Southwest says a widebody order has “no credibility.” Six months before it ended free bags, it said no work was underway. Denials from Dallas expire fast.
His reasoning was mostly that it would require significant changes in the business model. Operating aircraft with more than 175 seats would send the airline back to its pilots, and the pilot contract likely opens next year. Another 737 variant would be “significantly easier” than a widebody. Long-haul flying would be upside “if we decide to pursue that.” My eyerolls are likely audible at this point.
Six months later, on March 11, 2025, Southwest ended the policy. The airline set fees of $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second on flights booked on or after May 28, 2025. Jordan’s explanation was that bags flying free was not part of the airline’s DNA, and that open seating was not either. What he should have said was that it wasn’t part of Elliott Management’s DNA and they were running the show – at least while they were still heavy investors. Analysts warned at the time that dropping the policy could damage the brand and turn Southwest into just another airline. It most certainly did that, but as reported in recent weeks, it has, in fact, helped the stock price and financials significantly.
A great solo travel tip spotted this week on Live and Let's Fly.
