Bags don’t fly free anymore.

Southwest Airlines made some controversial updates to its free luggage coverage in May and dependable clients are discovering out the exhausting manner. Previously identified for its “Bag Fly Free” characteristic, Southwest is now charging all however its most tremendous particular flyers to examine any luggage for all flights.

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CEO Bob Jordan tried to border this as giving clients extra decisions, however the choice to pay more cash for one thing that was once free doesn’t appear to be impressing anybody.

Southwest Airlines updates baggage coverage

While not the fanciest choice, many frugal flyers held Southwest Airlines as their first selection as a result of its free checked luggage coverage. Most different corporations cost a price for any luggage you may’t keep it up with you, however Southwest stood out by waiving this for all.

Starting on May 28, that was not the case.

“We will offer two free checked bags to Rapid Rewards® A-List Preferred Members and Customers traveling on Business Select fares,” the replace reads. “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.”

Everyone else will get to fork over further money.

Speaking with the New York Times, Jordan claimed that including charges for many flyers was about selection, by some means.

“Customers today want a lot of choice, especially coming out of the pandemic,” he stated. “The customer’s needs and wants are just different. The move to bag fees is really about choice.”

These new decisions Southwest clients have are apparently to both pay for bag charges or pay for a better priced ticket to get a pair checked luggage free. It appears the corporate has additionally chosen the choice of creating $4 billion in added income from this transfer.

“It’s no longer worth it to fly with you”

These and different Southwest Airlines coverage updates, together with an finish to letting flyers select their seats primarily based on who can get to them first, might have crashed buyer sentiments. Across X, customers are condemning these adjustments as money grabs that can finish their loyalty.

“Southwest has clearly made a strategic move in pursuit of profitability,” stated @BryanWrightTN. “Maybe it’s the right call from a business standpoint—but I’m not sure they fully understand the loyalty they risk when they change what made them different.”

“You were my preferred airline. There is officially ZERO reason to fly with you,” wrote @realf_inlegacy. “Your fares were expensive, but I got free bags, and I could pick a good seat free.”

“It’s no longer worth it to fly with you.”

Some former clients are already naming their new most popular airways, and/or famous that Southwest is plagued with different points corresponding to lengthy strains and delayed flights.

“Everything that Southwest has offered to flyers for years, such as free baggage and open seating, has been taken away along with low fares,” complained @LorDavis62. “We flew Delta for the 4th and the flight was on time.”

“What’s happening… with Southwest Airlines?” requested @BrewChamber1. “A forever check-in line(s) for checked baggage customers. Changing gates and 2-3 hour delays! Pay for everything airline.”

“New ownership has killed the last decent airline overnight and still changing it to make it worse.”

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