Photo Courtesy of WFAA
Dallas, Texas — For years, Southwest Airlines has been known for its popular “two bags fly free” policy, a major draw for millions of travelers. However, that perk is soon coming to an end.
On Tuesday, the Dallas-based airline announced it would be ending its free checked-bag policy for most passengers as part of an effort to boost profits, responding to pressure from investors.
Frequent flyers with top-tier status and Southwest credit card holders will still enjoy at least one free checked bag, but the average traveler can expect to pay extra for checked luggage.
“Shopping around will definitely be more important now because it’s all about saving money,” said Mandi Butler, a traveler at Dallas Love Field Airport.
This baggage policy change is just one of several recent shifts for Southwest. Last month, the airline announced its first-ever mass layoffs and the end of its open-seating policy.
Industry expert Steve Cosgrove believes these changes could affect passenger loyalty, particularly for those flying out of Dallas Love Field, Southwest’s main hub.
“People would choose Love Field over DFW even if it was less convenient, just because of the free baggage,” Cosgrove explained. “Now, that incentive is gone.”
While Southwest has not yet disclosed the exact cost for checked bags, competitors like Delta, American Airlines, and United typically charge around $35 for the first checked bag.
Although the exact fees are still unclear, one thing is certain: starting May 28, Southwest’s travel experience will look very different.
For many loyal passengers, this change feels like a broken promise.
