Southwest Airlines to Change Free Checked Bag Policy
After decades of offering complimentary checked luggage, Southwest Airlines has announced it will implement a new policy requiring passengers to pay for checked bags, starting in May. This significant change has drawn attention and concerns from travelers who have long enjoyed the airline’s no-charge baggage policy.
Alaska Airlines’ Frequent Flyer Program Shines Bright
In related travel news, Alaska Airlines has gained distinction as the top frequent flyer program for 2025, as noted in a recent analysis by WalletHub. The survey evaluated the frequent flyer programs of the ten largest airlines in the United States, providing a comprehensive comparison based on various metrics.
Analysis Overview
The WalletHub study assessed nearly two dozen factors in evaluating frequent flyer programs. Key elements included:
- Membership perks
- Miles expiration policies
- Elite status achievement
- Booking blackout dates
- Value of reward points/miles
This rigorous approach allowed WalletHub to gauge programs effectively for light, average, and frequent travelers.
Top Frequent Flyer Programs of 2025
According to WalletHub, here are the leading frequent flyer programs:
- Alaska Airlines – Alaska Mileage Plan
- United Airlines – United MileagePlus
- Delta Air Lines – Delta SkyMiles
- Hawaiian Airlines – HawaiianMiles
- American Airlines – AAdvantage
The Alaska Mileage Plan has maintained its top position for two consecutive years, highlighting its robust offerings for loyal travelers.
Program Highlights
While Alaska Airlines took the crown overall, other airlines excelled in specific categories:
- **United MileagePlus:** Highest marks in destination coverage.
- **American AAdvantage:** Leading in airline coverage for domestic and international reach.
- **HawaiianMiles:** Best rewards value and membership perks, with a notable rewards value of $12.99 per $100 spent.
Industry Trends and Insights
A recent survey by Airlines for America emphasized the growing importance of loyalty programs, ranking them as the fifth-most crucial factor for American adults when selecting flights among various airlines. Coinciding with this trend, last year, it was reported that over half of Americans traveled by plane.
As the landscape of airline travel evolves, these changes and program rankings provide valuable insights for travelers seeking to maximize their mileage benefits and navigate the costs associated with air travel.
