Southwest Airlines continues brand revamp with new fare bundles, perks for top-tier fliers
Southwest Airlines is unveiling new fare bundles as controversial changes to the airline's policies are set to take effect in the coming months.
Historically branded as a no-frills, budget-friendly airline, Southwest in the last year announced it would sunset its signature open seating and free checked bag policies in an effort to modernize services and secure future profitability.
The hotly contested brand overhaul continued this week with four revamped fare bundles offering the most perks to top-tier fliers and loyalty program members.
The new fare options - Choice Extra, Choice Preferred, Choice and Basic, in descending price order - will be available for purchase in the third quarter of this year for flights scheduled in 2026, the airline said.
'With new choices like seat selection and Extra Legroom, our enhanced fare bundles let Customers customize their trip while still enjoying our industry-leading reliability and hospitality,' Tony Roach, Southwest's executive vice president of consumer & brand, said in a statement.
Representatives for Southwest declined to provide additional comment, referring to the airline's news release and website as sources of information about the bundles.
Choice Extra, the priciest option of the bunch, is the only package offering passengers two free checked bags. Additional perks include roomier seats, early boarding and complimentary internet.
A tier below, Choice Preferred offers preferred seating and early general boarding. Choice ticketholders choose from standard seats upon booking, while those who opt for Basic - the most restrictive fare - are assigned seats at check-in.
Southwest did not disclose pricing specifics for the newly unveiled bundles.
But the airline did confirm new perks for loyalty program members.
Southwest credit card holders will be able to select their seats regardless of the bundle they purchase and also receive early boarding and a free checked bag, the airline said. A-List members get preferred seating, earlier boarding and 'other inflight experience enhancements.'
On social media, Southwest regulars were less than pleased with the new flight bundles, with one user commenting on the airline's Instagram announcement that they'd 'rather have my two free checked bags and open seating.'
'None of us asked for this,' another said. Others expressed sadness about booking summer flights with other airlines.
Southwest will start charging for checked bags on flights booked on or after May 28. Assigned seats will be available for purchase in the second half of 2025 for flights departing in 2026.
Copyright (C) 2025, Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Portions copyrighted by the respective providers.
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Jetstar Asia closure: Some customers confused, frustrated by poor communication; Air India plane crashes at Ahmedabad airport in India: Singapore live news
The Jetstar Asia closure has left some customers confused and frustrated over conflicting information, or a lack thereof. The Singapore-based airlines, operated by Qantas Group, announced on Wednesday (11 June) morning that it would be ceasing operations from 31 July. They added that Jetstar Asia flights would be operating with a "progressively reduced schedule". For a customer identified as Daniel, he told CNA that he didn't realise the schedule would be "progressively reduced" prior to its closure. An Air India plane crashed at India's Ahmedabad airport, said the police and the airline on Thursday (12 June). There were no details on fatalities from the crash but it was reported that there were more than 200 people on board the flight. Air India said that the flight was headed to Gatwick airport in London and that the plane was "involved in an incident". "At this moment, we are ascertaining the details and will share further updates," they said on X. Read more in our live blog below, including the latest local and international news and updates. An Air India plane crashed at India's Ahmedabad airport, said the police and the airline on Thursday (12 June). There were no details on fatalities from the crash but it was reported that there were more than 200 people on board the flight. Air India said that the flight was headed to Gatwick airport in London and that the plane was "involved in an incident". "At this moment, we are ascertaining the details and will share further updates," they said on X. Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025. At this moment, we are ascertaining the details and will share further updates at the earliest on and on our X handle ( India… — Air India (@airindia) June 12, 2025 The crash occurred when the aircraft was taking off, television channels reported. Visuals showed debris on fire, with thick black smoke rising up into the sky near the airport. Police officers shared that the plane crashed in a civilian area near the airport. For more on the Air India plane crash, read here. Pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter has surprised fans with the announcement of her seventh studio album, Man's Best Friend, set for release on 29 August, 2025. Carpenter shared the news on Instagram on Wednesday (11 June) along with a photo of her on hands and knees in a black mini dress and black heels. Meanwhile, a man, which is cut out of the photo, is grabbing a her hair. