Southwest Airlines has earned a reputation for providing comprehensive fares without the not-so-hidden surcharges that other airlines often levy. While the firm calls it “Transfarency,” which is a cringe-worthy phrase coined in a marketing lab, the concept behind it is rather wonderful.
On its website, the corporation defines the term:
“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.”
Essentially, Southwest Airlines (LUV) is promising not to utilize the gimmicks that competitors like JetBlue, American, United, and Delta do, where some tickets come without the essential amenities you’d expect from a full-fare carrier. JetBlue, for example, charges for checked baggage, although American, United, and Delta all provide different pricing classes.
If you purchase an economy or basic economy ticket (terms vary by airline), your ticket may not include a seat assignment or allow you to bring a carry-on bag without paying an additional fee. That never occurs on Southwest, and the airline has stayed dedicated to that principle even as competitors have discovered innovative methods to provide cheaper upfront fares while charging passengers more later.
Southwest has now taken steps to improve its free baggage policy by providing travelers with additional peace of mind.
Every individual who has checked a luggage with an airline has a tiny fear that the suitcase will not arrive. That’s why some passengers insist on carrying their bags even though checking them would be more convenient than fighting for overhead bin space and risking the dreaded “gate check.”
By the time the “C” boarding group boards most Southwest flights, overhead bin space is at a premium. As a result, passengers may be forced to store their belongings in bins located far from their seats. This slows down boarding and has the same impact when it comes time to deplane at your destination.
If Southwest could only convince a few more customers to check their baggage, the issue would be alleviated and the need for a forced gate check would become uncommon. The airline may have discovered a method that may encourage more people to check their luggage.
Southwest announced a luggage monitoring service on its X page (the previous Twitter).
“What could be better than two complimentary checked bags?” Of course, you get free checked luggage that you can monitor. Presenting digital bag tracking! “Now available on Southwest.com and in the Southwest app,” the business said.
The new technology informs travelers on the status of their luggage, including when it has been put into the aircraft. That, of course, will add to the worry if a bag isn’t loaded before the flight, but it should make missing baggage simpler to detect and help the process go more smoothly overall.
As you would expect, concerns about Southwest’s post were primarily unconnected to the luggage tracking news.
“What would be even better is if my flight wasn’t so delayed that I almost missed my connection, and if you sent all of my bags with my flight.” “This is the first time I’ve ever had a bad experience with Southwest, but it was so bad that I don’t think I’ll ever fly with you again,” Christopher Williams wrote.
Southwest, to their credit, responded to every unfavorable comment, including Williams’.
“Good day, Christopher. I’m sorry to hear about your flight’s delay, and we appreciate your contacting out. Please DM your confirmation number so that we can evaluate it and follow up. -Anthony,” wrote the airline.
Some posters, on the other hand, seemed to enjoy the news.
“Tracking my bags is a really cool addition,” Sharon Manlove said.
“Excellent feature. “Perhaps some priority bag tags for us A-list Preferred customers so this bag to Cancun arrives sooner,” Marcus Allesandro remarked.
Southwest Airlines regained to profitability in the most recent quarter, despite covid-related losses and issues created by its 2022 Christmas breakdown. The airline earned $240 million in net profitability on $6.5 billion in operational revenue.
