Southwest airlines for the ultimate policy of free proven bags for the first time in its 54-year history star-news.press/wp

Southwest Airlines makes the passenger bag “” fly “- but not long.

Starting from 28. May – Precisely for a busy summer travel season – just JugoWesters the most popular A-list preferred members and travelers to book their superior business Bilek. Members of frequent flyers, the owner of the credit card in the southwest and other selection of customers will be allowed one checked bag.

All others are charged for their first and other checked bags on flights that are reserved at 28. May or after 28. May, the carrier says.

“Just another airline”?

It is a break with a 54-year history of the southwest year – one who could violate the loyalty of customers carriers, according to experts.

“You destroy this way. This is how you destroy customers preference. And that, I think it will send a southwest in Financial Repulsum Henry Henry Henry Henry Henry Henry, he said to CBS News News Carrier Chris Cleave. “Southwest, with these changes, becomes just another airline.”

Only last September, the southwestern director of Bob Jordan said that the bags of San Cleave would still fly out of charge.

“The bags will still fly,” Jordan said. “It’s the third that customers seek after price and schedule: Bags fly free, on us. Ninety-seven percent are people who are aware of our policy. So, the bags will absolute fly free.”

But when he pressed if he was always flying, “Well, never say it’s as if it’s said that open seats never changes 20 years ago, but from everything we see, there is no reason to do it at all, especially right now.”

“When 97% of your customers say you are flying” Bags Flying “and you say your business,” “said your job,” “he said your job,” “he said your job,” “said your job,” “said Is your job, “” your job said, “” he said your job. “We look at the airline self-destruction. This is equivalent to the deliberate sail ship in the iceberg. “

The costs of the verified bags were not announced, but the airline sources say they will be competitive to other carriers.

Mounting financial pressure

This move comes southwest, the fourth-largest airline nation, was in an intense activist investor for improving its financial performance after the pace of making a change in customer preference after pandemic.

He recently released his first dismissed, launched his first flights REDEYA, and he intends to complete his long-lasting open-ending policy next year. Instead, the airline will offer seat tasks and sell additional legroom seats for additional compensation.

Also announced on Tuesday are changes in frequent fast-prizes – Increasing business leaflets for more costs, select Fares, and “You want to escape plus”. The airline will also begin the dynamic points in the redemption points in the flights of greater and lower demand.

The more, starting from 28. May, the southwest will add a severely discounted basic economy on the surface that will guarantee a flyer on the plane, but likely to come with limits similar to the bids of basic operators.

In the Tuesday morning, Jordan said the changes helped to go back to the level of profitability we all expect and support our collective long-term success. They also adapt to what our customers want.

“Many things have changed post-covid: loss of short-tumblance demand, rise in premium demand and changes in customer preferences.”

Jordan said the goal is to ensure the future of the southwest.

“We are more than the logo on our planes,” he said. “Our DNA is not open seating, or even bags fly free. It is a commitment to the service.”

Harteveldt says: “Even more choices is always a good thing. And no prices are always a good thing. And the south-west is big enough that if they believe that they will be in the right airline to be more aggressive in their price.”

The southwest is the last major American airline for the bid of the basic economical product, which are carried out by the carriers to compete with ultra low airline prices such as border and spirit.

Although the offer vary from the airline, the basic tickets for the economy often come without the previous seat task, it is harder to be in the last board and can limit the number or size of the baggage. Checked bags and other perks come with a price. It was a hit for airlines. The United Air Conditions reported 20% of the basic income of the economy last year.

“The southwestern airline remains committed to its basic principles – amazing people who provide great hospitality to all southwestern customers, a strong network with the most non-flights in the US, and in the statement said in the editorial office.

But is it southwest that people know?

“Yes,” Harteveldd said. “This change is just unlike southwest. And there is really something I worry can be far financially harmful to the airline than useful.”