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News: Southwest Is Changing Its Checked Bag Policy - Credit-Land.com

Bags will no longer fly free on Southwest Airlines. The airline announced several changes, including the introduction of checked bag fees, a new basic economy fare class, flight-credit expiration dates, and variable redemption rates for award flights.

For a long time, Southwest Airlines has been the only domestic carrier where every passenger can check two bags for free regardless of the fare class or loyalty program status. But this benefit is set to disappear for most Southwest passengers beginning May 28, 2025. Here's what the new checked bag policy will be:

  • Rapid Rewards® A-List Preferred members and travelers on Business Select® fares will still get two free checked bags.
  • Rapid Rewards® A-List members and Rapid Rewards credit card members will only receive their first checked bag for free.
  • All other customers (Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus®, and Anytime) will pay for their checked bags.

Thus, to avoid Southwest baggage fees, you can get a Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card, earn Southwest A-List or A-List Preferred status, pay for your luggage with a travel rewards card, or pack everything in a carry-on.

Other changes announced by the airline include:

  • Basic fares: Southwest is adding a cheaper and more restrictive basic economy fare.
  • Flight-credit expiration dates: Flight credits will expire within one year of being issued (within six months for Basic fares).
  • Rapid Rewards program changes: Redemption rates will vary depending on demand, which is basically the introduction of dynamic pricing to award flights. And Basic and Wanna Get Away Plus fares will earn fewer points, while Business Select fares will earn more points.

Southwest Airlines has had one of the best baggage policies until now. Beginning May 28, most travelers will be paying for checked bags and Southwest will be just another budget airline.

tags : Frequent Flyer Travel Airlines

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