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USA Today
26-06-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Airlines and cruise lines love a partnership. Is that good for your wallet?
Travelers can book much more than just flights through an airline – including vacations at sea. Flyers may find a range of add-ons for other parts of their trip available through their carrier, from rental cars to hotels and even cruises. 'The open secret in the flight industry is that most of the money is made outside of flights,' Scott Keyes, founder of Going, told USA TODAY in an email. Co-branded credit cards, commissions on cruises, insurance and other extras often represent more revenue than the slim earnings on airfare, so the companies try to entice customers to book more than just their standard services. 'After all, they know you're traveling so there's a good chance you'll book, and they can take the first crack at getting your business before another travel company does,' he added. Here's what to know about booking a cruise through an airline. Which airlines sell cruises? 'Virtually all the major U.S. airlines have cruise line partnerships, from full-service carriers like Delta and United to budget airlines like Spirit and Frontier,' Keyes said. Those include: The programs feature the airline's branding but are typically powered by third-party cruise sellers, according to Sally French, Travel Expert at NerdWallet. 'Travelers can browse itineraries, compare cruise lines and book sailings,' she said in an email. Keyes noted that the carriers are not operating the cruises, nor are they chartering ships specifically for their customers. What are the pros of booking a cruise through an airline? Keyes said the main benefit is earning frequent flyer miles on the purchase. 'That is in addition to any miles you'd earn from your credit card, and sometimes airlines will offer credit towards elite status as well,' he said. Airlines could offer promotions that increase the return on investment, as well. 'For example, you might earn thousands of Southwest Rapid Rewards points or Delta SkyMiles simply by booking your next cruise through the airline's site, without paying anything extra over what the cruise would cost if you booked directly,' French said. Travelers may also be able to redeem miles while booking, she added, and find special offers for frequent flyers. What are the cons of booking a cruise through an airline? There can be drawbacks to the arrangement. 'Don't be seduced by the prospect of bonus points/miles, because often the prices aren't necessarily better and the points earned can be minimal,' French said. 'If you're looking to actually spend your airline's frequent flyer miles on a cruise, these tend to be a worse redemption than spending those points on flights.' In fact, Keyes said travelers will typically find the best overall cruise price by booking directly with the cruise line since they can pass along savings that would have gone to the airline as commission. Travelers may also lose out on exclusive offers or loyalty benefits available through the cruise operator, French added, and would have to deal with the third-party provider if something goes sideways. 'That extra layer can slow down problem resolution,' she said. Can I book flights through a cruise line? Many cruise lines separately allow passengers to bundle flights with their sailing. Passengers may find slightly different airfares than they would elsewhere, but that's not the primary benefit. 'The main perk of booking your flight through the cruise line is in case of a travel disruption, the cruise can help arrange an alternate flight to meet the ship at the next port,' Keyes said. 'If you (booked) the flight on your own, you're on your own.' Contributing: Zach Wichter, USA TODAY
USA Today
26-06-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Yes, you can book a cruise through your airline. But should you?
Travelers can book much more than just flights through an airline – including vacations at sea. Flyers may find a range of add-ons for other parts of their trip available through their carrier, from rental cars to hotels and even cruises. 'The open secret in the flight industry is that most of the money is made outside of flights,' Scott Keyes, founder of Going, told USA TODAY in an email. Co-branded credit cards, commissions on cruises, insurance and other extras often represent more revenue than the slim earnings on airfare, so the companies try to entice customers to book more than just their standard services. 'After all, they know you're traveling so there's a good chance you'll book, and they can take the first crack at getting your business before another travel company does,' he added. Here's what to know about booking a cruise through an airline. Which airlines sell cruises? 'Virtually all the major U.S. airlines have cruise line partnerships, from full-service carriers like Delta and United to budget airlines like Spirit and Frontier,' Keyes said. Those include: The programs feature the airline's branding but are typically powered by third-party cruise sellers, according to Sally French, Travel Expert at NerdWallet. 'Travelers can browse itineraries, compare cruise lines and book sailings,' she said in an email. Keyes noted that the carriers are not operating the cruises, nor are they chartering ships specifically for their customers. What are the pros of booking a cruise through an airline? Keyes said the main benefit is earning frequent flyer miles on the purchase. 'That is in addition to any miles you'd earn from your credit card, and sometimes airlines will offer credit towards elite status as well,' he said. Airlines could offer promotions that increase the return on investment, as well. 'For example, you might earn thousands of Southwest Rapid Rewards points or Delta SkyMiles simply by booking your next cruise through the airline's site, without paying anything extra over what the cruise would cost if you booked directly,' French said. Travelers may also be able to redeem miles while booking, she added, and find special offers for frequent flyers. What are the cons of booking a cruise through an airline? There can be drawbacks to the arrangement. 