Southwest Adds No-Show Fee, Increases Bag Fees

Southwest has added a few new customer-unfriendly fees. But don’t worry—the airline is keeping its popular checked-bag policy mostly intact. Passengers may continue to check up to two pieces of luggage free of charge on Southwest flights. However, fees for a third checked bag, as well as overweight and oversize bags are going up, as is the charge for the airline’s early check-in option. Additionally, Southwest is adding a no-show fee, to be levied on those who miss a flight without canceling their tickets beforehand.

In an investor conference call today, Southwest officials announced the new fees, which will take effect at some point in 2013. According to a report from USA Today, “Southwest says the number of customers who [don’t show up] are now leaving too many empty seats on its flights.”

The fee for missing a flight will apply to travelers who fail to cancel a ticket and then don’t show up for departure; we’re not sure how much this fee will be as of yet. As it stands, Southwest passengers can change their itineraries without having to pay a change fee, and will continue to be able to do so as long as they cancel ahead of time.

The fees for third checked bags, as well as overweight and oversize bags, are going up from $50 to $75. And EarlyBird Check-In, which costs $10 each way, will increase to $12.50 each way.

What do you think about Southwest’s new fees?

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