Popular Airline in Minnesota, Southwest, Just Made a Big Mistake!

To say that I am disappointed today is an extreme understatement.  Upsetting news just broke about a popular airline that arrives and departs in Minnesota.

Fans, including myself, are not happy with the latest e-mail we just received.  In fact, I just picked this airline over Delta because of a perk.  Sadly, this perk is disappearing for the majority of us.

Southwest Airlines Just Dropped A Huge Announcement...And Fans Are Mad

In a few weeks, I'll be on a Southwest flight to Vegas.  There is only one reason why I picked Southwest over Delta, and it is the same reason thousands of people have loved flying on Southwest - two free checked bags.

At peak times, over 4,000 flights each day take people from one destination to another by Southwest Airlines.  In 2023, about 137.28 million passengers enjoyed picking their own seats and having the ability to bring 2 checked bags with them at no additional cost.  Unfortunately, that is about to change.

On Tuesday, March 11th, a note popped up in my inbox from Southwest Airlines:

Today we announced updates to some of our policies and benefits within our fare bundles. Sharing them with you is important to us, as we’re working to offer you more choices to create travel experiences that fit your needs.

Since I'm now subscribed to all of their e-mails and have a flight in a few weeks, I was engaged and kept reading about the updates to their checked baggage policy:

We will offer two free checked bags to Rapid Rewards® A-List Preferred Members and Customers traveling on Business Select fares. We will also offer one free checked bag to A-List Members and other select Customers. In addition, Southwest will credit one checked bag for Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers. All remaining Customers will pay to check their first and second bags, and we will continue to charge for the third and fourth checked bags.

When will these new baggage fees start for Southwest Airlines?

Based on the e-mail, it appears that these new changes are going to apply to all flights booked on or after May 28th, 2025.

Why is Southwest Airlines Taking Away This Fan Favorite Perk?

According to CNBC.com, Elliott Investment Management has been putting some pressure on Southwest Airlines to make some quick changes.  Whlie fans of the airline have voiced major disappointment in the news, investors are probably happy.  After the big announcement was shared with the public, Southwest shares increased 8%.

What Are Fans Saying About The New Announcement From Southwest Airlines Regarding Baggage Fees

Southwest Airlines...You Made a Mistake

Personally, I just spent about 5 hours researching flights for an upcoming trip.  I looked at all of them.  I almost grabbed a flight on Delta but for about the same price, I could hop on Southwest and not have to pay for my bags.  THAT perk was why this airline was picked.  THAT was the only reason.  Flight times were about the same.  Cost was about the same.  I just didn't want to pay more money for my checked bags.

I bought my tickets and then did the same research for two other people.  All of us bought tickets with you, Southwest Airlines, because we didn't have to pay for our checked bags.

Thankfully, I'll be on one of the last flights before the baggage fees start at Southwest Airlines.  It might also be the last time that I fly Southwest.  We shall see.  I'm still waiting, like everyone else, to see how much Southwest Airlines is going to start charging for checked bags.

Unfortunately, Southwest, you have told us for months that you wouldn't make this change. Now that you went back on your word, you have shattered the trust of your fan base.  Psst...this is also your fan base that helps pay your bills.  

As Julia Roberts said in Pretty Woman, "Big mistake. Big. Huge. I have to go shopping now."