Southwest Airlines Changes Leave Lubbock Travelers Feeling the Difference

If you've flown out of Lubbock on Southwest this last year, you'll probably agree with me that the airline feels different from the one we grew up with and have utilized for years.

What Lubbock Travelers Are Saying About the New Southwest Experience

With very few exceptions, I  have always flown Southwest as a default. As in, I never even looked at other airlines for travel. However, going forward, I will probably choose whichever airline can offer me the best combination of affordability and the least hassle.

Read More: Texas Flyers Be Aware: Southwest Stops Travel To These Airports

My parents are on their way to visit my grandmother, and new Southwest policies caused a bit of a family snafu for us- my grandmother wants a suitcase I borrowed from her back; however, since it is a large suitcase, my parents will have to pay to check it. Before May of this year, two bags flew free for customers, so this wouldn't have even been a conversation before.

It was decided that my mom would use the suitcase to get her items there and then purchase a suitcase for the trip back, which is cumbersome.

What Is Happening to Unassigned Seating and Easy Boarding?

In addition to our family suitcase drama, I know my parents will have to deal with increased boarding times and less overhead bin space as everyone attempts to avoid the bag fee by cramming in carry-ons.
Read More: Southwest Airlines Ditches Major Perk, And Passengers Will Pay

And next year, beginning on January 27, 2026, Southwest will switch to assigned seating, with the best seats costing more, of course. This will have its advantages and disadvantages, of course.

My father is quite tall with the world's longest legs, so he's always paid to be in the first boarding group so he can get his required aisle seat. Now, he can just buy an aisle seat.

Additionally, there will no longer be any times I'm separated from my family because I forgot to check in as early as possible (this has happened multiple times); instead, I can cheap out by buying the middle seat next to Daddy Long Legs.

This change mostly feels like a wash- although I'm sure some folks were great at working the unassigned system to get great seats at no extra cost.

Despite Changes, Southwest Remains Highly Regarded By Consumers

The 2024 J.D. Power North American Airline Satisfaction Study ranked Southwest Airlines the highest in customer satisfaction for the third year in a row for the "economy and basic economy segment" in 2024.

If they can maintain their customer-service-comes-first culture, perhaps they can keep their streak. I will say that despite some cancellations and delays I faced in my travels last year, I was always able to get the help I needed with compassion and a smile.