With Southwest Ending Its Free Baggage Policy, Here Are 5 Other Airlines With Great Deals
Written by
Chris Ozarowski
Edited by
Molly Sullivan
Commitment to Our Readers
GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.
20 Years
Helping You Live Richer
Reviewed
by Experts
Trusted by
Millions of Readers
Southwest Airlines is known for a nearly 54-year tradition of letting economy passengers check two bags without charge. But starting May 28, only Southwest’s most elite A-List Preferred members and those booking Business Select fares will still enjoy two free checked bags. Other tiers, including many Rapid Rewards A-List flyers, will receive only one checked bag at no cost. Everyone else must pay standard baggage fees.
Some airline analysts view this move as potentially damaging to the airline’s core brand, particularly because free checked bags have been a signature marketing message for Southwest. Critics believe that such a change might undermine the carrier’s brand identity and prompt longtime customers to reevaluate their loyalty. At the same time, Southwest officials say the measure is part of an effort to improve the airline’s financial performance and address shifts in traveler preferences since the pandemic.
Southwest CEO Bob Jordan noted that many travel habits have changed in recent years, with a rise in “premium demand” and a drop in short-haul flights. The airline hopes its revised fare structure and baggage fees will bolster its profit margins. However, some industry experts suggest Southwest’s changes may instead provoke customers to look elsewhere for deals that still offer key perks. If you value no-cost extras with economy flights, here are five airlines that still have some benefits.
JetBlue
- Key Perk: Free Wi-Fi and live TV
JetBlue stands out by giving every passenger, regardless of fare type, free high-speed Wi-Fi (“Fly-Fi”) and seat-back television access. Programming typically includes movies, news and other viewing experiences that help pass the time without extra fees. In addition, JetBlue offers free snacks and nonalcoholic drinks on most domestic routes. The airline even includes more legroom with standard economy seats than many rivals.
If you’re a traveler who values onboard entertainment and a bit of extra space, JetBlue’s economy service is worth a look.
Delta Air Lines
- Key Perk: Complimentary in-flight entertainment and messaging
Delta loads its seat-back screens with a wide range of free content — from TV shows to newly released movies. While Wi-Fi packages for browsing the web have to be purchased, customers can stay connected via messaging apps like iMessage or WhatsApp on most flights for free.
Although Delta’s Basic Economy fares don’t include free checked bags, the airline’s Main Cabin and higher-tier tickets let you manage flight changes more easily, without any change fees if your flight originates in the U.S. or Canada.
Alaska Airlines
- Key Perk: Generous change policy
Alaska Airlines removed most of its change fees for main-cabin fares, giving you more freedom to adjust your itinerary without facing steep penalties. This flexibility can be valuable if your plans shift often.
The in-flight experience typically includes free soft drinks, though flyers will need to pay if they want to order a meal. Alaska also maintains an extensive West Coast route network, making it a solid option for travelers who want straightforward fares, decent onboard perks and fewer headaches if they need to switch flights.
Hawaiian Airlines
- Key Perk: Free meals on all transpacific flights
Hawaiian Airlines offers complimentary meals and island-inspired snacks to all passengers flying between the U.S. mainland and Hawaii. It has a range of dietary options, including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free meals, though special meal options need to be requested at least 48 hours before flying. Many competing carriers provide only a snack bag or charge extra for meals on comparable routes.
While you may still have to pay for checked bags unless you hold a specific status, the free meal and warm onboard atmosphere can make a noticeable difference on a long flight. Hawaiian Airlines also provides free onboard Wi-Fi access to all customers.
Frontier Airlines
- Key Perk: Discount Den for low fares
Frontier’s Discount Den program can unlock some of the lowest available fares. Although Frontier charges for most carry-on and checked bags, its base ticket prices often undercut those of other airlines. If you travel light, you can keep your overall costs down. You don’t need an elite status or premium credit card to join; you simply pay an annual fee for the Discount Den and enjoy members-only deals.
More From GOBankingRates
