Dallas-based Southwest Airlines makes brutal Luka Doncic joke amid fury over baggage charges

Southwest Airlines received a significant blow this week when they decided to implement a new policy of charging fees for checked baggage, leading to a sharp decline in public approval.

Of course, things could be worse.

‘It’s not like we traded Luka,’ read an Instagram post from the airline in an apparent attempt to deflect mounting criticism.

In this scenario, “Luka” refers to the former Dallas Mavericks player, Luka Doncic, who was recently traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in a trade deal that many believe undervalued his worth.

Nico Harrison, the General Manager of the Mavericks, has faced substantial backlash from disappointed fans who are upset over Doncic being transferred to a rival team in the Western Conference, especially considering his pivotal role in leading the team to the NBA Finals last year. Recently, Mark Cuban, a minority owner of the Mavericks, confronted disgruntled fans, instructing them to stop their protests, which led to their removal from the American Airlines Center for chanting against Nico Harrison.

Now, amid widespread criticism of their new baggage policy, Southwest’s efforts to reignite uproar over the trade are being slammed online.

Luka, in this case, is former Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic, who was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers last month for a questionable haul deemed insufficient by team supporters

Luka, in this case, is former Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic, who was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers last month for a questionable haul deemed insufficient by team supporters

Mavericks fans have been hoping to see general manager Nico Harrison fired over the deal

Mavericks fans have been hoping to see general manager Nico Harrison fired over the deal

Officially it was concerns over Doncic's defense - and not his conditioning - that prompted Harrison to swap the 25-year-old offensive wizard for 10-time All-Star Anthony Davis

Officially it was concerns over Doncic’s defense – and not his conditioning – that prompted Harrison to swap the 25-year-old offensive wizard for 10-time All-Star Anthony Davis

‘This is such a tone deaf (sic) post on the heels of destroying your brand identity and alienating your loyal customers,’ one critic wrote on Instagram.

‘This kinda feels like gaslighting,’ another wrote, adding: ‘lol.’

One critic told Southwest’s social media team to ‘read the room.’

Some of the posts aimed at Southwest offered starkly specific predictions.

‘Taking a screenshot of this as it will be the thumbnail for the harvard business review case study of destroying a brand and an entire company,’ one critic added.

Travelers were already vowing never to fly Southwest again following the policy change.

The new rule, which some X users believe marks the ‘end of an era,’ will take effect on May 28.

Southwest announced that it will still allow its Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members customers traveling on Business Select fares to have two free checked bags.

The airline will also give its A-List Members and other select customers the privilege of checking one bag for free.

Dallas Mavericks fans gather outside the arena before the game between the Dallas and the Houston Rockets to protest the Nico Harrison trade of  Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers

Dallas Mavericks fans gather outside the arena before the game between the Dallas and the Houston Rockets to protest the Nico Harrison trade of  Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers

Mark Cuban watches the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Houston Rockets at the American Airlines Center. Meanwhile, one of the protestors is standing two rows back

Mark Cuban watches the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Houston Rockets at the American Airlines Center. Meanwhile, one of the protestors is standing two rows back 

Officially it was concerns over Doncic’s defense – and not his conditioning – that prompted Harrison to swap the 25-year-old offensive wizard for 10-time All-Star Anthony Davis, rising guard Max Christie, and a future first-round draft pick.

‘I believe that defense wins championships,’ Mavs general manager Nico Harrison told ESPN’s Tim MacMahon , who was first to report Doncic’s 270-pound heft. ‘I believe that getting an All-Defensive center and an All-NBA player with a defensive mindset gives us a better chance. We’re built to win now and in the future.’

Doncic did not push for a trade, according to long-time NBA insider Marc Stein . Rather, Stein reports, the two sides were headed towards that five-year, $345 million extension until Saturday. And as sources have since revealed to MacMahon, the Mavs ‘had major concerns about moving forward with Luka Doncic due to his constant conditioning issues.’

Unfortunately for Doncic, he’s no longer eligible for that extension, according to former Brooklyn Nets assistant general manager and current ESPN salary cap analyst Bobby Marks. What’s more, Doncic and his $43 million salary now go from Texas, where there is no state income tax, to California , where rates can go as high as 12.3 percent. For now, he remains signed through the 2025-26 season and has a player option for 2026-27.

You May Also Like
Shock gas price hike revealed as oil markets are rocked by Trump's Iran strikes - and it's set to get even worse

Surprise increase in gas prices due to Trump’s actions in Iran causes turmoil in oil markets – and the situation may worsen

Gas prices at the pump are expected to rise a further five…
What Time Is ‘Sister Wives’ Season 19, Episode 21 On Tonight? How To Watch The Next New Episode of ‘Sister Wives’ Live

Will a new episode of ‘Sister Wives’ be shown tonight?

It’s a great time to be a reality TV fan. We have…
Chicago weather LIVE: Heat Advisory for area, Extreme Heat Warning for all of Cook County Saturday, heat index to 107 in forecast

Current Chicago Weather: Heat Advisory in effect, Extreme Heat Warning for Cook County, Saturday heat index expected to reach 107

CHICAGO (WLS) — Dangerous heat continued for Chicago and the suburbs on…
Dozens attend downtown Chicago protest at Federal Plaza against US strikes on Iran by Donald Trump administration

Crowds gather in downtown Chicago to protest against US airstrikes on Iran by Donald Trump administration

CHICAGO (WLS) — ABC7 observed a group of around 24 individuals gathering…
Iran 'threatened Trump with sleeper-cell revenge terrorist attacks inside US' days before nuclear strikes

Iran Warned Trump of Potential Sleeper-Cell Terrorist Attacks in US Before Nuclear Attacks

Iran warned Donald Trump it would unleash sleeper cell terrorists to wreak havoc…
Solo female traveler teaches Karen a lesson during bizarre restaurant encounter

Solo woman traveler educates Karen in strange restaurant confrontation

A solo traveler received a lot of attention online after she shared…
Armed gunman shot dead after opening fire at Sunday church service

Gunman with weapon was killed after shooting at church gathering on Sunday

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! One person was injured…
Fighter jet headfake: U.S. sent B-2 bomber flights West as DECOY ahead of bombing Iran

USA Used B-2 Bombers as a Distraction before Attacking Iran

The recent attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities by the U.S. military were…
How Many Episodes are in ‘The Gilded Age’ Season 3?

Number of Episodes in Season 3 of ‘The Gilded Age’

The Gilded Age is back on HBO and MAX with its captivating…
Jackie Jesko's new documentary explores Barbara Walters' groundbreaking career and the personal cost of her rise 

Jackie Jesko’s latest film delves into the pioneering work of Barbara Walters and the sacrifices she made to achieve success.

“Barbara Walters Tell Me Everything,” a documentary directed by Jackie Jesko, delves…
Chicago shootings this weekend: At least 23 shot, 2 fatally, in gun violence across city, police department says

Gun violence in Chicago over the weekend results in 23 shootings, 2 fatal, police report.

CHICAGO (WLS) — At least 23 people have been shot, two fatally,…
Bombs over Iran but no heads-up for Dems: Irritated lawmakers gripe they were left in the dark on secret strikes

Surprise Strikes in Iran Upset Democrats: Lawmakers Complain About Lack of Information

Congressional Democrats are blaring they were kept in the dark about President…