How Has Southwest Airlines Been Lately

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How Has Southwest Airlines Been Lately? A Comprehensive Guide to Its Current State

Hey there, fellow traveler! Ever wondered what's truly going on with Southwest Airlines these days? Are they still the fun-loving, "Bags Fly Free" airline we remember, or have things changed? Well, you're in the right place! We're about to dive deep into Southwest's recent performance, policies, and what it all means for you, the passenger. Get ready for a thorough, step-by-step breakdown.

Step 1: Understanding the Recent Shifts – A New Era for Southwest?

First things first, let's acknowledge the elephant in the cabin: Southwest Airlines has been undergoing some significant transformations recently. If you haven't flown them in a while, you might be surprised by some of the updates. The airline, once an outlier in its "Transfarency" model, is now aligning more closely with industry norms.

Sub-heading: The End of an Era: Goodbye "Bags Fly Free" for Most

Perhaps the most talked-about change is the new baggage policy. Effective May 28, 2025, for flights booked or voluntarily changed on or after that date, Southwest began charging for checked bags for most travelers. This is a monumental shift from their long-standing "Bags Fly Free" perk.

What it means for you: For the majority of passengers, expect to pay $35 for your first checked bag and $45 for your second. This puts them in line with other major US carriers like American, Delta, and United.
Who still gets free bags? Don't fret entirely! Business Select travelers and Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred members still enjoy two free checked bags. Rapid Rewards A-List members and Southwest co-branded credit card holders are also entitled to one free checked bag.
Why the change? CEO Bob Jordan has stated that these changes are part of a broader strategy to modernize the airline, meet evolving traveler expectations, and boost profitability, aiming to net the airline an estimated $4 billion in profit.

Sub-heading: Assigned Seating on the Horizon?

While not fully implemented across the board yet, Southwest has also been experimenting with and planning to roll out assigned seating. This is another departure from their signature open-seating policy. While some passengers appreciated the flexibility of open seating, it often led to challenges with families sitting together and managing pre-boarding. This move aims to streamline the boarding process and potentially open doors for seat selection fees, a common revenue stream for other airlines.

Step 2: Peeking into the Financial Performance

How are these changes impacting Southwest's bottom line? Let's take a look at their financial health.

Sub-heading: Revenue Growth and Analyst Outlook

Southwest Airlines has seen consistent revenue growth in recent years. For the twelve months ending March 31, 2025, their revenue was $27.582 billion, a 3.25% increase year-over-year. Analysts generally hold a "Hold" rating on Southwest stock, with some recommending "Strong Buy." The company has consistently surpassed Wall Street's EPS estimates in its last four quarterly reports.

Sub-heading: The Profitability Push

The recent policy changes, particularly the introduction of bag fees, are explicitly designed to enhance profitability. While some travelers are understandably upset about the new fees, the airline's leadership believes these adjustments are crucial for long-term financial health and competitiveness in the evolving airline industry.

Step 3: Navigating Operational Challenges and Successes

No airline operates without its hiccups. Southwest has faced its share of challenges, but also continues to earn accolades.

Sub-heading: Recent Operational Disruptions

Southwest has recently experienced widespread flight cancellations and delays, primarily attributed to a combination of:

Severe weather disruptions: Especially in the Northeast and Midwest.
Staffing shortages: A persistent industry-wide issue.
Outdated scheduling systems: The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has even filed a lawsuit against Southwest, alleging that their outdated systems contribute to chronic delays. This was particularly evident during the December 2022 holiday season meltdown.

The airline has stated its commitment to improving technology and staffing levels to mitigate future disruptions.

Sub-heading: Addressing Unique Challenges: Exploding Soda Cans?

In a rather unusual operational challenge, Southwest has had to address issues with soda cans exploding on flights, particularly in extreme heat. This is due to the lack of refrigerated storage for beverages on their planes. In response, they have invested in refrigerated provisioning trucks at their busiest hubs and implemented protocols for flight crews to monitor beverage temperatures.

Sub-heading: Customer Satisfaction Accolades

Despite the operational challenges and policy changes, Southwest Airlines has continued to receive recognition for customer satisfaction. They were named the Best Airline for Economy Class Customer Satisfaction by J.D. Power for the fourth consecutive year (for the 2025 study, covering March 2024 to March 2025). This award highlights their strong performance in areas like airline staff and level of trust. However, it's important to note that this survey was largely conducted before the new baggage fees were announced, so future satisfaction ratings may reflect the impact of these changes.

