Southwest Airlines, established in 1971, has recently made significant changes to its long-standing policies. Known for its unique perks of open seating and free checked bags, Southwest has now eliminated both. This decision marks a significant shift for the airline, with CNN labeling it a “seismic shift” within the industry. The ‘Bags fly free’ policy, which was not only a perk but also a tagline for the airline, set Southwest apart from its competitors. The move to remove these benefits is likely to have a notable impact on customer experience and the airline’s overall positioning in the market.