Texas Airline Ends All The Things That Made It Cool

The 4th largest airline in the United States of America was started in Texas on a "we're not like the other guys" policy. Now, they're almost exactly like the other guys.

Southwest Airlines first took off in 1971 with several cool things that made them different from the established airlines they had to compete with. They had a cool, almost rebellious air about them, hot stewardesses in short shorts, cheap fares, no baggage fees and no assigned seating.

For decades, Southwest was the cool airline; not charging extra fees for bags, flight changes or early boarding. That's pretty much all gone as they've gone from rogue airline to just another airline.

What Did Southwest Change?

Southwest used to be a cheap alternative to the big dogs but now that it's a "big dog", (#4 in the USA), it's starting to act like one. Bite like one I guess I should say as they are now taking a bite out of customers wallets just like their competitors.

• No Change Fee - They still don't have a change fee but they keep the difference as a "flight credit" and if you don't redeem it fast enough, they keep it for good.
• Early Boarding - You can't just get their first for the seat of your choice anymore, now you have to pay for "early bird seating".
• No Checked Bag fees - Passengers on flights booked on or after 5/28/25 will be charged to check their bag(s). The amount has not been announced.

READ MORE: Watch What You Wear When Flying

In flight service now ends sooner and they're about to start assigned seating. On the upside, they'll still buy you a drink 4 times a year: Valentines Day, St. Patrick's Day, Halloween and Southwest's birthday. (6/18)