Southwest Airlines Makes BIG Changes

Southwest Airlines shared big news today. Find out what they are changing and how it will impact your next flight.

Announcement

Southwest Is Trying To Do Right By Their Customers — Photo Credit: Southwest

Today, Southwest sent an email to inform people of updates that will soon be implemented. Travelers were informed that several features that Southwest is known for would be changing.

Southwest is known for offering two FREE checked bags per customer.

Southwest has announced they will be updating their fare bundles along with their checked bag policy.

Checked Bag Update

Southwest will no longer be offering free checked bags to every passenger. Now, Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members and Customers traveling on Business Select fares will get TWO free checked bags.

These checked bag changes will apply to flights booked on or after May 28th.

A-List Members and other select customers will receive ONE free checked bag. Rapid Rewards Credit Card members will be credited ONE checked bag. The remaining Customers will pay for their first and second checked bags. Southwest will continue to charge for the third and fourth checked bags.

Fare Bundle Changes

Southwest is also updating its fare bundles. This will occur in two phases.

Phase 1 is beginning this month. The Rapid Reward earning ratio on Business Select fares was increased while Wanna Get Away and Wanna Get Away Plus fares earning ratios have decreased. Redemption rates will begin to vary on fare products with high- and low-demand travel periods.

Southwest is updating its fare bundles in a two phase approach.

The second phase will begin on May 28th. In Phase 2 Basic fare will be introduced. This new fare will be the lowest price and offer the least amount of flexibility compared to other fare offerings. Another addition that will be added is the return of expiration dates to Flight Credits. The expiration date will vary based on the fare purchased.

Check out the new fare bundle offerings in the chart below:

southwest fare bundle — Photo Credit: Southwest.com

Still have questions? Be sure to visit the Southwest Help Center HERE for more details on all of these new changes.

What do you think of these changes made by Southwest? Will you still fly Southwest? Let us know in the comments below and be sure to share this post with your friends!