This article was written by The Zillennial Zine’s spring editorial intern Erika Gay. Find her on Instagram at @erikag0503. If you would like to share an article with The Zillennial, send us an email at thezillennialzine@gmail.com.
If you’re like me and like to travel but don’t like the flying part then finding a good airline is a part of the process. For me, Southwest has been my go-to because there is really good service, newer planes and the best is two free bags you get with them. I also recently got their credit card and upon signing up I got over 70,000 points to use for travel, which has been great! Their flights are flexible and they never upcharge on the little things. I will always stay loyal to a company that cares about its customers and has an easy experience. But unfortunately, they may lose my loyalty because Southwest has officially ended its iconic “two bags fly free” policy and people are shocked & disappointed ( including me) Here’s what this means for your future travels and their airline in general.
The End of an Era
For years, Southwest Airlines stood out from all of the airlines by offering two checked bags free of charge. Many other popular ones like United or American Airlines make you pay an extra $30- $40 for each bag. This was a huge selling point for many travelers, especially those flying with family, going on vacation, or carrying extra stuff like clothes (which I love to pack for trips especially long ones). In an industry where baggage fees, add up very quickly Southwest’s policy was so nice and convenient and the only thing you had to make sure of was it was less than 50 pounds. But apparently, all good things must come to an end. Starting this year, passengers will no longer get the benefit of two free checked bags. Which I believe is going to cost them many customers and be bad for their business. The exact details of the new policy are going to depend on the type of ticket purchased and any promo offers in place at the time of booking a flight, which leaves it even more inconvenient and up in the air. But one thing’s clear: travelers will need to pay for checked luggage now, whether they like it or not. And I do not like it!
Why Make the Change?
There is obviously a reason they made this change they have had their policy for free bags going for over 50 years, and it’s been working! But unfortunately like all other companies, Southwest is facing higher operational costs. With inflation, higher fuel prices, and supply chain issues, it seems that even the most affordable airlines can’t keep up with this expensive economy and the pressures to stay in business. This shift in policy is going to affect the company for sure but it is not the worst news for customers. While it might feel like a sad thing and ripoff, Southwest is making other moves to try and keep people with them. They’ve introduced new fare bundles and loyalty benefits that could help with the cost of baggage. Plus, flyers who stick with the airline’s rewards program might still find a way to keep some of those benefits—at least in terms of baggage perks. For example, they are talking about their A-list preferred members still being able to have free bags so it’s not all bad news!
So What Does This Mean For People?
So how does this affect you if you are a Southwest frequent flyer? Well, the most obvious thing is that you’ll likely need to budget for baggage fees. Here’s what to expect: Checked Baggage Fees: Expect to pay for your checked bags on most flights. This can add up quickly, especially if you’re traveling with a family or a lot of gear. Carry-On Rules: Southwest’s carry-on policy remains the same. You can still bring one small personal item and one larger carry-on, which is great if you’re able to pack light. Fare Adjustments: There might be fare increases or new bundles offered, so it’s important to keep an eye out for promotions that could increase your other costs as well. Rewards Program: If you’re a Rapid Rewards member, it’s important to keep checking your account because Southwest offset some of these changes that can help with the no more free bags. If you’re not a member I would recommend getting the credit card because it is nice earning more and you can usually get two round-trip flights for about 60,000 points so it can add up.
Is It Still Worth Flying Southwest?
Even with the end of the “Southwest two bags fly free” perk, Southwest Airlines still offers some serious advantages over other major carriers. Their customer service is top-notch, they don’t charge for flight changes or cancellations (a major plus), and they still offer that friendly, no-frills flying experience that many of us love. I have always had a great experience and enjoy the flight attendants making the experience very pleasant but passengers will need to adapt to the new baggage policy if they want to keep costs down. So, while you won’t be able to toss those two free bags onto the plane without thinking twice, Southwest still remains one of the more affordable and flexible options when traveling for now. Just make sure to factor in baggage fees when you book your next flight and try not to get sad about reminiscing on two $0 bags… And who knows? It is possible that they lose or get so many complaints from customers that they bring it back. Let’s keep our fingers crossed, right? Honestly, I’m kind of bummed that the “two bags fly free” policy is ending because I have used it and enjoyed it my whole life. It’s always been such a great perk, and it made packing for trips feel so much easier and no pressure. Now, with no free bags, I guess I’ll really have to work on not overpacking as much. I will definitely miss the days of tossing in that extra pair of shoes or the random items I “might need” but never use so It’s going to be a serious adjustment!
What do you think about the end of the Southwest two bags fly free policy? Let us know in the comments below!
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