By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2025-03-12 16:11:41 | Updated at 2025-03-12 20:56:59
5 hours ago
Travelers are vowing never to fly Southwest Airlines again following a policy change that's left them furious and feeling 'victimized.'
Social media users were immediately outraged after Southwest confirmed the upcoming change on March 11.
The new rule, which some X users believe marks the 'end of an era,' will take effect on May 28.
This change will require Southwest fliers to pay for their checked bags, thus ending its popular 'two bags fly free' policy.
Several travelers claimed 'two bags fly free' was the reason they flew Southwest and that its removal gives them 'no reason' to keep flying with the airline.
'@southwest guess my family and I will be exploring other options now that you are conforming to what other airlines do,' an X user wrote.
'Your fleet is old with an outdated interior. The perks of flying Southwest are gone.'
The airline announce the upcoming change just one year after customers were angry over the decision to end its open seating policy.
Social media users vowed they would never fly with Southwest again after the airline announced a checked bag policy change
Southwest announced that it will still allow its Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members customers traveling on Business Select fares to have two free checked bags.
The airline will also give its A-List Members and other select customers the privilege of checking one bag for free.
Although Southwest confirmed it would credit Rapid Rewards Credit Card members once they checked their bags, aggravated fliers are threatening to cancel their cards.
'One reason we would fly Southwest having family of six, is to have a few bags fly free,' a traveler wrote.
'It isn't the most convenient airlines because flying more than two states away there is almost never a direct flight. I had a credit card but will be canceling it.'
'Canceled my @SouthwestAir credit card today. Other than the free checked bags, southwest has nothing to offer,' a flier commented.
'Might as well fly a good airline with comfortable seats and good flight times. Terrible move by southwest.'
A few X users are still unsure if they should cancel their Southwest cards, while others were 'so glad' they never purchased one.
Southwest travelers will be required to pay a fee for checked bags starting on May 28
Social media users are threatening to cancel their Southwest credit cards after finding out about the upcoming fees
Travelers quickly began comparing Southwest to other airlines and claimed it was similar or more expensive than flying with Spirit or Frontier.
'Then Southwest just lost ALL value and now are in the ranks with Frontier and Spirit,' an X user wrote.
Some commenters have already identified Delta as their new airline of choice.
'I mean there's no real reason now not to fly Delta lol only reason why I flew southwest was to save on bag fees when it's more than 2 of us lol,' a flier commented.
'Only Delta from now on they're a little more money but at least they have TVs great snacks great service more legroom. And I always get one bag free,' a traveler responded to another X user.
Delta does allow two free checked bags, but only for select passengers, including Delta One and Delta Premium Select members, according to the airline's website.
Other Delta fliers qualified for one free checked bag include certain credit card holders and active-duty US military members.
Airlines like American and JetBlue also have similar checked bag policies, which only apply to select frequent fliers.
Fliers have begun comparing Southwest to Frontier and Spirit, and are opting to fly with other airlines like Delta and American
Upcoming changes social media users hardly discussed was Southwest's fare bundles updates.
The airline briefly explained the upcoming changes to its fare bundle benefits the same day it announced the new checked bag policy.
It's also launching dynamic pricing models for its rewards program, which will be used to track how much money frequent fliers spend on tickets rather than miles traveled.
'We have tremendous opportunity to meet current and future customer needs,' Bob Jordan, the brand's CEO, said in a press release about the changes.
'We will do all this while remaining focused on what’s made us strong - our People and the authentic, friendly, and award-winning customer service only they can provide.'
