DALLAS, Tex. — Just a few months after ending its open seating policy, Southwest Airlines announced Tuesday it would end free checked baggage for many passengers.
Southwest said Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred members and customers traveling on Business Select fares will qualify for two free checked bags. Additionally, one free checked bag will be offered to A-List members, other select customers, and Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers.
Customers outside those groups will be charged for checked bags on all flights booked on or after May 28.
The airline had long been known for its free checked bag policy as other airlines charged for checked bags and almost anything else involved with air travel.
Southwest said it was also introducing a new, basic fare on the lowest priced tickets purchased on or after May 28. This will come ahead of the airline offering assigned seating and extra legroom options, the company said in a release.
The changes come following Elliott Investment Management taking a $1.9 billion stake in the carrier last year, which has been calling for leadership changes and an operations overhaul to boost profitability.
'Cruise lights' on Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office patrol cars raise questions, confusion among drivers
Every driver knows that when you see red and blue flashing lights on a patrol car, you slow down, pull over, or get out of the way.
But in Hillsborough County, drivers will also now see deputies with their lights on, but not flashing. They're called "cruise lights," and the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) recently implemented their use on all patrol vehicles.
