Free checked baggage has taken another step into the realm of ghosts. Beginning May 28, Southwest will begin charging for checked bags, ditching its popular – and trademarked – “Two bags fly free” mantra. The move came as the airline also announced a forthcoming “basic economy” fare, similar to that offered by other major airlines including United that strips away even the ability to accrue mileage for your flight.
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Southwest Announces the End of Its Popular 'Two Bags Fly Free' Policy
From that day, passengers who aren’t achieved loyalty members with Southwest or who aren’t flying Business Select, the airlines’s top-tier ticketing class, must pay for checked baggage. Flyers who have gained “A-List Preferred” status are exempt, with lower-tier rewards statuses including “A-list” members and Southwest credit card holders receiving one free checked bag.
Infographic: Matador Network
Why is Southwest changing its “Two bags fly free” policy?
Southwest has faced pressure from investors including Elliot Management to stiffen its business model in order to achieve higher profits, Business Insider reported. Other recent changes include the end of the airline’s long-running open seating policy, all moves that have brought the airline closer to the business models of the three other major US flyers, including Delta, United, and American Airlines.
The move is an interesting one given that, in an earnings call last year, CEO Bob Jordan noted that the airline’s free checked baggage policy was among the primary reasons its repeat customers gave for choosing Southwest. But the move indicates that the airlines feels the need to boost per-passenger revenue closer to levels achieved by the rest of the “Big Four” in order to remain both competitive and fiscally sound.
While the airline will certainly face blowback from upset or surprised customers at the check-in counter in late May, Southwest said the move is intended to reward the most dedicated flyers – which it will do, as long as you consider not being upcharged for the bags that have always flown for free to be a “reward.” 