14: Southwest Just Ruined Budget Travel: How to Protect Yourself

Southwest Airlines is making major changes, and not in a good way. In this episode, I break down the airline’s latest moves—including the introduction of a new restrictive budget fare, the end of their non-expiring travel credits, and the shocking decision to start charging for checked bags.

These changes are a huge departure from what made Southwest a customer-friendly airline, and they could cost you hundreds in hidden fees. But don’t worry—I’ve got insider hacks to help you beat these new rules and keep more money in your pocket. I’ll also explain why Southwest is making these changes and what it means for travelers like you.

If you're a Southwest fan (or just a frequent traveler), you won’t want to miss this episode. I’ll walk you through the best ways to avoid these fees, maximize your benefits, and take advantage of little-known loopholes before the new policies take effect on May 28th. From smart booking strategies to leveraging credit card perks, I cover everything you need to know to fly Southwest without breaking the bank.

Plus, I’ll give my take on the airline’s upcoming red-eye flights, assigned seating rollout, and what these shifts mean for the future of budget air travel. Tune in now and make sure you're prepared before your next flight!

Chapters

00:00 Southwest Airlines New Policies

01:41 Impacts of Fare Changes

04:16 Fare Change Insider Secrets

06:17 RIP Free Checked Bags

09:45 Insider Tips for Dealing with Checked Bags

12:04 Travel credits now EXPIRE!

14:32 Insider Tips fro Dealing with New Cancellation Policy

16:51 Other Southwest Flight Changes

20:26 Insider Tips for Dealing with Other Changes

22:49 Conclusion