(Dallas, TX) — There will be no more free checked bags on Southwest Airlines. The low-cost carrier’s popular “two bags fly free” perk ends today. Southwest says the move is being made to “drive revenue growth.” It’s an about face for Southwest CEO Bob Jordan, who said back in September that having no bag fees was a “huge consumer advantage.” Southwest is also set to end “open seating” in the first half of 2026.
United Airlines travelers will soon have less time to check in for their flights. Starting June 3rd, passengers without checked bags must check in for domestic flights 45 minutes before departure. The previous cutoff was a half hour. United says, The move comes just as the busy summer travel season kicks into high gear.
Transportation Secretary, Sean Duffy warns there could be delays this summer for people taking to the air. A number of airports, including Newark International do not have enough air traffic controllers Duffy says a shortage of air traffic controllers is at a “critical” level, and he says it will take a while until staffing levels are back where they should be. He blames the Biden Administration for failing to deal with the problems.