Step 4: The Customer Experience Today

So, what's it like to fly Southwest now?

Sub-heading: The Impact of Policy Changes on Passengers

The elimination of free checked bags has certainly ruffled some feathers among loyal customers who chose Southwest specifically for this perk. Reviews are mixed, with some passengers expressing frustration over the new fees and the perceived loss of Southwest's unique value proposition. Others, particularly those who rarely check bags or are higher-tier Rapid Rewards members, might not feel the impact as much.

Sub-heading: The Persistent Charm of Southwest Staff

One area where Southwest consistently shines, according to customer reviews, is its friendly and helpful staff. Many passengers still praise the humor and kindness of flight attendants and ground crew, which remains a key differentiator for the airline.

Sub-heading: Renovated Cabins and New Offerings

Southwest is also investing in its fleet. They are renovating plane cabins to include bigger overhead bins and premium-priced seating with added legroom, aiming to enhance the in-flight experience. Additionally, they are introducing more red-eye flight options to expand their network and appeal to a wider range of travelers.

Step 5: Looking Ahead – Southwest's Strategy for the Future

Southwest is clearly in a period of transition, aiming to adapt to a changing market and bolster its financial performance.

Sub-heading: Balancing Profitability and Customer Loyalty

The core challenge for Southwest will be to balance its drive for increased revenue with its long-standing commitment to customer-friendly policies and a unique brand experience. CEO Bob Jordan has emphasized that the changes are about offering more choice to customers while staying true to Southwest's core values of hospitality and service.

Sub-heading: Continued Network Adjustments

Expect to see continued adjustments to Southwest's route network. They are adding new nonstop services to various cities and expanding international options, such as new flights to Punta Cana and Cabo San Lucas from Nashville. These network expansions aim to capture new markets and provide more options for travelers.

10 Related FAQ Questions: How to Navigate the New Southwest

Here are some quick answers to common "How to" questions about Southwest Airlines today:

How to check my baggage allowance on Southwest Airlines?

You can find the most up-to-date baggage allowance information, including fees, on Southwest's official website under their "Bags" or "Travel Policies" section. Remember, the "Bags Fly Free" policy is mostly gone for new bookings/changes as of May 28, 2025.

How to avoid checked bag fees on Southwest?

To avoid checked bag fees, you can:

Become a Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred member (two free bags).
Become a Rapid Rewards A-List member (one free bag).
Hold a Southwest co-branded credit card (one free bag).
Book a Business Select fare (two free bags).
Only travel with carry-on luggage and a personal item that fit within their size limits.

How to change or cancel a Southwest flight?

Southwest Airlines still offers flexible change and cancellation policies. You can typically change or cancel your flight online through your Rapid Rewards account or by contacting customer service. You'll usually receive a flight credit if you cancel, though be aware of any expiration dates on those credits, as this is another area of change for Southwest.

How to get the best seat on a Southwest flight now?

With the shift towards assigned seating, the "best" seat might soon be a matter of paying for it. For now, on flights that still use open seating, EarlyBird Check-In or being in a higher boarding group (A, B, or C) gives you a better chance of selecting your preferred seat.

How to track my Southwest flight status?

You can easily track your Southwest flight status using the official Southwest Airlines app or by visiting their website and entering your flight details. This is highly recommended for staying informed about potential delays or cancellations.

How to rebook a cancelled Southwest flight?

If your Southwest flight is cancelled, the airline will typically offer you options to rebook on the next available flight. You can often do this through the Southwest app, website, or by speaking with a customer service agent. You are also entitled to a full refund for any flights canceled or delayed by more than three hours.

How to earn Rapid Rewards points with Southwest?

You can earn Rapid Rewards points by flying Southwest, using a Southwest co-branded credit card, and through various partners (e.g., hotel stays, car rentals, online shopping).

How to contact Southwest Airlines customer service?

You can contact Southwest Airlines customer service through their official website, by phone, or via their social media channels. Be prepared for potential wait times, especially during periods of operational disruption.

How to find deals and sales on Southwest flights?

Southwest frequently offers sales and deals. Keep an eye on their website, sign up for their email alerts, and follow their social media accounts to stay informed about promotional fares.

How to provide feedback to Southwest Airlines?

Southwest welcomes customer feedback. You can typically submit comments, compliments, or complaints through the "Contact Us" or "Customer Relations" section of their website.

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