Latest news with #RapidRewardsA-ListPreferredMembers
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Southwest Airlines Finally Reveals How Much Baggage Fee Will Cost
In March 2025, Southwest Airlines announced the controversial decision to ends its decades-old "two bags fly free" policy for checked luggage. "For reservations booked and ticketed or changed on or after May 28, 2025, checked baggage fees will apply. We will offer two free checked bags to our Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members and Business Select Customers, and one free checked bag to A-List Members and other select Customers. Southwest will credit the first checked bag for Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers," the airline said in a statement at the time. After announcing the move two months ago, Southwest Airlines chose not to announce how much the new bag fee would cost - until now. On May 26, CNBC reported the airline will start charging $35 for the first checked back and $45 for the second. While most travelers will have to pay, Southwest is still offering its two free bag policy for Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members and passengers traveling in Top-tier fare class, formerly Business Select. A-List Members and Southwest credit card holders will also get one free checked bag. Passengers will be allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item per flight. Rules stipulate checked bags must weigh no more than 50 pounds and measure no more than 62 inches in total dimensions. In addition to bag fees, Southwest Airlines is also doing away with its normal boarding process. "These changes add to the initiatives already underway at Southwest, including the forthcoming implementation of assigned seating and extra legroom options and an initial industry-standard airline partnership with Icelandair that began on February 13, the same day the carrier's first-ever scheduled overnight redeye flights launched," the company Airlines Finally Reveals How Much Baggage Fee Will Cost first appeared on Men's Journal on May 27, 2025
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
All Bags Will No Longer Fly Free on Southwest Airlines, Starting Tomorrow
Southwest Airlines will end its decades-long "two bags fly free" era for new bookings beginning tomorrow. The new fees of $35 for a first checked bag and $45 for a second will apply to Southwest's Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus, and Anytime fares. Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members and customers traveling on Business Select or Choice Extra fares will still receive two free checked bags. Standard A-List Members and Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers will get one free bag. The change is one of a series Southwest has announced over the past year amid activist investor Airlines' (LUV) decades-long "two bags fly free" era is coming to an end tomorrow. The carrier will begin charging certain customers $35 for their first checked bag and $45 for their second on flights booked starting Wednesday, a company spokesperson said in a statement. The change—which brings Southwest in line with domestic competitors Delta Air Lines (DAL), United Airlines (UAL), and American Airlines (AAL)—comes amid pressure from activist investor Elliott Investment Management to raise revenue. In addition to the bag fees, Southwest on Wednesday is introducing a basic economy ticket option, which the airline describes as its lowest price point but least flexible tier. The new bag fees apply to Southwest's Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus, and Anytime fares. Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members and customers traveling on Business Select or Choice Extra fares will still receive two free checked bags. Standard A-List Members and Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers will get one free bag. Southwest last summer announced it would be ending its famed open seating policy, later adding that "reservations for flights with assigned seats are expected to start in the second half of 2025 for flights operating in 2026." Shares of Southwest rose 3% soon after markets opened Tuesday. The airline's stock has fallen about 5% in 2025. Read the original article on Investopedia
Epoch Times
27-05-2025
- Business
- Epoch Times
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 Related Stories 4/24/2025 3/11/2025 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.
USA Today
27-05-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Southwest Airlines will start charging checked bag fees this week. Here's what to know.
Southwest Airlines will start charging checked bag fees this week. Here's what to know. Show Caption Hide Caption Southwest Airlines unveils new checked bag fees and basic fare options Southwest Airlines will charge for checked bags and introduce a new basic fare tier, aligning with industry standards and enhancing revenue growth. Scripps News Southwest Airlines will begin charging for checked bags on new reservations starting May 28th. The fees will be $35 for the first bag and $45 for a second. These changes are part of a larger overhaul of Southwest's policies. For Southwest Airlines passengers, it's the last day to book a flight with two guaranteed free checked bags no matter which fare they purchase. Starting on Wednesday, the airline will introduce its first-ever checked bag fees, which will apply to tickets booked or changed on or after May 28. The airline will begin charging $35 for a first checked bag and $45 for a second checked bag on many tickets, with supplemental fees for overweight and oversized baggage. Some customers will still be eligible for free checked bags as part of their fare or perks, however. According to Southwest, the following categories of passenger will still be entitled to free checked bags: Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members and customers traveling on Business Select or Choice Extra fares when that bundle is introduced later this year, will be entitled to up to two free checked bags. Rapid Rewards A-List Members, and Rapid Rewards credit card holders will be entitled to one free checked bag. The bag fees are part of a major slate of changes at Southwest, which is overhauling many aspects of its business that differentiate it from other carriers. The airline will soon also end its unique open seating policy, and will also add extra legroom seats. Zach Wichter is a travel reporter and writes the Cruising Altitude column for USA TODAY. He is based in New York and you can reach him at zwichter@
The Independent
11-03-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Southwest Airlines will start charging for checked bags amid slew of firsts for low-cost flyer
Southwest Airlines is ending a major perk for travelers. The low-cost airline announced on Tuesday that customers cannot check their first and second bag for free. The new rule will take effect on May 28, unless passengers are part of Southwest's A-List loyalty program or are traveling on a business fare. Only Southwest passengers who are Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members and traveling on Business Select fares can get two free checked bags, the airline confirmed. Other select customers and A-List members will receive one free checked bag. The airline will also credit one checked bag for Rapid Rewards Credit Card members. However, customers who do not qualify for the free bag options will be charged for their first and second checked bags on flights. Southwest has not yet shared how much customers will be charged for bags. '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 President, Chief Executive Officer, & Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors at Southwest Airlines, said in a press release. '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,' he added. In a statement to The Independent, Southwest confirmed that those who cannot find a place for their carry-on bag on a busy flight would not be charged, even if it has to be checked. 'There will be times when we solicit at the gate for a soon-to-depart full flight bags to check, and of course there would not be a charge,' the statement read. 'If someone is on the aircraft and cannot find a place for their bag, of course there would not be a charge. The policies and protocols will be spelled out (along with the specific charges) as we approach adding this into our operation.' Southwest was known for offering two free checked bags to all passengers. Each bag could be 62 inches in size and up to 50 pounds, according to the company's policy. If customers had a third bag to check, they would be charged an additional $150. If one of their two checked bags is overweight, they will also be charged an additional $150. When it comes to in-flight luggage, passengers are allowed to have one carry-on bag, which would go in the overhead bin. They can also each have one small personal item to put under their seats. The airline revealed the update to its bag policy amid some major changes. Last month, Southwest announced that it was laying off 15 percent of its corporate workforce, eliminating 1,750 jobs. 'This decision is unprecedented in our 53-year history, and change requires that we make difficult decisions. We are at a pivotal moment as we transform Southwest Airlines into a leaner, faster, and more agile organization,' a spokesman said in a statement. 'I arrived at this decision thoughtfully and carefully, knowing how hard it will be to say goodbye to colleagues who have been a significant part of our Southwest Culture and accomplishments.' The company also noted that the layoffs will save Southwest about $210m this year and nearly $300m in 2026. In November, Southwest said it was offering 'voluntary separation and extended time off' to certain employees at airports, to avoid overstaffing in certain locations. These buyouts were made to customer service agents, baggage handlers, and cargo workers at 18 airports across the U.S., according to the Associated Press. Southwest announced some other changes in its latest press release, including introducing 'a new, basic fare on [its] lowest priced tickets purchased on or after May 28, 2025.' The airline will also be offering assigned seating and extra legroom options.
