Latest news with #SouthwestRapidRewards
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.
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Southwest is eliminating free checked bags — Here's how you can still get the perk
Southwest Airlines announced it will no longer offer two free checked bags for every passenger starting May 28, 2025. The airline will only allow one free checked bag to Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred members and passengers on Business Select fares. Luckily, there's another way to secure a free checked bag: You'll get the perk as a Southwest credit cardholder. But that's not all these cards offer. In fact, now is one of the best times of the year to consider a Southwest credit card. Here's how you can choose the right Rapid Rewards card for your travels and what to know ahead of the policy change:Southwest's 'Two bags fly free' policy has long been a major money-saver for frequent Southwest flyers — especially when two checked bags on a domestic flight with other airlines could cost as much as $100 one-way. You do still have some time to take advantage of the perk if you're flying Southwest in the near future. The airline will not charge for checked baggage for flights booked before May 28, 2025. The airline hasn't yet given details on the cost you'll pay to check your first or second bag after this date. The checked baggage cost is just one of several changes Southwest is rolling out, including a new assigned seating program expected later this year. For one, the airline announced a new Basic fare, making up the lowest-cost tickets starting on the same date, though there aren't yet details on how the new fare will differ from Southwest's existing fare classes. It also recently updated its Rapid Rewards program, changing the number of points you can earn when purchasing different fare types on a qualifying flight. Without A-List boosts, you'll earn 14 points per dollar spent on qualifying flights in Business Select (the same fare class that will still get a free checked bag), 10 points per dollar spent on qualifying flights with a refundable Anytime ticket, 6 points per dollar on Wanna Get Away+ fare, and 2 points per dollar on Wanna Get Away without A-List Preferred Rapid Rewards status or a Business Select ticket, you can still get one free checked bag with a Southwest credit card. If you typically travel with a lot of luggage, keep in mind that you'll now only get your first checked bag free as a cardholder. We don't yet know exactly what Southwest will charge for baggage, but you'll likely save a significant amount on baggage fees if you fly with the airline a few times each year. As a comparison, JetBlue charges $35 off-peak and $40 during peak season flights, while American Airlines charges $40 for your first checked bag on domestic flights — though costs can differ depending on status and fare class. Assuming Southwest's future baggage fees are similar to other U.S. airlines, this benefit can quickly help you recoup the annual fee cost of a Southwest Rapid Rewards card. If you prefer flying Southwest and want to prepare for the changes coming later this year, now is a great time to consider opening a Southwest Rapid Rewards card. After you're approved for any of Southwest's three consumer credit cards and spend at least $4,000 within the first three months, you'll earn a valuable two-part welcome bonus: Companion Pass through Feb. 28, 2026 30,000 bonus points You must fly 100 one-way qualifying flights or earn 135,000 Companion Pass qualifying points in a calendar year to earn the pass otherwise. With it, you can bring a companion along with you on Southwest flights for free (not including taxes and fees). To earn the limited-time Companion Pass bonus, you must apply by March 31, a look at each of the Southwest Rapid Rewards cards to help determine which is right for you: Why we like it: The Rapid Rewards Plus card has the lowest annual fee among Southwest's credit cards at $69 and offers slightly lower rewards on Southwest purchases. But it still has some valuable benefits alongside the free checked bag perk starting in May. You'll get access to EarlyBird Check-Ins twice each year; 3,000 points on your cardmember anniversary; 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points each year; and 25% back on eligible in-flight purchases. Combined with rewards you can use toward future flights, this card can make a great option if you prefer flying Southwest but aren't a frequent we like it: The Rapid Rewards Priority card is the most premium Southwest credit card with a $149 annual fee — though it's also the only card to offer a $75 annual travel credit for Southwest spending. You'll get some elevated perks, including 7,500 points each cardmember anniversary and four Upgraded Boardings (positions A1-A15) per year. Otherwise, the Rapid Rewards Priority card is similar to the Rapid Rewards Premier: 1,500 tier-qualifying points for every $5,000 you spend; 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points each year; 25% off in-flight purchases; and no foreign transaction fees. This card is a solid option if you fly frequently and Southwest is your preferred airline. You can quickly recoup half the card's fee when you use the annual travel credit alone. Plus, Upgraded Boarding costs typically start at $30; if you fly at least four times each year and use this annual benefit, you can get more than $100 in added we like it: With a Rapid Rewards Premier card, you'll boost your rewards on Southwest purchases to 3x per dollar for a slightly higher $99 annual fee. This card also has some increased benefits, like 6,000 points each year on your cardmember anniversary and the ability to earn 1,500 tier qualifying points toward A-List status for every $5,000 in purchases. Beyond that, you'll get the same 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points annually, 2 Early Bird Check-Ins, and 25% off in-flight spending as the Rapid Rewards Plus. The Rapid Rewards Premier also charges no foreign transaction fees, so it could be a better option if you plan to travel abroad with your Disclosure: The information in this article has not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. All opinions belong solely to the Yahoo Finance and are not those of any other entity. The details on financial products, including card rates and fees, are accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the bank's website for the most current information. This site doesn't include all currently available offers. Credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
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@ This article originally appeared on Southwest to end free checked bags. What it means for RI travelers
USA Today
11-03-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Southwest Airlines ends free checked bags for most travelers—here's what it means for you
Southwest Airlines ends free checked bags for most travelers—here's what it means for you Show Caption Hide Caption Southwest to launch overnight flights Southwest Airlines overnight flights are coming soon. Fox - LA Southwest Airlines is making major changes to its baggage policy, marking a departure from its long-standing tradition of offering two free checked bags to all passengers. Starting May 28, 2025, only Southwest Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members and Business Select fare passengers will continue to receive two free checked bags. A-List Members and select customers will receive one free checked bag, while Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers will receive a credit for one checked bag. All other passengers will now have to pay for their first and second checked bags, with weight and size restrictions still in place. The move is part of a broader strategy to boost profitability and cater to Southwest's most loyal customers. '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,' Southwest Airlines CEO Bob Jordan said in a news release. In addition to baggage fees, Southwest is also adjusting its loyalty program, offering more points for Business Select fares while decreasing rewards for lower-tier tickets. A new Basic fare, introduced for the most budget-conscious travelers, will debut alongside assigned seating and extra legroom options. Southwest, traditionally known for its no-frills, customer-friendly policies, is also expanding distribution channels, with flights now available on Expedia. The airline will also reduce flexibility for flight credits, which will now expire one year or earlier from the date of purchase. Despite the changes, Southwest says it remains committed to operational excellence, boasting the best on-time performance in the industry for 2025 and a 98.3% completion rate for scheduled flights.
