A Southwest Airlines worker found out about the company’s new checked baggage fees. She decided to warn travelers in a viral TikTok and assured them she’s “just the messenger.”
In a video with over 1.5 million views, TikToker Brandi (@beehivenews) stands in front of the Southwest counter. She tells viewers that she wanted to tell them about the new policy so they don’t “all jump [her] at the same time.”
What’s Southwest Airline’s New Checked Bag Fee?
“The checked bag fee is $35. Starting for anything booked April 9 or after, it’s going up to $45,” she says before jokingly jumping out of the frame. “The second bag is going up to $55.”
These price increases apply to Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred passengers. However, Choice Extra passengers still get their first two checked bags for free, per Southwest’s website. Rapid Rewards members and active duty military members also get their checked bags for free.
According to Fox Business, Southwest isn’t the only airline raising the price of checked bags. Delta and Southwest both recently upped the cost due to rising fuel costs. Fuel prices went from around $85 a barrel to over $200 since tensions between the United States and Iran continue to escalate.
Checked bags add weight to the aircraft, spending more fuel on the flight. So, travelers can expect other airlines to follow suit if fuel prices stay high.
What Do Travelers Think Of The Upcharge?
In the comments of the now-viral TikTok, frequent flyers said that Southwest’s policy change may impact their decision to support the airline.
“How does the best airline go to the worst airline,” one remarked.
“It’s like southwest is TRYING to lose business with all these changes lol,” another said, referencing other controversial changes like mandatory extra seat purchases for customers of size.
“That’s fine. Cause I switched to American and delta. If imma pay delta prices imma fly delta,” a third added.
“The 2 free bags was the only thing southwest still had going for it wtf,” a fourth viewer chimed in.
Others questioned whether Southwest will be able to retain its customer base at all, suggesting that the TikToker start applying to other airlines.
One commented, “If I’m a southwest employee I’d start applying at other airlines cause I can see bankruptcy in their future.”
A second said, “I think with SW strategy you may wanna start looking for another job. That one may not be there in a few months.”
“The southwest trying to go out of business? Real question,” another questioned.
@beehivenews I’m telling you, get the credit card #fyp #southwestairlines #swa #checkedbag
BroBible reached out to Brandi via TikTok direct message and comment and to Southwest via email for further comment. We will update the story when they reply.