'Don't be seduced by the prospect of bonus points/miles, because often the prices aren't necessarily better and the points earned can be minimal,' French said. 'If you're looking to actually spend your airline's frequent flyer miles on a cruise, these tend to be a worse redemption than spending those points on flights.' In fact, Keyes said travelers will typically find the best overall cruise price by booking directly with the cruise line since they can pass along savings that would have gone to the airline as commission. Travelers may also lose out on exclusive offers or loyalty benefits available through the cruise operator, French added, and would have to deal with the third-party provider if something goes sideways. 'That extra layer can slow down problem resolution,' she said. Can I book flights through a cruise line? Many cruise lines separately allow passengers to bundle flights with their sailing. Passengers may find slightly different airfares than they would elsewhere, but that's not the primary benefit. 'The main perk of booking your flight through the cruise line is in case of a travel disruption, the cruise can help arrange an alternate flight to meet the ship at the next port,' Keyes said. 'If you (booked) the flight on your own, you're on your own.' Contributing: Zach Wichter, USA TODAY
Epoch Times
27-05-2025
- Business
- Epoch Times
Southwest Airlines Ending Free Checked Bags Policy for Most Customers
Southwest Airlines will begin charging baggage fees for most passengers starting on May 28, marking a first in the airline's history. Southwest told The Epoch Times by email that it will charge $35 for a first checked bag and $45 for the second on flights booked or voluntarily changed on or after May 28. The checked baggage fees will apply to customers flying on Southwest's Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus, and Anytime fares, according to the airline's updated Customers traveling on Southwest's Business Select fares and Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members will continue to receive two free checked bags, subject to weight and size limitations. The airline also stated that A-List flyers will receive their first checked bag for free, while Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card holders will be credited for one checked bag. Southwest first Related Stories 4/24/2025 3/11/2025 Aside from imposing baggage fees, the airline said it will also introduce 'a new Basic fare' that will provide a lower-cost option with less flexibility for customers. Southwest also revised how Rapid Rewards points are earned. Customers on Business Select fares will earn more points, while those on Wanna Get Away and Wanna Get Away Plus fares will get fewer points. This move is part of Southwest's In addition to assigned seating, the airline also planned to introduce premium seating options, with a third of its seats offering up to five inches of additional legroom for a premium fare. Southwest's leadership has framed these changes as a necessary step to enhance revenue and improve its financial performance while maintaining customer satisfaction. 'We have tremendous opportunity to meet current and future customer needs, attract new customer segments we don't compete for today, and return to the levels of profitability that both we and our shareholders expect,' Bob Jordan, the airline's president, said in the 'We will do all this while remaining focused on what's made us strong—our people and the authentic, friendly, and award-winning customer service only they can provide.' Earlier this year, Southwest slashed 1,750 jobs—or 15 percent of its corporate workforce—marking an unprecedented move in its 53-year history. The airline The job cuts targeted primarily 'corporate overhead and leadership positions,' including senior leadership and director levels. Southwest stated that 11 senior leadership positions—representing 15 percent of its senior management committee—will be eliminated as part of the company's restructuring. Chase Smith and Tom Ozimek contributed to this report.
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Southwest is eliminating free checked bags — Here's how you can still get the perk
Southwest Airlines announced it will no longer offer two free checked bags for every passenger starting May 28, 2025. The airline will only allow one free checked bag to Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred members and passengers on Business Select fares. Luckily, there's another way to secure a free checked bag: You'll get the perk as a Southwest credit cardholder. But that's not all these cards offer. In fact, now is one of the best times of the year to consider a Southwest credit card. Here's how you can choose the right Rapid Rewards card for your travels and what to know ahead of the policy change:Southwest's 'Two bags fly free' policy has long been a major money-saver for frequent Southwest flyers — especially when two checked bags on a domestic flight with other airlines could cost as much as $100 one-way. You do still have some time to take advantage of the perk if you're flying Southwest in the near future. The airline will not charge for checked baggage for flights booked before May 28, 2025. The airline hasn't yet given details on the cost you'll pay to check your first or second bag after this date. The checked baggage cost is just one of several changes Southwest is rolling out, including a new assigned seating program expected later this year. For one, the airline announced a new Basic fare, making up the lowest-cost tickets starting on the same date, though there aren't yet details on how the new fare will differ from Southwest's existing fare classes. It also recently updated its Rapid Rewards program, changing the number of points you can earn when purchasing different fare types on a qualifying flight. Without A-List boosts, you'll earn 14 points per dollar spent on qualifying flights in Business Select (the same fare class that will still get a free checked bag), 10 points per dollar spent on qualifying flights with a refundable Anytime ticket, 6 points per dollar on Wanna Get Away+ fare, and 2 points per dollar on Wanna Get Away without A-List Preferred Rapid Rewards status or a Business Select ticket, you can still get