Southwest Airlines has always allowed customers two free checked bags on flights. That might be changing. They're now surveying their frequent flyers 'feelings' about baggage fee charges for the "Wanna Get Away " fare tier. What do they expect these queried customers to say on said survey? We'll see.
https://www.flyertalk.com/articles/southwest-airlines-entertains-idea-of-paid-checked-bags.html
If they are thinking about it, then it is a matter of time before they implement a checked bag fee. Slowly SW is losing its identity & becoming another airline with poor service, cramped seating & no entertainment
Its the same dynamic as hotels in Vegas with the resort fee. Do you want to spend $200/night for a hotel? Or $150 plus a $50 resort fee? In the search results the second option seems cheaper at first glance.
Same thing with airlines. Southwest historically gave you an all inclusive fare. But they have been undermined by airlines like Allegiant that look like they might be cheaper....but by the time you add on the ala-cartes you spend the same as a Southwest ticket. Apparently its working because Southwest is wanting to do something similar now. I dont think it really increases price but it just makes things less transparent. And thats a little sleazy.
Sounds like SWA will do a "me too" move toward seating/class/fare options. I just cobbled together my BFF's Seven Stars trip to Caesars Atlantic City (her preference), American Airlines as SWA doesn't have much service to there from here. AA has multiple class/fare options to Philadelphia airport (connecting, no non-stop), dizzying until you spend some time on it. Made me appreciate SWAs current online res system (as of right now). Oddly, the highest class/fare option for our flights required baggage fee, while the next lowest had no baggage fee. The advantage of the higher class was in ability to change flight same day without charge, though baggage fee required.
Candy
Originally posted by: O2bnVegas
Sounds like SWA will do a "me too" move toward seating/class/fare options. I just cobbled together my BFF's Seven Stars trip to Caesars Atlantic City (her preference), American Airlines as SWA doesn't have much service to there from here. AA has multiple class/fare options to Philadelphia airport (connecting, no non-stop), dizzying until you spend some time on it. Made me appreciate SWAs current online res system (as of right now). Oddly, the highest class/fare option for our flights required baggage fee, while the next lowest had no baggage fee. The advantage of the higher class was in ability to change flight same day without charge, though baggage fee required.
Candy
They also have a new profit generator in the works called "Prepaid Oxygen." You pay extra, just in case there's a cabin depressurization event and the oxygen masks drop. If you didn't buy the prepaid oxygen, you can still swipe your credit card to get the oxygen flowing (a handy terminal drops down along with the mask), but you'll only have about fifteen seconds to do that before you pass out and die, so Southwest "recommends the peace of mind that comes with the purchase of Prepaid Oxygen." It's only $30 per flight segment!
Originally posted by: tom
If they are thinking about it, then it is a matter of time before they implement a checked bag fee. Slowly SW is losing its identity & becoming another airline with poor service, cramped seating & no entertainment
Gosh, I thought you were a capitalist. A good capitalist would applaud this move.
Well, maybe we'll finally build nationwide hi-speed rail and people will have a viable alternative to air travel.
HAHAHAHAHAHA Not until we stop electing Republicans!
More details on the upcoming changes at Southwest Airlines are likely to be unveiled at their Investor day meeting on September 26.
"Our team, under Bob Jordan's leadership, recently announced significant changes to our business model – assigned seating; offering more premium options; red-eye flights – with more to come at our long-planned Investor Day on September 26."
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/southwest-airlines-announces-next-phase-of-comprehensive-board-refreshment-302243513.html
Originally posted by: PJ Stroh
Its the same dynamic as hotels in Vegas with the resort fee. Do you want to spend $200/night for a hotel? Or $150 plus a $50 resort fee? In the search results the second option seems cheaper at first glance.
Same thing with airlines. Southwest historically gave you an all inclusive fare. But they have been undermined by airlines like Allegiant that look like they might be cheaper....but by the time you add on the ala-cartes you spend the same as a Southwest ticket. Apparently its working because Southwest is wanting to do something similar now. I dont think it really increases price but it just makes things less transparent. And thats a little sleazy.
I'm flying to Vegas on October 18 on Alligient. It's warm, so I gave no problem for a 3 night trip with my gym bag. I'll drink 36 Oz of water before I head to the airport.
SW cutting back their service in Atlanta.
https://nypost.com/2024/09/25/business/southwest-cuts-service-to-and-from-atlanta-amid-cost-cutting-demands/
