Unless you’re lucky enough to be able to afford first class every time you board an airplane, the truth about flying is that it’s pretty uncomfortable.
Yes, visiting new places is great and the majority of people want to do it as often as they can. But in order to see new locales overseas, you simply have to cram yourself into a tin can with as many other people as humanly possible and be jostled an uncomfortable number of times as you make your way from point A to point B.
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All of this is the reason why every perk airlines offer to travelers matters. When you’re already irritated about the screaming baby two rows back and your seat mate is silently fighting you for armrest supremacy, a warm cup of coffee or a blanket offered with a smile can go a long way to soothe ruffled feathers.
Related: Southwest Airlines adds strict new onboard rule
However, it seems that increasingly, perks that were once a given are now being taken away or rolled up into a package you have to buy. Changes like these are making already-irritable travelers even more testy, which will likely lead to more borderline-violent jostling next time you go to the airport.
The latest perk to be killed off is an especially beloved one, not to mention one for which Southwest Airlines has been famous. And now, after announcing the change earlier this year, it will finally go into effect this week.
Longtime Southwest fliers are about to face a harsh reality.
Image source: Tim Boyle/Getty Images
Southwest announces pricing for a perk that was once free
While most other large carriers charge passengers for checking a bag, Southwest was the only one that allowed its customers to do so for free, a benefit it’s offered for the last 60 years.
Starting with all flights booked on May 28 and after, customers will now pay $35 for their first checked bag and $45 for the second, per an official announcement. However, any travelers who booked before this date will still get the “two free checked bags” perk.
There are a few ways to escape the new checked-bag charges: Being a Southwest credit card holder, traveling in business class, or being an A-list member of the company’s Rapid Rewards loyalty program.
Related: Southwest Airlines finally has some good news for passengers
When asked about the change, United CEO Scott Kirby said, “It’ll be good for everyone else. It’s the slaying of a sacred cow. I view it as a big deal.”
Why Southwest is making changes
Southwest’s changes of the past year likely come from Elliott Investment Management, which called for both leadership and operational changes to boost the company’s profit since buying a $1.9 billion stake in Southwest in 2024.
Since that time, Southwest has ditched its classic Skycaps, replacing many humans that used to greet customers pulling up to the airport and take their bags for them. The Skycaps have been replaced with check-in kiosks.
It’s also eliminated its “Wanna Get Away” price tier for flights, which was typically the most affordable one for folks in need of low-cost airfare.
Southwest’s first-quarter results this year signaled the need for major change, showing a net loss of $149 million. The carrier also said it expects second-quarter unit revenue to be down by 4% from the same quarter last year.
“Amid the current macroeconomic uncertainty, it is difficult to forecast given recent and short-lived booking trends,” Southwest wrote in the filing.
Southwest long stood out to travelers thanks to its generous free bags policy, as all other carriers started to charge. Now that it’s abandoned that tactic, it will likely lose some of its loyal customers — and will need to find a new way to stand out from its many competitors.
Related: Southwest Airlines sounds the alarm on big problems ahead