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sabrina Carpenter (@sabrinacarpenter) Man's Best Friend follows the success of her previous album Short n' Sweet – and the hit song Espresso – which earned her a Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Album earlier this year. The lead single, Manchild, dropped on 5 June, showcasing Carpenter's signature blend of synth-pop and introspective lyrics. For more on Sabrina Carpenter's new album, read here. A Singaporean woman was sentenced to six months' jail in Taiwan for stalking and harassing Golden Melody Award-winning singer Olivia Tsao Ya-wen. Cassandra Low, a woman in her 30s, was identified in a court judgment by the New Taipei District Court. The court found her guilty of endangering Tsao's personal safety, stalking and harassing her, and also publicly insulting the singer. It was reported that Low was a long-time admirer of Tsao and both parties have exchanged personal e-mails and messages over Facebook and Instagram since November 2023. However, the relationship soured after Tsao blocked Low on social media, with the latter issuing threats. In one Facebook post, Low wrote, "I can be very aggressive. The more stubborn she is... don't blame me for whatever I do to her parents." For more on the Olivia Tsao stalking incident, read here. Les Miserables The Arena Spectacular is coming to the Sands Theatre in Singapore in March 2026. The record-breaking concert tour is an expanded version of the Les Miserables The Staged Concert, and features an extraordinary and exciting new design specifically created for larger venues with a cast and orchestra of over 65. UOB cardmembers will have priority pre-sales with a 20 per cent discount. The first starts on Monday (23 June) at 10am, exclusively on Klook. The second will be on Tuesday (24 June) at 10am, and will be available through Marina Bay Sands Ticketing, SISTIC and Klook. Non-UOB cardmembers can sign up for the waitlist now to gain access to the waitlist pre-sale that will start on Tuesday (24 June) 10am. There will be a 15 per cent discount during this pre-sale. The public sale will start on Thursday (26 June) at 12pm, and will be available through Marina Bay Sands Ticketing, SISTIC and Klook. There will be a 10 per cent early bird discount. The concert tour just wrapped up its Australia dates and have now moved to Asia. It opens in Taiwan on Thursday (12 June), with its next stops being Japan and China. Cast details for the Singapore leg of the concert tour have yet to be confirmed or revealed. An Australian man was arrested after he allegedly shoplifted twice in the transit area of Changi Airport Terminal 1. On 11 June, the police said in a statement that they were alerted to a case of shop theft at a duty-free Shilla Cosmetics and Perfumes store at about 11.30pm. Investigations revealed that a man allegedly took a display bottle of facial product, valued at $466, and left without paying. Officers from the Airport Police Division identified the man and he was arrested on 1 June. Police also believe that the man is involved in another case of shop theft, also at Shilla Cosmetics and Perfumes, that occurred on 27 May. For more on the man's alleged shop theft spree, read here. An 85-year-old woman died after an accident involving a Comfort taxi near Kallang MRT on 10 June. The police were alerted at 10.35am to the accident on Lorong 1 Geylang towards Upper Boon Keng Road. The woman was unconscious and brought to Tan Tock Seng Hospital by the Singapore Civil Defence Force where she died. The 68-year-old male driver has been arrested for careless driving causing death, said the police on 11 June. For more on the accident near Kallang MRT, read here. More than 55,000 Palestinians have died in the Israel-Hamas conflict, according to Gaza health authorities. Local hospitals said that at least 21 people were killed on their way to provide aid at distribution centres. The cause of death for victims near the site are unclear, but the Israeli army said on Wednesday that it fired warning shots at "suspects" that posed a threat to troops. The numbers by the Gaza Health Ministry doesn't distinguish between civilians and combatants, and they said that women and children make up more than half the 55,000 dead. The war, which erupted on 7 Oct 2023 after a surprise Hamas attack, continues unabated despite international calls for a ceasefire. Israel's military maintains that operations are targeting militants, and blamed them for hiding among civilians. For more on the Israel-Hamas war death toll, read here. Trade talks between the US and China aimed at cooling tensions have ended in a deal, said US President Donald Trump. He shared that China will supply US companies with magnets and rare earth metals while the US will walk back its threats to revoke visas of Chinese students. "Our deal with China is done, subject to final approval from President Xi and me," wrote Trump on Truth Social. The talks were held over two days in London, starting from Monday (9 June) to address the conflicts that had emerged since the truce between both parties started in May. Details about the new agreement with China are limited, with White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt saying that Trump is reviewing it. "But what the president heard, he liked," she added. