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 unsuitable — Southwest has now introduced an finish to its beloved free-checked-bags coverage.
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.
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 tip of the airline’s coverage of two free checked luggage for everybody. After Could 28, solely A-Checklist Most popular elite members and people touring on Enterprise Choose fares will obtain two free checked luggage.
A-Checklist 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: Evaluating the Southwest Speedy 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. 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 route final week, slashing Speedy 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 Primary fare, it won’t be eligible for modifications — although it might probably nonetheless be canceled free of charge, so long as you do it at the very least 10 minutes previous to departure. As well as, Primary vacationers won’t be eligible free of charge 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 Airways slashes Speedy 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 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 seem like sooner or later. Southwest has not but shared what it should cost for checked luggage or what (if any) further advantages shall be added for Southwest bank card holders except for a free checked bag.
Southwest has additionally stated that it’ll add “variable” redemption pricing for Speedy Rewards award flights, however we do not but know precisely what that may seem like. It is price noting that redeeming Speedy 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’ price 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 should you’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 it’s best to nonetheless be eligible free of charge modifications by reserving a Wanna Get Away fare.
As well as, if you have to cancel any journey you have already got booked, do this earlier than Could 28 as nicely. 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 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 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 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 instantly with the provider. We now have seen situations the place airways have rolled again main overhauls of their loyalty applications (Delta Air Traces instantly involves thoughts), so if sufficient pissed off prospects attain out, there’s an opportunity these modifications shall be softened — at the very least 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.
