Southwest Airlines Introduces First-Ever Checked Bag Fees

Southwest's New Checked Bag Fee Policy

• ✈️ Southwest Airlines has implemented its first-ever fee for checked bags, becoming the last major U.S. airline to do so.
• 💰 The new policy charges $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second, with fees for three or more bags already in place.
• 📈 Bag fees are a significant revenue stream for U.S. carriers, generating $7.2 billion last year.
• ⚠️ This change carries some risk for Southwest, as free checked bags were previously the third most important factor for customers booking flights with them, after price and schedule.
• 📅 Flyers who booked tickets before this change will still have their bags fly free, while tickets booked today or later will be subject to the new fees.

Exceptions and Elite Traveler Benefits

• 🎟️ Certain fare classes and elite status members are exempt from the new bag fees.
• 🌟 Business Select or Choice Plus tickets and A-list preferred members will still receive two free checked bags.
• 💳 A-list credit card holders are entitled to one free checked bag.

Payment and Transition Period

• 💻 Fees for checked bags will need to be paid at kiosks or the ticket counter, as in-app payment is not yet available.
• ⏳ A transition period is in effect, with recently booked tickets adhering to the old rules and new bookings subject to the revised policy.

United Airlines' New Check-In Policy

• ⏰ United Airlines is changing its check-in policy, requiring passengers to check in no later than 45 minutes before departure, up from the previous 30 minutes.
• ⚠️ Failure to check in within this new window may result in passengers being unable to board the plane.