The No. 1 reason people avoid flying is the cost, according to a survey from IPX1031, a subsidiary of Fidelity. And 58% of Americans wish they could travel more but can’t because of finances.
Saving every cent possible on airfare can help ease the financial strain of travel, and freebies make the experience all the more affordable.
But not all freebies are forever.
The following airlines are saying goodbye to certain free perks.
JetBlue Airways
JetBlue Airways’ loyalty program, Mosaic, has four tiers. Members in the lowest tier, Mosaic 1, used to get two free checked bags included with their tickets, but starting Feb. 1, 2026, that’ll no longer be the case. Mosaic 2, 3 and 4 members will still get two checked bags with their fare.
This update differentiates the benefits available across the Mosaic tiers, focusing the highest baggage allowances on the upper levels of the loyalty program.
All members also previously had access to three free alcoholic beverages. Starting in February, however, only the first drink is free for Mosaic members. Those traveling in the airline’s premium EvenMore and Mint seats, as well as those on transatlantic flights, can still receive additional complimentary drinks.
American Airlines
American Airlines will no longer allow passengers to earn points or miles on Basic Economy tickets. If you bought tickets before Dec. 17, 2025, then you earned and will keep the AAdvantage miles or Loyalty Points for that purchase. Basic Economy tickets purchased on or after Dec. 17 don’t qualify anymore.
United Airlines
As of August 2025, United Airlines is no longer providing instant upgrades on full-fare tickets. Passengers will instead be prioritized on a flight’s upgrade list over those who bought cheaper airfare. The Complimentary Premier Upgrade program is available to rewards members in the Premier tier.
The airline also cut the Excursionist Perk in 2025, which gave travelers on certain round-trip itineraries a free one-way segment.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines now only offers two free checked bags to Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members and customers traveling on Business Select fares. The airline had provided this benefit to all passengers until May 2025. Travelers booking standard fares will now have to account for baggage fees that were previously included in the base price of all tickets.
Now, a passenger flying with a basic fare will incur a $35 fee for their first checked bag and a $45 fee for their second checked bag.
And that’s not the only change Southwest has made that put it in headlines in 2025. The loss of this perk coincides with broader updates to the airline’s boarding and seating procedures. You can read more in “4 Perks That Southwest Airlines Is Ending for Good — and 6 New Upgrades.”
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