From bag fees to basic economy, what Southwest Airlines is changing

Southwest Airlines On Tuesday, we announced something that we once could not have thought of. Start billing the customer to check the package.

It's a $300 million gamble. Last year, Southwest said that “strict research” found that if they started charging for packages they would lose so much in market share. This policy has been set for decades southwest separate from its competitors.

Remove the famous “two bag fly-free” strategy is part of a massive push to your career to throw away long-standing customer perks and policies. Southwest also announced last year that it would move from open seats to single-class cabins to earn money. Another change announced Tuesday: Basic Economic Tickets that do not allow free changes.

Here's what travelers need to know about the new policies:

Travelers who purchase tickets except Southwest's top-level business select fees must pay to check their bags. Customers who purchase Business Select tickets can view two bags for free.

Members of the top A-list priority frequent freezer program also get two check bags free. A-list-level members can check one bag for free, just like anyone with a Southwest credit card.

Southwest didn't say how much it would cost to check the bag, but competitors' fees start at $35 each delta, United and Americans.

New check baggage fees will be effective for tickets purchased after May 28th.

Even with basic economy tickets, the policy for carry-on bags has not changed.

All tickets include free carry-on baggage, even new Basic Economy tickets.

Southwest told employees on Tuesday that shortly after the announcement that the customer would “have arguably more luggage than before,” so it's taking some steps to keep things moving.

Gate agents have acquired mobile bag tag printers to “reduce the need for string bag tags,” and the company designs a new carry-on size guide, allowing customers to see if the package fits as carry-on.

The airline will also speed up its renovations. Boeing The 737-800S and the largest aircraft include larger overhead bins.

probably. At Airport Lobbies, Southwest said staff could be redistributed to handle changing customer needs with new bag rules. Additionally, staff will be equipped with a mobile printer.

“Additional steps for customers to pay bags at ticket counters or kiosks will require them to plan longer trading and queue times, even if the customers are fully checking,” the executive wrote.

Southwest is under pressure to raise revenue and improve revenue after activist hedge fund Elliot Investment Management acquired shares in the airline last year and asked to change its career business model.

Southwest executives have long told Wall Street investors and customers that its “two bags free-free” policy is Sachsant.

On Investor's Day in September, the carrier said it claimed the bag but would be up to about $1.5 billion if it lost $1.8 billion from a policy change.

a lot! Southwest will begin basic economic fares that will not be refunded and will not allow changes. Same-day standby tickets are not permitted.

Flight credits for these “basic” tickets expire in 6 months if unused, while credits for other flights expire in 12 months. Previously, Southwest Credits did not expire.

Last year, carriers said they plan to start selling tickets in their assigned seats and end their decades-old open seating policy. It also offers seating with extra legroom right away. This is a bid to compete with more full-service airlines.

Southwest Airlines CEO Bob Jordan said Tuesday that the career executive team believes the policy changes will encourage co-branded credit card sign-ups.

He said that the new channels on which airlines sell tickets are Expediasupporting careers.

Southwest passengers will earn a quick reward for frequent flyer miles based on ticket payments. The redemption rate depends on the demand for flights, which are similar models to other carriers.