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who was testifying before Congress on Wednesday, said the talks were more narrowly focused and a comprehensive deal will require more time to flesh out. For more on the US-China trade deal, read here. Taiwan was struck by an earthquake on Wednesday (11 June) evening, with the quake hitting seconds after cell phone alarms went off at 7.01pm. The quake about 71 kilometres south of Hualien City. According to the United States Geological Survey, the quake had a magnitude of 5.9 and was detected at a depth of 31.1 kilometres. Taiwan's Central Weather Administration gave the magnitude as 6.4. However, such differences are common considering the differences in sensitivity and detector locations. Buildings in Taipei shook for about a minute, and there were no immediate reports of damage. A firefighter in Chenggong told AFP that when the quake hit, "the computer screen and fan shook heavily". He added, "It was much stronger than previous quakes. I immediately thought about running outside." For more on the Taiwan earthquake, read here. The Jetstar Asia closure has left some customers confused and frustrated over conflicting information, or a lack thereof. The Singapore-based airlines, operated by Qantas Group, announced on Wednesday (11 June) morning that it would be ceasing operations from 31 July. They added that Jetstar Asia flights would be operating with a "progressively reduced schedule". For a customer identified as Daniel, he told CNA that he didn't realise the schedule would be "progressively reduced" prior to its closure. Hence, he thought his two planned trips in July – one to Bangkok, another to Okinawa - would not be affected. On Wednesday morning, though, he received an email confirming that his trip to Bangkok was cancelled, so he made plans to book another flight. Daniel said the email also included his "specific booking reference". Yet, when his friend called the Jetstar Asia's hotline, they were told the flight was still going ahead as planned. He now feels uncertain about his flight to Okinawa and it's not clear which flights would be cut from Jetstar Asia's schedule before it closes. 'I'm wondering, when would they tell me about it? Or how late would they tell me about it?' For more on how customers are affected by the Jetstar Asia closure, read here. An Air India plane crashed at India's Ahmedabad airport, said the police and the airline on Thursday (12 June). There were no details on fatalities from the crash but it was reported that there were more than 200 people on board the flight. Air India said that the flight was headed to Gatwick airport in London and that the plane was "involved in an incident". "At this moment, we are ascertaining the details and will share further updates," they said on X. Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025. At this moment, we are ascertaining the details and will share further updates at the earliest on and on our X handle ( India… — Air India (@airindia) June 12, 2025 The crash occurred when the aircraft was taking off, television channels reported. Visuals showed debris on fire, with thick black smoke rising up into the sky near the airport. Police officers shared that the plane crashed in a civilian area near the airport. For more on the Air India plane crash, read here. Pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter has surprised fans with the announcement of her seventh studio album, Man's Best Friend, set for release on 29 August, 2025. Carpenter shared the news on Instagram on Wednesday (11 June) along with a photo of her on hands and knees in a black mini dress and black heels. Meanwhile, a man, which is cut out of the photo, is grabbing a her hair. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sabrina Carpenter (@sabrinacarpenter) Man's Best Friend follows the success of her previous album Short n' Sweet – and the hit song Espresso – which earned her a Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Album earlier this year. The lead single, Manchild, dropped on 5 June, showcasing Carpenter's signature blend of synth-pop and introspective lyrics. For more on Sabrina Carpenter's new album, read here. A Singaporean woman was sentenced to six months' jail in Taiwan for stalking and harassing Golden Melody Award-winning singer Olivia Tsao Ya-wen. Cassandra Low, a woman in her 30s, was identified in a court judgment by the New Taipei District Court. The court found her guilty of endangering Tsao's personal safety, stalking and harassing her, and also publicly insulting the singer. It was reported that Low was a long-time admirer of Tsao and both parties have exchanged personal e-mails and messages over Facebook and Instagram since November 2023. However, the relationship soured after Tsao blocked Low on social media, with the latter issuing threats. In one Facebook post, Low wrote, "I can be very aggressive. The more stubborn she is... don't blame me for whatever I do to her parents." For more on the Olivia Tsao stalking incident, read here. Les Miserables The Arena Spectacular is coming to the Sands Theatre in Singapore in March 2026. The record-breaking concert tour is an expanded version of the Les Miserables The Staged Concert, and features an extraordinary and exciting new design specifically created for larger venues with a cast and orchestra of over 65. UOB cardmembers will have priority pre-sales with a 20 per cent discount. The first starts on Monday (23 June) at 10am, exclusively on Klook. The second will be on Tuesday (24 June) at 10am, and will be available through Marina Bay Sands Ticketing, SISTIC and Klook. Non-UOB cardmembers can sign up for the waitlist now to gain access to the waitlist pre-sale that will start on Tuesday (24 June) 10am. There will be a 15 per cent discount during this pre-sale. The public sale will start