Delta Wants to Poach Southwest Flyers With New Status Match Offer

Key Points

• Delta Air Lines is offering a status match to Southwest's Rapid Rewards members after Southwest scrapped its 'two bags fly free' policy.
• Southwest's policy changes, including the introduction of nonrefundable basic economy fares, have prompted competitors like Delta, Frontier, and American Airlines to attract its customers.
• Alaska Airlines, along with others, is ready to compete with Southwest in major markets such as California and Hawaii.

Summary

Delta Air Lines is targeting Southwest Airlines' customers by offering a status match to disaffected travelers after Southwest ended its 'two bags fly free' policy. This move is part of a broader industry trend where airlines like Frontier and American are capitalizing on Southwest's controversial policy changes, including the introduction of nonrefundable basic economy fares. Alaska Airlines is also positioning itself to compete in key markets affected by these changes.