“Southwest continues to improve efficiency in our organizational structure,” the airline said in a statement to WFAA. “This week, we implemented an operational restructuring that impacted approximately 75 roles, and we are giving those displaced the opportunity to interview for both new and current open roles.”
Despite these layoffs, no WARN notice has been filed by Southwest Airlines. Businesses with more than 100 employees are typically required under the WARN Act to give notice at least 60 days in advance when laying off at least 50 people at a single employment site.
These layoffs come a month after Southwest raised the cost of checked luggage by $10. A first checked bag now costs $45, while a second costs $55.
Industry-wide, carriers including Delta, United and JetBlue have also raised baggage fees, signaling a broader trend across U.S. airlines.
Southwest is also dealing with rising operating costs, particularly fuel.
