Frontier, American Airlines Make Big Offers After Southwest Gets Rid of Free Checked Bags

Frontier and American Airlines have rushed forward with new deals, in the wake of Southwest Airlines' controversial decision to eliminate the popular free checked bag perk.

The offers come after Southwest Airlines announced in a March 11, 2025, press release that it was changing its free checked bag policy. The popular perk used to allow all customers to have free checked bags, but now only select passengers get the benefit.

Frontier took a swipe at Southwest, but not by name, in a press release, writing, "Some airlines have changed. They’ve raised fees, taken away perks, and made travel feel like a one-sided relationship. If your airline is treating you like an afterthought, maybe it’s time to file for divorce. Frontier is here for the rebound - offering a fresh start with an unbeatable deal."

Kevin Carter/Getty Images

"For all bookings for nonstop travel starting today through Aug. 18, customers can receive the Economy Bundle for FREE1, with perks travelers love, including a free carry-on bag, free seat selection, and free flight changes. Plus, we’re throwing in a free checked bag for flights departing May 28 through Aug. 18 (with promo code FREEBAG)!" Frontier announced.

“We’ve always had heart,” said Barry Biffle, CEO, of Frontier Airlines, in the March 18 release. “Some airlines are walking away from what travelers love, but we’re running towards it. Think of this as the ultimate ‘divorce your old airline’ deal. If travelers show us the love, we’ll make these perks permanent.”

As for American Airlines, it rolled out a status match offer that many are interpreting as a swipe at Southwest. View From the Wing described this offer as an attempt by American to "aggressively" go after Southwest's customers.

The Travel reported that American "went after" Southwest with the status match offer, which offers the match to customers with Delta SkyMiles, United MileagePlus, JetBlue TrueBlue, or Southwest Rapid Rewards.

"Southwest will continue to offer two free checked bags to Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members and Customers traveling on Business Select fares, and one free checked bag to A-List Members and other select Customers," the airline noted.

But the Southwest release revealed: "Southwest will credit one checked bag for Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers. Customers who do not qualify for these free bag options will be charged for their first and second checked bags (weight and size limitations apply). Changes will apply to flights booked on or after May 28, 2025."