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Consumer News: Southwest Airlines will begin charging for checked bags

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Category: Consumer Daily Reports

Activist investors pushed for the change, to increase revenue

By Mark Huffman Consumer News: Southwest Airlines will begin charging for checked bags of ConsumerAffairs
March 11, 2025

Southwest Airlines has given in to pressure to increase revenue and, for the first time, will charge passengers for checked bags. The discount carrier had held out while its rivals raked in $5 billion from checked bags last year.

The company announced the move as a way to drive revenue growth while rewarding its most loyal customers. Southwest will continue to offer two free checked bags to Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members and Customers traveling on Business Select fares. A-List Members and other select customers can check one bag for free. Southwest will credit one checked bag for Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers.

Customers who do not qualify for these free bag options will be charged for their first and second checked bags. Changes will apply to flights booked on or after May 28, 2025.

We have tremendous opportunity to meet current and future customer needs, attract new customer segments we dont compete for today, and return to the levels of profitability that both we and our shareholders expect, Bob Jordan, Southwest Airlines CEO said in a statement.

We will do all this while remaining focused on whats made us strongour people and the authentic, friendly, and award-winning customer service only they can provide.

No more open seating

Southwest recently announced another change to a long-standing practice. It was the last airline to adopt assigned seating.

According to CNBC, Southwest dropped its free checked bags under pressure from Elliott Investment Management, which last year took a large enough stake in the airline to win five board seats. It pushed for an end to passenger perks like free checked bags, changeable tickets and open seating.

American Airlines became the first airline to charge a checked bag fee, doing so in 2008, at the start of the financial crisis that proved to be an existential threat to airlines when business travel dropped sharply.

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Posted: 2025-03-11 12:30:06

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Consumer News: The truth about “60% Off”: why most sales are fake
Mon, 08 Dec 2025 20:07:06 +0000

How retailers dress up regular prices in a discount costume

By Kyle James of ConsumerAffairs
December 8, 2025

  • Many 60% off sales are fake Consumer Checkbook found lots of items are on sale more than half the time, so that sale price is really the everyday price

  • List and regular prices are often fantasy numbers based on past, future, or hypothetical prices almost no one actually pays

  • Treat sales as marketing: compare prices, use price trackers, and dont let today only! hype push you into impulse buys

Wording like 60% OFF, Today only, and Doorbuster deal all sounds exciting, but it turns out most of it is completely fake.

Consumers Checkbook spent six months tracking prices at 25 major retailers. The big takeaway: at most of these stores, the sale price is really just the everyday price dressed up to look like a deal. And this problem has gotten worse over the past decade, not better.

How the fake sales actually work

Retailers will show you a high regular, original, or list price, then put a lower sale price next to it. The message to your brain quickly becomes, Look how much money Im saving.

But Checkbooks researchers found that at most stores, the items they tracked were offered at those supposed discounts more than half the time.

Specifically, at 12 of the 25 companies, more than half the items were on sale every week or almost every week they checked. In other words, the so-called sale price was really just the normal price.

Some stores were especially bad: Bass Pro Shops, Bed Bath & Beyond, Dicks, Foot Locker, Gap, JCPenney, Michaels, Nordstrom, Old Navy, and Wayfair had items that were essentially always on sale.

Interestingly, only three retailers stood out for consistently honest discounts:

  • Apple
  • Costco
  • Dell

Walmart landed right in the middle with almost half of their items marked ason sale, which means theirdiscount signage is still aggressive, but less extreme than many of their competitors.

Why List and Regular prices dont mean much

On some retailer websites, Checkbook couldnt find any explanations at all for how stores set their list prices. If an explanation was found, it was very vague and buried deep in their terms and conditions.

Some of these explanations are almost comical. One major department store said its regular or original price can be a former or future price that they, or another retailer, might someday charge.

Another big-name electronics chain says its comparable value is tied to what the product was (or will be) priced at.

The takeaway being that your savings is often based on a price that hardly any shopper ever paid. Or worse yet, a price that doesnt even exist yet.

How to protect yourself from fake sales

The FTC has some clear rules in place against this deceptive practice, but unfortunately they are not being enforced.