on Thursday (26 June) at 12pm, and will be available through Marina Bay Sands Ticketing, SISTIC and Klook. There will be a 10 per cent early bird discount. The concert tour just wrapped up its Australia dates and have now moved to Asia. It opens in Taiwan on Thursday (12 June), with its next stops being Japan and China. Cast details for the Singapore leg of the concert tour have yet to be confirmed or revealed. An Australian man was arrested after he allegedly shoplifted twice in the transit area of Changi Airport Terminal 1. On 11 June, the police said in a statement that they were alerted to a case of shop theft at a duty-free Shilla Cosmetics and Perfumes store at about 11.30pm. Investigations revealed that a man allegedly took a display bottle of facial product, valued at $466, and left without paying. Officers from the Airport Police Division identified the man and he was arrested on 1 June. Police also believe that the man is involved in another case of shop theft, also at Shilla Cosmetics and Perfumes, that occurred on 27 May. For more on the man's alleged shop theft spree, read here. An 85-year-old woman died after an accident involving a Comfort taxi near Kallang MRT on 10 June. The police were alerted at 10.35am to the accident on Lorong 1 Geylang towards Upper Boon Keng Road. The woman was unconscious and brought to Tan Tock Seng Hospital by the Singapore Civil Defence Force where she died. The 68-year-old male driver has been arrested for careless driving causing death, said the police on 11 June. For more on the accident near Kallang MRT, read here. More than 55,000 Palestinians have died in the Israel-Hamas conflict, according to Gaza health authorities. Local hospitals said that at least 21 people were killed on their way to provide aid at distribution centres. The cause of death for victims near the site are unclear, but the Israeli army said on Wednesday that it fired warning shots at "suspects" that posed a threat to troops. The numbers by the Gaza Health Ministry doesn't distinguish between civilians and combatants, and they said that women and children make up more than half the 55,000 dead. The war, which erupted on 7 Oct 2023 after a surprise Hamas attack, continues unabated despite international calls for a ceasefire. Israel's military maintains that operations are targeting militants, and blamed them for hiding among civilians. For more on the Israel-Hamas war death toll, read here. Trade talks between the US and China aimed at cooling tensions have ended in a deal, said US President Donald Trump. He shared that China will supply US companies with magnets and rare earth metals while the US will walk back its threats to revoke visas of Chinese students. "Our deal with China is done, subject to final approval from President Xi and me," wrote Trump on Truth Social. The talks were held over two days in London, starting from Monday (9 June) to address the conflicts that had emerged since the truce between both parties started in May. Details about the new agreement with China are limited, with White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt saying that Trump is reviewing it. "But what the president heard, he liked," she added. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who was testifying before Congress on Wednesday, said the talks were more narrowly focused and a comprehensive deal will require more time to flesh out. For more on the US-China trade deal, read here. Taiwan was struck by an earthquake on Wednesday (11 June) evening, with the quake hitting seconds after cell phone alarms went off at 7.01pm. The quake about 71 kilometres south of Hualien City. According to the United States Geological Survey, the quake had a magnitude of 5.9 and was detected at a depth of 31.1 kilometres. Taiwan's Central Weather Administration gave the magnitude as 6.4. However, such differences are common considering the differences in sensitivity and detector locations. Buildings in Taipei shook for about a minute, and there were no immediate reports of damage. A firefighter in Chenggong told AFP that when the quake hit, "the computer screen and fan shook heavily". He added, "It was much stronger than previous quakes. I immediately thought about running outside." For more on the Taiwan earthquake, read here. The Jetstar Asia closure has left some customers confused and frustrated over conflicting information, or a lack thereof. The Singapore-based airlines, operated by Qantas Group, announced on Wednesday (11 June) morning that it would be ceasing operations from 31 July. They added that Jetstar Asia flights would be operating with a "progressively reduced schedule". For a customer identified as Daniel, he told CNA that he didn't realise the schedule would be "progressively reduced" prior to its closure. Hence, he thought his two planned trips in July – one to Bangkok, another to Okinawa - would not be affected. On Wednesday morning, though, he received an email confirming that his trip to Bangkok was cancelled, so he made plans to book another flight. Daniel said the email also included his "specific booking reference". Yet, when his friend called the Jetstar Asia's hotline, they were told the flight was still going ahead as planned. He now feels uncertain about his flight to Okinawa and it's not clear which flights would be cut from Jetstar Asia's schedule before it closes. 'I'm wondering, when would they tell me about it? Or how late would they tell me about it?' For more on how customers are affected by the Jetstar Asia closure, read here.
