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7 articles
·19d

Southwest Airlines Implements Checked Bag Fees Amid Major Policy Overhaul

Southwest Airlines introduces checked bag fees starting May 28, charging $35 for the first bag and $45 for the second, as part of a broader policy change.


Overview

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Southwest Airlines will begin charging for checked bags on May 28, with fees of $35 for the first bag and $45 for the second. This marks the end of its long-standing 'bags fly free' policy. Certain passengers, including Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members and Business Select travelers, will still enjoy free checked bags. The airline is also overhauling its policies, including the introduction of assigned seating and a new Basic fare option. These changes aim to enhance profitability amid pressure from investors, with an estimated $1.5 billion in annual revenue expected from the new fees.

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Analysis

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Articles (7)

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LeftCenterRight
CNN
USA TODAY
CBS News
Fortune
Associated Press
Boston Herald
Epoch Times
Southwest Airlines reveals how much it will cost to check a bag
CNNCNN·19d·
Leans Left
This outlet slightly leans left.

"…Adding these fees will likely instantly boost its bottom line because Southwest has two to three times as many checked bags as other airlines."

Southwest sets its first checked bag fee, starting at $35
CBS NewsCBS News·19d·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

"…Southwest announced the end of its free bag check policy in March amid mounting pressure from activist investors to improve its financial performance."

Final boarding call for free bags at Southwest as airline abandons a cherished perk
Associated PressAssociated Press·19d·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

"…Southwest Airlines abandoned a decades-long luggage policy that executives once described as key to differentiating the budget carrier from its rivals."

Final boarding call for free bags at Southwest as airline abandons a cherished perk
Boston HeraldBoston Herald·19d·
Leans Right
This outlet slightly leans right.

"…Southwest Airlines has abandoned a decades-long luggage policy, now charging $35 for a first checked bag and $45 for a second, which has drawn criticism from customers who valued the airline's previous baggage allowance."

Southwest Airlines Passengers to pay $35 for First Checked Bag Under New Policy
Epoch TimesEpoch Times·19d·
Right
This outlet favors right-wing views.

"…Southwest Airlines will start charging $35 for a first checked bag and $45 for the second on select fares, ending its decades-long 'bags fly free' policy."

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History

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  • 19d
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    4 articles