Southwest bag fees go into effect
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Illustration: Tiffany Herring/Axios
The LUV airline will start operating a lot like other carriers next week, with checked bag fees and a new fare type with limitations.
Why it matters: Southwest has prided itself on its "bags fly free" policy, flexible fares and open seating, but all of those perks are about to change.
- The Dallas-based carrier announced the new policies two months ago, and its reputation has since taken a hit.
The latest: The changes are being rolled out in phases.
- Starting Wednesday, Southwest will impose checked bag fees for new and updated bookings and introduce a basic fare type that doesn't allow changes, same-day standby or transferable flight credits.
- Flight credits issued on or after Wednesday will expire in six months or a year, depending on the traveler's fare type, rolling back the airline's three-year-old policy that said flight credits never expire.
The fine print: Southwest still hasn't said how much checked bags will cost. Prices will be "in line with industry standards" and will be released closer to Wednesday, the airline tells Axios.
- Online self-service options will not be available at first, the airline said. Southwest will process checked bag transactions at airports, either with an agent or at a kiosk.
Zoom in: Bookings made or changed before Wednesday will still get two free checked bags, Southwest says.
- Rapid Rewards cardholders and up to eight people on the same reservation can get fees waived for their first bag.
- Companion pass holders' bag benefits will also extend to their companions.
Reality check: Carry-ons are free for everyone. After all, Southwest isn't Spirit.
Pro tips: If you need to change an existing booking or book a flight, try doing it this weekend to keep your two free bags.
- Bookings through Jan. 26 are currently open, which means you can book summer, Thanksgiving and Christmas travel before the bag fees kick in.
- A-List, A-List Preferred, and Rapid Rewards card members should include their Rapid Rewards number in their reservation to get their free bag benefit.
What's next: Southwest will switch to assigned seats next year. Reservations for those flights will start later this year.