It is a robust information day for Southwest Airways loyalists. We thought the worst was over when Southwest introduced an finish to its open-seating coverage final summer season, however we had been incorrect — Southwest has now introduced an finish to its beloved free-checked-bags coverage.
The announcement additionally contains different modifications, akin to a brand new “Primary” fare possibility, 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 reduce 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 Might 28, solely A-Listing Most well-liked elite members and people touring on Enterprise Choose fares will obtain two free checked baggage.
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 baggage.
Associated: Evaluating the Southwest Fast Rewards Precedence, Premier and Plus bank cards
Primary fare replaces Wanna Get Away
One other main piece of the announcement is that Southwest will add a brand new Primary fare. This may substitute the present Wanna Get Away fare and strip down the perks budget-minded vacationers have liked.
Southwest already took a step on this route final week, slashing Fast Rewards earnings on this lowest fare by two-thirds. Now, the complete particulars of the brand new fare can be found.
If you buy a Primary fare, it is not going to be eligible for modifications — although it may possibly nonetheless be canceled free of charge, so long as you do it no less than 10 minutes previous to departure. As well as, Primary vacationers is not going to be eligible free of charge same-day modifications (at the moment an possibility by paying any relevant fare distinction), nor can they request complimentary same-day standby.
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Learn extra: Southwest Airways slashes Fast Rewards earnings: Is it a nasty signal for patrons?
Expiration of flight credit
Southwest made headlines in July 2022 for being the primary airline to get rid of expiration dates for its flight credit, including another reason for patrons to decide on Southwest over different airways.
However now, that customer-friendly function 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 Primary fare class.
What we do not know
Even with these modifications, it is too early to have all the small print of what flying with Southwest will appear to be sooner or later. Southwest has not but shared what it would cost for checked baggage or what (if any) extra advantages will probably be added for Southwest bank card holders other than 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 can 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 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 contemplate.
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 when 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 baggage, and you need to nonetheless be eligible free of charge modifications by reserving a Wanna Get Away fare.
As well as, if it’s essential 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 free of charge 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 transferring ahead. And now is a good time so as to add a Southwest bank card to your pockets since they’ve some strong limited-time welcome gives.
Associated: Earn a Companion Cross plus 30,000 factors with these Southwest card gives
Share your frustrations with Southwest
If these modifications are making you rethink your loyalty to Southwest, share that suggestions immediately with the provider. 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 modifications will probably be softened — no less than partially.
Backside line
Southwest has introduced some main modifications, together with charging for checked baggage, 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 Might 28.
