Along with starting to charge for checked bags, Southwest has announced major changes to its business model over the past year, like getting rid of open seating.
Here’s what travelers should know about the end of free bags on Southwest: What is changing?
Southwest will no longer offer two free checked bags with many tickets purchased on or after Wednesday.
For tickets purchased before then, a Southwest spokesman said the carrier will honor the terms of those fares, like the two free checked bags.
A-List frequent flyer members, the second-highest tier in the loyalty program, will also get their first bag checked free of charge.
Getty Images/Scott Olson.
Turn on your alarm. In just one day, Southwest Airlines will begin charging passengers to check their bags for the first time in over 50 years.
The general “two bags fly free” policy will be discontinued by Southwest on Wednesday.
It was an exclusive benefit that distinguished the airline from rivals and was revered by both longtime executives and passengers. However, baggage fees generated almost $7.3 billion for the United States. S. . airlines last year, based on federal data, and executives at Southwest, who have long pledged to stick with the policy, have been under pressure to increase profits.
The airline has not yet disclosed the cost of bag check-in, but competitors typically charge $35 to $40 for a first checked bag on domestic flights, with some exceptions.
Southwest has announced significant changes to its business model over the past year, including the elimination of open seating and the introduction of checked baggage fees. Additionally, the airline will launch basic-economy tickets on Wednesday, similar to those offered by United Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta Air Lines.
Travelers should be aware of the following regarding Southwest’s discontinuation of free bags.
What’s shifting?
For many tickets bought on or after Wednesday, Southwest will no longer provide two complimentary checked bags. According to a Southwest representative, the airline will uphold the conditions of tickets bought prior to that time, such as the two complimentary checked bags.
Its basic, Wanna Get Away Plus, and Anytime fares will all be subject to the fees.
After months of pressure from activist Elliott Investment Management, which invested in the airline last year and gained five board seats, which pushed for significant changes at the company, including free checked baggage, changeable tickets, and open seating, Southwest announced the policy in March.
Do they have exceptions?
True. Two complimentary checked bags are offered to passengers with top-tier status in Southwest’s Rapid Rewards loyalty program, as well as to those purchasing the most expensive Business Select rates.
Customers who have a co-branded credit card with Southwest Airlines and their traveling companions who have also booked with the same card will not be charged for their first standard checked bag.
The second-highest level of the loyalty program, A-List frequent flyers, will also receive a complimentary first bag check.
Basic is the new type of fare.
On Wednesday, Southwest will also begin offering tickets in basic economy.
Customers who purchase the new Basic fare will be among the last to board, their fare credits will expire in six months as opposed to twelve months for other ticket classes, and they will not be able to make changes to their tickets.
The airline is also discontinuing its Wanna Get Away ticket, which was the cheapest tier prior to the modifications.
How about allotted seating?
The open-seating model has been a hallmark of Southwest for many years. In an attempt to secure a good boarding position, loyalists frequently obsessively check in the day before their flight.
However, later this year, Southwest announced that it will begin offering tickets for flights with seat assignments in 2026. Similar to many of its rivals, it is also equipping its aircraft with seats with more legroom, which command higher prices.
Can Southwest manage it?
The airline is installing larger overhead bins on its Boeing fleet, which should help with an influx of carry-on bags. Southwest executives have informed employees that they expect passengers to bring more luggage (those policies for free carry-ons aren’t changing).
Executives have also stated that in order to help passengers, employees will have mobile bag-tag printers at airport lobbies and gates.
Do people have a temper?
Social media posts by Southwest, including those featuring infants and puppies on board, are nearly always met with outrage over the revised baggage policy.
However, CEO Bob Jordan told CNBC last month that customers haven’t been put off by the company’s March 11 announcement of a policy change.
On “Squawk on the Street” on April 24, he stated, “We have seen no book-down on that day or after that day.”.
