It is a robust information day for Southwest Airways loyalists. We thought the worst was over when Southwest introduced an end to its open-seating policy final summer time, however we had been flawed — Southwest has now introduced an end to its beloved free-checked-bags policy.
The announcement additionally consists of different modifications, reminiscent of a brand new “Fundamental” fare choice, dynamic pricing for award tickets and the return of expiration dates for flight credit.
Here is what we all know and what you are able to do to minimize the blow.
Checked bag charges
The most important shocker for Southwest loyalists is the top of the airline’s coverage of two free checked luggage for everybody. After Might 28, solely A-Listing Most well-liked elite members and people touring on Enterprise Choose fares will obtain two free checked luggage.
A-Listing elite members, bank card holders and “different choose Clients” will obtain one free checked bag, and all remaining prospects might want to pay for his or her checked luggage.
Associated: Comparing the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority, Premier and Plus credit cards
Fundamental fare replaces Wanna Get Away
One other main piece of the announcement is that Southwest will add a brand new Fundamental fare. It will exchange the present Wanna Get Away fare and strip down the perks budget-minded vacationers have cherished.
Southwest already took a step on this course final week, slashing Rapid Rewards earnings on this lowest fare by two-thirds. Now, the complete particulars of the brand new fare can be found.
If you are going to buy a Fundamental fare, it is not going to be eligible for modifications — although it may possibly nonetheless be canceled totally free, so long as you do it no less than 10 minutes previous to departure. As well as, Fundamental vacationers is not going to be eligible totally free same-day modifications (at the moment an choice by paying any relevant fare distinction), nor can they request complimentary same-day standby.
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Learn extra: Southwest Airlines slashes Rapid Rewards earnings: Is it a bad sign for customers?
Expiration of flight credit
Southwest made headlines in July 2022 for being the primary airline to eliminate expiration dates for its flight credits, including another reason for patrons to decide on Southwest over different airways.
However now, that customer-friendly characteristic is being walked again. Flight credit issued on or after Might 28 will expire in 12 months for Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime and Enterprise Choose fares — and in simply six months for the brand new Fundamental fare class.
What we do not know
Even with these modifications, it is too early to have all the main points of what flying with Southwest will appear like sooner or later. Southwest has not but shared what it should cost for checked luggage or what (if any) extra advantages can be added for Southwest bank card holders other than a free checked bag.
Southwest has additionally stated that it’s going to add “variable” redemption pricing for Fast Rewards award flights, however we do not but know precisely what that may appear like. It is value noting that redeeming Fast Rewards factors is already variable, with award charges that rise (and fall) with the ticket’s paid value — so it stays to be seen what this implies for patrons.
How one can put together now
Maybe the one silver lining on this announcement is that prospects are getting greater than 2 1/2 months’ value of discover. That provides you time to plan accordingly — so right here are some things to think about.
E book (or cancel) your journey earlier than Might 28
Many of those modifications go into impact for journey booked on or after Might 28, so in the event you’ve been eyeing a Southwest flight for a visit later this yr, attempt to lock in these journey plans forward of that date. Flights booked earlier than Might 28 — even for future journey — will nonetheless include two free checked luggage, and it is best to nonetheless be eligible totally free modifications by reserving a Wanna Get Away fare.
As well as, if it’s good to cancel any journey you have already got booked, do this earlier than Might 28 as effectively. The brand new expiration coverage goes into impact for flight credit issued after that date, no matter when the ticket was bought.
Get a Southwest cobranded bank card
If you would like the choice to verify a bag totally free with out having to pay for a ticket in a better fare class, holding a bank card is the one insurance coverage you may have transferring ahead. And now is a superb time so as to add a Southwest credit card to your pockets since they’ve some strong limited-time welcome offers.
Associated: Earn a Companion Pass plus 30,000 points with these Southwest card offers
Share your frustrations with Southwest
If these modifications are making you rethink your loyalty to Southwest, share that suggestions instantly with the service. We’ve seen situations the place airways have rolled again main overhauls of their loyalty packages (Delta Air Lines immediately comes to mind), so if sufficient annoyed prospects attain out, there’s an opportunity these modifications can be softened — no less than partially.
Backside line
Southwest has introduced some main modifications, together with charging for checked luggage, extra variable award pricing, a brand new Fundamental fare class and the return of flight credit score expirations. It is a unhappy day for Southwest loyalists, however you’ll be able to take motion by including a Southwest cobranded card to your pockets and solidifying your journey plans earlier than these modifications go into impact Might 28.
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