Southwest Airlines slashes Rapid Rewards earnings: Is it a bad sign for customers?

Prepare yourself for a jetsetting summer vacation, with a new slate of seasonal routes around the southern US.

Buying a home is a really … really … one more time … really big deal. In the fourth quarter of 2024, the median home sale price in the U.S. hit $419,200, marking a 17 percent increase from the fourth quarter of 2020, according to The Motley Fool. But beyond being a major financial investment, it's also a personal investment, too. So when you do go to buy a house, you better do all your research on finding the perfect place to live. If you need help to source the coolest, hippest, and hottest zones, then this list is for you. 

It's not just the bag fees. Southwest Airlines' shake-up goes far beyond its stunning reversal of its longtime "bags fly free" ethos.

Is it poaching season on Southwest Airlines after its abrupt about-face on its longstanding "bags fly free" policy?

The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card offers a range of useful benefits, such as automatic Platinum Elite status, every fourth night free when you redeem IHG points for a stay of four nights or more, and up to $50 United TravelBank Cash each calendar year. But one benefit rises above the rest and effectively pays for the card's annual fee in itself: the account anniversary night certificate. Let's dive in.

Southwest Airlines is ending its long-standing “two bags fly free” policy, marking the end of an era for the airline beloved by American travelers for its value and flexibility. The announcement follows Southwest’s decision last year to end its open-seating policy, with the first assigned seat tickets going on sale later this year.

It’s the end of an era for one of the biggest perks at a popular low-cost airline. Southwest Airlines announced it is ending its free checked bag policy for most of its fare types, ending a perk that saved customers millions of dollars in bag fees. For all flights booked on or after May 28, passengers will have to pay for their checked luggage, however, the airline didn’t disclose how much the amount would be. 

A popular airline is changing the way passengers can earn coveted loyalty points.Southwest Airlines recently modified its Rapid Rewards program, with the Wanna Get Away+ and Business Select fares seeing new earnings potential of the frequent flyer points. Southwest offers different points per dollar spent for the varying fare classes that passengers purchase. For example, Wanna Get Away, the most affordable fares, now only earn two points per dollar, while Business Select, the most expensive fare, earns 14 points per dollar.

This week, two major loyalty programs made updates that were not favorable for customers. On Tuesday, Marriott Bonvoy updated its terms and conditions to indicate that members will earn points at a reduced rate and earn no elite night credits at StudioRes properties. Then, on Wednesday, Southwest Rapid Rewards drastically reduced points earnings for select fares.

Uber announced a partnership with autonomous driving company Waymo, allowing its riders to be matched up with a driverless vehicle in Austin. 

Avianca is opening up two new direct routes to Central America from Florida later this spring, adding increased connections for U.S. travelers to Central America. Beginning May 10, flights will start between Miami International Airport (MIA) and Guatemala City (GUA) and operate daily. That same day Avianca will also launch a new route between Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and Managua (MGA), Nicaragua. 

American Airlines is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to review a lower court's decision that spelled the end of its Northeast Alliance with JetBlue.