliers to work towards free flights. Now, fliers will earn more points when they book Business Select fares but earn less when flying on Wanna Get Away and Wanna Get Away Plus fares. Redemption rates will also become variable based on higher or lower-demand flights.

These changes can be confusing, especially when Southwest is eliminating perks that differentiated it from the competition. Keep these five things in mind the next time you are thinking about booking a Flight with Southwest!

For more travel tips and to stay up to date on all the latest theme park news, make sure to follow along with us here at AllEars!

5 Important Rules to Know About Orlando Airport Security for 2025

Have you ever flown Southwest? Let us know what you thought about the airline in the comments!

Comments (2)