Southwest Airlines, the airline most folks are used to seeing as offering cheap and no-frills travel throughout the U.S., is transforming in a major way. It will soon potentially fly to distant locations such as Europe, Asia, Africa, and beyond. It also aims to provide new, more spacious travel options. What that means is the airline wants to offer more than just being the budget option—it wants to be an international airline offering folks more travel options.

Southwest Airlines: What Is Changing?

For a long time, everyone loved Southwest Airlines because they had easy rules. You didn’t pay extra for your checked bags, and you didn’t have to pick a seat before you flew—you could simply sit wherever you like. Those things made flying convenient and affordable for many people.

But now, Southwest is changing some big things:

• No more free checked baggage – You will be charged if you wish to check a bag.

• No more open seating – Now, you will have to select and pay for your seat prior to the flight.

• New premium seats – You can select seats with more space in your legs, but they will cost you more.

• All these changes indicate that Southwest wishes to earn more money and provide services similar to large airlines.

Flying to More Places

• Currently, Southwest Airlines only goes to a limited number of nations near the U.S., such as Mexico and a few Caribbean islands. However, the airline intends to go much further—into Europe, Asia, Latin America, and Africa.

• Southwest Airlines has petitioned the U.S. government to allow it to fly to a large number of additional countries. If permitted, you may be able to fly on Southwest to London, Tokyo, or South Africa soon.

• This is a big deal because it would mean more travel choices at lower rates, particularly for those who wish to travel to other areas of the globe but do not wish to spend a lot.

What This Means for Travelers

• If you enjoy Southwest for its easy, low-cost travel, you may find some things changed now:

• You’ll pay extra for things that were previously free, such as bags and seat selections.

• You’ll have more options, like flying to other continents.

• You can choose better seats with more comfort, if you’re willing to pay.

This means Southwest is trying to offer something for everyone—low prices for budget travelers and extra comfort for people who want it.

Competing with Big Airlines

Southwest Airlines is now attempting to challenge big players like Delta, United, and American Airlines. These companies already operate everywhere in the world and provide luxury services. To challenge them, Southwest is modifying its style. It’s incorporating services customers demand as well as additional legroom and international flights, while continuing to keep costs lower than other carriers.

But it isn’t easy to fly international. It requires planning, capital, and the proper alliances. Southwest will need to work diligently in order to expand and keep its consumers satisfied.

A New Southwest

Southwest Airlines isn’t the same airline it once was. It’s abandoning its status as strictly a low-fare airline to become more of a full-service airline. Though this will be a letdown for some longtime loyalists, it could also spell more enjoyable travel for many.

You’ll still pay reasonable prices, but now you’ll have more options—whether a no-frills flight to a nearby town or a more luxurious trip over the sea.

Final Thoughts

Southwest is modernizing. It’s expanding internationally and with new travel services that make it as much like the big airlines as it used to be different. Although some things are going to cost more now, the airline would like passengers to appreciate the new services and international flights.

So if you’re thinking about a trip in the near future, watch what Southwest is doing. You may be able to travel to great new destinations—and decide how you want to do it.