It is a powerful information day for Southwest Airways loyalists. We thought the worst was over when Southwest introduced an finish to its open-seating coverage final summer time, however we had been improper — Southwest has now introduced an finish to its beloved free-checked-bags coverage.
The announcement additionally contains different adjustments, comparable to 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 largest shocker for Southwest loyalists is the top of the airline’s coverage of two free checked baggage for everybody. After Could 28, solely A-Record Most popular elite members and people touring on Enterprise Choose fares will obtain two free checked baggage.
A-Record 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 baggage.
Associated: Evaluating the Southwest Fast Rewards Precedence, Premier and Plus bank cards
Fundamental fare replaces Wanna Get Away
One other main piece of the announcement is that Southwest will add a brand new Fundamental fare. This may change the present Wanna Get Away fare and strip down the perks budget-minded vacationers have cherished.
Southwest already took a step on this route final week, slashing Fast Rewards earnings on this lowest fare by two-thirds. Now, the total particulars of the brand new fare can be found.
If you buy a Fundamental fare, it is not going to be eligible for adjustments — although it may possibly nonetheless be canceled at no cost, so long as you do it not less than 10 minutes previous to departure. As well as, Fundamental vacationers is not going to be eligible at no cost same-day adjustments (presently an choice by paying any relevant fare distinction), nor can they request complimentary same-day standby.
Each day Publication
Reward your inbox with the TPG Each day publication
Be a part of over 700,000 readers for breaking information, in-depth guides and unique offers from TPG’s consultants
Learn extra: Southwest Airways slashes Fast Rewards earnings: Is it a foul signal for purchasers?
Expiration of flight credit
Southwest made headlines in July 2022 for being the primary airline to remove expiration dates for its flight credit, including another reason for purchasers to decide on Southwest over different airways.
However now, that customer-friendly function 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 Fundamental fare class.
What we do not know
Even with these adjustments, it is too early to have all the small print of what flying with Southwest will appear like sooner or later. Southwest has not but shared what it should cost for checked baggage or what (if any) further advantages will likely be added for Southwest bank card holders except for 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 can appear like. It is price 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 prospects are getting greater than 2 1/2 months’ price of discover. That offers you time to plan accordingly — so right here are some things to contemplate.
Guide (or cancel) your journey earlier than Could 28
Many of those adjustments go into impact for journey booked on or after Could 28, so if you happen to’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 baggage, and you need to nonetheless be eligible at no cost adjustments by reserving a Wanna Get Away fare.
As well as, if you must cancel any journey you have already got booked, do 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
If you need the choice to test a bag at no cost with out having to pay for a ticket in the next 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 bank card to your pockets since they’ve some stable limited-time welcome gives.
Associated: Earn a Companion Move plus 30,000 factors with these Southwest card gives
Share your frustrations with Southwest
If these adjustments are making you rethink your loyalty to Southwest, share that suggestions instantly with the service. We now have seen situations the place airways have rolled again main overhauls of their loyalty packages (Delta Air Traces instantly involves thoughts), so if sufficient annoyed prospects attain out, there’s an opportunity these adjustments will likely be softened — not less than partially.
Support authors and subscribe to content
This is premium stuff. Subscribe to read the entire article.
