Southwest Airlines Just Axed This Travel Perk, but There Are Still Ways to Get It for Free

It's the end of a (free) era: Southwest Airlines will begin charging for checked bags at the end of May. Amid sinking profits, the budget airline announced in a press release Tuesday that it's ending its long-standing policy of allowing passengers to check two bags for free, restricting the perk to its elite members starting May 28. The carrier also announced it's introducing a basic economy fare, which doesn't include many of the perks Southwest customers have enjoyed until now: Customers who purchase Basic fares on or after May 28 won't be able to pick their seat or request extra legroom. The carrier announced last year that it would end its open seating policy and instead offer premium seating options with more legroom. Customers now earn fewer Rapid Rewards points on the cheaper Wanna Get Away and Wanna Get Away Plus fares. Flight credits issued for Basic fare tickets purchased on or after May 28 will expire after six months. Flight credits for pricier fares will expire after a ... Read full article.