Southwest Airlines has built its reputation on offering complete prices and not having the not-so-hidden fees that other airlines commonly charge you. The company calls it "Transfarency," which, while that's a cringe-worthy term created in a marketing lab, the idea behind it is pretty noble.
The company defines the term on its website:
"Transfarency: Philosophy in which Customers are treated honestly and fairly, and low fares actually stay low — no unexpected bag fees, change fees, or hidden fees."
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Basically, that's Southwest Airlines (LUV) -) pledging to not resort to the tricks rivals like JetBlue, American, United, and Delta use where certain fares come without the basic things you would expect from a full-fare airline. JetBlue, for example, charges for bags while American, United, and Delta all offer multiple classes of fares.
If you buy an economy or basic economy ticket (the terms vary between airlines) your ticket may not come with a seat assignment or entitle you to bring a carry-on bag without paying extra. That never happens on Southwest and the airline has remained committed to that philosophy even as its rivals have found new ways to offer lower up-front prices while getting people to pay more after the fact.
Now, Southwest has even done something to make its free baggage offer a little bit better by giving its passengers added peace of mind.
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Southwest Airlines fights its overhead bin problem
Every person who has checked a bag with an airline has a small worry in the back of their head that the bag won't arrive. That's why some people insist on keeping their bags with them even though it would be more convenient to check them rather than fight for overhead bin space and risk the dreaded "gate check."
On most Southwest flights overhead bin space becomes tight by the time the "C" boarding group gets on the plane. That can lead to passengers having to place their bags in bins that are not near their seats. Doing that slows the boarding process and has the same effect when it's time to deplane at your destination.
If Southwest could get even a few more passengers to check their bags that problem would lessen and having to force a gate check would become rare. The airline may have found a solution that will make more passengers feel good about checking their bags.
Southwest Airlines adds a new website tool
Southwest shared on its X page (the former Twitter) that it now offers a baggage tracking tool.
"What's better than two free checked bags? Free checked bags that you can track, of course. Introducing digital bag tracking! Now available on http://Southwest.com and in the Southwest app," the company posted.
The new tool shows passengers the status of their bag, including telling them when it has been loaded on the plane. That, of course, will create some added anxiety if a bag isn't loaded before the flight takes off, but it should make bags that miss flight easier to find and create an overall smoother process.
Southwest's post, as you might imagine on social media, largely met with complaints mostly unrelated to the baggage tracking news.
"What would be even better is my flight not being so delayed that I almost miss my connection and you guys actually sending all of my bags with my flight. First time I've ever had a bad experience with Southwest, but it was so bad I don't see myself flying with you again," Christopher Williams posted.
Southwest, to its credit, answered every single negative remark including Williams'.
"Hey there, Christopher. I'm sorry to hear of the disruption to your flight, and we appreciate you reaching out. Please DM your confirmation number so we can review this for you and follow up. -Anthony," the airline wrote.
Some posters, however, did seem to appreciate the news.
"Tracking my bags is a cool addition," Sharon Manlove shared.
"Awesome feature. Now maybe some priority bag tags for us A-list Preferred customers so this bag to Cancun comes out faster," Marcus Allesandro added.
After covid-related losses and the problems caused by its 2022 holiday meltdown, Southwest Airlines returned to profitability in its most recent quarter. The airline had net income of $240 million on $6.5 billion in operating revenue.
