Southwest Airways is altering one in all its insurance policies after eradicating its open-seating possibility. Now, the corporate is eliminating its broadly favored perk: free checked baggage. The transfer comes amid a altering financial panorama for all airline corporations, as many have upped costs and switched their respective insurance policies on checked baggage and seat upgrades.
Beneath, be taught all about Southwest Airways’ current coverage modifications.
Does Southwest Permit Free Checked Baggage?
Till Could 28, 2025, Southwest Airways will permit free checked baggage. The airline will start charging every buyer’s first and second checked bag aside from A-list loyalty program members or these touring on a enterprise fare, per CNN.
For many years, Southwest’s staple has been the promise of free checked baggage. Even when opponents elevated their costs on baggage, the airline remained agency on its coverage — till now.
Why Did Southwest Change Its Baggage Coverage?
Southwest’s CEO, Bob Jordan, cited “profitability” as the rationale behind the checked baggage fare change. In response to an announcement from a press launch, Jordan mentioned, “Now we have super alternative to satisfy present and future buyer wants, appeal to new buyer segments we don’t compete for in the present day, and return to the degrees of profitability that each we and our shareholders count on.”
Does Any Airline Permit Free Checked Baggage?
No different U.S. airline permits free checked baggage for all clients. Some corporations supply free checked baggage for sure clients, reminiscent of rewards program members.
How A lot Does a Southwest Airline Checked Bag Value?
Per CNN, Southwest Airways didn’t specify how a lot it can price to verify a bag beginning in Could 2025. The corporate additionally didn’t specify when it could take away its open-seating coverage. Nonetheless, in July 2024, Southwest introduced that it could transition to an assigned-seating format for passengers.
“The analysis is obvious and signifies that 80% of Southwest clients, and 86% of potential clients, choose an assigned seat,” Southwest mentioned in an announcement on the time. “By transferring to an assigned seating mannequin, Southwest expects to broaden its attraction and appeal to extra flying from its present and future clients.”
