STRAP in for the busiest — and most costly — travel season yet.

A budget airline has stealthily increased its boarding fees as high as $149.

A budget airline has quietly increased its boarding fees (Stock photo)

2

A budget airline has quietly increased its boarding fees (Stock photo)Credit: Getty

While the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) warned travelers that this year will be its “busiest summer travel season ever,” airlines have hiked up their fees across the board.

Southwest Airlines, popular with budget fliers thanks to its two-free checked bags allowance and no change or cancellation fees has upped the price of its other amenities.

Loyal Southwest customers are aware that the airline offers Upgraded Boarding and EarlyBird Check-In, which gives passengers first dibs on their choice of plane seats.

While other airlines assign seats or allow travelers to pick their own seats, Southwest operates by a different system.

Passengers are assigned boarding groups and check-in positions based on when they check-in for their flight.

Travelers will then line up at the gate and board the plane based on their groups.

Thus, seats on the plane are dished out on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Passengers who don’t want to worry about checking in immediately at the 24-hour window can pay for Earlybird Check-In, which reserves their spot in line 36 hours before take-off.

While Earlybird gives paying customers a bit of an edge, the airline doesn’t cap the add-on service on flights, so passengers may still end up with a less-than-desirable seat.

It’s Upgraded Boarding option, however, is a great way to bypass this.

Major airline reveals brand new economy seats – with more padding and neck support headrest

It allows customers to be among the first 15 to board, guaranteeing a good seat.

The fare is pricier than Earlybird and is only offered if there are remaining Business Select fares left.

Those looking to take advantage of the two add-ons may be dismayed to find that the airline has upped its prices.

Earlybird check-in now ranges from $15 to $99 one-way per traveler, up from $25 maximum.

Upgraded boarding has also seen a huge hike, with the service ranging from $30 to $149 per segment per traveler, up from a maximum of $80 previously.

The changes will have the most 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 every major U.S. airline has raised its checked bag fees earlier in the year.

“This price range increase is a result of our regular evaluation of pricing for ancillary products based on market trends and customer demand and will generate incremental revenue in support of the company,” a Southwest spokesperson said told USA Today.

Displeased travelers, however, felt the dramatic price increase was simply too much.

“Brutal!” said one on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“Absurd,” agreed another.

Passengers were outraged at Southwest's new price maximums for their Earlybird and Upgraded Boarding add-ons

2

Passengers were outraged at Southwest’s new price maximums for their Earlybird and Upgraded Boarding add-onsCredit: Alamy

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *