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Southwest enters a new era with bag fees and other policy changes
Southwest enters a new era with bag fees and other policy changes

Travel Weekly

time4 days ago

  • Business
  • Travel Weekly

Southwest enters a new era with bag fees and other policy changes

Bag fees will go into effect at Southwest Airlines on Wednesday, May 28. The carrier, which long made its bags-fly-free policy a centerpiece of its commercial offering, will charge $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for a second bag. The fees will apply to flights booked or voluntarily changed on or after May 28. Under the new policy, holders of a Southwest co-branded credit card and flyers with Rapid Rewards A-list status will be entitled to one free checked bag. Travelers who book Southwest's top-level fare, Business Select, will continue to get two free checked bags, as will those with Rapid Reward A-list Preferred status. Southwest effective May 28 also is introducing a branded basic economy fare, Basic, which replaces the carrier's longstanding low-end option, Wanna Getaway. Once Southwest moves to assigned seating, expected to happen early next year, the Basic fare will resemble other basic economy products in the industry, with those ticket holders only receiving a seat assignment upon check-in and being last to board. Also, Southwest's policy of awarding flight credits that don't expire will end on May 28. Instead, issued credits will expire after a year. The elimination of free checked bags marks the end of an era for Southwest and the U.S. airline industry. Southwest is implementing bag fees 17 years after the other major U.S. carriers started charging for checked bags.

How Much Do Checked Bags Cost on Southwest? New Policy
How Much Do Checked Bags Cost on Southwest? New Policy

Entrepreneur

time4 days ago

  • Business
  • Entrepreneur

How Much Do Checked Bags Cost on Southwest? New Policy

In March, Southwest Airlines announced that it was ending its popular and longstanding "two bags fly free" policy. However, at the time, the airline did not disclose the cost of checking a bag. (At Southwest, flying with more than the previously allowed two free bags would have led to a $150 fee for additional luggage.) Now that he change is set to go into effect Wednesday, the airline has finally disclosed what the fee is. Related: A Major U.S. Airline Is Rolling Out Dynamic Pricing for Baggage Fees Based on 'Peak' and 'Off-Peak' Flight Dates How Much Are Checked Bags at Southwest? Starting Wednesday, May 28, one checked bag will cost $35 and a second checked bag will cost $45, according to the Wall Street Journal. The cost is in line with other airlines, where checking a bag usually starts around $35. Customers who are part of Southwest's top-level loyalty program, Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred, will still get two free checked bags. The next tier down, A-List members, along with Southwest credit card holders, receive one free checked bag. Some classed tickets with higher fares may include free checked bags. Passengers who don't qualify for any of the options will now be charged for their bags. When Do Southwest's Bag Fees Go Into Effect? Tickets booked on or after Wednesday, May 28, will see the new bag fees. However, if you purchased tickets before May 28 for an upcoming flight, the former "two bags fly free" policy will still stand. Related: Airlines Made $33 Billion in 2023 Charging for Checked Bags

Southwest Reveals Pricing Plan for Checked Bags
Southwest Reveals Pricing Plan for Checked Bags

