Southwest CEO Sends Clear Message After Ending Free Bags

Southwest Airlines made the controversial decision earlier this year to end its longstanding "bags fly free" policy as the airline began charging customers for checked bags back in May. After a few months, it sounds like the airline's CEO is happy about the move.

For decades, Southwest prided itself on allowing passengers to fly with two free checked bags, even trademarking the phrase "bags fly free" several years ago. But in an attempt to boost profits, the airline decided to begin charging for checked bags, with the first bag priced at $35 and an additional bag priced at $45.

While the move was quickly met with outrage from Southwest customers, it sounds like CEO Bob Jordan is happy with the early results from the bag fees.

During a Q2 earnings call last week, Jordan sent a clear message on the decision to begin charging for checked bags, as he claimed that the revenue generated has actually been better than they even expected.

He also claimed that there has been "no negative impact" on the airline's operations after the bag charges.

“The revenue contribution from bag fees has exceeded our expectations so far, and we’ve experienced no negative impact to the operation,” Jordan said, according to Customer Experience Dive.

It's worth noting that despite Jordan's words, the airline did not exactly have optimistic earnings to report last week and has not seen the profits boost that the airline hoped for. Additionally, one expert seriously questioned Jordan's claims while issuing a clear warning to the airline.

It's also worth noting that Southwest Airlines has indeed faced some major operational issues after ending its free bags policy, thanks in large part to a surge in carry-on luggage that the airline's operations and aircraft were not prepared for.

Regardless, it's clear that Jordan is still pleased with the change.