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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 policies

If 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.

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RESOURCES:
See the complete list of Southwest's changes here: https://www.southwest.com/customer-enhancements/assigned-seating/