Southwest Airways is altering considered one of 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.
Under, study all about Southwest Airways’ latest coverage adjustments.
Does Southwest Enable Free Checked Luggage?
Till Might 28, 2025, Southwest Airways will enable 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 explanation behind the checked baggage fare change. Based on a press release from a press launch, Jordan mentioned, “We have now super alternative to satisfy present and future buyer wants, entice new buyer segments we don’t compete for immediately, and return to the degrees of profitability that each we and our shareholders count on.”
Does Any Airline Enable Free Checked Luggage?
No different U.S. airline permits free checked baggage for all prospects. Some corporations supply free checked baggage for sure prospects, comparable to rewards program members.
How A lot Does a Southwest Airline Checked Bag Value?
Per CNN, Southwest Airways didn’t specify how a lot it would value to verify a bag beginning in Might 2025. The corporate additionally didn’t specify when it will take away its open-seating coverage. Nevertheless, in July 2024, Southwest introduced that it will transition to an assigned-seating format for passengers.
“The analysis is obvious and signifies that 80% of Southwest prospects, and 86% of potential prospects, favor an assigned seat,” Southwest mentioned in a press release on the time. “By shifting to an assigned seating mannequin, Southwest expects to broaden its enchantment and entice extra flying from its present and future prospects.”