one free checked bag with a Southwest credit card. If you typically travel with a lot of luggage, keep in mind that you'll now only get your first checked bag free as a cardholder. We don't yet know exactly what Southwest will charge for baggage, but you'll likely save a significant amount on baggage fees if you fly with the airline a few times each year. As a comparison, JetBlue charges $35 off-peak and $40 during peak season flights, while American Airlines charges $40 for your first checked bag on domestic flights — though costs can differ depending on status and fare class. Assuming Southwest's future baggage fees are similar to other U.S. airlines, this benefit can quickly help you recoup the annual fee cost of a Southwest Rapid Rewards card. If you prefer flying Southwest and want to prepare for the changes coming later this year, now is a great time to consider opening a Southwest Rapid Rewards card. After you're approved for any of Southwest's three consumer credit cards and spend at least $4,000 within the first three months, you'll earn a valuable two-part welcome bonus: Companion Pass through Feb. 28, 2026 30,000 bonus points You must fly 100 one-way qualifying flights or earn 135,000 Companion Pass qualifying points in a calendar year to earn the pass otherwise. With it, you can bring a companion along with you on Southwest flights for free (not including taxes and fees). To earn the limited-time Companion Pass bonus, you must apply by March 31, a look at each of the Southwest Rapid Rewards cards to help determine which is right for you: Why we like it: The Rapid Rewards Plus card has the lowest annual fee among Southwest's credit cards at $69 and offers slightly lower rewards on Southwest purchases. But it still has some valuable benefits alongside the free checked bag perk starting in May. You'll get access to EarlyBird Check-Ins twice each year; 3,000 points on your cardmember anniversary; 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points each year; and 25% back on eligible in-flight purchases. Combined with rewards you can use toward future flights, this card can make a great option if you prefer flying Southwest but aren't a frequent we like it: The Rapid Rewards Priority card is the most premium Southwest credit card with a $149 annual fee — though it's also the only card to offer a $75 annual travel credit for Southwest spending. You'll get some elevated perks, including 7,500 points each cardmember anniversary and four Upgraded Boardings (positions A1-A15) per year. Otherwise, the Rapid Rewards Priority card is similar to the Rapid Rewards Premier: 1,500 tier-qualifying points for every $5,000 you spend; 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points each year; 25% off in-flight purchases; and no foreign transaction fees. This card is a solid option if you fly frequently and Southwest is your preferred airline. You can quickly recoup half the card's fee when you use the annual travel credit alone. Plus, Upgraded Boarding costs typically start at $30; if you fly at least four times each year and use this annual benefit, you can get more than $100 in added we like it: With a Rapid Rewards Premier card, you'll boost your rewards on Southwest purchases to 3x per dollar for a slightly higher $99 annual fee. This card also has some increased benefits, like 6,000 points each year on your cardmember anniversary and the ability to earn 1,500 tier qualifying points toward A-List status for every $5,000 in purchases. Beyond that, you'll get the same 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points annually, 2 Early Bird Check-Ins, and 25% off in-flight spending as the Rapid Rewards Plus. The Rapid Rewards Premier also charges no foreign transaction fees, so it could be a better option if you plan to travel abroad with your Disclosure: The information in this article has not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. All opinions belong solely to the Yahoo Finance and are not those of any other entity. The details on financial products, including card rates and fees, are accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the bank's website for the most current information. This site doesn't include all currently available offers. Credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Southwest Airlines to end free checked bags. What it means for RI T.F. Green travelers
Attention Southwest Airlines passengers: you will soon no longer automatically get two free checked bags on flights. The airline announced Tuesday that some customers enrolled in its rewards program or those with preferred status will continue to receive either one or two free checked bags beginning in May. All other passengers will have to pay for their first and second checked bags. The move, which Southwest said is part of a broader strategy to cater to its most loyal customers, comes after the airline announced last year that it would be ending its open seating policy. Southwest Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members and Business Select fare passengers will continue to receive two free checked bags under its new policy. Some other customers, including A-List Members, will receive one free checked bag, and Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers will receive a credit for one checked bag. All other travelers will have to pay for their first and second checked bags, with weight and size restrictions still in place. The new policy will begin with flights booked on or after May 28, so anyone traveling within the next two months won't have to worry about paying for checked bags. Southwest offers service across New England, with flights out of Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport, as well as airports in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Connecticut. Most airlines that travel out of T.F. Green — including Delta, JetBlue and American — require travelers to pay to check bags depending on the trip or fare. Melina Khan is a trending reporter for the USA TODAY Network - New England, which serves more than a dozen affiliated publications across New England. She can be reached at MKhan@ This article originally appeared on Southwest to end free checked bags. What it means for RI travelers
