• Frontier Airlines offers a timely promotion of free checked bags to attract disgruntled Southwest customers.
• Southwest Airlines is ending its popular "two bags fly free" policy starting May 28, 2025.
• Frontier's promotion runs from March 18 to August 18, with bookings required by March 24.
• CEO Barry Biffle hints at making the perk permanent if the promotion sees high customer engagement.
• The airline industry witnesses shifting consumer preferences amid post-pandemic travel recovery.

Frontier Airlines is seizing the opportunity presented by Southwest Airlines' recent policy change, which angered many loyal customers. According to Business Insider, Frontier announced that from March 18, 2025, to August 18, 2025, all non-stop flights booked by March 24 will include a free carry-on bag, free seat selection, and free flight changes. Additionally, for flights scheduled between May 28 and August 18, travelers can enjoy a free checked bag if they book directly through Frontier’s website or app.

The precise timing of Frontier's promotional launch is strategically aligned with Southwest's announcement to discontinue its long-standing "two bags fly free" policy, a hallmark of its customer service since the airline began operations. This decision, confirmed in a Forbes article, has created an uproar among Southwest passengers who feel betrayed, prompting a rush to consider alternatives like Frontier.

Frontier CEO Barry Biffle encouraged former Southwest customers to “file for divorce” from the airline that no longer offers what they loved, insinuating that Frontier could deliver a more appealing option. He stated, “If travelers show us the love, we’ll make these perks permanent,” emphasizing Frontier’s commitment to customer satisfaction amid changing market dynamics.

With customer satisfaction in focus, Biffle acknowledged that while the promotional offer is currently temporary, it could become a staple of Frontier's services if demand warrants such a decision. The potential backlash against Southwest is reflected not only in social media dissatisfaction but also highlighted by industry experts who suggest that many Southwest customers may be interested in exploring Frontier's offerings as a result of the policy shift.

As the airline industry continues to navigate post-pandemic changes in customer preferences, Frontier's free checked bag promotion arrives at a critical juncture. With increasing competition for budget-conscious travelers, the call for a return to value-focused policies seems clear. The future of such offerings in the airline sector could hinge on consumer response during this tumultuous period.

For more insights, visit CBS News and join the discussions emerging from this significant industry development.