Time Business News
30 minutes ago
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Social Media Manager & Marketing Saad Mehmood
In today's fast-paced digital world, having a strong social media presence is not a luxury — it's a necessity. Whether you're a startup, a local store, or an established brand, your customers are spending more time on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn. The question is: are you showing up where your audience is? If not, it's time to bring in a professional social media manager and marketer to take your business to the next level. Social media is more than just posting pictures and writing captions. A skilled social media manager develops strategies, creates targeted content, manages community engagement, runs ad campaigns, and analyzes results. This ensures your brand stays relevant, visible, and profitable across platforms. Here's what a professional manager can do for your business: Increase brand visibility and engagement Drive traffic to your website or online store Generate leads and convert them into paying customers Build customer loyalty through consistent interaction Manage online reputation and handle customer queries Hiring a social media expert means you get a full suite of digital marketing services, including: Content Creation – High-quality visuals, reels, carousels, and captions – High-quality visuals, reels, carousels, and captions Posting & Scheduling – Consistent uploads based on peak engagement hours – Consistent uploads based on peak engagement hours Ad Campaigns – Targeted Facebook/Instagram/LinkedIn ads that convert – Targeted Facebook/Instagram/LinkedIn ads that convert Analytics & Reporting – Monthly performance tracking and ROI reporting – Monthly performance tracking and ROI reporting Page Optimization – Bio, profile picture, CTA buttons, and hashtag strategies Whether you need organic growth or paid ads, everything is customized for your business goals. Whether you run a restaurant, clothing brand, salon, real estate agency, online store, or local service business, professional social media management helps you attract, engage, and retain customers in a competitive market. Don't let your competitors win the online game. Make sure your business is the one people notice and remember. Looking for a reliable, results-driven social media manager and marketer in Pakistan or internationally? Let's connect and discuss a tailored strategy for your business. 👉 Contact on WhatsApp Now: 📲 Click to Chat on WhatsApp or message directly at +92 304 4662975 Get ready to grow your online presence, increase sales, and build a brand your audience trusts. Social media isn't just about being present — it's about being strategic, creative, and consistent. With the right expert by your side, your business can dominate digital platforms and reach the right audience at the right time. So if you're serious about growth, hire a professional social media manager and marketer today. Your business deserves it. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
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Kendall Jenner Keeps Cool in a Black Bikini During Desert Getaway: See the Pics!
Kendall Jenner knows how to heat up her Instagram feed The supermodel shared bikini photos from her desert getaway on June 11 "strawberry moon," she captioned the upload, which also included her breathtaking viewsThe heat from Kendall Jenner's desert getaway is no match for the supermodel's steamy bikini snaps! The Kardashians star, 29, shared photos from her vacation in an Instagram carousel posted Wednesday, June 11. Kicking off the collection of pics, she shared a photo of herself in a black bikini and straw hat, while lounging on what appears to be a white bed. In addition to the views of the land, Jenner also shared a snap of her backside. She sat facing a body of water while the intricate design of her bikini was on display. Jenner captured a selfie of herself smiling from ear to ear while she looked directly into the camera, and rounded out the post with a clip of her riding in the backseat of a vehicle, hair blowing in the wind, while she admired the views of the desert. 'strawberry moon,' she captioned the upload, presumably referencing the clip of Earth's natural satellite that she shared. The 818 Tequila founder has been enjoying getaways of all sorts lately. Last month, her sister Kylie Jenner shared a glimpse into her vacation with her eldest child, Stormi, and the supermodel. At the time, the Kylie Cosmetics CEO, 27, shared an Instagram carousel, featuring a photo of Kendall with her arms in the air while smiling. She wore a red bikini top and white towel that was wrapped around her waist. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Then, on May 13, Kylie shared a video of Kendall missing a piece of her front tooth. The two were headed to a New York Knicks game in N.Y.C. 'Did my nail just come off? Or was it my tooth?' Kendall inquired while giggling in the video. Kylie then showed a zoomed-in shot of her sister's tooth. 'B----, you are not going to the Knicks game today,' she replied. Read the original article on People
