Frequent Southwest Flyers Abandon Airline Due to New Baggage Fees
Frequent Southwest Flyers Abandon Airline Due to New Baggage Fees
In a surprising turn of events, a recent survey conducted by Thrifty Traveler, a renowned travel website, has unveiled a significant shift in customer loyalty among frequent Southwest Airlines flyers. The survey, which polled over 670 subscribers to Thrifty Traveler’s newsletters, reveals that two-thirds of regular Southwest passengers are considering or have already booked flights with other airlines due to the introduction of baggage fees. This change was implemented following the airline's decision to halt its popular 'Bags Fly Free' policy earlier this spring.
The survey was conducted between May 5 and June 21, just before and after the airline began charging passengers for checked baggage starting on May 28, 2025. Previously, Southwest Airlines allowed travelers to check two bags for free, even on the most economical ticket options. However, under the new policy, passengers must pay $35 for each checked bag per flight segment, with an additional charge of $45 for a second bag. Only customers who hold a co-branded credit card or have a specific loyalty status can still enjoy complimentary baggage.
According to Kyle Potter, executive editor of Thrifty Traveler, “Southwest shocked the travel world earlier this year when it announced it would end its ultra-popular ‘Bags Fly Free’ policy. While the airline will undoubtedly see an increase in revenue from these charges, it is equally clear that they may alienate loyal customers who now lack a compelling reason to choose Southwest over its competitors.” The results of the survey reflect a growing sentiment among travelers who are reevaluating their airline choices.
Just 33% of the surveyed Southwest customers stated that they would continue booking flights with the airline as normal following the implementation of the baggage fees. This marks a stark contrast to the previous loyalty exhibited by many travelers who relied heavily on Southwest for their air travel needs.
Implications of the Survey
The shift in consumer behavior as indicated by the survey results could have lasting repercussions for Southwest Airlines. By moving away from its longstanding policy that prioritized customer convenience and cost-effectiveness, the airline risks losing its competitive edge in a market that is already saturated with low-cost carriers. Other airlines are observing these developments closely, likely preparing to capitalize on Southwest’s misstep.
Southwest’s baggage fee policy is viewed not only as a tactical move to increase profitability but also as a potential miscalculation of consumer sentiment. Such a drastic policy change can lead to frustration among frequent flyers, especially when they compared Southwest’s traditional offerings with those of competing airlines that continue to provide free checked luggage -- a significant factor for many travelers.
Survey Methodology
The Thrifty Traveler survey gathered opinions through voluntary participation, composed of multiple-choice and open-ended questions regarding respondents’ travel sentiments and airline booking preferences. Results from this survey provide a broader perspective on how changes in airline policies can directly impact consumer choices.
For those interested in more insights regarding travel trends and the evolving airline industry, the complete survey results and analysis are available on the Thrifty Traveler website.
About Thrifty Traveler
Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Thrifty Traveler has established itself as a leader in the travel industry, providing thousands of users daily with alerts for competitive airfare and travel deals. With a subscriber base of over 1.1 million travelers, the platform delivers not only flight deals but also expert guidance on how to maximize travel rewards through points and miles.
In conclusion, this survey highlights a pivotal moment for Southwest Airlines, suggesting that customer loyalty can be easily swayed by pricing strategies and policy changes. Travelers are now more than ever willing to explore alternatives, indicating a challenging road ahead for the airline as it navigates the repercussions of its decision to implement baggage fees.