Until the rules are enforced, you have to treat most sales as marketing, not math. Heres how to fight back:

  • Never assume a sale is a deal. In other words, if something always seems to be 40% off, thats not a sale price, thats the real price with a costume on.
  • Always compare prices. Get in the habit of doing a quick price search at a couple other major retailers before you buy. Utilize tools like shopping comparison sites and price trackers (including CamelCamelCamel for Amazon) as they can show you real price history, not those fantasy regular prices.
  • Ask for a price match. Many stores will match a lower price you find elsewhere, including online rivals. That way you can shop where you prefer without overpaying.
  • Take your time. Even when a sale has an end date, some stores will extend the price or honor it later, especially if you ask politely. The today only urgency is often exaggerated.
  • Ignore the emotional hype. All the fake discounts are designed to make you feel like youre winning so youll buy more. Even if you score a good deal, dont let that savings high push you to toss extra stuff into your cart.
  • Call or email for big-ticket items. Because of minimum advertised price (MAP) rules, the lowest prices on appliances, electronics, and other big buys often arent shown online. Independent retailers sometimes quote better prices over the phone, via email, or to loyalty members.

Read More ...

Consumer News: Ford Firestorm Returns — Auto Safety Recall Derby, Week of Oct. 20, 2025
Mon, 08 Dec 2025 17:07:05 +0000

Ford logs a multi-model fire risk sweep as VW faces wheel detachments and Hyundai battles sudden braking

By News Desk of ConsumerAffairs
December 8, 2025

Each week, NHTSA recalls roll in, and we round them up in one place. Heres the latest batch for the week of October 20, 2025.

Grabber Recall of the Week

Ford Explorer, Maverick, Mustang, Lincoln Corsair (20252026)
A newly identified engine oil leak may ignite, prompting a sweeping multi-model recall. This defect is documented under NHTSA Recall 25V828 . Fords ongoing fire problems reclaim the spotlight and push the brand closer to an unshakable lead on the Recall Leaderboard.

Other Notable Mentions

  • Wheel-Off Crisis: Volkswagen recalls Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport, and ID.4 after reports that wheels may detach ( NHTSA 25V835 ).
  • EV Fire Trouble: VW ID.4 also faces a separate recall for a high-voltage battery fire risk ( NHTSA 25V836 ).
  • Sudden Braking Shock: Genesis G90 recalled for unexpected automatic braking ( NHTSA 25V833 ).
  • Bentley Battery Overheating: Bentayga Hybrid recalled for high-voltage battery overheating ( NHTSA 25V811 ) marking Bentleys second high-profile safety recall in as many weeks.
  • Altec Reappears: Multiple equipment issues including an emergency stop that may not work and improperly formed shear plate lockbolts ( NHTSA 25V810 , 25V820 ), making Altec a recurring player in safety equipment recalls.

This Weeks Tally

(Grouped by primary risk category.)

  • Fire hazards: Bentley battery, Ford oil leak, VW ID.4 battery fire, and related overheating risks
  • Trucks & commercial vehicles: Multiple RAM, International, Altec, and Virnig equipment recalls
  • EV / high-voltage battery defects: Bentley Bentayga Hybrid, VW ID.4, Rivian EDV
  • Seat/weld/structural failures: Newell, Foretravel, Volvo XC60 seat issues
  • Labeling/manual compliance: Tiffin, nCamp trailers, Chevy Silverado, Cadillac Vistiq
  • Lighting/display issues: Lincoln Navigator lightbar, RAM instrument panel display
  • Driver-assist/ECU/ADAS faults: Genesis G90 unintended braking, International ECU problems
  • Wheel & attachment failures: VW wheel detach, Virnig bearing lock nut failures

Full Recall Roundup

Fire Hazards

  • Ford Explorer, Maverick, Mustang, Lincoln Corsair (202526): Engine oil leak fire risk ( NHTSA 25V828 ).
  • Volkswagen ID.4 (202324): High-voltage battery may catch fire high-voltage fire risk ( NHTSA 25V836 ).
  • Bentley Bentayga Hybrid (2023): High-voltage battery may overheat fire risk ( NHTSA 25V811 ).
  • Nova Bus LFS (2025): Cooling pump failure may cause loss of drive power and potential overheating ( NHTSA 25V822 ).

Trucks, Commercial & Heavy Vehicles

  • Altec AT Series (201924): Emergency stop may not function safety system inoperative ( NHTSA 25V810 ).
  • International 8600, HV, HX, Lonestar, LT, MV, RH (201626): ECU malfunction may impair safety systems safety impairment ( NHTSA 25V817 ).
  • RAM 1500/2500/3500 (201920): Side curtain air bag inflators may rupture injury risk ( NHTSA 25V824 ).
  • Rivian EDV (202225): Driver seat belt pretensioner cable may become damaged reduced restraint performance ( NHTSA 25V816 ).
  • Virnig TR-HDD-1414, TR-RHDD-1409 (2025): Bearing lock nut failure can cause tire detachment ( NHTSA 25V832 ).

