4 MAJOR Airline Changes Hit Travelers This Year

Heads up, travelers, some major airline changes on the horizon will change the way you fly in 2026!

When it comes to air travel, it seems that things are constantly changing. From new routes to policy changes, it can be tough to keep up with all of the most important updates. If you’re traveling soon and feel overwhelmed by all of the latest news, we’ve got you covered — here are four major airline changes you need to know about before you fly in 2026!

Southwest Airlines Ending Assigned Seating

For years, one of the things that set Southwest apart from other airlines was its open seating policy. But this long-time policy will soon be coming to an end, as the airline is moving to assigned seating beginning on January 27th, 2026.

With assigned seats will also come the option to select from a seat category — either extra legroom seats, preferred seats, or standard seats. If you’re one of the many travelers used to Southwest’s distinct open seating policy, beware of this change coming later this month!

No Free Bags on Southwest

Speaking of major Southwest changes, another huge shift that has already taken effect is the end of the airline’s universal “bags fly free” policy. This was another one of the airline’s long-standing policies, which allowed all customers to check two bags for free. Southwest ended its “bags fly free” policy on May 28th, 2025, however, there are still some customers who can take advantage of free checked bags.

While the company no longer offers free checked bags across the board, the airline continues to offer two free checked bags to its Rapid Rewards A-List Members and others who book seats with Business Select. But if you don’t fall into one of those categories, be prepared to pay for your checked luggage when flying Southwest this year.

Southwest Encroaching Seating Policy

Rounding out the major Southwest changes, the company is preparing to implement another new policy regarding plus-sized customers who “encroach upon the neighboring seat.”  Beginning January 27th, 2026, Southwest will require passengers who take up more space than one seat allotment to purchase an additional ticket before the flight.

Before this upcoming change, passengers could pay the cost of an extra ticket ahead of time and receive a refund after, or request an extra seat at the airport for no extra charge.

American Airlines Loyalty Program Changes

Another airline that made a major change late last year was American Airlines, which altered its loyalty program policies. In 2025, American Airlines changed its AAdvantage program so customers who purchase basic economy tickets no longer earn miles or other travel rewards.

Previously, anyone enrolled in the AAdvantage program earned two miles and loyalty points for every dollar spent on airfare. But after the change, only those who pay for more expensive tickets will earn miles and points. This marks another huge shift to a policy that many airline customers relied on in the past.

With all of the travel news to stay on top of, these major airline changes might have slipped through the cracks. If you have plans to fly with Southwest or American in 2026, don’t let these big updates catch you off guard!

We’ll continue to report on all the travel news you need to plan and budget for your next vacation, so stay tuned to AllEars for all the latest info!

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Will any of these policy changes impact your upcoming travel plans? Let us know in the comments.

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