Southwest Airlines Ends 'Bags Fly Free' Policy: Traveler Reactions and Expert Analysis

Southwest's 'Bags Fly Free' Policy Change

• ✈️ Southwest Airlines is ending its long-standing 'bags fly free' policy for most passengers starting May 28th.
• 😞 Many air travelers expressed unhappiness and disappointment upon hearing the news, with some citing this policy as a primary reason for choosing Southwest.

Customer Sentiment and Loyalty

• 💔 Longtime customers like Mara Aldrich and Madison Meta, who enjoyed the two free checked bags, feel the change "sucks" but may still fly Southwest.
• 💡 While customers are upset, the airline's policy change is seen as a challenge to its longtime customer base.

Expert Perspective on Value

• 🧐 Airfare expert Julian Keel, founder and CEO of Points Path, suggests that the "free" bags were not truly free, as their cost was often baked into higher ticket prices.
• 📊 Keel indicates that Southwest generally had higher fares compared to competitors, implying the change might lead to lower base airfare prices.

Policy Details and Future Outlook

• 🔑 Some rewards and business members will continue to receive two free checked bags.
• ❓ The airline is introducing a new basic fare, which might appeal to some travelers, but the exact cost of the new bag fees remains unclear as Southwest has not yet provided details.
• ⚠️ The policy change only impacts flights booked on or after May 28th.