Frequent Miler on the Air

Southwest takes the luv out of flying | Coffee Break Ep48 | 3-11-25

Mar 11, 2025

Southwest Airlines is shaking things up with major policy changes coming this May. Most travelers will lose free checked bags, and a basic economy fare is being introduced. Flight credits will soon expire, which raises concerns among frequent flyers. Points redemption values are set to become more variable, leaving many wondering how this will affect their loyalty. The shift from customer-friendly policies could signal a troubling trend for the airline's unique appeal, making travelers reconsider their flying experience.

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Quick takeaways

Starting May 28, 2025, most Southwest customers will lose free checked baggage, altering the airline's appeal and customer loyalty.

The introduction of basic economy fares and variable redemption rates signals a shift in Southwest's pricing strategy, complicating the travel experience for customers.

Deep dives

Elimination of Free Checked Bags

Starting on May 28, 2025, Southwest Airlines will no longer offer free checked baggage for most customers, marking a significant shift in their longstanding policy. Previously, customers could check two bags for free, which was a major draw for many travelers. Now, only A-list preferred members and those purchasing business select fares will retain this benefit, complicating the experience for regular customers. This change undermines the airline's previous commitments to its customers and could lead to a loss of loyalty among those who historically preferred Southwest for its customer-friendly policies.

Intro

2min

A Shift from Unique to Uniform: Examining Southwest Airlines' New Strategy

3min

Southwest Airlines Policy Overhaul

5min

Impact of Changes on Southwest Airlines' Loyalty Programs

2min

Impacts of Change on Southwest Airlines' Culture and Future

4min

Starting May 28 of this year, Southwest will be making some major changes to the things we've known and loved. For example Most people will be losing free checked bags on Southwest starting May 28 of this year, they'll be introducing basic economy, flight credits will now expire (after 6-12 months depending on what type of fare you bought) and the value of points will become much more variable.

(01:49) - Commenter Brad says: "I’m an accountant who completely understands the math of cutting expenses or raising revenues to increase profit... I don’t understand, though, what the business strategy is here. Building a strategy that revolves around hoping customers won’t notice you’re charging them more for a worse product doesn’t seem like the kind of pitch that would get you an A in an MBA strategy class."

Read the original post where this comment appeared here.

(03:38) - 2 Bags No longer Fly Free for Most (pricing not yet disclosed)

(05:58) - Basic economy fares

(06:33) - Flight credits will expire (From May 28, 2025)

(08:29) - Variable redemption rates

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Frequent Miler on the Air

Southwest takes the luv out of flying | Coffee Break Ep48 | 3-11-25

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Elimination of Free Checked Bags

Introduction of Basic Economy Fares

Unpredictable Points Redemption and Future of Companion Pass

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts