Alas, Poor Southwest! Even Airlines Must Pass... to Baggage Fees!

A Shadow Falls: The Baggage Burden Cometh

Hark dear travelers! Gather 'round for I Gandalf bring tidings both joyous and grim. Southwest Airlines once a beacon of hope in the vast expanse of air travel has succumbed to the allure of the Dark Lord... I mean baggage fees. Yes after half a century of grace they shall now charge for checked bags a move that even Sauron might find a tad… grasping. 'Farewell to the Fellowship of Free Bags,' I say. It was a perk a preciousss perk and now it's gone.

The Greed of Men... and Airlines

It seems the temptation of gold (nearly $7.3 billion last year alone mind you) has proven too strong for even the stoutest of hearts. Southwest executives like Boromir facing the One Ring have been weakened by the siren song of revenue. They long vowed to protect the free bags but alas 'Not all those who wander are lost,' but some are certainly lured by lucre. And let us not forget Elliott Investment Management stirring in the shadows pushing for change like a mischievous Hobbit.

Basic Instincts: A New Foe Appears

Fear not for there are still ways to evade this new tax upon your belongings! Those with top tier status in Southwest's Rapid Rewards loyalty program Business Select fares or a co branded credit card may yet travel unburdened by these fees. But beware! A new fare type emerges: Basic. Like the shadows of Mordor it promises woe: no ticket changes last to board and fare credits that vanish quicker than lembas bread in a Hobbit's pantry.

Open Seating: A Tradition Crumbles

And as if that were not enough the age old tradition of open seating is fading like the Elves into the West. Soon in 2026 seats shall be assigned and extra legroom like the gardens of Lothlórien shall come at a higher price. Are we becoming like those soulless airlines Delta American and United? Must we all become slaves to the tyranny of assigned seats?

Carry On My Wayward Baggage

Southwest believes you will simply carry on more luggage. They are adding bigger bins those cunning Halflings. The company claims the staff will receive mobile bag tag printers to assist customers and this is somewhat reassuring. I do believe this will only add to more chaos than the battle of the Pelennor Fields. I advise practicing your overhead bin Tetris skills.

A Storm of Tweets: The People Speak!

The people are not pleased I tell you. Southwest dares post of babies and puppies yet the comments are filled with the wrath of those scorned by baggage fees. But CEO Bob Jordan claims all is well that customers remain undeterred. "Fly you fools!" they will say baggage in tow wallets a little lighter. Perhaps this change will bring fortune perhaps ruin. Time will tell for as I always say 'All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.'