If you’ve traveled recently and thought, “Wait, this wasn’t how it worked before,” you’re not imagining things. From shifting airline perks to new border tech, 2025 has been a whirlwind year for travelers. Policies that once seemed solid are changing fast, and some of the biggest names in air travel are rewriting the rules altogether.
Here’s a breakdown of the six most significant U.S. travel rule changes that could affect your next trip.
1. No More Mandatory Cash Compensation for Flight Delays
A Biden-era proposal that would have forced airlines to pay passengers cash for controllable delays has officially been dropped. The Department of Transportation confirmed that the rule was withdrawn in September, leaving compensation policies up to each airline.
That means if your flight is delayed due to maintenance or crew issues, you’ll have to rely on your airline’s own policies, not federal protection, for things like meals, hotels, or refunds. You can still check the latest passenger rights on the U.S. Department of Transportation website for current guidance.
2. American Airlines Removes Bag Sizers at Boarding Gates
Remember those metal bag sizers at the gate? American Airlines says goodbye to them. As of October, the airline removed bag sizers at boarding areas, allowing gate agents to use their own judgment instead.
The size rules haven’t changed, but enforcement has become significantly more lenient. Passengers may find the boarding process smoother — though if your bag looks oversized, it’s still up to the agent whether it flies or gets checked.
3. Southwest Airlines Ends Its “Bags Fly Free” Policy
One of Southwest’s most beloved perks is no more. The airline officially ended its long-running “Bags Fly Free” policy for most flights booked after May 28, 2025.
It’s a significant shift for travelers used to skipping baggage fees, putting Southwest in line with other major U.S. carriers. Some frequent fliers, such as those with A-List status or a Southwest credit card, will still get one free checked bag, but for everyone else, it’s a new expense to factor in.
4. Spirit Airlines Adds a Rare Perk: Two Free Bags for Some Travelers
While other airlines are tightening perks, Spirit Airlines is taking a different approach… at least for select passengers. If you book your flight directly with Spirit using the Free Spirit Travel More Mastercard, you now get two checked bags for free.
It’s a surprising move for an airline known for charging extra fees. Still, the change seems designed to reward brand loyalty and direct bookings.
5. Southwest Plans to Introduce Assigned Seating in 2026
Southwest’s famously free-for-all boarding system is ending soon. Starting January 27, 2026, the airline will roll out assigned seating across its network.
Fare classes will include Standard, Preferred, and Extra Legroom, giving passengers more choice and likely introducing a new layer of upgrades. The change comes as part of a broader rebrand that includes new cabin designs and expanded loyalty benefits.
6. Say Goodbye to Passport Stamps in Europe
If you love collecting passport stamps, this one might sting. The European Union’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) officially launched on October 12, 2025, replacing ink stamps with digital biometric records at border checkpoints.
The system uses fingerprints and facial scans to record traveler entries. It’s a big step toward modernizing border control, though it may take some of the charm out of flipping through your stamped passport pages.
You can read more about the EES rollout on the European Commission’s official site for travelers.
What These Changes Mean for Travelers
For frequent flyers, 2025 is all about adaptation. Airline perks are shrinking, tech is taking over, and flexibility is becoming essential. Staying informed about new rules can help you save time and a few hundred dollars on your next trip.
If you’re planning to fly internationally, now’s a good time to double-check airline policies, update your travel documents, and read the latest government advisories before you go.
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