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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.
16:18

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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.

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