Southwest Luvs Your Pets; 3rd Bags and Unaccompanied Minors Not So Much

May 29, 2009 at 11:32 AM | by juliana | 1 Comment

Southwest Airlines doesn't charge any frivolous fees for checking online, or checking-in at the airport or even for checking a first or second bag which means we have a whole lot of LUV for them. But we knew the time would come when they would have to tack on some fees where they could.

That's why the airline has announced that it will charge a $25 fee for any unaccompanied minor traveling on its flights. A UM is a child aged give through 11 traveling without an adult. CEO Gary Kelley writes on the Nuts About Southwest Blog:

Up to this point, we�ve been fortunate enough to offer this added service without a charge�even though we carry increasing numbers of Unaccompanied Minors each year�but we simply cannot afford to continue down this same path. There is a substantive cost associated with the extra care needed to safely transport unaccompanied children, including Employee time and administrative work, and these costs can not be ignored any longer, not in today�s economic environment.

The UM fee will start for folks booking tickets on June 1 and for travel starting June 17.

Southwest has also decided to up the fee for a third checked bag. The first and second ones are still free but the third piece of luggage will now cost $50 to check. This new fee will start June 17. Additionally, any overweight bags--over 51 pounds--will also be docked a $50 fee per bag. Previously, that was $25. Since SW doesn't charge for the first and the second and since we kind of don't understand who needs to check three bags, we're ok with this fee change. Especially if it means we can bring our pets on board!

Southwest has introduced their P.A.W.S. program allowing a limited number of small cats and dogs on the plane. (P.A.W.S. stands for "Pets Are Welcome on Southwest.")The fee to bring your furry friend with you is $75 and the pet must be able to stand up and turn around in a pet carrier which can be stowed under the seat in front of you.

When booking your pet's reservation, you cannot do it online. You must call to make a reservation (1-800-I-FLY-SWA) and then go to the ticket counter to pay for your pet's ticket. Only five pets will be allowed on board each flight so book early if you want to take Fido along.

Related Stories:
· Southwest Airlines Coverage [Jaunted]
· Airline fees [Jaunted]
· Southwest introduces new pet policy, other changes [Nuts About Southwest]

1 Comment

Return to » Southwest Luvs Your Pets; 3rd Bags and Unaccompanied Minors Not So Much

Kevin Bell
Jaunted Reader

Fee for UM
In today's economy, do you really think now is the time to start charging fees for unaccompanied minors? Let's see, the majority of minors are traveling to see divorced or separated parents, grand parents and family members, this will take more money out of the pockets of people who are already fighting to make ends meet. My son has been traveling as a UM for the past 6 years, charging fees for employees to handle and take care of the children? In most cases that involves an employee walking the child down the walkway and then another walking him off of the plane on arrival. Not having a fee is the reason we choose to fly SWA and not other carriers, how many people will choose not to fly with SWA due to the additional charges?

May 31, 2009 at 9:20 PM

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