Southwest Airlines, a renowned U.S. carrier, recently disclosed the fees it will impose for checked-in luggage, with the changes slated to come into force this week. This new fee structure mirrors those of many other airlines in the sector. From Wednesday onwards, the usual passengers flying Southwest Airlines will be subject to a fee of $35 for their initial checked baggage, an amount that parallels the existing bag fees levied by most other major U.S. airlines.
Travelers checking a second bag with Southwest Airlines will be required to shell out $45. The implementation of these fees will be applicable to flights booked from May 28 and beyond. Consequently, holidaymakers who had secured their summer trip bookings in advance will still benefit from the airline’s longstanding ‘bags fly free’ policy, as will any other pre-existing bookings.
Moreover, all reservations secured by the end of the day on May 27 are also eligible for free bag allowances. Concurrent with the release of the new pricing for checked luggage, the airline also unveiled several methods for passengers to continue enjoying bag check benefits at no additional cost on their flights.
One such way is for passengers to opt for Southwest Airlines’ top-tier Business Select fare, which will enable them to check two bags for free. An added perk of this fare tier is that it will eventually grant patrons access to the airline’s extra-legroom seating options, offering an even more comfortable flying experience.
Another opportunity for passengers to retain their free checked baggage allowances is through the Southwest Rapid Rewards program. Members who amass enough points to attain the A-List Preferred elite status are entitled to two free checked bags. On the other hand, standard A-List members will still be able to check one bag free of charge.
Southwest’s collaboration with Chase offers another avenue to avail the free bag benefit. Passengers who possess Southwest Rapid Rewards co-branded Chase credit cards are eligible to check in one bag for free. The co-branded card program could be a compelling option for frequent travelers seeking ways to reduce their travel costs.
This move taken by Southwest Airlines is primarily motivated by a desire to boost their profit margins which have, in recent times, been less than satisfactory. The necessity for this strategic shift in pricing has been underscored by the company’s financial performance in the past few years.
Interestingly, feedback from customers has revealed that Southwest’s ‘bags fly free’ policy had a significant influence on their choice of airline, with many favoring Southwest over its competition owing to this policy. The airline’s strategic move, therefore, signals an attempt to strike a balance between maintaining an appealing offer for its passengers and ensuring the company’s financial viability.
