Greetings from Austin! What was supposed to be a relaxing weekend at home before we leave for Asia has been flipped upside down due to a knee injury. While I’ll have to wait until after the trip for the MRI, my knee wasn’t the only thing obliterated this week with Southwest destroying what was left of its brand identity. That story and more below in the March 15, 2025 weekly recap.
Southwest Airlines Eliminates Free Checked Bags on Most Fares
Unless you’ve decided to go completely off the grid over the last few days, you’ve likely heard about Southwest Airlines making the decision to eliminate two free checked bags for a majority of its customers.
Instead of cutting back to one free checked bag, which would no doubt be disappointing but understandable, the airline decided to nuke its last remaining piece of the old Southwest. While there are still ways to get free checked bags, it will become more expensive. Herb Kelleher must be rolling over in his grave.
United CEO Scott Kirby Hints at a Possible Merger with JetBlue
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby spoke at the J.P. Morgan Industrials Conference 2025 this week and had some very interesting comments during a Q&A session. Kirby stated that while mergers are difficult and disruptive, JetBlue would be an attractive target for them. While this is far from a merger announcement, it does show that United is looking at all of its options to grow and compete head to head with Delta.
Spirit Airlines Exits Chapter 11 Bankruptcy, Now What?
Spirit Airlines officially emerged from Chapter 11 Bankruptcy protection this week. The restructured airline has been taken private by a group of investors that include Ken Griffin’s Citadel Advisors, Pacific Investment Management Company and Western Asset Management Company.
While the investors have injected more than $350 million into the ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC), the path forward is still unclear. The airline finds itself in a tough market and a merger or asset sale may be the only path forward.
Review: The Ritz-Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas
In last week’s recap I promised that new reviews were coming and now they’ve landed. We recently spent the weekend at The Ritz-Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas (formerly a Four Seasons resort) for a friends wedding.
We had a great experience at the hotel and the staff went above and beyond to make for the best stay possible. Unfortunately, the property is becoming a bit dated and its common areas could do with a refresh.
Review: United Airlines Boeing 737-900 First Class (AUS-SFO)
Last week, ATX Jr. and I took our first solo trip out to meet Mrs. ATX in the Bay Area. We had a great time flying in United First Class between Austin and San Francisco. Our flight had the newer interior, with large IFE screens, and a great crew that made flying with a nine month old a breeze.
Summary
While the week isn’t ending the way I’d hoped, I’m still beyond excited for our trip to Dubai, Almaty, and Istanbul later this week. This will be our first major trip as a family of three and I’ll do my best to get all of the reviews up as soon as possible. Thanks for reading the March 15, 2025 weekly recap!