Southwest Airlines sees gains from free checked bags policy

Southwest Airlines stated its free checked bags policy has helped the carrier increase its share of the US domestic market by 1%, or USD800-900 million in revenue (USA Today, 14-Dec-2009). Southwest is the only US carrier that allows passengers to check two pieces of luggage without charge - a policy the carrier aims to maintain.

Southwest Airlines: "We've clearly hit a passion point with the customers in identifying something that really matters to everyone that flies. We don't want to look a gift horse in the mouth", Dave Ridley, Senior VP Marketing. Source: USA Today, 14-Dec-2009.