It’s a tough news day for Southwest Airlines Loyalists. When Southwest announced, we thought the worst was over. End the open seating policy Last summer, but we were wrong – Southwest just announced End of the beloved free check bag policy.
The announcement also includes other changes, including new “basic” fare options, dynamic pricing for award tickets, and return of flight credit expiration dates.
This is what we know and what you can do to reduce the blow.
Check bag fee
The biggest shock for Southwest loyalists is the end of the airline’s policy of two free check bags for everyone. From May 28th, A-list will only receive two free check bags for elite members and members traveling on business-selection fares.
Elite A-list members, credit card holders, and “other select customers” will receive one free check bag, with all remaining customers having to pay for check bags.
Related: Southwest Rapid Rewards Priorities, Premier, Plus Credit Card Comparison
I want to get away with the basic fare
Another major part of the announcement is that the Southwest will add a new basic fare. This replaces the current Wannow Get Away Fare and strips you of the perks that budget-conscious travelers love.
Southwest has already taken a step in this direction last week. Fast Rewards Revenue This lowest price is up to two thirds. Now the new fare details are available.
If you purchase a basic fare, you will be subject to change, but you can cancel for free as long as you do it at least 10 minutes before departure. Additionally, basic travelers are not eligible for free same-day changes (currently optional by paying the applicable fare difference) and are not permitted to request a free same-day standby.
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Flight credit expiration date
Southwest made headlines in July 2022 to be the first airline Eliminate flight credit expiration datesadd another reason why customers choose southwest over other airlines.
But now its customer-friendly features are back. Flight credits issued after May 28th will expire in 12 months on Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime and Business Select Fares.
Things we don’t know
With these changes, it is too early to see all the details of what’s flying in the Southwest in the future. Southwest has yet to share what it charges for check bags if additional benefits are added to Southwest credit card holders, except for free check bags.
Southwest also says it will add a “variable” redemption price for a quick reward award flight, but it is still not clear exactly what that will look like. It is worth noting that redemption of rapid reward points is already fluctuating and is the price of awards that are rising (and rising) along with the paid ticket price. So, we still don’t know what this means to our customers.
How to prepare now
Perhaps one silver lining in this announcement is that customers have been receiving notifications for more than two months. It gives you time to plan accordingly – so here are some things to consider.
Travel (or cancel) by May 28th
Many of these changes will take effect on trips booked after May 28th. So, if you’re looking at Southwest flights for your trip later this year, try locking up those travel plans before that day. Flights booked by May 28th will come with two free check bags, even for future trips.
Additionally, if you need to cancel a trip you have already booked, you will do so by May 28th. The new expiration policy will take effect on flight credits issued after that date, regardless of when tickets were purchased.
Get a Southwest Cobrand credit card
If you need the option to check your bags for free without having to pay tickets in a higher fare class, keeping a credit card is the only insurance you can move forward. And now is the best time to add Southwest Credit Card They’re somewhat sturdy so they’re in your wallet Limited time welcome offer.
Related: Earn companion pass and 30,000 points with these Southwest Card offers
Share your frustration with the Southwest
If these changes rethink their loyalty to the Southwest, we will share that feedback directly with our carrier. We’ve seen cases where airlines roll back major overhauls of their loyalty programs (Delta airlines come to mind right away), and therefore these changes can be softened if an annoyed customer reaches out to them. At least in part.
Conclusion
Southwest has announced several major changes, including check bag billing, more variable award pricing, new basic fare classes and return of flight credits. It’s a sad day for Southwest Loyalists, but you can take action by adding Southwest Co-brand cards to your wallet and solidifying your travel plans before these changes come into effect on May 28th.
