Southwest Airlines Ends Free Checked Bags for Most: What This Means for You
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For over 50 years, Southwest Airlines has been different from other major US airlines by allowing passengers to check two bags for free. That’s ending for most of you. Starting May 28, 2024, Southwest will introduce checked bag fees for most passengers, as reported by CBS News. Here’s what it means for you.
Who Still Gets Free Bags?
Only the most elite Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred members and Business Select fares will get two free checked bags.
A-List members, Southwest credit card holders and a few other select customers will get one free checked bag.
Everyone else will have to pay for their first and second checked bags on flights booked on or after May 28.
More Big Changes Ahead
Southwest is also making other changes to its policies and loyalty program:
- New Basic Economy Fare: A super cheap fare class will be introduced with restrictions similar to basic economy on other airlines.
- Seat Assignments in 2025: The airline will end its open seating policy and introduce assigned seats and extra legroom options for a fee.
- Frequent Flyer Program Overhaul: More points will be awarded for Business Select fares, and fewer for Wanna Get Away fares.
- Dynamic Pricing for Award Tickets: The cost of redeeming points for flights will fluctuate based on demand.
A Risky Move?
Industry experts think this will erode customer loyalty. Southwest has always been the airline that’s different, with free bags and open seating. Analyst Henry Harteveldt said this will make Southwest “just another airline” and alienate its most loyal customers.
Southwest CEO Bob Jordan defends the move in a video statement, saying it’s about customer preference and profitability. The airline is also under financial pressure and has just announced layoffs and cost-cutting. Here are some highlights from the statement:
“We are more than the logo on our planes”.
“Our DNA isn’t open seating, or even bags fly free. It’s a dedication to service.”
“More choice is always a good thing. More low fares are always a good thing. And Southwest is large enough that if they use their basic economy fares in the right way, and I believe they will, they may force other airlines to be more aggressive in their pricing.”
“Southwest Airlines remains committed to its core tenets — amazing people who deliver great hospitality to all Southwest customers, a strong network with the most nonstop flights within the U.S., and a loyalty program that gives real value to Rapid Rewards Members.”
What This Means for You
If you fly Southwest often and rely on the free bags, get ready for extra costs unless you have elite status or a premium fare. They haven’t announced the exact cost of checked bags yet, but industry sources say it will be competitive with other big airlines.
