GET READY for the busiest – and most expensive – travel season ever.
A low-cost airline has stealthily increased its boarding fees to as much as $149.
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Although the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has warned travelers that this year will be the “busiest summer travel season ever,” airlines have raised their fees across the board.
Southwest Airlines, popular with travelers on a budget thanks to its two-free checked bag allowance and no change or cancellation fees, has increased the price of its other amenities.
Loyal Southwest customers are aware that the airline offers upgraded boarding and early check-in, which gives passengers priority when choosing seats on the plane.
While other airlines assign seats or allow travelers to choose their own seats, Southwest operates a different system.
Passengers are assigned boarding groups and check-in positions based on when they check in for their flight.
Travelers will line up at the gate and board the plane based on their groups.
Thus, seats on the plane are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Passengers who don’t want to worry about checking in immediately at the 24-hour counter can pay for Earlybird Check-In, which reserves their place in line 36 hours before takeoff.
While Earlybird gives paying customers a certain advantage, the airline doesn’t limit add-on service on flights, so passengers may still end up with a less-than-desirable seat.
The upgraded boarding option, however, is a great way to get around this.
It allows customers to be among the first 15 to board, guaranteeing a good seat.
The fare is more expensive than Earlybird and is only offered if there are still Business Select fares remaining.
Those looking to take advantage of both add-ons may be dismayed to discover that the airline has increased its prices.
Early check-in now ranges from $15 to $99 one-way per traveler, up from the $25 maximum.
Upgraded boarding has also seen a big increase, with service ranging from $30 to $149 per segment per traveler, up from the previous maximum of $80.
The changes will have the greatest impact on group travelers as there are no discounts offered for multiple passengers.
Southwest, revered for its free checked baggage, is likely feeling the pressure to raise its ancillary fees, as all major U.S. airlines raised their checked baggage fees earlier in the year.
“This increase in price range is a result of our regular assessment of ancillary product pricing based on market trends and customer demand and will generate incremental revenue in support of the company,” said a Southwest spokesperson. told USA Today.
Disgruntled travelers, however, felt that the dramatic price increase was simply excessive.
“Brutal!” said one on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“Absurd,” agreed another.
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This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
