Frontier Offering Free Checked Bags After Southwest Ends Bags-Fly-Free Policy
Frontier is coming for Southwest customers.
Southwest Airlines announced on March 11 it will be ending its bags-fly-free policy, and the backlash was swift. Many said the only reason they flew Southwest was because it offered two free checked bags. Before its announcement, Southwest was the holdout airline to offer that perk.
Its new policy starts May 28.
Frontier Responds
On March 18, Frontier Airlines took a swipe at Southwest via a news release that urged its angry customers to “divorce” your old airline. For flights booked by March 24, departing May 28 though Aug. 18, Frontier is offering customers one free checked bag with promo code FREEBAG. And for nonstop flights booked through August 18, the budget airline will offer a bundle that includes a seat assignment and carry-on without an upcharge.
“We’ve always had heart,” Frontier CEO Barry Biffle said in the release. “Some airlines are walking away from what travelers love, but we’re running towards it. Think of this as the ultimate ‘divorce old airline’ deal. If travelers show us the love, we’ll make these perks permanent.”
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How to Get Free Checked Bags on Southwest
Another change coming to Southwest: a new fare. Starting May 28, it will offer a new type of ticket — the basic fare. It will be the lowest price point and will have the least flexibility of Southwest’s fares, Bob Jordan, President, CEO and Vice Chairman of the Board, wrote in an email to customers.
We don’t yet know how much Southwest will charge customers to check bags. However, there are still ways to get free checked bags on Southwest.
If you’re a Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Member or you’re traveling on business select fares, you can check two bags for free, according to an announcement from the company. Southwest will also offer one free checked bag to A-List Members and other select customers.