Southwest Airlines Ending Free Checked Bags Policy for Most Customers
Southwest Airlines will begin charging baggage fees for most passengers starting on May 28, marking a first in the airline's history.
Southwest told The Epoch Times by email that it will charge $35 for a first checked bag and $45 for the second on flights booked or voluntarily changed on or after May 28.
The checked baggage fees will apply to customers flying on Southwest's Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus, and Anytime fares, according to the airline's updated
Customers traveling on Southwest's Business Select fares and Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members will continue to receive two free checked bags, subject to weight and size limitations.
The airline also stated that A-List flyers will receive their first checked bag for free, while Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card holders will be credited for one checked bag.
Southwest first
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Aside from imposing baggage fees, the airline said it will also introduce 'a new Basic fare' that will provide a lower-cost option with less flexibility for customers.
Southwest also revised how Rapid Rewards points are earned. Customers on Business Select fares will earn more points, while those on Wanna Get Away and Wanna Get Away Plus fares will get fewer points.
This move is part of Southwest's
In addition to assigned seating, the airline also planned to introduce premium seating options, with a third of its seats offering up to five inches of additional legroom for a premium fare.
Southwest's leadership has framed these changes as a necessary step to enhance revenue and improve its financial performance while maintaining customer satisfaction.
'We have tremendous opportunity to meet current and future customer needs, attract new customer segments we don't compete for today, and return to the levels of profitability that both we and our shareholders expect,' Bob Jordan, the airline's president, said in the
'We will do all this while remaining focused on what's made us strong—our people and the authentic, friendly, and award-winning customer service only they can provide.'
Earlier this year, Southwest slashed 1,750 jobs—or 15 percent of its corporate workforce—marking an unprecedented move in its 53-year history. The airline
The job cuts targeted primarily 'corporate overhead and leadership positions,' including senior leadership and director levels. Southwest stated that 11 senior leadership positions—representing 15 percent of its senior management committee—will be eliminated as part of the company's restructuring.
Chase Smith and Tom Ozimek contributed to this report.
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