Southwest Airlines is making a major policy shift, ending its long-standing “bags fly free” rule. Starting May 28, most Southwest passengers will have to pay to check bags.
This change has left many travelers frustrated, prompting them to look for alternatives. Some airlines, however, are seizing the moment by offering free checked baggage to lure Southwest’s loyal customers.
Frontier’s Free Checked Bag Promotion
Frontier Airlines is leading the charge with a new promotion called “Your New Love.” The deal includes a free carry-on and one free checked bag, along with free seat selection and flight changes.
To take advantage of the promotion, travelers must book by March 24 using the promo code FREEBAG. The offer is valid for flights departing between May 28 and August 18.
Barry Biffle, CEO of Frontier Airlines, positioned the deal as a way to win over frustrated Southwest customers. “Some airlines are walking away from what travelers love, but we’re running towards it,” he said in a statement.
Biffle also hinted that if the promotion proves successful, Frontier could make free checked bags a permanent perk.
Southwest’s New Baggage Fees
Southwest’s decision to start charging for checked bags marks a historic shift for the airline. For 54 years, its free checked bag policy set it apart from competitors.
Starting May 28, only a few Southwest passengers will still get free checked baggage. These include:
- A-List Preferred Members – Two free checked bags
- Business Select Passengers – Two free checked bags
- A-List Members & Southwest Credit Card Holders – One free checked bag
All other Southwest passengers will have to pay for checked luggage when booking flights on or after May 28.
Southwest Customers React
Many longtime Southwest customers are unhappy with the change.
“Why would we still fly Southwest? Now they’re just like every other airline,” said Howie Baker, a Southwest flyer from Colorado. “We’ll just pick the cheapest option now.”
This frustration is what airlines like Frontier are hoping to capitalize on.
Airlines That Still Offer Free Checked Bags
Even with Southwest’s policy change, some airlines still allow passengers to check bags for free.
Here are a few:
1. Alaska Airlines
First checked bag is free for MVP, MVP Gold, and MVP Gold 75K members.
Alaska Airlines Visa cardholders also get one free checked bag.
2. JetBlue
JetBlue’s Mosaic members receive one free checked bag on all flights.
Travelers booking Blue Plus or Mint fares also get free checked baggage.
3. Delta Airlines
Delta’s SkyMiles Medallion members get one free checked bag on most flights.
Passengers who book flights with a Delta SkyMiles American Express Card also qualify for free baggage.
4. United Airlines
United’s Premier Silver, Gold, Platinum, and 1K members get free checked bags.
United-branded credit card holders can check one bag free.
Why Airlines Are Making These Changes
Budget airlines like Southwest and Frontier have faced challenges in recent years.
During the pandemic, air travel demand collapsed, and airlines relied on government assistance to stay afloat. Now, as travel rebounds, they are looking for ways to boost revenue.
Southwest’s decision to start charging for checked bags is likely a cost-cutting move. However, it also puts the airline in direct competition with other carriers that have long charged for baggage.
On the other hand, airlines like Frontier see an opportunity. By offering free checked bags, they hope to steal customers away from Southwest.
What Travelers Should Do Next
If you’re a Southwest loyalist, it’s time to reconsider your options.
With Frontier’s Your New Love promotion, passengers can enjoy a free checked bag on flights between May and August. However, the deal is temporary, so travelers need to book before March 24.
For those looking for long-term alternatives, airlines like Alaska, JetBlue, Delta, and United still offer free checked bags to select passengers.
As airlines adjust their baggage policies, travelers should always check the latest fees before booking.
For now, Southwest’s free baggage policy is coming to an end, but some airlines are still rolling out the red carpet for passengers who love flying without extra costs.
