Southwest's Grammy commercial, and the baggage fee fight behind it

Grammy watchers in Atlanta saw a catchy Southwest Airlines commercial on Monday night that played off an excerpt of DJ Khaled's 2010 song "All I Do Is Win."

The baggage fee issue behind it is a big part of airline competition in Atlanta.

While Dallas-based Southwest gained a reputation years ago for driving down fares, the carrier is now emphasizing Atlanta passengers' savings on checked bag fees and other fees.

The move comes as Delta and other big carriers continue charging checked bag fees, and as ultra low-cost carrier expand in Atlanta by underpricing competitors, while charging more fees -- for checked bags as well as carry-on bags and sodas, for example.

In the commercial, Southwest says travelers flying out of Atlanta saved $37 million on checked bag fees and reservation fees. That's based on the period from July 2014 through June 2015, in a comparison to other carriers' average fees based on U.S. Department of Transportation data.

About the Author

The AJC Interview: Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe on the EV maker and its future

The CEO told the AJC editorial board that the need to ramp up production is why Georgia is such a critical part of Rivian’s plan to rival Tesla.

‘Big, beautiful bill’ passage dims outlook for Georgia’s clean energy sectors

Georgia has been one of the top states for solar and electric vehicle manufacturing investment. Some warn that's at risk after passage of the "one big, beautiful bill."

Analysts warn Georgia Power bills will rise if PSC approves data center buildout

Analysts are warning Georgia Power's residential customers could see monthly bills jump $20 or more if state regulators approve the company's planned data center expansion.

The Latest

Credit: TNS

In the market for a luxury vehicle? You might reconsider Lincoln.

Beyond the odometer: What matters most in a used car

Why your car’s safety tech needs maintenance, too

Featured

Credit: Arvin Temkar/AJC

Analysts warn Georgia Power bills will rise if PSC approves data center buildout

Analysts are warning Georgia Power's residential customers could see monthly bills jump $20 or more if state regulators approve the company's planned data center expansion.

GHSA suspends 39 Gainesville football players for brawl that ended playoff game

The Gainesville-Brunswick game was discontinued with 1:57 left in the third quarter when the fight began. Gainesville was leading 42-0.

Here’s when metro Atlanta interstates will be busiest this holiday week

Experts say more than 2 million Peach State residents will travel by car for Thanksgiving.