" Southwest Airlines is not what it used to be "More and more passengers are complaining on social networks. The carrier, inventor of the low-cost model in the worldAt the time, the airline offered a number of free services, which effectively set it apart from other low-cost airlines. But since a change of management last year, the Texan carrier is gradually nibbling away at the many advantages it offers its customers.
At the end of last year, Southwest had already announced that it was going to abolish the open boarding system it had been using for over 50 years. Until now, passengers have boarded without an assigned seat. By 2026, one seat will be allocated automatically. And passengers will have to pay if they wish to sit elsewhere.
Farewell to the policy of two free hold baggage items for everyone
More revolutionary is the airline's decision to stop checking in up to two pieces of hold baggage free of charge. regardless of booking class. Until now, all Southwest passengers have been allowed to take two pieces of cabin baggage and one piece of carry-on baggage. two pieces of hold luggage weighing 22.5 kg (50 lb) maximum.
From now on, this facility will only be available to passengers on the premium levels of its Rapid Rewards loyalty programme, to passengers travelling in business class or with the Southwest airlines credit card.. According to the airline's management, this is a way of offering more 'tangible' benefits to its most loyal or premium passengers.
The airline has not yet specified what the check-in fees will be. But it has already indicated that the new policy would apply to flights booked from 28 May onwards.
" We must return to the levels of profitability that we and our shareholders expect. "explained Bob Jordan, CEO of Southwest Airlinesin a press release.
