Southwest Airlines ditching its most popular perk: Here’s when the change happens
Southwest Airlines is doing away with one of its most popular perks.
Starting May 28, the airline will begin charging for the first and second checked bag. Rewards members and Rapid Rewards credit card holders will continue to receive one or two free checked bags, depending on the membership level.
The airline hasn’t announced exactly what it will charge for checked luggage.
In a statement, Southwest President and CEO Bob Jordan, said the new policies “support business objectives and create choice for current and future 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,” Jordan said. “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.”
According to CNN, Southwest has offered free checked bags since it started 60 years ago.
The change comes after the carrier announced it was implementing assigned seating, as well as premium seats and red-eye flights. Southwest also recently began selling tickets on Expedia, where as it had traditionally sold them only on Southwest.com.