EV / Hybrid / High-Voltage Battery

  • Volkswagen ID.4 (202324): High-voltage battery may catch fire high-voltage fire risk ( NHTSA 25V836 ).
  • Volkswagen ID.4 (2026): Wheel may detach vehicle instability ( NHTSA 25V835 ).
  • Bentley Bentayga Hybrid (2023): High-voltage battery overheating fire risk ( NHTSA 25V811 ).
  • Rivian EDV (202225): Seat belt pretensioner cable defect restraint fault in EV delivery vans ( NHTSA 25V816 ).

Structural, Seating & Weld Failures

  • Newell P50 (2022): Incorrect weld may cause seat failure FMVSS 207/210 noncompliance ( NHTSA 25V812 ).
  • Foretravel Realm (202022), Realm 450 (2022): Incorrect weld may cause seat failure FMVSS 207/210 noncompliance ( NHTSA 25V813 ).
  • Volvo XC60 (2018, 2025); XC60 MHEV (2026): Loose front seats occupant injury risk ( NHTSA 25V818 ).
  • Altec LR8 Series (2025): Improperly formed shear plate lockbolts structural failure risk ( NHTSA 25V820 ).

Labeling, Manuals & Weight Compliance

  • Tiffin Open Trail (2026): Incorrect Cargo Carrying Capacity on OCCC label FMVSS 120 noncompliance ( NHTSA 25V799 ).
  • nCamp TAB 320 / TAB 360 / TAB 400 / TAG (202526): Incorrect weight listed on CCC and Tire and Loading information labels loading misrepresentation ( NHTSA 25V814 ).
  • Chevrolet Silverado 1500/2500/3500 (2026): Missing owners manual FMVSS 225 noncompliance ( NHTSA 25V815 ).
  • Cadillac Vistiq (2026): Missing owners manual FMVSS 225 noncompliance ( NHTSA 25V819 ).

Lighting, Displays & Instrumentation

  • Lincoln Navigator (2025): Inoperative rear lightbar FMVSS 108 violation ( NHTSA 25V831 ).
  • RAM 1500/2500/3500/4500/5500 (202526): Instrument panel display failure FMVSS 102/105/135 noncompliance ( NHTSA 25V826 ).

Driver-Assist, ECU & Braking

  • Genesis G90 (202326): Sudden unintended braking crash risk ( NHTSA 25V833 ).
  • International 8600, HV, HX, Lonestar, LT, MV, RH (201626): ECU may impair safety systems reduced crash protection ( NHTSA 25V817 ).

Wheels, Tires & Attachment Failures

  • Volkswagen Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport, ID.4 (2026): Wheel may detach from vehicle loss of control ( NHTSA 25V835 ).
  • Virnig TR-HDD-1414, TR-RHDD-1409 (2025): Bearing lock nut may fail tire detachment risk ( NHTSA 25V832 ).

Recall Leaderboard (as of Oct. 20, 2025)

         Ford (6)
    BMW (2)      Porsche (2)
    Contenders: Hyundai (2), Bentley (2), Altec (2), Volkswagen (2)

New debut this week: Volkswagen joins the standings with two major safety recalls one for wheel detachment and another for EV battery fire risk.

Takeaway

Fords engine fires return with force, pushing the automaker far ahead of the field. Volkswagen suffers a tough week with both wheel detachments and EV battery fires, while Hyundai and Bentley continue their streak as rising recall contenders. With sudden braking, loose seats, missing manuals, and structural weld failures across RVs and luxury brands, this weeks Derby brings a wideand worryingrange of safety faults.

Owners should check their VIN at the NHTSA Recall Look-up Tool to confirm whether their vehicle is affected.


Read More ...

Consumer News: Three food recalls in three days
Mon, 08 Dec 2025 17:07:05 +0000

Threats include Salmonella, undeclared allergens and plastic contamination

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs
December 8, 2025

  • Mondelz recalls 70 cases of RITZ Peanut Butter Cracker Sandwiches due to mislabeling that could pose a serious risk to people with peanut allergies.

  • Fromm Family Foods recalls 300 cases of frozen dog food after reports of plastic contamination in Bonnihill Farms BeefiBowls Beef Recipe.

  • Wegmans Deluxe Mixed Nuts recalled after supplier testing found Salmonella-contaminated pistachios used in certain lots.

