DisneyDreamer08
Well-Known Member
It sounds like it’s for flights that are booked 5/28 or later. I’m planning to book when the next round drops on 3/27 so I guess I’ll find out then
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News Southwest Airlines to Introduce Checked Bag Fees Starting May 28, 2025
- Thread starter wdwmagic
- Start date
Wendy Pleakley
Well-Known Member
I don't blame them from the perspective of how searching for flights work. When one searches for a flight through Expedia or any other aggregate site, you only see the base fares. If you're the only airline offering free checked bags, that isn't reflected in the search results.
It's a shame overall, because I've noticed how much quicker flights load and unload when it's included.
It's a shame overall, because I've noticed how much quicker flights load and unload when it's included.
DisneyDreamer08
Well-Known Member
What’s crazy to me is that they already can’t accommodate all the carry ons. You would think they would want to encourage more checked bags. On a flight last year, they announced several times prior to boarding that many people would be forced to check their carry ons due to lack of overhead space. We had a B boarding group so assumed we would be fine. Even though my carry on was within the size limits, they forced me to check it because it looked “too bulky”. I said I would move some stuff to my backpack but they refused and forced me to check it. Think of how many more people are going to be stuffing their things into carryons to avoid the checked bag fee.
Meeko77
Well-Known Member
Wow; my email came in at 8:33 a.m. ET. This is what it stated:
Today we announced updates to some of our policies and benefits within our fare bundles. Sharing them with you is important to us, as we’re working to offer you more choices to create travel experiences that fit your needs.
Updates to Checked Baggage Policy
We will offer two free checked bags to Rapid Rewards® A-List Preferred Members and Customers traveling on Business Select fares. We will also offer one free checked bag to A-List Members and other select Customers. In addition, Southwest will credit one checked bag for Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers. All remaining Customers will pay to check their first and second bags, and we will continue to charge for the third and fourth checked bags. Changes will apply to flights booked on or after May 28.
Updates to Our Fare Bundles
We're updating the benefits of our fares bundles in phases. Whether you’re looking for a lower price with fewer perks, or more benefits for added flexibility, you’ll have the choice to pick what works best for your trip.
Phase 1: Beginning this month, we increased our Rapid Rewards earn ratio on our Business Select fares and lowered the earn ratio on our Wanna Get Away® and Wanna Get Away Plus™ fares. We will also begin to vary our redemption rates across our fare products on some high- and low-demand travel periods.
Phase 2: Beginning May 28, we will introduce a new Basic fare. This new Basic fare will be our lowest price point and will have less flexibility than other fares. Additionally, we will be adding expiration dates to our Flight Credits, which will vary based on which fare you choose to purchase.
The chart below gives you a full picture of the revised fare products as of May 28, 2025, ranging from most flexible to value-first.
(see chart someone else posted earlier)
We recognize these changes may be a disappointment to some, but know we’re committed to building a Southwest that will continue to offer you low fares, convenient flights to destinations you want, and a travel experience that is rewarding. You can count on the Heart of Southwest, our People, to guide you through the changes and welcome you on your next journey with their friendly, award-winning Customer Service.
With appreciation,
Bob Jordan
President, CEO, & Vice Chairman of the Board
Meeko77
Well-Known Member
This link was also provided in the email as a place for additional information: https://support.southwest.com/helpc...50335&mi_ecmp=ac_sec_promo_20250311_news_annc