Southwest Airlines to end free checked bags. What it means for RI T.F. Green travelers
Attention Southwest Airlines passengers: you will soon no longer automatically get two free checked bags on flights.
The airline announced Tuesday that some customers enrolled in its rewards program or those with preferred status will continue to receive either one or two free checked bags beginning in May. All other passengers will have to pay for their first and second checked bags.
The move, which Southwest said is part of a broader strategy to cater to its most loyal customers, comes after the airline announced last year that it would be ending its open seating policy.
Southwest Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members and Business Select fare passengers will continue to receive two free checked bags under its new policy.
Some other customers, including A-List Members, will receive one free checked bag, and Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers will receive a credit for one checked bag.
All other travelers will have to pay for their first and second checked bags, with weight and size restrictions still in place.
The new policy will begin with flights booked on or after May 28, so anyone traveling within the next two months won't have to worry about paying for checked bags.
Southwest offers service across New England, with flights out of Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport, as well as airports in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Connecticut.
Most airlines that travel out of T.F. Green — including Delta, JetBlue and American — require travelers to pay to check bags depending on the trip or fare.
Melina Khan is a trending reporter for the USA TODAY Network - New England, which serves more than a dozen affiliated publications across New England. She can be reached at MKhan@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on wickedlocal.com: Southwest to end free checked bags. What it means for RI travelers
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