Southwest Airlines will begin charging passengers to check bags for the first time. The carrier has long checked two bags for free, but beginning May 28, passengers who are not part of a loyalty program or traveling on the Business Select premium fare will have to pay to check a bag. Frequent flyers with “A-List Preferred” status will still get two bags, while A-List level members and Southwest credit card holders will get one free checked bag.
The airline said the move was intended to “deepen and reward loyalty” for its “most engaged customers.” It added that it would also introduce a basic economy fare, with additional options for assigned seating and extra legroom.
The new fees are the latest action in the carrier’s overhaul of its business model as it has faced pressure from an activist investment firm. Southwest has also ended its open-seating model and began offering seats with extra legroom for an additional cost.
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