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 flawed — Southwest has now introduced an finish to its beloved free-checked-bags coverage.
The announcement additionally contains different adjustments, comparable 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 minimize the blow.
Checked bag charges
The largest shocker for Southwest loyalists is the tip of the airline’s coverage of two free checked baggage for everybody. After Could 28, solely A-Record Most popular elite members and people touring on Enterprise Choose fares will obtain two free checked baggage.
A-Record elite members, bank card holders and “different choose Clients” will obtain one free checked bag, and all remaining clients might want to pay for his or her checked baggage.
Associated: Evaluating the Southwest Speedy 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 course 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 buy a Fundamental fare, it won’t be eligible for adjustments — although it might nonetheless be canceled at no cost, so long as you do it no less than 10 minutes previous to departure. As well as, Fundamental vacationers won’t be eligible at no cost same-day adjustments (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 foul 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 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 Fundamental fare class.
What we do not know
Even with these adjustments, 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 can cost for checked baggage or what (if any) extra advantages shall be added for Southwest bank card holders except for a free checked bag.
Southwest has additionally stated that it’s going to add “variable” redemption pricing for Speedy Rewards award flights, however we do not but know precisely what that can seem like. It is value noting that redeeming Speedy 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 purchasers.
How one can put together now
Maybe the one silver lining on this announcement is that clients 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.
Guide (or cancel) your journey earlier than Could 28
Many of those adjustments 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 yr, 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 baggage, and it’s best to nonetheless be eligible at no cost adjustments by reserving a Wanna Get Away fare.
As well as, if that you must cancel any journey you have already got booked, try this earlier than Could 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
In order for you the choice to verify a bag at no cost 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 shifting 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 provides.
Associated: Earn a Companion Go plus 30,000 factors with these Southwest card provides
Share your frustrations with Southwest
If these adjustments are making you rethink your loyalty to Southwest, share that suggestions instantly with the service. We now have seen cases the place airways have rolled again main overhauls of their loyalty applications (Delta Air Traces instantly involves thoughts), so if sufficient pissed off clients attain out, there’s an opportunity these adjustments shall be softened — no less than partially.
Backside line
Southwest has introduced some main adjustments, together with charging for checked baggage, 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 adjustments go into impact Could 28.
