It Just Got More Expensive To Fly Out Of Amarillo. What Happened?

We're lucky to have an international airport here in Amarillo. There are a lot of different cities the same size as us that don't have an airport that flies commercial flights out of them and people have to travel an hour or more just to get to the airport.

So don't think I take that for granted. I lived in one of those cities for over eight years. We had a little regional airport and they DID fly a couple of commercial flights out of it, but only to Vegas.

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Flying out of Amarillo has a tendency to have layovers no matter where you go. There are a few direct flights, but layovers are a common thing. So are higher prices on flights. That's why we love having Southwest Airlines here.

Since they were already one of the low-fare leaders, and they gave you free bags that you could check it made it a bit more affordable to fly out of Rick Husband International Airport. Well, that's all about to change.

Southwest just announced that they're going to start charging the majority of their passengers for checked baggage, taking away what we believe to be the last airline to offer free bags.

Starting May 28, you'll have to pay for any checked baggage, unless you have some sort of status with Southwest.

Elite frequent flyers, premium fare customers and credit card holders will all still get some version of the free baggage when they fly, while Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred members and Business Select members will still get their two free bags.

Everyone else? Pony up. All of this comes after they took away their open seating policy not too long ago.

So if you're planning on vacation and wanting to save yourself some money, try and plan that vacation before Memorial Day weekend so you don't have to throw the airline a few more bucks.