It is a powerful information day for Southwest Airways loyalists. We thought the worst was over when Southwest introduced an end to its open-seating policy final summer season, however we have been unsuitable — Southwest has now introduced an end to its beloved free-checked-bags policy.
The announcement additionally contains different modifications, corresponding to a brand new “Primary” fare choice, dynamic pricing for award tickets and the return of expiration dates for flight credit.
This is what we all know and what you are able to do to reduce the blow.
Checked bag charges
The largest shocker for Southwest loyalists is the tip of the airline’s coverage of two free checked luggage for everybody. After Could 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 Prospects” will obtain one free checked bag, and all remaining clients might want to pay for his or her checked luggage.
Associated: Comparing the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority, Premier and Plus credit cards
Primary fare replaces Wanna Get Away
One other main piece of the announcement is that Southwest will add a brand new Primary fare. It will change the present Wanna Get Away fare and strip down the perks budget-minded vacationers have beloved.
Southwest already took a step on this course final week, slashing Rapid Rewards earnings on this lowest fare by two-thirds. Now, the total particulars of the brand new fare can be found.
If you are going to buy a Primary fare, it is not going to be eligible for modifications — although it could possibly nonetheless be canceled without cost, so long as you do it not less than 10 minutes previous to departure. As well as, Primary vacationers is not going to be eligible without cost same-day modifications (presently 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 purchasers to decide on Southwest over different airways.
However now, that customer-friendly characteristic is being walked again. Flight credit issued on or after Could 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 Primary 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 to be sooner or later. Southwest has not but shared what it can cost for checked luggage or what (if any) extra advantages will probably be added for Southwest bank card holders except for a free checked bag.
Southwest has additionally mentioned that it’ll add “variable” redemption pricing for Fast Rewards award flights, however we do not but know precisely what that may appear to be. It is value noting that redeeming Fast Rewards factors is already variable, with award charges that rise (and fall) with the ticket’s paid worth — so it stays to be seen what this implies for purchasers.
How one can put together now
Maybe the one silver lining on this announcement is that clients are getting greater than 2 1/2 months’ value of discover. That offers you time to plan accordingly — so right here are some things to think about.
Ebook (or cancel) your journey earlier than Could 28
Many of those modifications go into impact for journey booked on or after Could 28, so for those who’ve been eyeing a Southwest flight for a visit later this 12 months, attempt to lock in these journey plans forward of that date. Flights booked earlier than Could 28 — even for future journey — will nonetheless include two free checked luggage, and you need to nonetheless be eligible without cost modifications by reserving a Wanna Get Away fare.
As well as, if you have to cancel any journey you have already got booked, try this earlier than Could 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
In order for you the choice to examine a bag without cost with out having to pay for a ticket in the next fare class, holding a bank card is the one insurance coverage you will have shifting ahead. And now is a good time so as to add a Southwest credit card to your pockets since they’ve some stable 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 immediately with the provider. Now we have seen cases the place airways have rolled again main overhauls of their loyalty applications (Delta Air Lines immediately comes to mind), so if sufficient annoyed clients attain out, there’s an opportunity these modifications will probably be softened — not less than partially.
Backside line
Southwest has introduced some main modifications, together with charging for checked luggage, extra variable award pricing, a brand new Primary fare class and the return of flight credit score expirations. It is a unhappy day for Southwest loyalists, however you may take motion by including a Southwest cobranded card to your pockets and solidifying your journey plans earlier than these modifications go into impact Could 28.