Southwest Airlines has announced a series of changes aimed at offering more tailored travel options for its passengers. Starting May 28, some travelers will see charges for their checked baggage, a significant shift from the airline’s longstanding policy of providing two free checked bags for all customers. This change primarily affects those traveling on lower-priced fares such as Wanna Get Away or Wanna Get Away Plus. Southwest is also introducing a new Basic fare category, which will be the lowest-priced ticket option.
Passengers without qualifying status will now face fees for their first and second checked bags, with charges dependent on weight and size limitations. However, Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members and Business Select travelers will still enjoy the perk of two free checked bags, maintaining the benefits these tiers have traditionally offered. Customers who fly Business Select will also earn more points in the Rapid Rewards program, while those opting for lower-tier options like Wanna Get Away fares will accumulate fewer points.
"We’re evolving our business to create more choice for our current and future customers," said Bob Jordan, President and CEO of Southwest Airlines.
In addition to these changes, Southwest Airlines is expanding its reach by making its flights bookable through Expedia. The airline is also strengthening its industry-standard partnership with Icelandair. These strategic moves aim to attract new customer segments and meet the evolving demands of current passengers.
The introduction of assigned seating and extra legroom options further reflects Southwest's commitment to enhancing passenger experience. Flight credits issued for tickets purchased on or after May 28 will expire one year or earlier from the date of ticketing, depending on the fare type purchased. This change requires travelers to plan their travels more deliberately, especially those purchasing lower-tier tickets.
"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," stated Bob Jordan.
