It is a difficult news day for loyalists of Southwest Airlines. We thought the worst ended when the Southwest announced End for your open seating policy In the last summer, but we were wrong – Southwest has now announced End for your cute free-check-bag policy,
The declaration also includes other changes, such as a new “basic” rent option, dynamic pricing for prize tickets and refund of expiration dates for flight credit.
Here we know what you can do and what you can do to reduce the blow.
Checking bag fees
The largest shocker for the South -West loyalists is the end of the airline policy of two free check bags for all. After May 28, only A-List Elite Elite Members were liked and those who travel business will get two free check bags.
A-list elite members, credit card holders and “other select customers” will receive a free check bag, and all the remaining customers will have to pay for their checked bags.
Connected: Comparing South -West Rapid Rapids Priority, Premier and Plus Credit Card
Want to replace basic fare
Another major piece of announcement is that the southwest will add a new basic fare. This will remove the present Vana and spill far and wide, which loves the passengers with budget-minds.
Southwest has already taken a step in this direction last week, Rapid award earned Two-thirds of this lowest fare. Now, full details of the new fare are available.
If you buy a basic rent, it will not be eligible for changes – although it can still be canceled for free, until you do it at least 10 minutes before departure. In addition, basic travelers will not be eligible for free the same day changes (an option by paying any applied fare difference), nor can they request the same day standby.
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Read more: Southwest Airlines Rapid Rapid slashes earnings: is it a bad sign for customers?
Flight credit end
South -West made headlines for being the first airline in July 2022 End expiry dates for your flight creditAdding another reason for customers to choose south -western on other airlines.
But now, customer friendly facility is running back. The flight credit released on or after 28 May will end in 12 months, which will be far from far away, anytime and for the fare of business – and in just six months for the new basic fare class.
What we don’t know
Even with these changes, all the details of flying with the South -West in the future are very early. Southwest has not yet shared what will be charged for the checked bags or what (if any) will be added additional benefits to the South -Western credit card holders apart from a free check bag.
Southwest has also said that it will add “variable” redemption pricing to the Rapid Rabards Award flights, but we do not yet know what it will look like. It is worth noting that redeeming the rapid rewards points is already variable, with prize rates that grow (and fall) with prize rates that increase (and fall) – so it remains to be seen what it means to customers.
Now how can you prepare
Perhaps a silver lining in this announcement is that customers are receiving notices of more than 2 1/2 months. It gives you time to plan accordingly – so there are some things here.
Book your trip before May 28 (or cancels)
Many of these changes are effective for the journey booked on or after May 28, so if you are looking at the South -West flight for a trip later this year, try to lock in those travel plans before that date. Flights booked before May 28 – also for future travel – will still come with two free check bags, and you should still be eligible for free changes by booking a Wana Gate Away.
Also, if you need to cancel any trip already booked, do so before May 28. The new expiration policy becomes effective for the flight credits issued after that date, whether the ticket is purchased.
Get a south -western cobred credit card
If you want the option to check the bag for free without paying for tickets in the high fare category, keeping a credit card is the only insurance that you will proceed. And now there is a great time to add Southwest credit card They are some solid since your wallet Gives limited time reception,
Connected: Earned a partner pass plus 30,000 marks with these southwest card offers
Share your frustrations with southwest
If these changes are rethinking your loyalty in the south -west, share that response directly with the carrier. We have seen examples where the airlines have withdrawn the major overhaul of their loyalty programs (Delta air lines immediately come to mind), So if enough disappointing customers reach out, there is a chance that these changes will be softened – at least partially.
Ground level
Southwest has announced some major changes, including charging for a checked bag, more variable prize pricing, a new basic fare class and the return of the flying credit expiration. This is a tragic day for the south -western loyalists, but you can take action by adding a south -western cobrind card to your wallet and uniting your travel plans before implementing these changes on 28 May.
