When you think of Southwest airlines, what do you think of? Most frequent flyers know the airline for the offered free checked bag, no assigned seating, or maybe even the free complimentary snacks or refreshments.
Some of these priorities are why people choose Southwest over other popular airlines. But recently Southwest has announced their new policies they are undergoing over the next year.
Beginning May 28, Southwest will be changing their free checked bag offer that they give all Southwest passengers. During the month of May, Southwest will no longer be offering a free checked bag. This is due to a pressure increase in its profitability. This has become a huge loss of revenue for Southwest airlines.
The free checked bag offer has always been one of the biggest reasons why someone would choose to fly Southwest. No major airlines offers a free checked bag. This is what set Southwest apart from other major airline companies.
Above Wing Superserviosor of Southwest Airlines, Angela Sauter believes that these changes may create additional challenges for the airline.
“We anticipate this change will create more customer carry on bags which will create another problem when we run out of overhead bin space on the planes,” Sauter said.
Sauter and other Southwest employees did get informed that there are still a few ways to get a free checked bag.
Alist customers, along with Southwest card holders will be allowed one free checked bag. Business Select Fare will receive two free checked bags.
While customers of Southwest shouldn’t expect a major charge for a checked bag, the expectations and possibly respect for Southwest airlines could see a change in its customer.
Ben Burku has been a loyal customer to Southwest airlines. Even as an A-list preferred member, Burku still has some concerns.
“I’m a Preferred Member, so I am a little concerned on what’s going to happen when I go to board,” Burku said. “I am normally the first to board, so who knows what’s going to happen.”
Southwest has remained relatively more expensive than other airlines, the thought process behind the expensive rate was because of that free checked bag policy. It was cheaper to fly Southwest with a free checked bag, rather than another airline that may have had a less expensive ticket, but a higher baggage fee.
Change in the baggage criteria is just one change passengers should expect in the next year. Another change underway to Southwest airlines is their open seating policy.
Starting later in the year, the once no assigned seating for Southwest airlines will be leaving. This means passengers can no longer choose any seat they want like they once were able to when boarding.
The struggles the airlines had before with open seating will hopefully be resolved with this new change. After a survey was conducted by Southwest Airlines, around 86% of frequent Southwest flyers would prefer a more strict seating arrangement.
Why? The thought process behind this will be to secure seating where the passenger would like. No family or friends would be split up unless late to picking a seat.
Southwest gate agent Ashley believes she has been kept in the dark about the new changes, alike many other Southwest employees.
“As gate agents, we still don’t know,” Ashley said. “I just hope it’s hopefully easier than what it is now.”
While Southwest has been struggling to keep up with other airlines’ profits, many believe this is the real reason why Southwest is changing their policies.
Even though changes are underway for Southwest Airlines, overall their customer service and complimentary refreshments may remain motivation to loyal Southwest flyers.
A good reputation Southwest holds could be enough for this airline to keep it up in the air.
