Frontier Offering Free Checked Bags After Southwest Ends Bags-Fly-Free Policy

Q: What is the Bags Fly Free Policy that Southwest ended?

The Bags Fly Free Policy allowed Southwest customers to check two bags without paying fees. Southwest announced it will discontinue this long-standing benefit beginning May 28, changing how many passengers pay for checked luggage.

Q: How is Frontier responding to Southwest ending the Bags Fly Free Policy?

Frontier launched a promotion offering one complimentary checked bag with promo code FREEBAG for certain bookings and introduced bundles on nonstop routes that include an assigned seat and a carry-on at no extra charge.

Q: Who can still get free checked bags on Southwest after the change?

Passengers with Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred status and those on certain business-select fares will retain free checked bag allowances. Southwest has also indicated some other qualifying travelers will continue to receive at least one complimentary checked bag.

Q: What are the travel dates and booking deadlines for Frontier’s free bag offer?

Frontier’s complimentary checked bag promotion applies to tickets reserved by March 24 for travel between May 28 and August 18. Specific route and booking conditions may apply for bundles and nonstop offers.

Q: Will Frontier make the free bag offering permanent?

Frontier stated it may consider making these benefits permanent if passenger response is strong, but for now the free bag and bundle options are promotional and tied to specific booking and travel windows.

Published by

Clara

Mar 19

Bags Fly Free Policy – Frontier Responds to Southwest Move

Frontier is making a play for disaffected Southwest travelers.

On March 11, Southwest Airlines declared it would discontinue its bags-fly-free policy, prompting immediate backlash. A lot of passengers said the primary reason they chose Southwest was the two complimentary checked bags. Until the announcement, Southwest remained the last major carrier offering that benefit.

This revised policy takes effect May 28.

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Frontier Answers Back

On March 18, Frontier Airlines aimed a jab at Southwest with a press release encouraging disgruntled flyers to “divorce” their current carrier. For tickets reserved by March 24 for travel between May 28 and Aug. 18, Frontier is providing one complimentary checked bag using promo code FREEBAG. Additionally, for nonstop routes booked through Aug. 18, the low-cost carrier will present a bundle that includes an assigned seat and a carry-on without extra fees.

“We’ve always had heart,” Frontier CEO Barry Biffle stated in the announcement. “Some airlines are moving away from what travelers appreciate, but we’re running toward it. Consider this the ultimate ‘ditch your old airline’ offer. If travelers respond, we’ll look to make these benefits permanent.”

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How to Still Get Free Checked Bags on Southwest

Southwest is also introducing a new fare class. Beginning May 28, the carrier will add a basic fare — the most economical option with the fewest flexibilities, Bob Jordan, President, CEO and Vice Chairman of the Board, explained in an email to customers.

The exact fee Southwest will charge for checked luggage hasn’t been revealed yet. Still, there remain avenues to avoid baggage charges on Southwest.

Members with Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred status or those flying on business select fares can continue to check two bags without a fee, according to the airline’s announcement. Southwest will also grant one free checked bag to A-List Members and certain other qualifying travelers.

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