Skift

time4 days ago

  • Business
  • Skift

Southwest Reveals Pricing Plan for Checked Bags

Southwest is framing this as offering "choice," but the move marks a clear pivot toward industry norms, potentially alienating loyalists and opening the door for rivals to poach disillusioned travelers. In March, Southwest Airlines announced it would scrap its decades-long 'Bags Fly Free' policy. We knew the change would come into effect on May 28, but details around pricing remained a mystery until now. Less than 24 hours before it goes into effect, details of the pricing structure have started to emerge. From Wednesday, the low-cost carrier will charge passengers $35 for one checked bag, and $45 for a second. Exceptions will apply for some customers. The figures, first reported by the Wall Street Journal, were shared with Southwest staff in a company memo. However, no formal public statements regarding the new pricing plan have yet been made. The airline's FAQ page continued to read as of Tuesday morning: 'Our checked bag fees will align with industry standards, and we will share more details as we approach May 28, 2025.' There are a handful of carve-outs for the new charges. Southwest Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred members and passengers traveling on Business Select fares will continue to have an allowance of two checked bags. Those flying on other Select fares and A-List status members will be able to check in one bag without extra charge. Customers booking Southwest's top fare category will also be allowed to bring two checked bags at no additional charge. The $35 and $45 fees are broadly in line with Southwest's domestic competitors. All Change at Southwest In March, Southwest said the move would create choice for customers, as well as 'support business objectives.' To coincide with the changes, Southwest is also launching a new Basic fare for its lowest-price tickets booked on or after May 28. This will be the most restrictive option and comes ahead of the carrier introducing assigned seating on its aircraft. Competitor reaction to the original announcement in March focused on an opportunity to win over disillusioned Southwest loyalists. Delta president Glen Hauenstein said he believed there are now Southwest customers that are "up for grabs." "We'll see how that plays out over the next period of time as they continue to implement multiple changes to their products," he said at a JPMorgan conference. Meanwhile, United CEO Scott Kirby said bag fees would make Southwest "more competitive," but will impact "low-end customers." "I think it will raise the tide for Southwest across the board," Kirby said at the same event. "The relative margins will be worse in competitive markets because it will cause some customers at the margins to switch to competing airlines." However, Kirby added that he believed the change made Southwest "a results-driven airline than it's been before. I think the far bigger thing is like it's the slaying of a sacred cow," Kirby said. Southwest's Broader Overhaul The changes mark the latest phase in a transformative year for Southwest. The low-cost airline is upending its business model following a bitter battle with activist investor Elliott Investment Management. After building a nearly $2 billion economic stake in Southwest, the hedge fund pushed for a senior leadership overhaul. Ultimately, the two companies reached a settlement to give Elliott five board seats — just short of control — while Bob Jordan remained as CEO. The baggage changes are widely seen as a signal of the hedge fund's influence on the carrier. Other distinctive features such as its open seating system and boarding method are also changing. Other moves include the addition of extra legroom seats and the introduction of red-eye flying on select routes. Speaking at the Skift Aviation Forum last November, CEO Bob Jordan emphasized why the carrier's approach made it distinctive from competitors: "We have had the industry's best set of customer-leaning, customer-friendly policies forever,' he said. Policies mentioned by Jordan at the time included Southwest's credits and Rapid Rewards points that don't expire and no fees for checked bags – all areas that have since been overhauled. 'We have been the champion for the consumer and the customer from the start, hands down, period,' Jordan told Skift. Skift has contacted Southwest Airlines for additional details about the new baggage fees. Watch Southwest CEO, Bob Jordan, at the Skift Aviation Forum 2024: recorded november 2024. What am I looking at? The performance of airline sector stocks within the ST200. The index includes companies publicly traded across global markets including network carriers, low-cost carriers, and other related companies. The Skift Travel 200 (ST200) combines the financial performance of nearly 200 travel companies worth more than a trillion dollars into a single number. See more airlines sector financial performance. Read the full methodology behind the Skift Travel 200.

The Home Depot's Memorial Day sale is here. Shop rare deals on patio sets, grills and more
The Home Depot's Memorial Day sale is here. Shop rare deals on patio sets, grills and more

CNN

time5 days ago

  • Lifestyle
  • CNN

The Home Depot's Memorial Day sale is here. Shop rare deals on patio sets, grills and more

