Southwest Airlines to Implement Fee for Checked Luggage - Crucial Information Outlined
Southwest Airlines, renowned for its passenger-friendly baggage policy, is introducing a new fee for checked luggage as of May 28, 2025. For years, the airline has offered two free checked bags, a perk appreciated by many travelers. Starting this date, passengers will be charged $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second. This fee applies to all new bookings and flight changes made on or after the said date.
However, passengers with existing reservations prior to the cutoff can still enjoy the old policy, as long as the ticket was purchased before this date, two bags will be checked for free.
This move represents a shift for Southwest, which has been marketing itself as the "no hidden fees" airline. Leaders at the airline claim the change is necessary as the new baggage charges could generate an estimated $1.5 billion per year, helping Southwest remain financially competitive.
Some customers will remain exempt from these fees, including frequent flyers and loyal Southwest customers:- Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred members, Business Select passengers, and future Choice Extra fare travelers (coming in 2026) will still receive two checked bags at no extra cost.- Rapid Rewards A-list members and Southwest credit card holders will be allowed one free checked bag.
The baggage fee forms part of a broader transformation for the airline. Southwest plans to roll out a basic economy fare later this year, offering lower fares with less flexibility, such as no flight changes or standby travel. In 2026, options for extra legroom and assigned seating will be available for an additional cost.
There are concerns that charging for checked bags may lead to more carry-ons, causing delays during boarding and straining overhead bin space. In response, Southwest is investing in technology, including AI tools to manage airport traffic and baggage flow.
In a recent collaboration, the International Air Transport Association, airlines, airports, and industry partners launched a 10-year plan to modernize global baggage operations. The focus is on real-time tracking, electronic bag tags, and replacing outdated communication systems with API-driven messaging standards, aiming to improve efficiency, reduce mishandling, and enhance the passenger experience.
These changes may mark the end of a popular era for loyal customers, who enjoyed the savings provided by Southwest's past baggage policy. However, as the airline industry evolves, Southwest aims to adapt while still catering to its loyal customers' needs, even if it means relinquishing a beloved perk. Future travelers should account for this extra cost prior to departure.
- From May 28, 2025, Southwest Airlines passengers will incur a $35 fee for the first checked bag and $45 for the second bag, under the new booking policy.
- Southwest Airlines leaders assert that this revenue from baggage charges could potentially generate an estimated $1.5 billion per year, enhancing the airline's financial competitiveness.
- For existing reservations prior to the cutoff date, travelers can still enjoy the old policy of two free checked bags, given that the ticket was purchased before the said date.
- In response to potential concerns about carry-ons due to checked bag fees, Southwest is investing in technology, such as AI tools for airport traffic management, to mitigate boarding delays and manage baggage flow efficiently.
- In 2026, Southwest Airlines plans to offer extra legroom and assigned seating for an additional cost, following the introduction of a basic economy fare with less flexibility later this year.