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Card review: Get up to 3x on purchases, upgraded boarding, and travel credits
Frequent Southwest fliers can save on future trips by choosing the right airline credit card. One such option is the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card, which offers airline-specific perks, an impressive welcome offer, and an opportunity to earn elite status. If you're shopping for a new credit card, here's what to know about the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Card, its benefits, and who it's best for. The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card is an excellent mid-tier travel rewards card with plenty of perks. In addition to the benefits above, you can get 25% back on Southwest inflight purchases and reimbursement for up to four upgraded boardings on Southwest flights each year. And if you're interested in earning elite status, this card gives you 1,500 TQPs for every $5,000 spent in a cardmember year. You get Southwest A-list status when you take 20 qualifying flights in a given year or earn 35,000 TQPs. This status gives you extra perks like priority boarding, earning bonuses, and more. Meeting the minimum spend for the welcome bonus is the quickest way to rack up rewards with the Southwest Priority Card. For a limited time, you can earn 30,000 points and a Companion Pass after spending $4,000 in the first three months of card membership. Beyond that, the card offers up to 3X points on your purchases. Southwest purchases will net you 3X points; you can earn 2X points on local transit, commuting, internet, cable, phone, and select streaming services; 2X points with Rapid Rewards car rental and hotel partners; and 1X points on everything else. As a cardholder, you'll also get 7,500 bonus points each cardmember anniversary. Southwest offers little flexibility for reward redemptions, but this shouldn't be an issue for frequent Southwest fliers. You can use your points for Southwest flights, though it may also offer other redemption opportunities periodically. Southwest often has flash sales, and you could score a low-cost award flight if you have some flexibility with travel dates. Since you can typically only use your rewards for Southwest flights, this card doesn't make sense unless you're a loyal Southwest customer. It also has a $149 annual fee, which is higher than its lower-tier counterparts: the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card and Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card. Given the lack of flexibility with reward redemptions and the higher annual fee, the Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card could be ideal for frequent Southwest fliers. If this sounds like you, this card's generous welcome offer and rewards rates could help lower your flight costs significantly. Opportunity to earn Southwest Companion Pass Can earn 1,500 TQPs for each $5,000 spent in a cardmember year Annual $75 Southwest travel credit Has annual fee No introductory APR Good or excellent credit required The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Card is part of the Visa card network, which means it's widely accepted globally. The Visa payment network is available in 160+ countries around the world. While you can use your card widely in your travels, keep the rewards categories in mind as you spend and consider packing a backup card. A card that offers flat-rate rewards on all your purchases or one with more general travel categories is likely a good option. Chase issues the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card, and you can pay your bill in a few different ways: Online via your Chase account By mail:Cardmember ServicesP.O. Box 6294Carol Stream, IL 60197-6294 By phone: 1-800-436-7958 If you have questions about your card or need help with your account, the Chase customer service team is available through the following channels: Phone: 1-800-792-0001 Southwest Priority Credit Card login page Secured email form The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card offers big benefits for Southwest loyalists, but it's not the right card for everyone's wallet. Here are three alternatives to consider if you're exploring other options. If you're a frequent Southwest flyer but prefer a lower annual fee, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Card could be a great fit. Offering an annual fee of just $69, a generous welcome offer, and up to 2X points on your purchases, this card has similar perks to its higher-tier counterpart with a lower annual Chase Sapphire Preferred is very popular — and for good reason. This card offers a welcome bonus valued at up to $750 when redeemed in the Chase travel portal. While it does have a modest annual fee, cardmembers get generous rewards, travel insurance, and hotel you'd prefer a card with no annual fee, the Chase Freedom Unlimited is worth a look. While it's marketed as a cash-back credit card, you actually earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points from your spending, just as you would with the Chase Sapphire Preferred card. The Freedom Unlimited also offers a 0% introductory APR for 15 months on purchases and balance article was edited by Alicia Hahn. Editorial Disclosure: The information in this article has not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. All opinions belong solely to Yahoo Finance and are not those of any other entity. The details on financial products, including card rates and fees, are accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the bank's website for the most current information. This site doesn't include all currently available offers. Credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
