Miles to Go - Travel Tips, News & Reviews You Can't Afford to Miss! Southwest Announces Negative Changes to Baggage Policy, Fares, Awards And More
Mar 12, 2025
In this discussion, Julian Kheel, the founder and CEO of Points Path, shares insights on the drastic changes at Southwest Airlines. He reveals how the beloved 'bags fly free' promise is now in jeopardy, affecting many travelers. The conversation dives into the new fare structures and the expiration of flight credits. Julian also touches on the implications of these shifts for leisure travelers and examines how Southwest’s evolving policies stack up against legacy carriers. It's an eye-opening look at air travel's shifting landscape!
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Shifting Southwest Identity
- Southwest's move to charge for checked bags is a surprising reversal of their long-standing policy.
- This change contradicts their previous assurances and raises questions about their decision-making process.
Deceptive Pricing
- Southwest's seemingly lower fares previously included checked bags, making them less competitive.
- Unbundling bag fees allows Southwest to lower fares and compete with other airlines.
Negative Changes for Customers
- Southwest's changes, including paid checked bags and new fare classes, negatively impact customer value.
- These changes represent a shift in Southwest's ethos and raise concerns about customer loyalty.