1307 ET - Southwest Airlines' plan to start charging for checked bags allows it to catch up to competing carriers in terms of revenue generation, CEO Bob Jordan says at the JPMorgan Industrials Conference. Southwest's margins have been hurt as it has fallen behind in revenue generation compared to its peers, which previously introduced bag fees, assigned- and premium-seating monetization, dynamic pricing and more, he says. The airline will still offer two free checked bags to customers with its top loyalty status or who buy its priciest tickets, and one free checked bag to those with its next level of status or a Southwest credit card. This should drive upselling, "and the fact that the co-brand will come with a free bag is absolutely going to drive card acquisition," Jordan says. Shares rise 8.5%. (connor.hart@wsj.com)
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
March 11, 2025 13:07 ET (17:07 GMT)
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