Southwest Airlines Ends Free Checked Bags Policy Amid Major Changes
Starting May 28, Southwest Airlines will charge for checked bags, shifting away from its longstanding 'two bags fly free' tradition, impacting loyal customers significantly.
This policy change is set to take effect for flights booked on or after May 28, aligning Southwest more closely with other major airlines that have already implemented similar charges.
How to still get free checked bags on Southwest after policy ends
Newsweek·7d·Mostly ReliableThis source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
The new fee is part of a series of changes announced by the company that it says will reward its most loyal customers and help it "return to the levels of profitability that both we and our Shareholders expect," president and CEO Bob Jordan said in a statement.
Bags fly for a fee: Southwest Airlines cancels its free checked luggage perk
NPR·7d·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
The decision to about-face on what executives long cast as a sacrosanct passenger perk brings the largest U.S. domestic carrier in line with its rivals, which together generated more than $5 billion from bag fees last year, according to federal data.
VIDEO: Southwest Airlines to Charge Some Flyers for Checked Bags
Breitbart News·7d·Mixed ReliableThis source has a mixed track record—sometimes accurate but also prone to bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting.RightThis outlet favors right-wing views.
Critics have argued that the changes — like eliminating the free bag policy — strip Southwest of the identity that distinguished it from its competitors.
Southwest Airlines Is Ending Its Beloved Free Checked Bags Policy
HuffPost·7d·Mostly ReliableThis source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.Leans LeftThis outlet slightly leans left.Taken together, all the changes could spell trouble for Southwest as it aims to keep frequent flyers loyal to the LUV brand.
Southwest as you knew it is gone forever
Business Insider·7d·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
However, in recent years, financial challenges have forced the airline to reevaluate its approach.
Southwest Airlines announces major change to long-standing passenger perk
Fox Business·7d·Mostly ReliableThis source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.Leans RightThis outlet slightly leans right.
Now, Southwest is hoping the bag fare will boost its revenues.
Southwest Airlines will charge to check bags for first time — breaking longstanding tradition
New York Post·7d·Mostly ReliableThis source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.Leans RightThis outlet slightly leans right.
The changes create new opportunities to reach customers who value fare above everything else.
Southwest Airlines to end free checked luggage policy
NewsNation·7d·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
Getting rid of its famous "two bags fly free" strategy is part of a massive push at the carrier to ditch its long-standing customer perks and policies.
Southwest Airlines as we know it is over. Here's what's changing, from bag fees to basic economy
CNBC·7d·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.Southwest has struggled recently and is under pressure from activist investors to boost profits and revenue.
Southwest Airlines breaks with another tradition and checked bags will cost you now
Associated Press·7d·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
The changes create new opportunities to reach customers who value fare above everything else.
Bags fly free no more: Southwest Airlines to end free checked luggage policy
The Hill·7d·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
It’s a stunning reversal that shows the low-cost pioneer is willing to part with a customer perk executives have said set it apart from rivals in more than half a century of flying in hopes of increasing revenue.
Southwest Airlines will charge to check bags for the first time, launch basic economy tickets
NBC News·7d·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
Summary
Southwest Airlines has announced it will end its long-standing free checked baggage policy, starting May 28, affecting most passengers while maintaining some exceptions for top-tier members. In a notable shift, the airline is under pressure to boost revenue amid a challenging financial landscape, having faced significant challenges, including recent layoffs and competition from other carriers. CEO Bob Jordan stated that these changes aim to enhance profitability and attract new customer segments. Notably, Southwest will also introduce basic-economy fares and revise its loyalty program, raising concerns about brand perception and customer loyalty.
Perspectives
Southwest Airlines is ending its traditional free checked bags policy to boost revenue and adapt to competitive pressures from other airlines, effective for bookings made after May 28.
The new policy will still allow certain loyalty program members and premium fare customers to check bags for free, signaling an effort to reward long-time customers while implementing necessary changes.
These significant shifts in customer service practices, including ending open seating and introducing basic economy fares, aim to enhance profitability and ensure the airline's long-term competitiveness.
FAQs
History
- 7d