Southwest ends free checked bags and announced other MAJOR changes recently, including a new “Basic” fare. While much of these changes are very disappointing, in reality, they only requires a few minor adjustments for those of us flying Southwest using travel rewards. I explain the changes and what shifts you need to make in this episode.
After recording this podcast, Southwest did confirm that they will “introduce variable redemption rates across higher-demand and lower-demand flights.” My best guess is that points will be worth less for higher demand flights, pushing the points prices higher, and points will be worth more for lower demand flights, pushing the points price lower. I think it means more variability in the value of the points, so it will cost more points to book high-demand routes and less points for low-demand routes.
See More…
- BONUS Episode | Is Southwest’s Surprise Reduction in Points Earned on Flights a Big Deal?
- Episode 176 | The Latest on Southwest Airlines’ Changes Coming Soon
- Episode 179 | Southwest Airlines Ends Free Checked Bags + Other MAJOR Changes: What You Need to Know…
- Episode 165 | Southwest Just Announced These BIG Changes: My Thoughts and Analysis
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Author
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Lyn Mettler is a longtime travel writer for US News & World Report, USA Today 10Best and The TODAY Show who created Families Fly Free, a program that teaches families her simple system to use travel rewards to fly for free. She is one of the industry's foremost experts on collecting and using travel rewards with her expertise featured in major media outlets and on podcasts, television and radio.
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