This is the end of an (free) era: Southwest Airlines will start to charge for checkered bags at the end of May.
In the midst of shipwreck profits, the budget airline has announced in a press release On Tuesday, he ends his long -standing policy to authorize passengers to check two bags for free, restricting the advantage to its elite members from May 28. The carrier also announced that it introduced a basic economic rate, which does not include many perks Southwest customers that customers have so far appreciated:
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Customers who buy basic prices on May 28 will not be able to choose their seat or request an additional leg space. The carrier announced last year that it would end its Open seat policy and Instead, offer premium seats options with more leg space.
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Customers now earn fewer rapid reward points on the cheapest want to escape and want to escape the prices more.
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The flight credits issued for basic tariff tickets purchased on May 28 will expire or after the expiration after six months. The flight credits for more expensive prices will expire after a year.
However, you can now buy tickets from the South West on Expedia, which started offering the airline’s prices last month.
While travelers had mixed opinions on the seats assigned, the checkered bag costs are likely to be welcomed with frustration at all levels while the leaflets claim Cheaper plane tickets.
Why does the South West change its policy?
In a word: profitability.
The profits of the airline fell 46% at the beginning of 2024, although it boasted Record income by the end of the year. According to the CEO of Southwest, Bob Jordan, the airline deploys its new policy as it continues to rebuild.
“We have a great opportunity to meet the current and future needs of customers, to attract new customer segments that we do not compete for today and return to the profitability levels to which we and our shareholders are waiting,” said Jordan in the press release on Tuesday.
The load of plaid bags offers an additional source of income for the airline. He follows the Playbook of Bigger Airlines, which generally offer cheaper tickets to customers ready to give up all the advantages or equipment.
What can you do to avoid the bag checked?
If you don’t want to pay to check a bag the next time you fly, you still have options.
Southwest Rapid Rewards A-LIST members and favorite customers who reserve Select Business prices can always check two bags for free. List A members and other “selected” customers will appreciate a free checkered bag. Members of the Rapids Rewards Crédit Card will receive a declaration credit for a checked bag.
If you are not faithful to the southwest, another Airline Credit Cards Can also reward card holders with advantages such as free checkered bags. THE Delta Skymiles Gold American Express MapFor example, offers card holders their first bag checked for free on Delta flights.
The terms apply to the advantages and offers of American Express. Registration may be necessary for certain advantages and offers of American Express. Visit Americanexpress.com To find out more.
And if everything else fails, plan to wrap lighter Mount your travel wardrobe in hand baggage.
“Use compression cubes and vacuum bags to save space,” said Mariana Mendoza de VIAB Adventures travel agency. “Choose a suitcase with compression straps and stretch compartments to help you integrate more into your hand luggage.”
