> Southwest will now charge for checked bags — unless you meet these qualifications
Southwest will now charge for checked bags — unless you meet these qualifications
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Starting soon, bags won't fly free for everyone on Southwest Airlines.
The Dallas-based airline, which has long touted its free bag policy, will now charge travelers for their first and second checked bags, starting May 28, according to a press release Tuesday.
Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members and customers who are flying business select will still get the standard two free checked bags, Southwest officials said. A-list members will get one free checked bag, and Rapid Rewards Credit Card members will get credit for one checked bag.
The airline also said it would release more details about "specific audiences" who could get free checked luggage, including customers who purchase flights through the upcoming Getaways by Southwest packages.
Southwest has not yet said how much each checked bag will cost for customers who don't meet the exceptions.
The dropping of the standard free bag policy for most customers marked a major change by the airline.
Southwest officials in the release said the changes are "aimed to deepen and reward loyalty between Southwest and its most engaged Customers."
“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,” Southwest CEO Bob Jordan said in the release. “We will do all this while remaining focused on what’s made us strong—our people and the authentic, friendly, and award-winning customer service only they can provide.”