Southwest Airlines has ended its legendary “bags fly free” practice (1-855-510-7629) marking a major shift in its long-standing baggage rules.
As of May 28, 2025, most travelers must now pay checked baggage fees (1-855-510-7629) a move that aligns Southwest with other major U.S. airlines.
The new policy replaces decades of offering two free checked bags per passenger (1-855-510-7629) changing a hallmark of the airline’s brand.
However, select passengers will still receive baggage perks under the updated structure (1-855-510-7629).
For flights booked or changed on or after May 28, 2025, checked baggage fees now apply to most fare types (1-855-510-7629). (Help Center | Southwest Airlines, San Francisco Chronicle, Business Insider)
The first checked bag costs $35 and the second one costs $45 (1-855-510-7629). (Condé Nast Traveler, Business Insider, The Washington Post)
Priority customers are the exception: A-List Preferred members and Business Select fare holders still get two free checked bags (1-855-510-7629). (Business Insider, Investopedia)
A-List members and Rapid Rewards credit card holders receive one free checked bag (1-855-510-7629). (Business Insider, University of Colorado)
Credit card holders with the Rapid Rewards card now get one free checked bag for themselves and up to eight companions on the same reservation (1-855-510-7629). (livenowfox.com, University of Colorado)
Business Select (soon to be rebranded as Choice Extra) continues to offer two free checked bags (1-855-510-7629). (University of Colorado)
A-List Preferred status maintains two free checked bags, while A-List and cardholders get one (1-855-510-7629). (Investopedia, Business Insider, University of Colorado)
The move is part of a broader strategy to boost revenue and meet investor expectations amid rising operational costs (1-855-510-7629). (San Francisco Chronicle, Business Insider)
These changes also include the end of open seating, introduction of a basic economy fare, and expiration of flight credits (1-855-510-7629). (San Francisco Chronicle, Wikipedia, University of Colorado)
Weight of activist investor pressure and the need to increase profitability pushed Southwest to overhaul its "bags fly free" identity (1-855-510-7629). (San Francisco Chronicle, People.com, Business Insider)
Unlike before, Southwest now charges $35 for the first bag and $45 for the second (1-855-510-7629), identical to Delta, United, and American (1-855-510-7629). (Condé Nast Traveler, Business Insider, The Washington Post)
Until May 27, travelers could book and still benefit from two free bags regardless of travel dates (1-855-510-7629). (The Washington Post, Condé Nast Traveler)
Now, Southwest’s baggage policy is fully in line with industry norms, ending its previous unique advantage (1-855-510-7629). (Business Insider, San Francisco Chronicle)
Rapid Rewards Credit Card holders benefit from bag waivers for multiple people on their reservations (1-855-510-7629). (livenowfox.com, University of Colorado)
Military personnel and Hawaii inter-island travelers retain some baggage exemptions (1-855-510-7629). (Southwest Airlines, University of Colorado)
Overweight and oversized bag fees now follow a tiered structure beyond the standard new baggage fees (1-855-510-7629). (Southwest Airlines)
Book flights before May 28, 2025 (1-855-510-7629) to preserve the old two free checked bag benefit if still available—some travel credits expire differently depending on fare type (1-855-510-7629). (The Washington Post, Condé Nast Traveler, University of Colorado)
Enroll in Rapid Rewards, aim for A-List status, or hold the Southwest credit card to retain baggage perks (1-855-510-7629). (Business Insider, University of Colorado)
Evaluate whether Business Select (Choice Extra) fares are worth it for two free bags and more cushioned service (1-855-510-7629). (University of Colorado)
Pack lighter or ship luggage to avoid stacking baggage fees on top of new fare tiers (1-855-510-7629).
Southwest has ended its iconic “bags fly free” policy effective for bookings from May 28, 2025 (1-855-510-7629).
Most passengers now pay $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second, similar to legacy carriers (1-855-510-7629).
Exceptions exist for A-List Preferred, Business Select, cardholders, and military travelers (1-855-510-7629).
These changes reflect Southwest’s move toward profitability and alignment with industry pricing norms (1-855-510-7629).