Quantcast

Southwest Airlines faces passenger backlash over new baggage policies

Travelers are taking extreme measures and using hacks to avoid airline baggage fees
Wizz Air becomes first airline to operate P&W-powered Airbus A321XLR jet
Hawaiian Airlines’ new ‘no show’ policy may make travel more expensive
BLIMP-SE OF THE FUTURE Luxury zeppelins of the future from ‘flying bum’ world’s largest aircraft to Google billionaire’s ‘impossible’ airship
Swiss Startup SmartFlyer Develops Hybrid-Electric Trainer
San Francisco-based entrepreneur takes a trip on India's worst-rated airline, his reaction will surprise you
First-Time Flyer at 81: A Grandmother's Memorable Journey
Ryanair forecasts fare rebound as consumers recover from interest-rate hit
Global Airlines Launches Inaugural Flight, Aiming to Revive 'Golden Age of Travel'
Winning routes: American Airlines adds more than 22,000 seats for football fans following release of 2025–2026 pro schedule
Boeing scores Middle East plane deal during Trump visit
Air travel will be ‘worse’ this summer, lawmakers warn — as FAA gives infuriating update on system fixes, staffing issues
United Airlines CEO Reassures Passengers About Newark Airport Safety
American Testing Tech to Help Passengers Make Connecting Flights
British Airways to use AI in efforts to improve operations
American Airlines Tests New Tech to Help Passengers With Tight Connections During Summer Rush
Flight Diverted After Pregnant Woman on Board Goes into Labor and Delivers Her Baby: Report
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby says "this is the most optimistic I've been in my entire career about finally getting the FAA fixed"
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy Unveils Plan to Build Brand New, State-of-the-Art Air Traffic Control System
Passenger rushing for next flight can't believe what woman next to her does
Why fuel price crash won’t make flying cheaper
Kristi Noem says travelers without Real ID will still be able to fly after deadline
Frontier Airlines Announces New Routes Launching This Summer, Connecting Baltimore With Chicago O’Hare and Trenton, N.J. With Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Airlines in North America prioritize investments in cyber, AI
The evolution of the airline uniform — a cross check
Global Airlines & HiFly Operate 1st Passenger Airbus A380 Flight Between Barcelona And Berlin
American Airlines unveils ritzy new plane suites launching this summer
Airline Stocks To Keep An Eye On - April 28th
Gatwick Airport Faces Potential Strikes
50 New Routes Starting In May 2025
Southwest Airlines faces passenger backlash over new baggage policies
Policy
Webp southwestairlines
Southwest Airlines | Wikipedia

Southwest Airlines has undergone significant changes in recent months, altering its long-standing focus on providing a comfortable passenger experience. Historically known for differentiating itself through better treatment of passengers, the airline faced financial struggles and an operational meltdown during the 2022 holiday season, prompting a shift in strategy.

Elliott Management, a global activist investment management firm, played a pivotal role by acquiring shares and pressuring Southwest to change. The firm argued that the airline needed to evolve beyond its traditional strategy. Elliott's influence led to significant leadership changes, including the appointment of Rakesh Gangwal as board chairman.

Southwest's major adjustments include modifying its fare structure. Starting May 28th, the airline eliminated its policy of offering two free checked bags to all passengers. Now, only A-List members and Business Select ticket holders retain this benefit. Other passengers face fees for checked bags, which could deter those seeking low-cost travel options.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

The airline also introduced a restrictive basic fare class with non-changeable tickets and implemented a variable award pricing system for its Rapid Rewards program. Flight credits now have expiration dates: twelve months for standard class fares and six months for basic class tickets.

These changes have left passengers uncertain about Southwest's value proposition. Initial confusion over baggage fees was clarified when Reuters reported charges of $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second—lower than many competitors' fees.

Despite customer dissatisfaction, Southwest aims to increase revenue from checked bag fees and enhance its loyalty program's appeal. The introduction of these changes is seen as necessary to maintain operations in underserved markets and fend off competition from legacy airlines.

"At the end of the day," said one observer, "Southwest Airlines passengers are undoubtedly worse off as a result of these changes." While elite members may find increased value in loyalty programs, others may reconsider flying with Southwest due to new costs associated with checked luggage.

Financial analysts suggest that while these moves risk alienating customers, they could be crucial for sustaining Southwest's business model amid competitive pressures and thin profit margins in certain markets.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Flying Food Group, Inc. has announced the recipients of its 2025 scholarships, with all five applicants receiving awards this year.

Oct 23, 2025

Dnata, a global provider of air and travel services, has entered into a joint venture with Azerbaijan’s Silk Way Group to launch ground handling and cargo operations at Alat International Airport, located in the Alat Free Economic Zone in Baku.

Oct 22, 2025

Delta Air Lines has announced the release of version 7.5 of its mobile app, introducing new features aimed at making travel planning and management easier for customers during the holiday season.

Oct 22, 2025

The Fair Work Commission has ruled that a former employee of dnata Airport Services was unfairly dismissed and awarded $36,468.39 in compensation.

Oct 22, 2025

The 13th Annual Breast Care International Walk for the Cure took place in Kumasi, Ghana, drawing around 30,000 participants, including survivors, healthcare professionals, students, traditional leaders, and advocates.

Oct 22, 2025

The Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has announced the closure of Terminal 5 to allow for a significant redevelopment.

Oct 22, 2025