Southwest Airlines is shaking things up. The airline is raising annual fees on its popular Chase-issued credit cards, but before you feel the sting, it is also rolling out new perks to make the deal a little sweeter. If you fly Southwest often, these changes could affect both your wallet and your travel experience.
How much are southwest credit card fees going up
Annual fees are increasing across the board for both personal and business cardholders. Here is what you can expect:
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card: from $69 to $99
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card: from $99 to $149
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card: from $149 to $229
- Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card: from $99 to $149
- Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card: from $199 to $299
If you already have one of these cards, you will not see the higher fees until your 2026 renewal. But if you are signing up now, you will start paying the new rate right away.
What new perks are included for cardholders
To soften the blow of higher annual fees, Southwest and Chase are offering new benefits that frequent flyers may find useful.
- Free first checked bag for you and up to eight companions
- Group 5 or better boarding, which means you get to board earlier and find seats more easily
- Seat selection when booking or up to 48 hours before your flight
- Access to extra legroom seats for Priority and Performance Business cardholders, when available
On top of that, Southwest is improving the way you earn points. For example, the Priority card will now give you four points per dollar on Southwest purchases (up from three) and double points on restaurants and gas.
What are the new seating options on southwest
Southwest is also preparing for a big shift in how seating works, moving away from its traditional open-seating model. The airline has introduced three categories of seats:
- Standard Seat: Regular legroom, mostly in the back of the cabin.
- Preferred Seat: Same legroom, but closer to the front of the plane.
- Extra Legroom Seat: Up to five additional inches of space, located in the front rows or exit rows. These seats also include earlier access to overhead bin space, extra snacks, and complimentary premium drinks.
According to Southwest, “Extra Legroom seats offer up to five additional inches of seat pitch on the 737-700 aircraft, though the exact space varies by plane type.”
Are there any bonuses for new sign-ups
Yes, and it is a big one. Anyone who opens a personal Rapid Rewards card before September 17 can earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in five months. That is nearly enough to qualify for the Companion Pass, which lets a friend or family member fly with you for free (plus taxes and fees).
What this means for frequent flyers
The higher fees may sting at first, but if you fly Southwest regularly, the new perks could more than make up for the cost. Free checked bags, earlier boarding, and better seat options can add real value if you take advantage of them. For casual travelers, though, the higher annual fees may be harder to justify.
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