What is changing Southwest Airlines, from the fee for the bag to the main economy

On August 24, 2024, San Diego in San Diego, August 24, 2024, was repelled by the South Western Boeing 737 Max.

Kevin Carter | Gets the image

South -Western airlines announced on Tuesday that once was incredibly: it would start Charging customers To check their baggage.

This is a 300 million gambling game. Last year, Southwest said “strict research” found that it would lose so much in the market share when it starts to charge for the bag. Policy for decades has distinguished the southwest from its competitors.

Getting rid of the famous “two bags” is part a massive push On the carrier to reject his long -standing customers and politicians. Southwest also announced last year that it was moving Open seats to a classroom cabin to draw a profit. Another change announced on Tuesday: the main tickets for economics that do not allow free changes.

Here’s what you need to know about a new policy: about a new policy:

Who will pay for the bags?

Travelers who buy any ticket, with the exception of the southern Western business, will have to pay the fee to check the bags. Customers who buy a business ticket will be able to check two bags for free.

Participants of “frequent leaflets” with high level A will also receive two proven bags for free. The A-List level participants will be able to check one bag for free, like those who have a southwestern credit card.

How much will it cost check the bag?

When do new politicians come into force?

New tested luggage fees come into force for tickets acquired from May 28.

Can I still bring a carrying bag?

The transfer policy has not changed even for the main tickets to the economy.

All tickets will include a free bag for new tickets for the main economy.

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But not everyone else will bring a carrying bag?

Will there be longer airport lines?

Possible. In the airport networks, Southwest said he could redistribute employees to handle the changing customer needs with new bags. It will also equip mobile printers staff.

“With an extra step for customers pay for bags on tickets or kiosks, we need to plan longer transactions and turn times, even if fewer customers check the bags,” the executives write.

Why is it going?

Southwest is under increasing pressure to draw profits and improve profitability after the activist’s hedge Elliott Investment Management Last year, he took a stake in the airline and pushed a change in the carrier’s business.

Southwest executives have long told investors and customers Wall Street that his “two Fly Free” policy is sacred, which distinguishes it from the competitors.

On the day of investors, the carrier said in September that he would amount to about $ 1.5 billion if he is charged for his bags, but to lose $ 1.8 billion to the market share.

What else is happening?

What happens to frequent miles?

Passengers in the southwest will earn quick awards of frequent miles, depending on how much they pay for their ticket. Redemption rates will depend on the demand for flight, a similar model to what other carriers have.

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