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Southwest Airlines is officially ditching its hallmark “bags fly free” policy—and today is your last chance to book a flight under the old rules.

In this episode of Market Outsiders, Namaan and Jenny Rae dive into the business strategy behind Southwest’s seismic shift. Why abandon a decades-old differentiator? Is this a savvy financial play or a risky move that could alienate loyal customers?

The duo breaks down:

What this change means for Southwest’s operational model and turnaround times
The economics of bag fees vs. base fares and why airlines love ancillary revenue
How the airline’s pivot might boost its under-leveraged credit card business
What metrics analysts should watch post-policy shift—especially during peak summer travel

Plus, a fun detour into Uno’s resurgence and the surprising business of board games.

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Additional Resources

Listen to a Business Breakdown of Southwest

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S18E5: Southwest Ends Free Bags - Last Day to Get Yours! (Market Outsiders: May 27, 2025)

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