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
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
- The article presents a neutral tone regarding Southwest Airlines' new checked bag fees.
- It highlights the changes without strong positive or negative emotions.
- Readers are informed about the new policies and their implications for passengers.
Articles (7)
"…Adding these fees will likely instantly boost its bottom line because Southwest has two to three times as many checked bags as other airlines."
CNN·1M·"…Starting on Wednesday, the airline will introduce its first-ever checked bag fees, which will apply to tickets booked or changed on or after May 28."
USA TODAY·1M·"…Southwest announced the end of its free bag check policy in March amid mounting pressure from activist investors to improve its financial performance."
CBS News·1M·"…Southwest Airlines decades-long free checked bags perk ends today."
Fortune·1M·"…Southwest Airlines abandoned a decades-long luggage policy that executives once described as key to differentiating the budget carrier from its rivals."
Associated Press·1M·"…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."
Boston Herald·1M·"…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."
Epoch Times·1M·FAQ
The new checked bag fees are expected to generate approximately $1.5 billion in annual revenue for Southwest Airlines, which aims to enhance profitability amid investor pressure.
Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members and customers traveling on Business Select fares will still receive two free checked bags. A-List members and other select customers get one free checked bag, while passengers with Rapid Rewards credit cards will receive a credit for one checked bag.
Southwest Airlines is also introducing assigned seating and a new Basic fare option as part of its broader policy overhaul.
While the exact weight and size limits for checked bags are not specified in the provided information, standard checked bag policies typically apply to bags that are overweight or oversized, which are charged additional fees.
History
- 1M3 articles