Starting this Wednesday, Southwest Airlines will introduce charges of $35 for checking the first bag and $45 for the second bag, thereby discontinuing their well-liked “bags fly free” program.
Upon being approached for comments, Southwest Airlines referred to their website stating that passengers traveling in Business Select class or those holding elite-level membership within their loyalty program would receive two complimentary checked bags. Additionally, travelers using a Southwest credit card or opting for the carrier’s next-to-top-tier fare category will be granted one free checked bag.
In March, the airline announced this policy shift, making it the final prominent U.S. carrier to abandon its complimentary baggage program after maintaining it for over five decades since the company’s establishment.
The announcement regarding the leadership shift was made following an update from Southwest Airlines’ CEO, Bob Jordan.
told CBS News
In September, the airline stated that it would not alter its baggage policy.
It’s the third factor customers consider after price and timing: We handle your luggage without extra charges,” Jordan stated back then. ” Ninety-seven percent of them know about our policies. Therefore, this gives us a significant edge with consumers. Hence, you can be sure that we’ll transport your baggage for free.
This is merely the most recent adjustment made by Southwest Airlines. In July 2024, the company declared that they would discontinue their open seating policy and introduce premium seats with additional legroom later in the year to ”
enhance financial outcomes, and boost shareholder returns
.”
During a conference in March, Jordan mentioned that Southwest transported almost double the number of bags compared to other airlines, which might hinder their operational efficiency.
as reported by The New York Times
.
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