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 time, however we have been unsuitable — Southwest has now introduced an finish to its beloved free-checked-bags coverage.
The announcement additionally consists of different modifications, equivalent to a brand new “Fundamental” fare choice, dynamic pricing for award tickets and the return of expiration dates for flight credit.
This is what we all know and what you are able to do to reduce the blow.
Checked bag charges
The most important shocker for Southwest loyalists is the top of the airline’s coverage of two free checked luggage for everybody. After Might 28, solely A-Checklist Most well-liked 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 Prospects” will obtain one free checked bag, and all remaining prospects might want to pay for his or her checked luggage.
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 exchange the present Wanna Get Away fare and strip down the perks budget-minded vacationers have cherished.
Southwest already took a step on this path 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 modifications — although it will possibly nonetheless be canceled without spending a dime, so long as you do it a minimum of 10 minutes previous to departure. As well as, Fundamental vacationers is not going to be eligible without spending a dime same-day modifications (at present 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 Fast Rewards earnings: Is it a nasty signal for purchasers?
Expiration of flight credit
Southwest made headlines in July 2022 for being the primary airline to eradicate 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 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 Fundamental 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 luggage or what (if any) extra advantages might be added for Southwest bank card holders other than a free checked bag.
Southwest has additionally stated that it’ll add “variable” redemption pricing for Fast Rewards award flights, however we do not but know precisely what that may 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 value — 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’ value of discover. That offers you time to plan accordingly — so right here are some things to think about.
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 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 Might 28 — even for future journey — will nonetheless include two free checked luggage, and you must nonetheless be eligible without spending a dime modifications by reserving a Wanna Get Away fare.
As well as, if you could cancel any journey you have already got booked, try this earlier than Might 28 as properly. 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’d like the choice to examine a bag without spending a dime with out having to pay for a ticket in a better 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 presents.
Associated: Earn a Companion Go plus 30,000 factors with these Southwest card presents
Share your frustrations with Southwest
If these modifications are making you rethink your loyalty to Southwest, share that suggestions immediately with the provider. We have now seen situations the place airways have rolled again main overhauls of their loyalty applications (Delta Air Strains instantly involves thoughts), so if sufficient pissed off prospects attain out, there’s an opportunity these modifications might be softened — a minimum of partially.
Backside line
Southwest has introduced some main modifications, together with charging for checked luggage, extra variable award pricing, a brand new Fundamental fare class and the return of flight credit score expirations. It is a unhappy day for Southwest loyalists, however you’ll be able to 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.