A series of voluntary recalls affecting popular household brands and pet food products were announced lastweek, prompting renewed calls for consumers to check their pantries and freezers. While no illnesses or injuries have been reported in any of the three cases, companies say they are acting out of an abundance of caution.

Mondelz Global LLC issued a recall for 70 cases of RITZ Peanut Butter Cracker Sandwiches distributed to retailers in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Alabama.

The affected productslimited to a single SKU and two code dates previously involved in a July recallmay contain peanut butter crackers in packages incorrectly labeled as the cheese variety. Because peanuts are a major food allergen, the error could lead to serious or life-threatening reactions in people with peanut allergies.

All outer cartons are correctly labeled with a contains peanuts advisory, the company said. Only the 27.6 oz., 20-count carton with plant code AE and Best When Used By dates 8 JAN 26 and 15 JAN 26 is included.

Mondelz said the mix-up occurred when 70 cases were inadvertently shipped to retailers. No illnesses have been reported, and corrective actions are underway. Consumers with a peanut allergy are urged not to eat the product and may contact the company at 1-844-366-1171.

Plastic contamination

Fromm Family Foods has announced a recall of 300 cases of Bonnihill Farms BeefiBowls Beef Recipe frozen dog food after receiving complaints of plastic pieces in the product.

The recall includes 16 oz. chubs with Best By date 12/25/2026 and lot code B01, distributed through neighborhood pet stores across Illinois, Wisconsin, Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Louisiana, California, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, and Ontario, Canada.

While no injuries have been reported, dogs that ingest plastic may suffer from vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, stomach discomfort, or more serious intestinal obstruction. The company has identified the source of the issue and implemented additional safety measures beyond its current protocols.

Consumers should stop feeding the product to pets and return it to their retailer. Questions can be directed to 1-800-325-6331 or info@frommfamily.com.

Wegmans Deluxe Mixed Nuts

Mellace Family Brands California, Inc. has recalled two sizes of Wegmans Deluxe Mixed Nuts Unsalted after internal testing found Salmonella in a lot of raw pistachios used in production.

The recall affects the following products sold between November 3 and December 1, 2025, at Wegmans stores in Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.:

  • 34 oz. plastic tub (UPC 077890421314), lot code 58041, Best By JUL 28, 2026

  • 11.5 oz. plastic bag (UPC 077890421352), lot code 58171, Best By AUG 10, 2026

Salmonella infections can pose severe health risks, especially to young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. Symptoms may include fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

No illnesses have been reported. Customers can return affected products for a full refund or call Wegmans at 1-855-934-3663.


Read More ...

Consumer News: Here’s where home values are falling the most
Mon, 08 Dec 2025 14:07:03 +0000

The market is giving back some post-pandemic gains

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs
December 8, 2025

  • More than half of U.S. homes lost value over the past year, the highest rate of depreciation since 2012.

  • The decline in home values is especially pronounced in many Sun Belt and West Coast metro areas where rapid growth during the pandemic is now unwinding.

  • For potential buyers, 2025 is shaping up as a buyers market in many places, as elevated mortgage rates and growing inventory tilt leverage back toward purchasers.

Declining home affordability has usually been blamed on mortgage rates, but inflated home prices that surged during the COVID-19 pandemic are actually to blame. Todays mortgage rates are historically normal home prices are not.

But that may be changing. After years of historic growth fueled by pandemic-era demand, 2025 is seeing a broad correction in U.S. home values. While national indexes still show modest overall gains, the gains have flattened dramatically and in dozens of metro areas, home prices have actually fallen.

According to a recent analysis by real estate platform Zillow, 105 of the 300 largest U.S. metro areas reported year-over-year declines in home values during the 12 months leading into late 2025. In many of these places once the hottest hot-markets inventory has risen, demand has cooled, and buyers now have significantly more negotiating power.

Where prices are dropping most

Some of the hardest-hit markets include:

  • Austin, Texas Once emblematic of booming Sun Belt growth, Austin has seen home values slide by several percentage points.

  • Tampa, Florida Among the steepest declines in the country, reflecting a retreat in demand and rising supply of homes.

  • Miami, Florida Once red-hot, Miamis housing values have slipped as mortgage rates climb and buyers retreat from previously overheated markets.

  • Other notable markets with declines include Dallas, Texas, Phoenix, Arizona, Orlando, Florida, and Jacksonville, Florida.

Overall, many of the largest drops are in Sun Belt and West Coast areas places that saw dramatic gains earlier in the decade.

Whats driving the decline

Several broad trends are combining to push home values downward in many markets:

  • Higher mortgage rates Rates remain elevated compared with the pandemic lows, which suppresses buyer affordability and weakens demand.