Memorial Day deals at The Home Depot are finally here. Until May 28, patio furniture, grills, appliances, tools and the like are seeing discounts of up to 40% — and in select cases, even more. We love the retailer for its affordable prices and speedy shipping times. If you plan on hosting people at your house in the weeks post Memorial Day, now's the time to save on spring essentials to spruce up your yard, grilling setup and the like. Hampton Bay Cooper Lake 3-Piece Wicker Patio Conversation Set Fill that empty corner on your porch with this welcoming set from Hampton Bay. It comes with two plush chairs and a side table that can hold drinks and snacks. The rust-resistant frames can last for years to come, and now it's a whopping 40% off. Pure Garden 9-Foot Aluminum Patio Umbrella This sturdy umbrella is currently matching the best price we saw over Labor Day weekend in select colors. It'll keep the sun out of your eyes when gathering around the table for a poolside lunch and has a manual crank for easy operating. Noble House Ariana Wood Outdoor Patio Chaise Lounge A stylish chaise lounge is a must-have for those with space on their patio. This design is comfortable to sit in and will look stunning lined up around an in-ground pool. The cushions on these dreamy teak seats are water-resistant and can hold up against natural elements and spills. Karl Home Natural Wood Outdoor Rocking Chair A solid wood rocking chair is one of those items that you can have in your family forever. This model from Karl Home was ergonomically crafted to keep your back and bum supported when sitting. Its cracked fir wood can last in the rain, snow and sunshine and will patina over time. OrangeOne Linda Outdoor Adirondack Chair Barstool in Black, Set of 2 Cozy around a bonfire or add these weatherproof bar stools to your outdoor island setup. It takes about an hour to get the two of them put together and they have widened armrests to take relaxation to the next level. Royal Gourmet 4-Burner Propane Flat-Top Grill Upgrade your smash burger game with this budget flat-top grill. It just dipped by almost $160 for Memorial Day and will be a hit with guests. It comes with a grill cover and ships in as little as five days. Traeger Pro Series 22 Wood Pellet Grill This pellet grill can do it all. Whether smoking, baking or grilling, your dishes will come out more flavorful than ever with the Traeger 22. It has over 500 square inches of cooking area and comes with a meat thermometer for precise temps. Gozney Roccbox Propane Outdoor Pizza Oven Whip up restaurant-quality pizzas in the comfort of your backyard with Gozney's innovative pizza oven. Its folding legs make taking it on the go a breeze and it pumps out pizza in under a minute. Halo Elite4B Outdoor Griddle This griddle retails for anywhere from $930 to $1,000 elsewhere. Luckily, for The Home Depot's Memorial Day sale, the four-burner flat top griddle is down to $810 for the next few days. Royal Gourmet 3-Burner Flat-Top Portable Griddle Professional and at-home chefs love using portable griddles for meal prep. They're easy to take from place to place, can be used outdoors and are often affordable. This model has three burners, a quick start-up button and an anti-splash guard. GE Top-Load Washer in White with Cold Plus and Wash Boost If you prefer top-load washing machines, you're in luck. GE's large-capacity model is $271 off. It has a Wash Boost feature to add soaking for fabrics with stains and an Oxi function for deep cleans. Samsung 5-Burner Element Smart Freestanding Double Oven Electric Range Home cooks will love using Samsung's multi-burner, app-controlled oven. You can simultaneously cook two separate dishes at totally different temperatures in the split oven and can air fry food in minutes. Frigidaire Side-by-Side Refrigerator in Stainless Steel If you have the capacity for a French-door fridge, this pick from Frigidaire looks sleek in kitchens, and its recent discount helps you save over $400. It comes with luxe features like a water filter, ice dispenser and even an air filter to keep the inside of your fridge smelling fresh. Lanbo Wine Refrigerator Having a wine cooler comes in clutch if you're a beverage connoisseur who doesn't want to take up tons of space in the main fridge. This one can fit up to 18 bottles on one side and over 50 cans on the other — all on display with its transparent door. Dyson V8 Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner Save over $100 on this speedy cordless vacuum that has up to 40 minutes of uninterrupted run time. It comes with four accessories to get an even deeper clean in small corners, couches and the like. Ryobi One+ Cordless 6-Tool Combo Kit If you start now, you'll have plenty of time to complete that DIY project by the end of the long weekend. This kit is comprised of tools priced at over $570 in total value, and now it's down to a sweet 33% off for a limited time. Ryobi One+ HP Brushless Cordless Hammer Drill Get jobs done in no time with Ryobi's powerful brushless drill. The tool has a longer run time and motor life compared to the competition and it's easy to use regardless of your experience. Luckily, it's almost 50% off if you're in the market for an early Father's Day gift. Ryobi One+ 3-Tool Lighting Kit Keep an eye on personal projects with one of the three lights in Ryobi's handy kit. The panel light is suitable for larger visibility, while the spotlight and clamp can be used for smaller campsites or even inside a tent. Ryobi USB Lithium Clamp Fan Kit This two-pack of powerful fans is a must-have this spring. Clip it to a baby stroller, your backpack while you hike or even a golf bag when on the green. The 25% off kit comes with two batteries and a charging cable for portable power. Ryobi One+ HP Lawn Mower & String Trimmer Kit Keep your lawn in tip-top shape all spring long with Ryobi's battery-operated lawn mower. It's powerful enough for small to medium-sized yards and comes with a string trimmer for additional customization. It's ultra quiet and has up to 40 minutes of run time. With Memorial Day being today, we're not anticipating many of these discounts to stay in stock through May 28. If you're hosting people for the long weekend or just want to spruce up for yourself or family, you should consider getting an upgraded grill, lounge chairs and the like so your space isn't empty for the next holiday. The sale is currently live! The Home Depot is pushing out tons of deals on patio furniture, gardening gear, appliances and even power tools until May 28. The Underscored deals team has over a decade of combined commerce journalism experience. Rikka Altland, Jacqueline Saguin and Elena Matarazzo source the deals for the day each morning to curate one-offs and retailer-specific roundups of the best sales to shop. Searching everything from coveted tech essentials to pet deals, the team works across a wide variety of categories to ensure they're finding the best buys for our readers. If you're shopping for other pieces, our team has compiled a list of the best Memorial Day sales with major discounts on clothing, grills and more, too.

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