  • Rising inventory and easing demand After a period of tight supply, more homes have been listed, giving buyers more choices and shifting leverage away from sellers.

  • Market correction after a boom Many of the markets seeing the steepest declines were big winners during the housing boom. As growth settles, price adjustments follow.

  • Economic uncertainty Broader concerns about inflation, interest rates, and job stability have made many potential buyers more cautious, reducing the pool of active purchasers.

What it means for buyers, sellers and homeowners

For buyers: 2025 presents opportunities. Buyers who were previously priced out might find more negotiable sellers, especially in Sun Belt or West Coast metros where values are falling.

For sellers: It may be a tougher market some may need to adjust expectations or offer incentives to attract buyers. Homes that remain on the market may sit longer than in recent years.

For homeowners who bought earlier (pre-2023), many still retain significant equity. Even where home values have dropped, most residences remain well above pre-boom valuations meaning that while prices are falling, many homeowners are not underwater.

That said, the shifting dynamics reinforce the need for buyers and sellers to pay close attention to local conditions not just national headlines especially as mortgage rates, supply, and demand continue to evolve.


Read More ...

Consumer News: Consumer sentiment improved slightly in early December
Mon, 08 Dec 2025 14:07:03 +0000

People express slightly more confidence in the future

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs
December 8, 2025

  • The headline University of Michigan (UM) consumer sentiment index ticked up to 53.3 in early December 2025, from 51.0 in November.

  • Inflation expectations among households fell: the expected rate over the next year dropped to 4.1%, down from 4.5% in November, while long-term inflation expectations eased to 3.2%.

  • The modest improvement the first in five months was driven by greater optimism about personal finances and future prospects, even as many Americans continued to express concern over prices and labor-market uncertainty.

The University of Michigan preliminary reading for its monthly consumer-sentiment survey shows a moderate rebound after months of decline. The index rose modestly to 53.3 a gain of 2.3 points over Novembers reading.

Although that uptick beat economists forecasts, the broader context remains sobering. The index remains far below the roughly 71.7 level seen in January, and economic optimism is still a long way from pre-pandemic norms.

Survey respondents reported little change in how they view current economic conditions. However, their expectations for the future personal finances and the economy at large improved. That optimism helped lift the overall index.

Whats behind the shift?

  • Better outlook on personal finances. According to the survey, perceived financial prospects rose sharply a 13 % increase in those expecting their personal finances to improve over the coming year. This was reflected across different ages, income levels, education backgrounds and political affiliations.

  • Slowing inflation expectations. Short-term inflation expectations dropped to 4.1% (from 4.5%), the lowest reading since January 2025. Long-term inflation expectations also softened to 3.2%. For many households, that represents a glimmer of relief that prices may stabilize somewhat.

But headwinds remain strong

  • High prices still weigh heavily. Despite some easing in inflation expectations, many consumers still cited high prices as a key concern undercutting their sense of financial security.

  • Labor-market worries and economic uncertainty persist. Even though labor-market expectations improved slightly, they remain subdued compared with historical norms, reflecting broader pessimism around job security and economic growth.

  • Confidence still far below pre-year levels. At 53.3, the index is far below the level at the start of the year underscoring that many households remain fragile and cautious about spending.

Why these numbers matter

The consumer-sentiment index by the University of Michigan is widely watched because it offers a window into what households are likely to do next spend more, save, or hold back. Consumer spending drives a large portion of U.S. economic activity, so shifts in confidence can ripple out to influence growth, inflation, and even interest-rate decisions by policymakers.

The slight rebound this month may offer modest encouragement: if more people feel confident about their finances and inflation is expected to ease, that could translate into increased spending over the holidays supporting retailers and service industries.

But the underlying mood remains cautious. For many Americans, especially those facing price pressures or employment uncertainty, spending may stay subdued potentially slowing economic momentum heading into 2026.

What consumers should do

  • Revisit budgets and spending plans. With inflation still above historic norms, households may benefit from carefully reviewing discretionary spending, noting whats essential and what can wait.

  • Shop around for deals especially on big-ticket items. If many consumers remain cautious, retailers might offer discounts or promotions to stimulate demand.

  • Keep an eye on inflation and labor-market trends. Continued easing of price expectations could improve household budgets, but if inflation or job insecurity flares up, that may dampen any spending recovery.

  • Use confidence data as a reminder to build or maintain emergency savings. With economic uncertainty still present, having a buffer even a modest one can help households weather unexpected costs or job changes.


Read More ...

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